Food And Beverage Serving Tray Having Automatic Latching Sides

Abstract

An expandable tray having a primary layer and a secondary layer having a substantially parallel configuration. The primary layer is configured to be moved in a direction of a third layer to orient the third layer and a support structure at approximately 90 degrees in relation to the secondary layer. The primary layer and the secondary layer have sidewalls forming a latching structure configured to interconnect the sidewalls, thereby orienting the tray in an expanded configuration between the primary layer and the secondary layer. A portion of the primary layer is foldable along a hinge point located within an opening thereon the primary layer, forming a support structure. A mounting surface is connected to a portion of the support structure. The mounting surface is connected to a portion of the secondary layer with an attaching element. A removable portion is connected to the mounting surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates, generally, to a printable food and beverage tray. More particularly, it relates to an expandable tray having double latching sides that are adapted to interconnect to orient the tray in an open configuration.

2. Background Art

Prior art concession trays have sidewalls with tabs that are inserted through corresponding openings in the tray during assembly. A user including, but not limited to, a concession employee or a quick service restaurant employee has to pre-assemble these trays having tabs in advance because the assembly process of positioning the tabs into the openings is time consuming. These tabs need to be individually inserted into their corresponding opening during the tray assembly. The assembled trays are then stacked and stored next to a register to be accessible to a user during the fulfillment of an order. When these bulky pre-assembled trays are stacked and stored next to a register, they take up valuable space which can be limited. Additionally, these bulky trays can obstruct a work area which can be burdensome to a user, can pose a fire hazard, and create a cluttered work space.

It is more desirable for a user to be able to quickly assemble a concession tray just prior to fulfilling an order and without having to store bulky trays. Thus, there is a need for a concession tray that does not require pre-assembly, stacking, and the storing of bulky trays prior to the fulfillment of an order. More particularly, when the assembly process of inserting the sidewall tabs into the corresponding tray openings becomes burdensome and time consuming, the needed interconnecting latching mechanism would better act to quickly and more efficiently position the tray in an upright configuration.

Prior art nesting trays and molded trays are not adapted to be received by an electrophotographic machine. It is more desirable for a concession tray to be adapted to be received by an electrophotographic machine including, but not limited to, a printer so the concession tray can receive text or an image located on a surface of the tray for advertising or promotional display.

However, in view of the prior art considered as a whole at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The long-standing but heretofore unfulfilled need for an expandable tray having a primary layer and a secondary layer having a substantially parallel configuration, a primary layer configured to be moved in a direction of a third layer to orient the third layer and a support structure at approximately 90 degrees in relation to the secondary layer, the primary layer and the secondary layer having sidewalls forming a latch configured to interconnect with each other, thereby orienting the tray in an expanded configuration between the primary layer and the secondary layer, and at least one opening having a size great enough to receive food and beverages which also includes improvements that overcome the limitations of prior art concession trays is now met by a new, useful, and non-obvious invention.

The invention includes an expandable tray having a housing with a primary layer located opposite a secondary layer. The primary layer has a primary sidewall, a secondary sidewall, a tertiary sidewall, and a quaternary sidewall. The secondary layer has a primary sidewall, a secondary sidewall, and a tertiary sidewall. The secondary layer is connected to an end of the quaternary sidewall of the primary layer, forming a primary hinge. The primary layer is connected to an end of the quaternary sidewall of the primary layer, forming a secondary hinge, whereby, the primary layer is foldable over the secondary layer. The primary and secondary layer sidewalls have protrusions located on both ends of the sidewalls. The protrusions are secured together with an attaching element including, but not limited to, adhesive, tape, double sided tape, a magnet, or a hook and loop attachment. When the primary layer is moved in a direction of the hinges relative to the stationary secondary layer, the quaternary sidewall shifts from an angle of between approximately 0 degrees and 60 degrees to approximately 90 degrees in relation to the secondary layer.

The primary and secondary layer sidewalls are located adjacent to the hinges and they each have a recess forming a lip. The lip of the primary layer sidewalls are adapted to interlock with the lip of the secondary layer sidewalls. A protrusion located on an end portion of each of the secondary layer sidewalls is connected to a protrusion located on each of the end portions of the quaternary sidewall of the primary layer. Each secondary layer sidewall protrusion is connected to both quaternary sidewall protrusions with an attaching element. This interconnecting together of the tray sidewalls creates a quick and efficient expandable concession tray that a user can simply pop-up when an order has been placed, rather than pre-assembling the intricate tabs of concession trays currently on the market.

It is within the scope of this invention for the expandable tray to initially have a closed configuration prior to use. The closed configuration of the tray is when the quaternary sidewall has an angle between approximately 0 degrees and 60 degrees in relation to the secondary layer. The concession tray has a substantially planar orientation when in a closed configuration. This allows for the ease of stacking and storing the more compact concession trays next to a register while taking food orders.

The substantially planar orientation of the closed configuration concession tray is less bulky and does not take up as much space as a conventional concession tray. After an order has been placed, a user can interconnect the lips of the primary and secondary layer sidewalls together to position the concession tray in an open configuration. The open configuration of the concession tray is when the concession tray has an upright alignment, allowing the tray to receive including, but not limited to, food and beverages. The open configuration is when the quaternary side and support structure both have an angle of approximately 90 degrees in relation to the secondary layer. It is within the scope of this invention for a tray to include, but not be limited to, having a depth and having a bottom portion forming a border.

In a preferred embodiment, the primary layer has two openings adapted to receive and secure including, but not limited to, a cup or a can. In another embodiment, these openings can have a plurality of reliefs radiating from the openings. The plurality of reliefs allows the openings to conform to a plurality of differing sized cups. Additionally, the primary layer has an opening adapted to receive and secure including, but not limited to, food, a plate, a bowl, or a container. It is within the scope of this invention for the primary layer to have at least one opening.

In an alternate embodiment, the novel concession tray housing includes a support structure. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure is substantially centrally located within the housing. It is within the scope of this invention that the support structure is not centrally located. A portion of the primary layer is foldable along a hinge point located within an opening thereon the primary layer, whereby, forming a support structure. A mounting surface is connected to a portion of the support structure. The mounting surface is connected to a portion of the secondary layer with an attaching element. This support structure of the tray is configured to support the upright alignment of the tray when the concession tray is in an open configuration.

In another embodiment, the tray can have at least one surface that is printed on, whereby, at least one layer has a surface thereon that allows for an image, text, or computer generated data. The text, image, human readable data, and computer generated data include, but are not limited to, advertising, a promotion, a logo, a product description, a coupon, or company information.

In yet another embodiment, the novel concession tray has a portion of at least one layer that is adapted to be removable. More particularly, a coupon printed on a portion of the concession tray can be easily torn away from the concession tray by an end user. It is within the scope of this invention for the concession tray to have a perforated, tear-away coupon.

These embodiments are illustrative of the invention and are not exhaustive thereof. As paper technology evolves, it is within the scope of this invention for all such future embodiments of the concession tray to be constructed of any such material to encompass these technological advances. It is a preferred embodiment for the novel expandable tray to be constructed of a recyclable material including, but not limited to, SUS and stone paper. It is within the scope of this invention for the concession tray to be constructed of any material capable of being printed upon including, but not limited to, Solid Unbleached Sulfate (SUS) paper, stone paper, Aqua-Kote carrier board, paperboard, cardboard, paper made from a bio-polymer, or paper made from a petroleum based polymer.

It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide a compact concession tray that is adapted to maximize storage space having interlocking sidewalls that easily expands the folded concession tray from a closed configuration to an upright open configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the novel unassembled tray;

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the novel tray having an expanded configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the novel tray having an expanded configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the interconnecting sidewalls.

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of the sidewalls having a latch.

FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of the novel expandable tray having a closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

In a general embodiment novel expandable tray 1 has primary layer 2 located opposite secondary layer 7. Tertiary layer 6 has a primary end connected to primary layer 2 forming a primary hinge 19. Tertiary layer 6 has a secondary end located opposite a primary end, whereby, the secondary end of tertiary layer 6 is connected to secondary layer 7 forming secondary hinge 11. Support structure 15 has a primary hinge 25A connected to primary layer 2. Support structure 15 is connected to secondary hinge 25B. Secondary hinge 25B of support structure 15 is connected to mounting surface 20. Mounting surface 20 is connected to secondary layer 7. Primary layer 2 has at least one opening 14, whereby, a portion of support structure 15 connects to a portion of border 21 of at least one opening 14.

Primary layer 2 and secondary layer 7 have a substantially parallel configuration, whereby, primary layer 2 is configured to be moved in a direction of primary hinge 19 of tertiary layer 6 and secondary hinge 11 of tertiary layer 6, whereby, orienting tertiary layer 6 and support structure 15 at approximately 90 degrees in relation to secondary layer 7, whereby, tray 1 has an expanded configuration between primary layer 2 and secondary layer 7.

Primary layer 2 has primary sidewall 3 located opposite secondary sidewall 5.

Secondary layer 7 has primary sidewall 8 located opposite secondary sidewall 10. A portion of primary sidewall 3 of primary layer 2 forms primary end 18C of primary latch 22. A portion of primary sidewall 8 of secondary layer 7 forms secondary end 18D of primary latch 22, whereby, primary end 18C of primary latch 22 and secondary end 18D of primary latch 22 interconnect.

Expandable tray 1 can have at least one layer having a surface thereon that allows for text (not shown) or an image (not shown).

Expandable tray 1 includes primary layer 2 having secondary openings 12A and 12B. Secondary openings 12A and 12B can have plurality of reliefs 13 radiating from its circumference. Reliefs 13 are configured to conform to a cup (not shown), whereby, reliefs 13 secure the cup.

Expandable tray 1 includes mounting surface 20 having removable portion 17 having perforated portion 24 connected to mounting surface 20. Removable portion 17 has at least one surface configured to display an image (not shown).

A portion of secondary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 forms primary end 18A of secondary latch 23. A portion of secondary sidewall 10 of secondary layer 7 forms secondary end 18B of secondary latch 23, whereby, primary end 18A of secondary latch 23 and secondary end 18B of secondary latch 23 interconnect.

Construction of the Novel Concession Tray

It will now be seen, referring to FIG. 1, novel concession tray 1 has primary layer 2 with primary sidewall 3, secondary sidewall 4, tertiary sidewall 5, and quaternary sidewall 6. Secondary layer 7 has primary sidewall 8, secondary sidewall 9, and tertiary sidewall 10. Secondary layer 7 is connected to quaternary sidewall 6 of primary layer 2 forming secondary hinge 11. Quaternary sidewall 6 has an end connected to primary layer 2 forming primary hinge 19 and an opposite end connected to secondary layer 7 forming secondary hinge 11 (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6). Secondary sidewall 4 (FIG. 3) of primary layer 2 connects to secondary sidewall 9 of secondary layer 7.

FIG. 1 depicts primary sidewall 3 of primary layer 2 having recess 16C, forming lip 18C. Tertiary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 has recesses 16A, forming lip 18A. Primary sidewall 8 of secondary layer 7 has recess 16D, forming lip 18D. Tertiary sidewall 10 of secondary layer 7 has recess 16B, forming lip 18B. A portion of primary sidewall 3 of primary layer 2 forms primary end 18C of primary latch 22. A portion of primary sidewall 8 of secondary layer 7 forms secondary end 18D of primary latch 22, whereby, primary end 18C of primary latch 22 and secondary end 18D of primary latch 22 interconnect (not shown).

FIGS. 4 and 5 show tertiary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 having recesses 16A, forming lip 18A. Tertiary sidewall 10 of secondary layer 7 has recess 16B, forming lip 18B. FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 illustrate a portion of secondary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 forming primary end 18A of secondary latch 23. A portion of secondary sidewall 10 of secondary layer 7 forms secondary end 18B of secondary latch 23, whereby, primary end 18A of secondary latch 23 and secondary end 18B of secondary latch 23 interconnect.

FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 depict concession tray 1 having primary layer 2 located opposite secondary layer 7. FIGS. 1-6 show primary layer 2 having openings 12A and 12B having a plurality of reliefs 13 radiating from its circumference. FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6 best show primary layer 2 having opening 14 which contains a portion of primary layer 2 that is configured to form support structure 15. FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6 illustrate support structure 15 being connected to border 21 of opening 14, forming primary hinge 25A connected to primary layer 2. Support structure 15 is connected to secondary hinge 25B. Secondary hinge 25B of supporting structure 15 is connected to mounting surface 20. Mounting surface 20 is connected to secondary layer 7. Mounting surface 20 has perforated end 24. Perforated end 24 is connected to removable portion 17.

Primary layer 2 has secondary sidewall 4 (FIG. 3) located opposite quaternary sidewall 6 (FIG. 2). FIGS. 4 and 5 best illustrate tertiary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 having lip 18A that is adapted to securely interconnect with lip 18B of tertiary sidewall 10 of secondary layer 7. Lips 18A and 18B are positioned to interconnect with each other to secure concession tray 1 in an open configuration, whereby a portion of tertiary sidewall 5 of primary layer 2 overlaps opposing recess 16B of secondary layer 7. A portion of tertiary sidewall 10 of secondary layer 7 overlaps opposing recess 16A of primary layer 2. Lips 18C and 18D (not shown) are positioned to interlock each other to secure concession tray 1 in an open configuration, whereby a portion of primary sidewall 3 of primary layer 2 overlaps opposing recess 16D of secondary layer 7. A portion of primary sidewall 8 of secondary layer 7 overlaps opposing recess 16C of primary layer 2. Lips 18A and 18B interlock on a side of tray 1 and lips 18C and 18D interlock on the other side of tray 1 to expand tray 1 in an upright, open configuration.

FIG. 6 shows concession tray 1 having a closed configuration when the latches (not shown) are not interconnected.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

1. An expandable tray, comprising:

a first layer located opposite a second layer;

a third layer, said third layer having a first end connected to said first layer forming a first hinge, said third layer having a second end located opposite said first end, whereby, said second end of said third layer connected to said second layer forming a second hinge;

a support structure, said support structure having a first hinge connected to said first layer, said support structure connected to a second hinge, said second hinge of said support structure connected to a mounting surface, said mounting surface connected to said second layer;

said first layer having at least one opening, whereby, a portion of said support structure connecting to a portion of a border of said at least one opening;

said first layer and said second layer having a substantially parallel configuration, whereby, said first layer is configured to be moved in a direction of said first hinge of said third layer and said second hinge of said third layer, whereby, orienting said third layer and said support structure at approximately 90 degrees in relation to said second layer, whereby, said tray having an expanded configuration between said first layer and said second layer;

said first layer having a first sidewall located opposite a second sidewall;

said second layer having a first sidewall located opposite a second sidewall;

a portion of said first sidewall of said first layer forming a first end of a first latch; and,

a portion of said first sidewall of said second layer forming a second end of said first latch, whereby, said first end of said first latch and said second end of said first latch interconnect.

2. The expandable tray of claim 1, wherein at least one layer having a surface thereon that allows for an image.

3. The expandable tray of claim 1, wherein at least one layer having a surface thereon that allows for text.

4. The expandable tray of claim 1, wherein said first layer having a second opening.

5. The expandable tray of claim 4, wherein said second opening having a plurality of reliefs radiating from its circumference, said reliefs configured to conform to a cup, whereby, said reliefs securing said cup.

6. The expandable tray of claim 1, wherein said mounting surface having a removable portion, whereby, said removable portion having a perforated end connected to said mounting surface, whereby, said mounting surface having at least one surface configured to display an image.

7. The expandable tray of claim 1, further comprising a portion of said second sidewall of said first layer forming a first end of a second latch, a portion of said second sidewall of said second layer forming a second end of said second latch, whereby, said first end of said second latch and said second end of said second latch interconnect.