Serving Tray

Abstract

The present invention relates to a beverage serving tray having a circular shape and a multitude of compartments having flexible linings. The compartments are on a circular base surface and each can receive a beverage glass, container, can, or bottle. The flexible lining surrounds an internal periphery of each compartment and secures the beverage containers therein. A handle is present at the bottom of the tray for easy transporting of the tray with one hand. A cylindrical or sleeve shaped wall extends upward from a periphery of the circular base surface to provide additional protection to the beverage containers. The tray allows users to carry up to eight or more beverages at one time in a secure and comfortable manner.

Claims

1. A carrying device configured to provide upright carrying of multiple retained contents, the carrying device comprising: a tray including a base having a plurality of generally circular individual compartments, wherein said base includes a plurality of retention mechanisms for retaining contents in each said plurality of individual compartments; a shield for surrounding a periphery of said base, wherein said shield prohibits contents from falling off said base; said plurality of retention mechanisms include generally circular elastic linings surrounding an internal circumference of each of said plurality of individual compartments; and said tray including a handle mounted to a bottom surface of said base, wherein said handle used for upright movement of said tray while carrying multiple beverage containers.

2. The carrying device of claim 1, wherein said elastic linings comprise material selected from a group consisting of a rubber, a silicone, and a foam.

3. The carrying device of claim 2, wherein the retained contents are a plurality of beverage containers and each of the plurality of beverage containers comprise a beverage container height, and further wherein said elastic lining includes a height that is generally about 20% to about 50% of said beverage container height.

4. The carrying device of claim 3, wherein said height of said elastic lining is generally about 20% to about 33% of said beverage container height.

5. The carrying device of claim 2, wherein said plurality of generally circular individual compartments are positioned generally around a periphery of said base.

6. The carrying device of claim 5, wherein said plurality of generally circular individual compartments comprise eight compartments.

7. The carrying device of claim 6, wherein each of said plurality of generally circular compartments are spaced from each other said plurality of generally circular compartments.

8. The carrying device of claim 7, wherein said shield is transparent or translucent.

9. The carrying device of claim 1 further comprising a battery, a heating/cooling element, a lid and a LED light.

10. The carrying device of claim 2, wherein the retained contents include beverage containers and the beverage containers include a height; said shield includes a height; and said height of said shield generally about 66% to about 100% of said height of the beverage containers.

11. A carrying device configured to provide upright carrying of multiple retained contents, the carrying device comprising: a tray including a base having a plurality of generally circular individual compartments, wherein said base includes a plurality of retention mechanisms for retaining contents in each said plurality of individual compartments; a shield for surrounding a periphery of said base, wherein said shield prohibits contents from falling off said base; wherein the retained contents include beverage containers and the beverage containers include a height; said elastic lining includes a height; said height of said elastic lining generally about 20% to about 50% of said height of the beverage containers; said shield includes a height; and said height of said shield generally about 66% to about 100% of said height of the beverage containers.

12. The carrying device of claim 11, wherein said plurality of retention mechanisms include generally circular elastic linings surrounding an internal circumference of each of said plurality of individual compartments; and said elastic linings comprise material selected from a group consisting of rubber, silicone, and foam.

13. The carrying device of claim 12, wherein said tray including a handle mounted to a bottom surface of said base; and said handle used for upright movement of said tray while carrying multiple beverage containers.

14. The carrying device of claim 13, wherein said height of said elastic lining generally about 20% to about 33% of said height of the beverage containers.

15. The carrying device of claim 14, wherein said plurality of generally circular individual compartments are positioned generally around a periphery of said base.

16. The carrying device of claim 15, wherein said plurality of generally circular individual compartments comprise eight compartments.

17. The carrying device of claim 16, wherein each of said plurality of generally circular compartments are spaced from each other said plurality of generally circular compartments.

18. The carrying device of claim 17, wherein said shield is transparent.

19. The carrying device of claim 17, wherein said shield is translucent.

20. A carrying device configured to provide upright carrying of multiple retained contents, the carrying device comprising: a tray including a base having a plurality of generally circular individual compartments, wherein said base includes a plurality of retention mechanisms for retaining contents in each said plurality of individual compartments; a shield for surrounding a periphery of said base, wherein said shield prohibits contents from falling off said base; a battery; at least one LED light powered by the battery; a heating or cooling element powered by the battery; wherein the retained contents include beverage containers and the beverage containers include a height; said elastic lining includes a height; said height of said elastic lining generally about 20% to about 50% of said height of the beverage containers; said shield includes a height; a lid having a handle; and said height of said shield generally about 66% to about 100% of said height of the beverage containers.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the tray is specifically designed to easily carry multiple beverages with a single hand of a user;

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a rubber foam lining of the improved beverage serving tray of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the improved beverage serving tray of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the tray is specifically designed to easily carry eight beverages with a single hand of a user, and further wherein each of the eight beverage holders comprises the rubber lining;

[0019] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the serving tray further comprises a lid with a handle;

[0020] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a handle is positioned along the bottom surface of the serving tray; and

[0021] FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the serving tray is supported by a strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0023] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved serving tray or plate that can be used by an individual, such as a server or a waiter, in restaurants, bars, lounges, event halls, etc., which allows the server or waiter to carry drinks in a secure and comfortable manner. Further, there exists a long felt need in the art for a serving tray or plate, that enables servers and waiters to carry multiple glasses or cups without spilling same on one or more customers in a restaurant or other serving venue. Additionally, there exists a long felt need in the art for a serving tray which enables a person to carry multiple drinks at one time, thereby preventing a server from having to make multiple unnecessary trips to and from a customer's table. Finally, there is a long felt need for an improved serving tray that can be easily grabbed by a server with one hand for easy transport and carry, and that is more stable than serving trays heretofore known.

[0024] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel beverage serving tray designed to carry up to eight beverages at one time, comprising of a circular base surface, a circular cylindrical or sleeve-shaped shield fixed around the periphery of the base surface, eight circular individual holes/compartments on the base surface wherein each hole/compartment includes a rubber foam lining, each rubber foam lining supports and secures a beverage glass/container/bottle placed in the hole/compartment, and a handle fixed to an exterior surface of the base surface for easily transporting the tray with one hand. The improved beverage serving tray prevents spillage of beverages and maintains upright glasses, containers, cans, or bottles while carrying the tray using a single hand.

[0025] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the tray 100 is specifically designed to easily carry multiple beverages with a single hand of a user. The improved tray 100 of the present invention assists servers in bringing multiple drinks to customers with ease. A user or server can easily carry multiple drinks using the improved tray 100. The tray 100 includes a circular, cylindrical or sleeve-shaped structure 102 having a base surface 126 and a top opening 108. The top opening 108 is used for access to place drinks and glasses into a plurality of individual compartments, holes or openings 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 on the base surface 126. The base surface 126 is circular in shape, including eight, for example, rubber lined symmetrical openings to receive cups or glasses for enabling the user to securely carry multiple drinks at the same time without any spillage.

[0026] The openings 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 can be generally circular in shape. Each of the openings 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 can include a respective retention mechanism or rubber lining 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 and can be placed symmetrically on the interior side of the base surface 126. The plurality of retention mechanisms 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 include generally circular elastic linings surrounding an internal circumference of each of the plurality of individual compartments 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124. Each opening 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 and associated lining 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 is arranged to surround an individual beverage container. The holes 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 and the rubber linings 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 are arranged on the base surface 126 such that they are equidistant to each other and thus the glasses or beverage containers placed within each rubber lining opening do not touch each other, and remain safe from breakage and spillage. The rubber linings 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 provide a secure grip on the glasses or beverage containers placed therein such that the glasses or containers remain vertical and do spill over while the tray 100 is being carried by a user.

[0027] A sturdy handle 104 is permanently attached to the exterior surface or lower side of the base surface 126, and is arranged in an ergonomic and comfortable grip to carry the tray 100 by a single hand 106. A user 106 can hold the handle 104 affixed to the tray and can easily carry the tray 100 in an upright manner when holding the containers or glasses, and subsequently in any orientation when the tray 100 is empty. Using the tray 100, a user such as server in a bar or a restaurant can carry eight drinks, for example, placed securely in eight rubber lined openings 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 in a single trip, without any breakage and spillage, thereby reducing the number of trips the server has to make while serving customers.

[0028] The cylindrical or sleeve-shaped shielding 102 extending upwards from the periphery of the base surface 126 provides an additional layer of safety for large bottles or containers and does not allow the bottles or containers to fall on the ground from the tray 100. In one embodiment, the diameter of the base surface 126 is 18″ and the height of the cylindrical or sleeved shielding 102 is 9″. Alternatively, the diameter of the base surface 126 can be 24″ and the height of the cylindrical or sleeved shielding 102 can be 6″. At 6 inches, the shield height is generally about 100% of the height of a typical pint glass (i.e. 6 inches) and about 66% of the height of a typical beer bottle (i.e. 9 inches). The sleeve shield 102 acts as a side wall for the drinks being carried on the tray 100 and forms a continuous perimeter wall for retention of same.

[0029] The handle 104 is sturdy and can be joined to the base at two points. The handle 104 is permanently attached to the base of the tray 100. The tray 100 may be made up of wood, metal or heavy plastic with the cylindrical sleeve 102 being transparent or translucent to enable the server to maintain visual contact with the beverages mounted in the openings 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124.

[0030] The tray 100 can be made of durable material to withstand dropping on the ground. The circular shape of the tray 100 allows a stable and uniform distribution of the weight of the drinks within the tray 100. The openings 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 are on the base surface 126. In one potential embodiment, each opening may be in the form a small cut-out within the base surface 126. Alternatively, each opening may be formed on the base surface without a groove in the base surface 126. Each opening can be lined with a rubber foam insert to secure a cup or glass placed in the opening.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a rubber foam lining 111 of the improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the rubber foam lining 111 includes a generally circular rubber lining having an exterior surface 202, an interior surface 208 and a bottom periphery 204. The bottom periphery 204 may have an adhesive to attach the rubber lining 111 to the base surface 126 of the tray 100 of the present invention. The interior surface 208 secures a beverage container in a vertical direction and does not allow the beverage container to tilt or spill while carrying the tray 100. The height of the rubber foam lining 111 can be generally about 1 inch to about 3 inches in one potential embodiment. At 3 inches, the linings are generally about 50% of the height of a typical pint glass (i.e. 6 inches) and about 33% of the height of a typical beer bottle (i.e. 9 inches). It should be noted that the height and the diameter of the rubber foam lining 111 can depend on the diameter of the base surface of the tray in which the rubber foam linings 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 are placed and the size of the beverage containers to be contained in the individual compartments.

[0032] The rubber foam lining 111 also absorbs the water or moisture from the beverage containers. The rubber foam lining 111 can be of any color, and retains the circular shape even after multiple uses. The rubber lining 111 is a material similar to a sponge or expanded rubber and can be made of synthetic rubber, natural latex, or polyurethane, and is flexible and stretchable to accommodate beverage containers of various diameters. The rubber lining 111 can surround the respective opening 110 extending from the base surface 126.

[0033] As best shown in FIG. 2, in a further embodiment of the present invention, each of the rubber foam linings 111 may also comprise a heating and/or cooling element 210 for heating or cooling the beverage as it is being stored or transported in the lining 111 of the improved tray 100. The heating and/or cooling element 210 may be powered by a battery 212 that is also present on the ring 111 or the improved tray 100 itself. The battery 212 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of the improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the tray 100 comprises eight rubber lined openings 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, each of which is generally circular in shape, and similar in diameter. The openings 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 are preferably placed along the periphery of the sleeve 102 in a spaced-apart fashion. The sleeve 102 protects the beverage containers from falling off of the tray 100 and enables a server to view the beverage containers as the sleeve 102 includes transparent or translucent material. In one embodiment, the sleeve 102 can include a logo, trademark or design for aesthetic appeal and also for marketing and branding.

[0035] As stated earlier, each opening 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 is surrounded by a rubber lining 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 that can comprise a hole or a groove cut in the base surface 126. Alternatively, the holes or grooves can be formed only by the rubber linings 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 on the base surface 126.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the tray 100 is specifically designed to easily carry eight beverages with a single hand of a user and further wherein each of the eight beverage holders comprises the rubber lining. More specifically, each rubber foam lining 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 surrounded hole or compartment receives and supports a beverage container. As shown, the rubber lining 111 supports glass 401, rubber lining 113 supports glass 402, rubber lining 115 supports glass 403, rubber lining 117 supports glass 404, rubber lining 119 supports glass 405, rubber lining 121 supports glass 406, rubber lining 123 supports glass 407 and rubber lining 125 supports glass 408. Each glass remains upright and does not tilt even when the tray 100 is tilted slightly when held by a user 106 through the handle 104.

[0037] The tray 100 with the innovative rubber lining-surrounded holes prevents the spillage of beverages when carrying multiple drinks at once by a server by grabbing the tray handle 104 with his or her hand for easy transport. It should be appreciated that different types of beverage bottles, glasses and containers can be accommodated easily within the rubber lining-surrounded holes. The tray 100 allows users to carry multiple beverage, for example eight beverages, at one time in a secure and comfortable manner.

[0038] To fit different container shapes, the rubber linings may be of different configurations, such as rectangular or square. To accommodate different heights of the beverage bottles, the rubber linings may have different heights. The diameter and dimensions of the rubber linings may be similar or different, however symmetrical spacing of the openings prohibits beverage containers from touching each other.

[0039] The handle 104 can be made up of a metal, stainless steel, wood or any other similar material and can include a comfortable grip. The cylindrical or sleeve shield 102 may be permanently or removably attached to the periphery of the base surface. In one alternative embodiment, there can be a slot around the periphery of the base surface 126 (not illustrated) to receive the sleeve shield 102.

[0040] The tray 100 of the present invention is capable of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible to low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such tray economically available to the buying public. It should be appreciated that the number of compartments may be more or less than eight to fit different user requirements and manufacturing requirements. Silicone lining may be used instead of the rubber foam lining. As best shown in FIG. 4, the tray 100 may further comprise an LED light strip 410 mounted along the periphery of the base 126 for increasing aesthetic appeal. The LED light strip 410 may also be powered by the battery 212.

[0041] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the serving tray 100 further comprises a lid 500 with a handle 502. More specifically, the lid 500 may be comprised of an opaque, transparent or translucent material, and may removably attached to the serving tray 100 by any means commonly known in the art, such as an interference fit. The handle 502 is preferably positioned on a top surface of the lid 500 opposite the serving tray 100 as best shown in FIG. 5A. However, the serving tray 100 of the present invention is not so limited, and the handle 502 may also be positioned elsewhere along the lid 502 for convenient handling by the user. FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a handle 104 is positioned along the bottom surface of the serving tray 100. In yet another potential embodiment, the tray portion may rotate about the handle portion so that it is easier to service beverages and food items from said serving tray 100. FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the serving tray 100 is supported by a strap 503. The strap 503 may be removably attached to two ends of the tray and supported by a user, such as the user's neck and shoulders.

[0042] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “improved beverage serving tray”, “improved tray”, “octotray”, “serving tray”, and “tray” are interchangeable and refer to the improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention.

[0043] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the improved beverage serving tray 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the improved beverage serving tray 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the improved beverage serving tray 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the improved beverage serving tray 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0044] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0045] What includes been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.