Abstract: A covered food container or serving platter incorporates a cover stand as part of the structure of the container. The cover may be temporarily stored on the stand while the user obtains access to the container. In one embodiment a plurality of support columns are attached to and distributed about the serving platter, and correspond to a plurality of support extensions that extend from the lid of the cover. Each of the columns has a substantially hollow interior of appropriate dimension to slidably receive the support extensions when the cover is placed over and received upon the serving platter. As the cover is raised from the platter and the support extensions partially withdrawn from the support columns, at a certain height above the platter the support extensions and the support columns selectively interact to create an elevated support shelf from which to suspend the platter cover over the platter.

Abstract: A covered food container or serving platter incorporates a cover stand as part of the structure of the container. The cover may be temporarily stored on the stand while the user obtains access to the container. In one embodiment a central support extends from the serving platter and receives a central support shaft formed within the cover. When the cover is resting upon the platter, the shaft is fully received within the central support. As the cover is raised, the support shaft follows, and is gradually withdrawn from the central support. Projecting cam lobes are formed in a longitudinal manner on the surface of the support shaft, and support shaft stops project inwardly from the outer walls of the central support near the upper opening thereof.

Abstract: A covered food container or serving platter incorporates a cover stand as part of the structure of the container. The cover may be temporarily stored on the stand while the user obtains access to the container. In one embodiment a portion of the cover is received within a suitably configured retention area formed within the container. Another covered serving container utilizes a central support extending from the platter and a corresponding support that extends from the cover, with an interlocking possible at the maximum extension of each support, thus separating the cover from the platter. A further embodiment utilizes a pair of covers, one receivable upon another to enable a nesting storage with access available to the exposed container storage area. A surface rib and groove formed in corresponding surfaces of the two covers provides stability when in the nested configuration.