U.S. patent application number 10/357758 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-05 for food and activity tray.
Invention is credited to Sgrignoli, John.
Application Number | 20040149621 10/357758 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32771058 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040149621 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sgrignoli, John |
August 5, 2004 |
Food and activity tray
Abstract
A food and activity tray possessing the ability to accommodate
different permutations and sizes of food and beverage packages or
containers, wherein the tray further provides a functional work
surface and/or activity surface capable of receiving a plurality of
interchangeable game faces or plates for entertainment
purposes.
Inventors: |
Sgrignoli, John; (Marietta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS & KAPLAN, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, L.L.C.
1899 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 310
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
32771058 |
Appl. No.: |
10/357758 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/564 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/564 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/34 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A food and activity tray, comprising: at least one beverage
holder; at least one surface for accommodating the placement
thereon of a user-selected item; and at least one interchangeable
game plate adapted to be received by said at least one surface.
2. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising at
least one variable food holder adapted to receive either a beverage
cup or a food container.
3. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising at
least one coupon holder.
4. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising at
least one writing utensil.
5. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said at least one
surface comprises a game face formed thereon.
6. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said at least one
surface is adapted to receive and retain food items placed
thereon.
7. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said at least one
surface is adapted to function as a work surface.
8. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising at
least one trough for retaining user-selected items therein.
9. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising a logo
region for the placement of user-selected indicia thereon.
10. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising
frictional pads on the underside of said food and activity
tray.
11. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said food and
activity tray is substantially wedge-shaped.
12. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said at least
one surface comprises at least one slot for receiving and retaining
at least one tab formed on a removably securable game plate.
13. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said at least
one surface comprises a magnetic underlay for the magnetic
attraction of magnetically susceptible interchangeable game plates
and game pieces.
14. A food and activity tray, comprising: at least one beverage
holder; at least one surface for accommodating the placement
thereon of a user-selected item; and at least one coupon
holder.
15. The food and activity tray of claim 14, further comprising at
least one variable food holder adapted to receive either a beverage
cup or a food container.
16. The food and activity tray of claim 14, further comprising at
least one writing utensil.
17. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least
one surface comprises a game face formed thereon.
18. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least
one surface is adapted to receive and retain at least one
interchangeable game plate.
19. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least
one surface is adapted to receive and retain food items placed
thereon.
20. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least
one surface is adapted to function as a work surface.
21. The food and activity tray of claim 14, further comprising at
least one trough for retaining user-selected items therein.
22. The food and activity tray of claim 14, further comprising a
logo region for the placement of user-selected indicia thereon.
23. The food and activity tray of claim 14, further comprising
frictional pads on the underside of said food and activity
tray.
24. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said food and
activity tray is substantially wedge-shaped.
25. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least
one surface comprises at least one slot for receiving and retaining
at least one tab formed on a removably securable game plate.
26. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least
one surface comprises a magnetic underlay for the magnetic
attraction of magnetically susceptible interchangeable game plates
and game pieces.
27. A food and activity tray, comprising: at least one beverage
holder; at least one surface for accommodating the placement
thereon of a user-selected item; and at least one writing
utensil.
28. The food and activity tray of claim 27, further comprising at
least one variable food holder adapted to receive either a beverage
cup or a food container.
29. The food and activity tray of claim 27, further comprising at
least one coupon holder.
30. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least
one surface comprises a game face formed thereon.
31. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least
one surface is adapted to receive and retain at least one
interchangeable game plate.
32. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least
one surface is adapted to receive and retain food items placed
thereon.
33. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least
one surface is adapted to function as a work surface.
34. The food and activity tray of claim 27, further comprising at
least one trough for retaining user-selected items therein.
35. The food and activity tray of claim 27, further comprising a
logo region for the placement of user-selected indicia thereon.
36. The food and activity tray of claim 27, further comprising
frictional pads on the underside of said food and activity
tray.
37. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said food and
activity tray is substantially wedge-shaped.
38. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least
one surface comprises at least one slot for receiving and retaining
at least one tab formed on a removably securable game plate.
40. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least
one surface comprises a magnetic underlay for the magnetic
attraction of magnetically susceptible interchangeable game plates
and game pieces.
41. A food and activity tray, comprising: at least one beverage
holder; at least one surface for accommodating the placement
thereon of a user-selected item; and at least one variable food
holder adapted to receive a user-selected food item, said
user-selected food item selected from the group consisting of
contained beverages and jacketed solid foods.
42. The food and activity tray of claim 41, further comprising at
least one writing utensil.
43. The food and activity tray of claim 41, further comprising at
least one coupon holder.
44. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least
one surface comprises a game face formed thereon.
45. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least
one surface is adapted to receive and retain at least one
interchangeable game plate.
46. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least
one surface is adapted to receive and retain food items placed
thereon.
47. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least
one surface is adapted to function as a work surface.
48. The food and activity tray of claim 41, further comprising at
least one trough for retaining user-selected items therein.
49. The food and activity tray of claim 41, further comprising a
logo region for the placement of user-selected indicia thereon.
50. The food and activity tray of claim 41, further comprising
frictional pads on the underside of said food and activity
tray.
51. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said food and
activity tray is substantially wedge-shaped.
52. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least
one surface comprises at least one slot for receiving and retaining
at least one tab formed on a removably securable game plate.
53. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least
one surface comprises a magnetic underlay for the magnetic
attraction of magnetically susceptible interchangeable game plates
and game pieces.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to food trays, and
more specifically to a food and activity tray. The present
invention is particularly suitable for, although not strictly
limited to, receiving and retaining packaged or jacketed food and
beverage items placed therein and thereon, yet providing a
functional work and/or activity surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] For purposes of convenience and expediency, or on account of
time constraints, many individuals often resort to consuming food
products within and/or while operating their vehicles, wherein such
food products/items are often procured via conveniently accessible
fast-food restaurants, delis, cafes, grocers, or the like. This
convenient accessibility of such food, however, can often be
outweighed by the burdensome inconvenience associated with
handling/managing the food items within and/or while operating a
vehicle.
[0003] More specifically, a typical fast-food type meal, which may
include a main dish, such as a sandwich, a side dish, such as
French fries, and a beverage, can be cumbersome and difficult to
simultaneously manage/handle and consume, and can even present a
dangerous condition if conducted while operating a vehicle.
However, as vehicle beverage holders and/or console compartments
are limited in their capacity to receive and retain multiple
packaged food products, vehicular occupants are left with little
choice, but to juggle the food items between an available hand, or
open lap, and a beverage holder or console compartment, all in the
process of consuming the same, thus increasing the chances of food
or beverage spillage, and presenting a hazardous driving
condition.
[0004] As such, in attempts to remedy the aforementioned
inconveniences, many individuals utilize conventionally available
automobile food trays to facilitate handling and management of
purchased fast-food, or the like. In general, however, most
available automobile food trays possess inherent disadvantages that
render their use highly inefficient, impractical and
problematic.
[0005] Specifically, most available automobile food trays are
limited in either their ability to effectively accommodate and
retain a variety of differently sized beverage cups, food
containers and/or food jacket sizes, and are thus limited in the
number of permutations of food array that may be carried within the
food tray.
[0006] Another significant disadvantage of most automobile food
trays, however, is their inability to be utilized as anything more
than food retaining devices, and are thus, often discarded after a
limited, if not a first, use. That is, most available automobile
food trays lack the ability to be re-used and/or provide a
functional work and/or activity surface for use by the vehicle's
operator or front/rear passengers.
[0007] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a
food and activity tray that has the ability to provide a functional
work and/or activity surface, yet still accommodate a plurality of
permutations of food array in differently sized packages or
containers.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present
invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the
recognized need for such a device by providing a food and activity
tray possessing the ability to accommodate different permutations
and sizes of food and beverage packages or containers, wherein the
tray further provides a functional work surface and/or activity
surface capable of receiving a plurality of interchangeable game
faces or plates for entertainment purposes.
[0009] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention in its preferred form is a food and activity tray
having beverage holders, variable food holder, main surface,
retaining trough, interchangeable game plates, tethered writing
utensil, removably securable coupon holder, and logo region.
[0010] More specifically, the present invention is a food and
activity tray, wherein the tray preferably possesses beverage
holders dimensioned to receive a variety of differently sized
beverage cups, and a variable food holder capable of receiving
either a beverage cup of any size, or a food container, such as the
jacket or cardboard sleeve utilized to contain French fries. The
tray further possesses a main surface for the placement of food
thereon, wherein the main surface also functions as a work surface
onto which a pad of paper, laptop, or the like, may be placed,
retained and utilized in conjunction with a tethered writing
utensil attached to the main surface.
[0011] The main surface also preferably possesses a checkerboard
etched thereon for purposes of playing checkers and/or chess.
Additionally, the main surface possesses an outer or peripheral
retaining lip, wherein the area defined therein is dimensioned to
receive a plurality to interchangeable game plates that are
preferably retained in place via the peripheral retaining lip. A
retaining trough formed adjacent the main surface preferably
functions to retain therein eating utensils, additional writing
utensils, condiment packages, and/or any other desired item.
[0012] The tray further incorporates a removably securable coupon
holder for securely retaining a user's coupons, discount cards, or
the like, for utilization at applicable eateries or
restaurants.
[0013] As an added feature, the tray also preferably possesses a
frontally disposed logo panel or region for the placement or
retention of logos, decals, or the like, thereon, thereby
permitting fast-food restaurants, beverage manufacturers, and/or
other food suppliers and/or manufacturers, to advertise their
respective food products/logos thereon.
[0014] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to accommodate different permutations and sizes of food and
beverage packages or containers.
[0015] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to provide a food tray having a functional work surface
and/or activity surface capable of receiving a plurality of
interchangeable game faces or plates for entertainment
purposes.
[0016] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the
checkerboard etched onto the main surface of the tray, thus
facilitating the playing of checkers and/or chess thereon.
[0017] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to capture and maintain a child's attention via the
incorporated interchangeable game plates, thus preoccupying the
child after he/she has consumed his/her meal.
[0018] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
ability to facilitate the handling/management of food items within
and/or while operating a vehicle.
[0019] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the
novel incorporation of a food tray with interchangeable game
faces.
[0020] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the
novel incorporation of a food tray with a coupon holder.
[0021] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the
novel incorporation of a food tray with a tethered writing utensil,
thus facilitating the alternate use of the food tray as a
functional work surface.
[0022] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the
novel incorporation of a food tray with a variable food holder
capable of receiving either a beverage cup of any size, or a food
container, such as the jacket or cardboard sleeve utilized to
contain French fries.
[0023] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
textured surface that effectively hides fingerprints, and further
reduces slippage of the tray from a user's hands.
[0024] A feature and advantage of the present invention are the
non-skid, frictional pads on the underside of the tray that
reduce/eliminate movement of the tray when placed upon the user's
lap, car seat, or other interior vehicular surface, such as the
dashboard or console.
[0025] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the
alterable logo panel that permits customization of the tray for
advertisement purposes, or the like.
[0026] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
angled or wedge shape design that permits the tray to sit
substantially level when placed upon a passenger's lap, or upon a
car seat.
[0027] A feature and advantage of the present invention is the
peripheral retaining lip of the main surface that functions to
maintain food particles and/or spilled liquids therewithin, thus
preventing spillage of food and/or beverage onto the vehicle's
upholstery.
[0028] A feature and advantage of the present invention is its
angled walls that permit the convenient and compact stacking of a
plurality of the present inventive trays.
[0029] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the
art from the following description and claims when read in light of
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The present invention will be better understood by reading
the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like
reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like
elements throughout, and in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a top view of a food and activity tray according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
showing the device in use.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
showing the device in use.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
showing the device in use.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
showing the device in use.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
showing the device in use.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray
according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention,
showing the device in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS
[0039] In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the
present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, specific
terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention,
however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology
so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element
includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner
to accomplish similar functions.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention in a
preferred embodiment is a food and activity tray 10 having, in
general, body 20, wherein body 20 comprises beverage holders 40 and
60, variable food holder 80, main surface 100, and retaining trough
120, and wherein tray 10 further comprises interchangeable game
plates 140, tethered writing utensil 160, coupon holder 180, and
logo region 200.
[0041] Preferably, body 20 is substantially wedge-shaped for
purposes of maintaining tray 10 on a level plane when placed upon a
user's lap, car seat, car console, or any other angled surface, as
more fully described below. As tray 10 will inherently be dirtied
by food particles, cooking oils, spilled condiments and/or
beverages, body 20 is preferably formed from a durable,
dishwasher-safe plastic to facilitate the cleansing, and thus
re-use, of tray 10. Moreover, body 20 is preferably textured to
assist in concealing fingerprints due to the handling of oily
foods, and for purposes of reducing slippage when held.
[0042] Preferably, front wall 20A, rear wall 20B, and sidewalls 20C
and 20D are outwardly angled to permit the compact stacking and
storage of plurality of trays 10, as more fully described below.
Furthermore, body 20, and tray 10 in general, preferably possesses
rounded edges for purposes of safety.
[0043] Although, plastic is the preferred material for manufacture
of body 20, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that
other suitable materials could be utilized, such as, for exemplary
purposes only, metal, or treated and sealed wood. Additionally,
although tray 10 is preferably re-useable, it is contemplated in an
alternate embodiment that tray 10 could be disposable and/or
recyclable, wherein body 20 could be formed from any suitable
material known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes
only, durable corrugated cardboard, or expanded rigid polystyrene
plastic.
[0044] Preferably, front region 22 of body 20 is the thickest
portion of wedge-shaped body 20, wherein front region 22 preferably
tapers off into back region 24, the thinnest portion of
wedge-shaped body 20.
[0045] Preferably formed in alignment on top surface 22A of front
region 22 of body 20 is variable food holder 80 and beverage
holders 40 and 60. Beverage holders 40 and 60 are preferably
frustoconical-shaped, and possess closed bottoms for the support of
beverages placed therein, and for capture of beverage condensation
and/or spillage. Preferably, the size and frustoconical shape of
beverage holder 40 enables the placement and supportive retention
therein of a variety of differently sized beverage cups, including
those having a volumetric capacity greater than conventional large
beverage cup sizes, such as those commonly referred to as
SUPER-SIZED beverages. As best illustrated in FIG. 1, beverage
holder 60 preferably possesses a smaller diameter than beverage
holder 40, and further preferably possesses a tiered or graduated
interior configuration for purposes of facilitating accommodation
of a variety of smaller cup sizes, as is known within the art.
Although the preferred shape of beverage holders 40 and 60 is
frustoconical, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that
beverage holders 40 and 60 could be any other suitable shape or
configuration to facilitate the placement and retention of a
variety of beverage cups therein.
[0046] Variable food holder 80 preferably possesses truncated
frustoconical-shaped mid-section 82 bisected therethrough by
downwardly-tapered slot 84, wherein slot 84 is preferably
substantially rectangular-shaped; although other suitable shapes
could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, elliptical
or diamond. Preferably, the size and generally frustoconical shape
of mid-section 82, enables the placement and supportive retention
therein of a variety of differently sized beverage cups, including
those having a volumetric capacity greater than the conventional
large beverage cup size, such as those commonly referred to as
SUPER-SIZED beverages.
[0047] Alternatively, a user of tray 10 may opt to place a jacketed
food item within variable food holder 80, instead of a beverage
within mid-section 82. As such, slot 84 is preferably suitably
shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a variety of differently
sized food containers and/or jackets, including those having a
volumetric capacity greater than the conventional large size,
wherein an example of such a lager-sized food item may include
SUPER-SIZED French fries.
[0048] Preferably, back region 24 of body 20 possesses main surface
100, wherein main surface 100 is preferably enclosed by raised
peripheral lip 102. Preferably formed adjacent to main surface 100
is retaining trough 120, wherein raised peripheral lip 102
preferably also extends around and encloses retaining trough
120.
[0049] Separately and collectively, main surface 100 and retaining
trough 120 provide a plurality of functional options for a user of
tray 10. Within the scope of food consumption, however, main
surface 100 is adapted to support a plurality of food items such
as, for exemplary purposes only, sandwiches, wherein raised
peripheral lip 102 functions to maintain food particles/crumbs or
spillage within main surface 100. Retaining trough 120 functions to
retain eating utensils, condiment packages, spice packages,
napkins, toothpicks, or the like, thus facilitating the user's
eating experience.
[0050] Main surface 100 and retaining trough 120 also preferably
function as an activity or game surface. Specifically, formed
preferably on main surface 100 is checkerboard 104, wherein
checkerboard 104 is preferably formed thereon via any suitable
means known with in the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only,
heat embossing, etching, painting, printing, or could alternatively
be in the form of an adhesive decal, or the like. Checkerboard 104
further preferably possesses a plurality of aligned peg holes 104A
for receipt and retention of pegged game pieces GP therein, thus
preventing movement of same during vehicle motion and/or sudden
stop. Checkerboard 104 preferably enables a user of tray 10 to play
chess or checkers thereon, wherein game pieces GP, or any other
game pieces, may be user-supplied or supplied by the merchandiser
or distributor of tray 10. It is contemplated in an alternate
embodiment that main surface 100 could possess a magnetic underlay
for purposes of facilitating the magnetic attraction and adherence
of magnetically susceptible game pieces thereon, thus preventing
movement of same during vehicle motion and/or sudden stop.
[0051] Main surface 100 is further preferably adapted to receive
interchangeable game plates 140, wherein interchangeable game
plates 140 are preferably any desired game plate overlay, and
wherein game pieces for interchangeable game plates 140, and
interchangeable game plates 140 themselves, may be user-supplied or
supplied by the merchandiser or distributor of tray 10.
Interchangeable game plates 140 are preferably retained in place
upon main surface 100 via raised peripheral lip 102.
[0052] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that
interchangeable game plates 140 could possess a magnetic underlay
for purposes of facilitating the magnetic attraction and adherence
of magnetically susceptible game pieces thereon, thus preventing
movement of same during vehicle motion and/or sudden stops, or for
magnetically adhering magnetically susceptible interchangeable game
plates 140 to a magnetic main surface 100. In yet another alternate
embodiment, it is contemplated that main surface 100 could possess
hook-and-loop fasteners for retention of interchangeable game
plates 140 thereon, wherein interchangeable game plates 140 would
possess reciprocal hook-and-loop fasteners. In still another
alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that interchangeable game
plates 140 could possess a plurality of aligned throughholes
capable of being superimposed and aligned over peg holes 104A of
main surface 100 for insertion therethrough of pegged game pieces
GP, or the like. Additionally, interchangeable game plates 140 can
be formed from any suitable material known within the art, such as,
for exemplary purposes only, laminated printed game boards for easy
cleanup, disposable paper game boards/plates, re-useable and
durable plastic game boards/plates having the game face etched,
heat embossed, painted or printed thereon. It is contemplated that
main surface 100 could also receive promotional inserts or
overlays, placed thereon via a merchandiser or distributor of tray
10.
[0053] In conjunction with main surface 100, retaining trough 120
preferably functions to house game pieces, or the like.
Additionally, for purposes of ready accessibility, preferably
affixed at aft end 122 of retaining trough 120, proximal rear wall
20B of body 20, is tethered writing utensil 160, wherein tethered
writing utensil 160 is preferably tethered thereto via resilient
coiled cord 124, and wherein writing utensil 160 is preferably any
suitable writing utensil known with the art, such as, for exemplary
purposes only, ink pen, pencil, or marker.
[0054] Main surface 100 and retaining trough 120 also preferably
provides a functional work surface, wherein main surface 100 is
preferably capable of receiving and supporting paper pad P, or a
laptop, thereon and within raised peripheral lip 102, and wherein
retaining trough 120 preferably functions to retain additional
writing utensils, erasers, paper clips, binder clips, tape,
adhesive note paper, or the like, thus transforming tray 10 into a
portable home office.
[0055] Similarly, main surface 100 and retaining trough 120 also
preferably function as a child's activity surface, wherein main
surface 100 is adapted to receive a child's activity book thereon,
and wherein retaining trough 120 functions to retain a child's
coloring pencils, or the like.
[0056] Preferably, sidewalls 20A, 20B, 20C or 20D of body 20 are
adapted to receive rectangular-shaped, clip-like coupon holder 180,
wherein coupon holder 180 is preferably removably securable
thereto, thus permitting user-selected application or removal
therefrom. Preferably, coupon holder 180 permits the placement and
retention therein of a plurality of coupons, discount cards, or the
like, for utilization at applicable eateries or restaurants.
[0057] It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that coupon
holder 180 could be formed on and partially cut out from sidewalls
20A, 20B, 20C or 20D of body 20 as a rectangular-shaped flap
capable of flexing outwardly to permit the placement and retention
therein of coupons, or the like. It is contemplated in yet another
alternate embodiment that coupon holder 180 could function to
retain items other than coupons, such as, for exemplary purposes
only, folded interchangeable game plates 140, business cards,
adhesive note paper, maps, grocery store lists, or the like.
[0058] Preferably formed on front wall 20A of body 20 is and logo
panel or logo region 200 for the placement or retention of logos,
decals, or the like, thereon, thereby permitting fast-food
restaurants, beverage manufacturers, and/or other food suppliers
and/or manufacturers, to advertise their respective food
products/logos thereon. Logo region 200 is preferably slightly
recessed to promote a distinguishable surface differentiation for
purposes of facilitating proper placement/centering of a logo on
front wall 20A.
[0059] Preferably positioned at front edge 21 of body 20 is
non-skid frictional pad 190, wherein pad 190 functions to
reduce/eliminate movement of tray 10 when placed upon the user's
lap, car seat, or other interior vehicular surface, such as the
dashboard or console. It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment
that the entire underside of tray 10 could possess a non-skid,
frictional overlay, or plurality of intermittently spaced non-skid,
frictional pads for added stability.
[0060] Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 4-6, due to the
wedge-shaped of body 20, tray 10 is able to be maintained on a
level plane when placed upon a user's lap, car console, or car
seat. Additionally, with reference to FIG. 7, outwardly angled
walls 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D of tray 10 preferably function to
permit a fast-food restaurant, or other supplier of tray 10, to
compactly stack and store a plurality of trays 10 for eventual
distribution to consumers. Furthermore, upon accumulating a
plurality of trays 10, a user may also stack and store the
plurality of trays 10 within the user's vehicle.
[0061] Referring now more specifically to FIG. 8, illustrated
therein is an alternate embodiment of tray 10, wherein the
alternate embodiment of FIG. 8 is substantially equivalent in form
and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and
illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 except as hereinafter specifically
referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 8 incorporates
slots 300 and 302, formed proximal sidewalls 20C and 20D,
respectively, of body 20, wherein slots 300 and 302 function to
retain interchangeable game plates 340 presented herein as an
alternate embodiment. Specifically, interchangeable game plates 340
possess tabs 342 and 344 dimensioned to be received by slots 300
and 302, respectively, thereby permitting the secured retention of
interchangeable game plates 340 thereon. Additionally, the present
alternate embodiment is illustrated without raised peripheral lip
102 formed along sidewalls 20C and 20D; however, it is contemplated
that raised peripheral lip 102 could be incorporated along
sidewalls 20C and 20D in the present alternate embodiment if
desired. It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that
advertising inserts could also be equipped with tabs for retention
of the inserts within slots 300 and 302.
[0062] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that
beverage holders 40 and 60, and/or variable food holder 80, could
possess absorption pads disposed therein, thus facilitating the
absorption of moisture, condensation and/or spillage from the
beverages.
[0063] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate a sliding drawer to hold interchangeable game
plates 140 or 340, additional writing utensils, eating utensils,
napkins, straws, condiment packages, paper pads, and/or any other
suitable article.
[0064] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could possess integrally molded side slots to permit the passage
therethrough of a seatbelt, thus firmly securing tray 10 to an
empty passenger car seat.
[0065] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that the
underside of tray 10 could possess a beanbag, or other
pliable/moldable/gel cushioning, for comfort on a user's lap, as
well as to facilitate accommodation of tray 10 over an uneven
surface.
[0066] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that main
surface 100 could possess a transparent plastic sleeve or pocket
for the insertion therein of interchangeable game plates 140 or
340, advertising inserts, promotional papers, coupons, or the
like.
[0067] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that the
entirety, or a portion, of main surface 100 could be a dry or
wet-erase board for the erasable writing of notes or game play
thereon.
[0068] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that the
underside of tray 10 could be dimensioned to sit on
conventional-sized front and/or rear car consoles.
[0069] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that
front region 22 of tray 10 could possess a slot or clearing for
accommodation of the gear shifter in a vehicle, thus permitting
tray 10 to sit securely on the vehicle's front console.
[0070] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could possess slots/holes for holding writing utensils in an
upright position.
[0071] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that
writing utensil 160 could be removably affixed to tray 10 via
hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, clips, clasps, or the like.
[0072] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that main
surface 100 could possess a drawing surface that incorporates
magnetic shavings thereunder, wherein a metal-tipped drawing
utensil could be utilized to draw pictures on the drawing surface
by causing the magnetic shavings to adhere to the underside of the
drawing surface, as is known within the art.
[0073] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could possess a snap-shut lid for full coverage of the tray,
and/or coverage of retaining trough 120 only, wherein full coverage
of tray 10 by a snap-shut lid could permit refrigeration of
unfinished food.
[0074] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate a holder/slot/dispenser for tissues, dry/wet
napkins, and/or other sanitizing cloths, wherein tray 10 could
further incorporate a receptacle for storage of soiled
tissues/napkins.
[0075] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could possess hand-grips for bettering handling thereof.
[0076] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could possess handles for better handling thereof.
[0077] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate a plurality of individual slots/holes for the
retention therein of condiment packages/cups, and/or for dipping
sauce purposes.
[0078] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate hooks for over-the-door seating of the tray,
as is known within the art of drive-in restaurants.
[0079] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate foldable legs for support of tray 10 over a
user's lap.
[0080] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate a reading light for use of tray 10 in a dimly
lit vehicle, or at night.
[0081] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate a clipboard-type clamp/clip for holding
papers/pads thereon.
[0082] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that main
surface 100 and tray 10, in general, could incorporate a magnetic
underlay for purposes of attracting and adhering magnetic game
pieces, and the like, thereto.
[0083] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate a pencil sharpener.
[0084] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate a dispenser for accommodation of commonly
available adhesive note paper.
[0085] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that all
surfaces, or any select number of surfaces, of tray 10 could be
textured and slip-resistant.
[0086] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that main
surface 100 could incorporate prong-like holders or dividers for
the upright accommodation of tacos, and/or similar food items,
therein.
[0087] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate clasps for retaining eating utensils
therein.
[0088] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could be manufactured with promotional coupons attached thereto
and detachable therefrom.
[0089] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that the
underside, or any other applicable surface, of tray 10 could
incorporate suction cups for attachment of tray 10 to a vehicle
dashboard.
[0090] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could incorporate struts, supports, hooks, straps, and/or other
suitable supports that would facilitate attachment and support of
tray 10 to the back of a car seat.
[0091] It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that tray
10 could be utilized in most any type of setting and/or
environment, such as, for exemplary purposes only, boats,
airplanes, trains, parks, picnics, camping, hiking, tailgating, and
the like.
[0092] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the
within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other
alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention
is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but
is limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *