Tamper Proof Drink Carrier
The enclosed, tamper-proof takeout carrier with a handle and dividers addresses the issues of tampering and spillage, enhancing customer trust and reducing costs by ensuring secure and efficient delivery.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YOUNG CARLISLE
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing takeout/delivery beverage carriers are not enclosed, prone to tampering, costly, and require multiple supplies, leading to issues with germ transmission, spillage, and customer trust erosion.
An enclosed, handheld carrier with a tamper-proof feature, handle, and stability dividers, made from cardboard or chipboard, ensuring secure transport and easy handling, while providing evidence of tampering.
Enhances customer trust, reduces spillage, and saves time and costs by providing a secure, efficient, and cost-effective solution for delivering beverages.
Smart Images
Figure US20260208932A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of an earlier filed U.S. Provisional Application having Ser. No. 63 / 746,259, filed on Jan. 17, 2025, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by this reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to takeout food carriers and in particular to restaurant and fast food takeout drink carriers.
[0003] The threat of viruses, and especially the experience of the Covid virus, have increased public awareness of the transmission of viruses. The rise in food / beverage delivery services, and the need to prevent transmission of germs and tampering while in transport, has made it difficult to retain customer trust and loyalty in the restaurant industry. A particular concern is the spread of covid and germs etc. through food delivery. Takeout / delivery beverage carriers commonly used by restaurants and coffee shops are not enclosed nor come with some form of tamper proof. Many restaurants place the beverage cups in an unenclosed beverage carrier and then place the carrier in a bag and then partially seal the bag with stickers that often break upon lifting the bag or while being transported before arriving to the customer therefore making the package looks like it has been tampered with. Unfortunately, these methods are very time consuming and / or costly and is frustrating to employees already in a high paced and demanding service environment and does not satisfy the desired goal of keeping the items fully secured from germs, outside contamination and tampering.
[0004] Further, known takeout / delivery beverage carriers are usually not sturdy and not enclosed allowing beverages to fall out or spill on clothing or inside vehicles.
[0005] Known methods also require three different supplies: a carrier, stickers and a bag. This current method is therefore not cost effective and also requires more supply ordering time because the items need to be ordered often from different suppliersBRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention addresses the above and other needs by providing an enclosed handheld carrier used to carry beverages and other takeout food items. The carrier is fully enclosed and sealable to protect contents against tampering and to show evidence of any tampering. The carrier also protects contents from unwanted outside elements such as germs or debris and avoids spillage on clothing or in vehicles while in transport and provides easier handling while in transport. The carrier may be designed to carry any amount of beverages or other items, and may include inside beverage stability dividers which may be used optionally by flipping the stability divider in open or close position.
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a better, and more efficient and effective carrier providing a solution to maintaining food and drink safety while in delivery transport to customers. The carrier according to the present invention raises employee morale and efficiency and saves company time and supply cost. The carrier is an enclosed handheld carrier which is easier to work with and takes less time to package and therefore boosts employee morale and efficiency.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an enclosed drink carrier having a carrier cover, a tamper proof tab and a carrier handle. The cover and handle are separate pieces and the handle is attached to inner surfaces of the carrier. The cover closes over the handle with the handle passing through a handle slot in the cover, and a front portion of the cover includes the tamper proof tab attached to a front side of the carrier by adhesive to retain the cover to quickly enclosed contents preventing contamination, and to show if the cover has been opened providing tamper prevention.
[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided an enclosed carrier which restricts tampering with contents and shows evidence of tampering. A bottom front portion of the carrier cover includes the tamper proof tab having a tamper proof peel off sticker behind it which is used to attach the tamper proof tab to an exterior front side of the carrier thus locking down or securing the carrier cover and helps prevent tampering with carrier contents. If the sticker or tamper proof tab is tampered with after being sealed, it will show evidence of tampering.
[0010] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided an enclosed drink carrier quick folded for compact packaging for storage and shipping, and quick unfolding for easy loading of contents. The carrier, handheld transported, holds items of different sizes, and supports the weight of contents. The carrier is designed to be easily folded flat including the carrier cover and handle, allowing carriers to be compactly stored and shipped in bulk.
[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a carrier including a carrier cover which is folded over the carrier handle and is supported upright by two top cover supports reaching up from each sides of the carrier front.
[0012] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided an enclosed carrier having an easily opened cover allowing for easy loading and unloading of contents.
[0013] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a carrier having a carrier handle and a handle doubler allowing for easy handheld transport of the carrier and bearing the weight of content. The carrier handle is glued to the interior front side and interior back side of the carrier body to distribute the weight of the contents of the carrier.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a carrier including item stability dividers which may be optionally used. The carrier can be made with or without the content stability dividers and the carrier may have one or two content stability dividers, a first content stability divider in the inside left half of the carrier and a second content stability divider in the inside right half of the carrier. If the content stability dividers are not used, then the interior of the carrier is only divided by the handle for holding items of different shapes and sizes.
[0015] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a carrier keeping cold items cold and hot items hot. The carrier may be fully enclosed by the closed cover to help keep cold contents cold and hot contents hot. The interior hot / cold divider partition can also be used to separate hot items and cold items.
[0016] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a carrier promoting customer trust, confidence and satisfaction. Known carriers used by restaurants and coffee shops, etc. are not enclosed and do not include a tamper proof feature. The enclosed and tamper proof carrier instills customer trust, confidence, and satisfaction in the business, because the carrier shows the customers that the business cares about their safety, trust, and satisfaction. The known carriers are often not sturdy and also allow beverages to spill on clothing or inside vehicles. The carrier of the present invention is easier for the delivery person to transport the carrier without worrying about spillage or items falling out of the carrier.
[0017] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a drink carrier made from cardboard or chipboard material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0018] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:
[0019] FIG. 1A shows an isometric view of a carrier according to the present invention with a top cover closed over the top of the carrier.
[0020] FIG. 1B shows an isometric view of the carrier according to the present invention with the top cover open.
[0021] FIG. 2A shows a front view of the carrier according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2B shows a side view of the carrier according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2C shows a bottom view of the carrier according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the interior of the carrier according to the present taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2B.
[0025] FIG. 3A shows a simplified cross-sectional view of the interior of the carrier according to the present taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2B without the top cover.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the interior of the carrier according to the present taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2B.
[0027] FIG. 5A is a top view of the carrier interior in the standard configuration according to the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 5B is a top view of the carrier interior in the small item holder configuration according to the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 5C is a top view of the carrier interior hot / cold divider configuration with drinks right food left according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows a flat cutout for making the carrier according to the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 7 shows a flat cutout for making the carrier further showing fold lines and glue markings according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 8 shows a flat cutout with dimensions according to the present invention.
[0033] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.
[0035] Where the terms “about” or “generally” are associated with an element of the invention, it is intended to describe a feature's appearance to the human eye or human perception, and not a precise measurement, or typically within 10 percent of a stated value.
[0036] An isometric view of a carrier 10 according to the present invention with a top cover 18 closed over the top of the carrier 10, is shown in FIG. 1A. The carrier 10 includes a carrier front 12b and a carrier left side 12a. A front cover 20 is folded down from the top cover 18 along fold 20′ and rests against the carrier front 12b. A tamper tab 22 extends down from the front cover 20 for attachment to the carrier front 12b by adhesive 23 (see FIG. 1B). A pull open tab 21 further extends down from the tamper tab 22. The tamper tab 22 both secures the top cover 18 and provides evidence of tampering. A carrier rear 12d and a carrier right side 12c (see FIG. 5) are not shown in FIG. 1A.
[0037] A handle 24 reaches up through a handle slot 24′ in the top cover 18 for carrying the carrier 10. Two cover tabs 16 reach up from the carrier sides 12a and 12c and are folded in and down.
[0038] An isometric view of the carrier 10 with the top cover 18 open is shown in FIG. 1B. The front cover 20 is attached to the top cover 18 along the fold 20′. The handle 24, having a 1st handle half 24a and a 2nd handle half 24b, passes through the handle slot 24′ in the top cover 18 when the top cover 18 is closed. The top cover 18 further having a straw slot 26. The handle 24 is not attached to the top cover 18.
[0039] A first content stability divider 38a attached to a first divider sway 40a and is shown folded into the carrier 10 to separate contents, but may be folded against the carrier front 12b and handle 24. A second content stability divider 38b attached to a second divider sway 40b and is shown folded into the carrier 10 to separate contents, but may be folded against the carrier rear 12d and handle 24.
[0040] A handle front attach 28 is shown folded against a carrier front 12b having a top cover support 36 on either side ends of the carrier front 12b; a handle rear attach 30 is shown folded against a carrier rear 12d. A first divide sway 40a having a first divide sway finger slot 40a′ and a second divide sway 40b having a second divide sway finger slot 40b′.
[0041] A first content stability divider 38a and a second content stability divider 38b are folded to form a first divider 32a and a first divide sway 40a along the first handle half 24a and a second divider 32b and a second divide sway 40b along the second handle half 24b.
[0042] A front view of the carrier 10 is shown in FIG. 2A, a side view of the carrier 10 is shown in FIG. 2B, and a bottom view of the carrier 10 is shown in FIG. 2C. Bottom flaps 14a-14d are shown folded in FIG. 2C.
[0043] A cross-sectional view of the interior of the carrier 10 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2B is shown in FIG. 3. A simplified cross-sectional view of the interior of the carrier 10 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2B without the top cover 18 is shown in FIG. 3B.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the interior of the carrier according to the present taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2B. A first attachment tab 42 on the right edge of the second divide sway 40b is glued to a second attachment tab 48 on a left edge of the carrier left side 12a after the first fold F1 (See FIG. 6) and the attachment 48 is glued to the carrier rear 12d to attach the carrier left side 12a to the carrier rear 12d.
[0045] FIG. 5A is a top view of the carrier 10 interior in the standard configuration having compartments A, B, C, and D. Compartment A is defined by handle rear attach 30, second divide sway 40b, second content stability divider 38b, and handle 24. Compartment B is defined by divider 32b, the handle 24 and second content divider 38b. Compartment C is defined by first content stability divider 38a, handle 24, handle front attach 28, and first divide sway 40a. Compartment D is defined by first divider 32a, handle 24, and first content stability divider 38a.
[0046] FIG. 5B is a top view of the carrier 10 interior in the small item holder configuration wherein the second divider 32b is moved along diagonal “X” by moving the finger slot sway 32′ in the position shown in FIG. 5A to the position shown in FIG. 5B. This allows the carrier 10 to carry a small item in compartment B.
[0047] FIG. 5C is a top view of the carrier 10 interior in the hot / cold divider with drinks right and food left configuration wherein compartments A and B are combined to hold hot foods like fries and a burger.
[0048] FIG. 5A to 5C are for illustrative purposes but the same can be done for compartments C and D.
[0049] A flat cutout 10a for making the carrier 10 is shown in FIG. 6. The cutout 10a includes all the elements of the carrier 10:
[0050] carrier 10
[0051] carrier cutout 10a
[0052] carrier left side, 12a
[0053] carrier front 12b
[0054] carrier right side 12c
[0055] carrier rear 12d
[0056] 1st bottom flap 14a
[0057] folding portion of 14a 14a′
[0058] 2nd bottom flap 14b
[0059] 3rd bottom flap 14c
[0060] folding portion of 14c 14c′
[0061] 4th bottom flap 14d
[0062] cover tabs 16
[0063] top cover 18
[0064] front cover 20
[0065] pull open tab 21
[0066] tamper tab 22
[0067] adhesive 23
[0068] adhesive cover 23a
[0069] carrier handle 24
[0070] 1st handle half 24a
[0071] 2nd handle half 24b
[0072] handle slot 24′
[0073] handle doubler 25
[0074] finger slot 25′
[0075] straw slot 26
[0076] handle front attach 28
[0077] Handle rear attach 30
[0078] 1st Hot / Cold Divider / Small Item Holder 32a
[0079] 2nd Hot / Cold Divider / Small Item Holder 32b
[0080] Hot / Cold Divider / Small Item Holder Finger Slot Sway 32′
[0081] top cover support 36
[0082] 1st content stability divider 38a
[0083] 2nd content stability divider 38b
[0084] 1st divide sway 40a
[0085] 2nd divide sway 40b
[0086] divide sway finger slot 40′
[0087] first attachment tab 42
[0088] second attachment tab 48
[0089] The carrier is 10 constructed from a single flat cutout 10a made of cardboard or chipboard material. The cutout 10a comprising a carrier left side 12a, carrier front 12b, carrier right side 12c, and carrier rear 12d. The construction process follows a specific sequence of folds (indicated by F numbers) and glue applications (indicated by G numbers) as shown in FIG. 6. Here is the legend for the makings on FIG. 6:
[0090] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a method for constructing the carrier 10 from the cutout 10a is comprised of the steps of:
[0091] 1. First, attach adhesive 23 and adhesive cover 23a to tamper tab 22.
[0092] 2. Then, place creases and fold lines and then cut out cut lines.
[0093] 3. Then, fold along fold line F1 to bring the handle assembly and divider sections toward the interior panels of the carrier 10.
[0094] 4. Then, place glue G1 to the attachment tab 48, the carrier front 12b, and the carrier rear 12d as shown in FIG. 6.
[0095] 5. Then, fold along line F2 the four bottom flaps (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d).
[0096] 6. Then, fold along diagonal folds F3 on the folding portions 14a′ and 14c′ to allow the bottom to collapse for flat storage or lock into place for use.
[0097] 7. Then, glue G4 is applied to the handle doublers 25, along second handle 24b, and the folding portions of 14a′ and 14c′. These are folded over the first handle half 24a and second handle half 24b to reinforce the carrier handle 24 for bearing weight.
[0098] 8. Then, a right to left fold made along fold line F4 between the carrier right side 12c and the carrier front 12b to begin forming the square shape of the carrier.
[0099] 9. Then, the second attachment tab 48 is folded at fold line F5. Glue G5 is applied to tab 48 to secure the carrier left side 12a to the carrier rear 12d, completing the perimeter of the carrier body.
[0100] 10. Then, the top cover 18 is folded along line F6 so that it can eventually close over the handle 24; the front cover 20 and the associated tamper tab 22 are folded along line F7; and when the top cover 18 is closed, the carrier handle 24 passes through the handle slot 24′.
[0101] 11. Then, adhesive 23, protected by an adhesive cover 23a, is located on the tamper tab 22. To seal the carrier, the adhesive cover 23a is removed and the tamper tab 22 is pressed against the carrier front 12b.
[0102] 12. Once assembled, the carrier can be stored flat for transport. When unfolded for use, the optional first and second content stability dividers (32a, 32b) can be flipped into position to create four separate compartments for drinks or food items. The pull open tab 21 allows the customer to break the seal, providing clear evidence if the carrier has been previously opened.
[0103] A method for Unloading Contents from the Carrier 10 is described as follows:
[0104] 1. Place the loaded carrier 10 on a flat surface.
[0105] 2. Grasp edges of pull open tab 21 and lift upwards to detach adhesive 23 and tamper tab 22 from carrier front 12b. If necessary also hold carrier 10 at other points to prevent it from moving.
[0106] 3. Using pull open tab 21 lift front cover 20 up until top cover 18 is off of Handle 24 and front cover 20 and top cover 18 rests behind carrier rear 12d.
[0107] 4. The top portion of carrier 10 is now open and the contents can be unloaded.
[0108] A method for folding the carrier 10 Back to its Configuration for Storage is described as follows:
[0109] 1. With carrier 10 fully opened and front cover 20 and top cover 18 folded behind carrier rear 12d, unset the interlocking of 1st Bottom Flap 14a and 3rd Bottom Flap 14c. To do this, reach into the interior of carrier 10 and pull upwards on either 1st Bottom Flap 14a or 3rd Bottom Flap 14c until the interlocking of these two bottom flaps is unset.
[0110] 2. With carrier 10 still open and upright, hold carrier 10 in the palm of the left hand on the corner where carrier right side 12c and carrier front 12b intersects while also holding carrier 10 in the palm of right hand on the corner where carrier left side 12a and carrier rear 12d intersects.
[0111] 3. With carrier 10 in palm of hands, ensure the left thumb is on carrier front 12b and the left fingers are on carrier right side 12c and the right thumb is on carrier left side 12a and the right fingers are on carrier rear 12d.
[0112] 4. From the positions where the thumbs and fingers are, squeeze carrier 10 by bringing the left thumb towards meeting the left fingers and the right thumb towards meeting the right fingers. This will cause the carrier to collapse flat back to its configuration for storage.
[0113] while the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.
Claims
1. A tamper-proof drink carrier comprising:a carrier body having a carrier front, a carrier rear, a first carrier side, and a second carrier side;a carrier handle attached to an interior of the carrier body;a top cover having a handle slot, wherein the carrier handle is configured to pass through the handle slot when the top cover is in a closed position; anda front cover extending from the top cover, the front cover including a tamper tab having an adhesive configured to secure the front cover to the carrier front.
2. The tamper-proof drink carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier is constructed from a single flat cutout of cardboard or chipboard material.
3. The tamper-proof drink carrier of claim 1, further comprising a handle front attach and a handle rear attach, wherein the handle front attach is folded against and secured to an interior of the carrier front, and the handle rear attach is folded against and secured to an interior of the carrier rear.
4. The tamper-proof drink carrier of claim 1, further comprising a tamper tab extension extending from the tamper tab, the tamper tab extension configured to be grasped by a user to pull the tamper tab away from the carrier front.
5. The tamper-proof drink carrier of claim 1, further comprising a first and second content stability divider attached to the carrier handle and configured to separate contents within the carrier body into two or more separate compartments.
6. The tamper-proof drink carrier of claim 5, further comprising a first and second divide sway having respective finger slots configured to allow a user to flip the content stability dividers between an open and closed position.
7. The tamper-proof drink carrier of claim 1, further comprising at least one handle doubler and a finger slot, the handle doubler configured to reinforce the carrier handle to bear the weight of the carrier contents.
8. The tamper-proof drink carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrier body having four bottom flaps, wherein a first and third bottom flap include diagonal folds and are configured to interlock to form a rigid base when the carrier is unfolded.
9. The tamper-proof drink carrier of claim 1, further comprising left and right top cover supports reaching from the carrier front, the top cover supports configured to guide the front cover and maintain a square shape of the carrier when the top cover is closed.
10. The tamper-proof drink carrier of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cover tabs reaching up from the carrier sides, the cover tabs being folded inward and downward to further enclose the carrier contents.
11. A method for constructing a tamper-proof drink carrier from a single flat cutout, the method comprising:folding a handle assembly and divider sections toward interior panels of the carrier body;applying glue to an attachment tab and the carrier body;forming a carrier base by folding and interlocking bottom flaps;reinforcing a carrier handle by folding handle doublers over first and second handle halves;forming a perimeter of the carrier body by securing a carrier side to a carrier rear via an attachment tab; andfolding a top cover and front cover such that the carrier handle passes through a handle slot.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising applying an adhesive and an adhesive cover to a tamper tab prior to folding the top cover.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the carrier base includes folding along diagonal lines to allow the carrier to collapse for storage.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising flipping internal stability dividers into position to create four separate beverage compartments.
15. A method for unloading contents and collapsing a tamper-proof drink carrier for storage, the method comprising:grasping a tamper tab and lifting upwards to detach an adhesive from a carrier front;pushing a front cover upwards behind a guard rail and lifting a top cover off of a carrier handle to open the carrier;un-interlocking a first bottom flap and a third bottom flap by pulling upwards from the interior of the carrier; andsqueezing opposing corners of the carrier body to collapse the carrier into a flat configuration.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein detaching the tamper tab reveals a broken seal to indicate that the carrier has been opened.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein lifting the top cover includes moving the top cover and front cover to a position behind the carrier rear.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the opposing corners comprise a first corner where the carrier right side and carrier front intersect, and a second corner where the carrier left side and carrier rear intersect.