Rotating Multi-Layer Pizza Tray System

Abstract

A multi-layer food serving system comprising a base, a central vertical rod, and a plurality of circular trays arranged vertically and rotatably around the rod. The lowest tray is a complete circular plate, while each upper tray includes a sector-shaped cut-out to provide vertical access to food items below. Each tray is supported by a mechanical locking element and an overlay plate, allowing adjustable tray spacing along the rod. Trays are independently rotatable, enabling alignment of sector-shaped cut-outs to remove or insert food items, such as pizza slices, without disassembly. In some embodiments, low-friction elements or turntable mechanisms may be used to enhance rotation. The system is compact, hygienic, and space-efficient, particularly suited for serving food in restaurants, buffets, or at home. Rubber feet may be attached to the base for stability. The design accommodates varying tray sizes and configurations, offering flexible and elegant food presentation.

Claims

1. A multi-layer food serving system comprising: a base; a central vertical rod mounted on the base; a plurality of circular trays positioned vertically along the rod; wherein each of the trays, except a lowermost tray, includes a sector-shaped cut-out; wherein each tray is independently rotatable around the rod; a plurality of mechanical supports configured to be fixed at adjustable heights on the rod; a plurality of overlay plates positioned above said supports for receiving the trays; wherein the sector-shaped cut-outs of the trays are alignable such that a food item on a lower tray can be accessed and removed through the cut-out of an upper tray.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lowermost tray is a full circular tray without a cut-out.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the trays are made of stainless steel suitable for food contact.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the trays are made of food-grade plastic.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanical supports include a threaded collar and a locking screw configured to secure the position of the tray on the rod.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the mechanical supports further comprise rubber pads or bushings to enhance grip on the rod and reduce wear.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the trays include integrated bushings or low-friction coatings to allow smooth rotation around the rod.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the base includes four non-slip rubber feet for stability.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the vertical spacing between trays is approximately 1 to 2 inches.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the trays are supported by a lazy susan bearing placed between the overlay plate and the tray to assist with rotation.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the cut-outs are sized to allow removal of a pizza slice from a lower tray without lifting the upper trays.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the trays can be arranged with unequal spacing to accommodate food items of different sizes or heights.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising an optional spring-loaded pin mechanism allowing quick-release and locking of trays at predefined heights.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the tray system is modular and can be disassembled and reassembled for cleaning or transport.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EACH FIGURE

[0049] FIG. 1:

[0050] Exploded side view of the complete system. Shows base (102), central rod (104), locking mechanisms (106), support plates (108), trays (110, 112, 114, 116), and rubber stands (118). This figure illustrates how the parts stack vertically.

[0051] FIG. 2:

[0052] Assembled top view. Displays all four trays (110, 112, 114, 116) installed over the base (102), showing the vertical alignment and overall symmetry.

[0053] FIG. 3:

[0054] Top view (unlabeled). Shows the top-down perspective of one or more trays, focusing on the triangular cut-outs.

[0055] FIG. 4:

[0056] Rear view of assembled unit. Shows base (102) and trays (110, 112, 114, 116) from the side.

[0057] FIG. 5:

[0058] Bottom perspective view. Highlights rubber stands (118) under the base (102), showing stability features and tray alignment.

[0059] FIG. 6:

[0060] Detailed side view with supports showing straight the cut-outs. Displays all trays (110-116), supports (106), plates (108), base (102), and rubber feet (118) in assembled form.

[0061] FIG. 7:

[0062] Side sectional view with central rod visible. Includes rod (104), plates (108), base (102), trays, and all structural elements for internal perspective.

[0063] FIG. 8:

[0064] The trays from the opposite side of the cutouts. Could show one tray and its sector-shaped cut-out for clarity.

[0065] FIG. 9:

[0066] Close-up of locking mechanism and plate. Focus on placement of the support (106), plate (108) under the missing upper tray (116), and the demonstrated trays (112,114).

[0067] FIG. 10:

[0068] Partial cutaway of tray mounting with close up of the support. Shows rod (104), support (106), and tray (114) for illustrating height adjustment.

[0069] FIG. 11:

[0070] Close up of a locking support under a tray. Illustrates how support (106) stands beneath the missing tray (116)

[0071] FIG. 12:

[0072] Horizontal view of the system. While upper tray is missing but its support is demonstrated, remaining trays (110, 112, 114) are clearly demonstrated every one with its support.

[0073] FIG. 13:

[0074] The rod with the support of upper tray. Shows rod (104) and a support (106) holding tray (114) in early assembly phase.

[0075] FIG. 14: Upper view showing the plate with the absence of the upper tray while showing the other trays. Illustrates cut-outs on trays (114, 112, 110), and rod (104), emphasizing alignment for access.

[0076] FIG. 15:

[0077] Close up of the support of the upper tray showing also the two middle trays. Highlights how trays (112, 114) are supported on plates (108) and locked by supports (106).

[0078] FIG. 16:

[0079] Base and rod perspective. Isolated view of base (102), rod (104), and rubber feet (118).

[0080] FIG. 17:

[0081] Early assembly step. Base (102), rod (104), and lowest tray (110) shown installed.

[0082] FIG. 18: Support and plate with the first tray (110) and support and plate without the second tray. Shows tray (110), plate (108), support (106), base (102), and rubber feet (118).

[0083] FIG. 19:

[0084] The first tray without cutout (110) and the support and plate of the second tray. Tray (110), plate (108), support (106), rod (104), and base (102) during mounting.

[0085] FIG. 20:

[0086] Component breakout repetition. Three repeated assemblies of supports (106) and plates (108) possibly showing without the trays.

[0087] FIG. 21:

[0088] Upper trays only. Shows trays (112, 114, 116) to illustrate the uniformity and cut-outs at upper levels from upper perspective.

[0089] FIG. 22:

[0090] Similar to FIG. 21, alternate angle. Trays (112, 114, 116) again shown in stack to focus on cut-out alignment or spacing from the bottom.