Improvements in or relating to carriers

Abstract

A carrier (10) for containers, such as coffee cups, is described. Carrier (10) is generally in the form of a tray (11) and includes a pair of retainers for a respective container. At least one of the retainers comprising a stepped holding region (22) in or near base (21) for the container wherein the container may be releasably held. Retaining means having at least one, typically curved, wall connected to base (21) are provided to assist releasable holding of the container.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A carrier for containers, said carrier comprising at least one pair of opposed retainers for releasably receiving and holding a respective container, said opposed retainers being connected to each other, said opposed retainers each having a base comprising a stepped holding region for receiving part of a container, said opposed retainers each further comprising an inner and outer wall extending upwardly from said base, said outer wall partially surrounding said base, said outer wall having retaining means for retention of a container, wherein said container may be releasably held. 
     
     
         20 . A carrier according to  claim 19 , wherein said inner and outer walls are curved. 
     
     
         21 . A carrier according to  claim 19 , wherein said stepped holding region comprises a plurality of steps. 
     
     
         22 . A carrier according to  claim 21 , wherein said plurality of steps are substantially circular. 
     
     
         23 . A carrier according to  claim 22 , wherein said plurality of steps are substantially non-concentric. 
     
     
         24 . A carrier according to  claim 19 , wherein said retaining means includes a pliable, compressible or flexible finger or prong. 
     
     
         25 . A carrier according to  claim 19 , wherein said inner wall further includes retaining means for said container. 
     
     
         26 . A carrier according to  claim 25 , wherein said retaining means includes at least one pliable, compressible or flexible finger or prong. 
     
     
         27 . A carrier according to  claim 19 , wherein said carrier is capable of holding two or more containers. 
     
     
         28 . A carrier according to  claim 19 , wherein said carrier is capable of holding four or more containers. 
     
     
         29 . A carrier according to  claim 19 , said carrier being in the form of a tray. 
     
     
         30 . A carrier for containers, said carrier comprising at least one pair of opposed retainers for releasably receiving and holding a respective container, said opposed retainers being connected to each other, said opposed retainers each having a base comprising a stepped holding region for receiving part of a container, said stepped holding region comprising a plurality of substantially non-concentric steps to facilitate receipt of container bases of differing dimensions, and retaining means having at least one wall connected to said base, wherein said container may be releasably held.