Ergonomic portable device for the consumption of food and beverages

Abstract

The invention discloses a portable food container device (A) designed to minimize postural and practical discomfort during the consumption of takeaway or street food, regardless of the number or shape of the individual food containers. The device (A) comprises an upper base (1), a lower base (2), and a lateral wall (3) connecting them. It includes openings (4, 5) for the stable support of multiple food containers, notches (6a, 6b) specifically shaped to hold a standard-sized cup (7) that also serves as a handle and beverage holder, and holes (8, 9, 10) for inserting cutlery or accessories. Locking mechanisms (11a, 11b) ensure secure assembly between the bases, allowing the device to rest on a horizontal surface for traditional use or to be comfortably held with one hand. The ergonomic configuration enables vertical wrist positioning, freeing the other hand for immediate and practical food consumption.

Description

[0001] ERGONOMIC PORTABLE DEVICE FOR THE CONSUMPTION OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of support devices for the immediate consumption of food and / or beverages, particularly in the area of takeaway meals and street food. However, it can also be applied in any field involving the sale or distribution of food products where such a device may be used. This category includes practical and portable devices designed for carrying and consuming food and beverages in public or outdoor environments, where the user may be standing or seated, but without requiring horizontal support surfaces. The invention therefore addresses the growing need for solutions that improve the consumption experience of food without postural limitations, while reducing physical and logistical discomfort associated with the variety and variability of food container shapes used for different types of meals.

[0005] BACKGROUND ART

[0006] Currently, the market for ready-to-eat food consumption is represented mainly by fast-food and street-food services, offering products that differ primarily in their mode of service and consumption conditions. In fast-food restaurants, products are typically packaged in single portions, with sauces and condiments placed in separate containers and utensils included for convenience. The packaging and containers are generally designed for in-restaurant use where tables are available, or for takeaway consumption in locations equipped with horizontal surfaces, such as offices, homes, or parks. However, this type of consumption is often limited by the need to sit or place the food on a flat surface to ensure stability and comfort.

[0007] Conversely, street food is characterized by immediate consumption in open or public spaces such as markets, fairs, and outdoor events, where food is commonly provided in portable containers such as paper bags or divided trays. While this promotes mobility, it does not provide a stable or ergonomic support for simultaneously carrying both food and beverages while standing or moving.

[0008] Other establishments, such as rotisseries, takeaways, or restaurants, typically provide takeaway food intended to be consumed later in private or professional environments. In these cases, the containers are mainly designed for temporary storage and safe transport rather than for immediate, ergonomic consumption. Despite the diversity of existing solutions, there remains a lack of systems that enable fast, stable, and ergonomic food and beverage consumption while standing or moving, without relying on a flat surface. This gap presents a major challenge in terms of practicality, efficiency, and comfort for consumers seeking a quick and versatile dining experience in unconventional settings. The proposed device also enables the convenient consumption of main dishes such as pasta, rice, or meat-based meals, expanding new opportunities in the food-service and takeaway market.

[0009] DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0010] The invention provides a portable food and beverage carrying device (A) designed to minimize postural and practical discomfort during the consumption of takeaway or street food, regardless of the number or shape of food containers.

[0011] The device (A) comprises: an upper base (1) and a lower base (2) connected by a lateral wall (3) that fully surrounds the structure, providing rigidity and strength; openings (4, 5) on the upper base (1) designed to securely accommodate standard food containers, allowing multiple dishes to be carried simultaneously without the risk of tipping; notches (6a, 6b) specifically shaped to hold a market-standard-sized cup (7), which also serves as a handle and can hold other beverage containers such as cans or bottles; cutouts (8, 9, 10) intended for inserting cutlery and / or accessories; locking mechanisms (11a, 11b) ensuring a firm connection between the upper and lower bases (1, 2), enabling the device to be used either on a table or handheld for ergonomic consumption.

[0012] The design allows the user to hold the device (A) comfortably in an upright position, with the wrist vertical and the palm facing inward, thereby reducing fatigue during prolonged use. The device can be made from eco-sustainable materials, preferably 100% biodegradable or compostable, ensuring environmental compatibility and single-use or reusable options depending on context.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The invention will now be described with reference to the attached figures, provided for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0015] Fig. 1: Top perspective view of the food container device (A), showing the connection between the upper base (1) and lower base (2), and the notches (6a, 6b) for holding a cup (7).

[0016] Fig. 2: Bottom perspective view of the device (A), illustrating the configuration of the upper base (1), lower base (2), lateral wall (3), and the locking mechanisms (11a, 11b) located at the openings (4, 5). Fig. 3: Front and side views of the device (A), showing the relationship between the upper base (1), lower base (2), and lateral wall (3), as well as openings (4, 5) that enable stable placement on a horizontal surface. Dimensional references ensure compatibility with standard containers.

[0017] Fig. 4: Top plan view of the device (A), showing all structural and functional components designed for stable and practical use, including dimensional references for proper assembly.

[0018] BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Referring to the figures, the preferred embodiment of the device (A) consists of an upper base (1), a lower base (2), and a lateral wall (3) connecting them to form a stable and solid unit. Two openings (4, 5) on the upper base (1) allow for the secure placement of multiple food containers, while the notches (6a, 6b) hold a standard-sized cup (7) that doubles as both beverage container and ergonomic handle. The cutouts (8, 9, 10) enable the user to conveniently store cutlery, napkins, or condiment containers. The locking mechanisms (11a, 11b) ensure secure assembly between the two bases, enabling the device to be used both on flat surfaces and handheld. This modular design provides a safe and ergonomic way to consume food while standing or moving, preventing spills and improving comfort. An expert in the field could introduce design modifications such as alternative eco-friendly materials, dimensional variations, or additional features, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0021] The invention can be industrially applied in the food service, catering, and takeaway packaging sectors. It is particularly suitable for fast-food restaurants, street food vendors, and event catering companies seeking eco-friendly, ergonomic serving solutions. The device offers a practical, stable, and environmentally sustainable alternative for the direct consumption of food and beverages, enhancing user comfort and mobility while reducing the need for additional support structures.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 19 Mar 2026 (19 / 03 / 2026)1 . A food and / or beverage carrying device (A) for take-away use, comprising an upper base (1 ), a lower base (2), and a lateral wall (3) connecting said bases (1 , 2), wherein the upper base (1 ) includes at least two apertures (4, 5) configured to securely hold multiple food containers and further includes notches (6a, 6b) for receiving a standard-sized cup (7), characterised in that the apertures (4, 5) including locking mechanisms (11a, 11 b) for stable connection between the upper base (1 ) and the lower base (2), allowing both table use and ergonomic one-handed handling of the device (A) , and cutouts (8, 9, 10) are provided for inserting cutlery or accessories.

2. A device (A) as claimed in claim 1 , comprising three main support areas for food and / or beverages, wherein two areas correspond to the apertures (4, 5) for food containers and a third area supports a beverage held in the cup (7) positioned in the notches (6a, 6b) located near the center of gravity of the device (A), thereby improving balance and stability.

3. A device (A) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the cutouts (8, 9, 10) are configured for inserting cutlery, napkins, and / or condiment containers, providing practical organization and easy access to accessories required for meal consumption.

4. A device (A) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanisms (11 a, 11 b) ensure a secure and stable connection between the upper base (1 ) and the lower base (2), permitting both stable placement on a horizontal surface and comfortable one-handed use.

5. A device (A) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is made from eco-friendly, biodegradable, or compostable materials, either rigid or semi-rigid, allowing fast and intuitive assembly and enabling transport and direct consumption without the need for additional accessories.

6. A device (A) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral wall (3) surrounds and connects the upper base (1 ) and the lower base (2), forming a robust structure capable of supporting the weight of food and beverage containers without deformation during use.

7. A device (A) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper base (1 ), lower base (2), and lateral wall (3) are made of food-grade materials suitable for direct contact with food.

8. A device (A) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the cup (7) structurally connects the upper base (1 ) and the lower base (2), forming an integrated and stable assembly.

9. A device (A) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, applicable in the food service, catering, and takeaway packaging sectors, or in any field where portable food and beverage consumption is required.

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