U.S. patent application number 10/758931 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-21 for foldable serving tray stand.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ex-Cell Metal Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Goldberg, Kenneth L..
Application Number | 20050155530 10/758931 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34749609 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050155530 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goldberg, Kenneth L. |
July 21, 2005 |
Foldable serving tray stand
Abstract
A serving tray stand includes two frames pivotably coupled at a
pivot point located on a common axis. The frames may be
substantially the same size and coupled offset from each other, or
differently sized and coupled one inside the other. Also included
are two cross bars, each attached to one of the frames below its
pivot point. The cross bars are connected to each other by at least
one restraining strap.
Inventors: |
Goldberg, Kenneth L.;
(Highland Park, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WELSH & KATZ, LTD
120 S RIVERSIDE PLAZA
22ND FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Ex-Cell Metal Products,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34749609 |
Appl. No.: |
10/758931 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/118 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 31/04 20130101;
A47B 3/02 20130101; A47B 3/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/118 |
International
Class: |
A47B 003/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A serving tray stand, comprising: first and second U-shaped
frames, each frame having first and second spaced parallel legs
connected by a transverse portion; the frames pivotably coupled at
a pivot point located on a common axis directed through each leg; a
first cross bar attached to the legs of the first U-shaped frame
below the pivot point; a second cross bar attached to the legs of
the second U-shaped frame below the pivot point; and at least one
restraining member coupled between the first and second cross bars
configured to prevent pivoting movement of the frames away from
each other by greater than a predetermined amount.
2. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the first and second
U-shaped frames are substantially the same size, and are coupled to
each another at the pivot point in an offset manner.
3. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein a distance between
the parallel legs of the first and second U-shaped frames is not
equal, such that one of the first and second frames is pivotably
coupled at a location inside the other of the first and second
frames.
4. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the first and second
U-shaped frames are made of material selected from the group
consisting of metal, wood, and plastic.
5. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein each of the legs
includes a foot member.
6. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the transverse
portions of the first and second U-shaped frames include at least
one bumper or ring configured to provide a frictional surface
7. The serving tray stand of claim 6, wherein the at least one
bumper or ring is made of rubber.
8. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the transverse
portions of the first and second U-shaped frames include at least
two bumpers or rings spaced from each another.
9. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the at least one
restraining member is a strap connecting the cross bars.
10. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the at least one
restraining member is made of material selected from the group
consisting of webbed material, fabric strap, and metal or plastic
chain.
11. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the cross bars and
the at least one restraining member are configured to hold service
items.
12. The serving tray stand of claim 11, wherein the service items
include bus tubs and/or serving trays.
13. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the legs are
integrally formed with the transverse portion.
14. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the legs are
connected to the upper transverse portion by a chemical adhesive or
mechanical fastener.
15. A serving tray stand, comprising: first and second U-shaped
frames, each frame having first and second legs connected by an
integrally formed transverse portion; the frames pivotably coupled
at a pivot point located on a common axis directed through each
leg; a first cross bar attached to the legs of the first U-shaped
frame below the pivot point; a second cross bar attached to the
legs of the second U-shaped frame below the pivot point; and
wherein the cross bars are connected to each other by at least one
restraining member configured to prevent pivoting movement of the
frames away from each other by greater than a predetermined
amount.
16. The serving tray stand of claim 15, wherein the legs are not
parallel and diverge away from each other.
17. The serving tray stand of claim 15, wherein the at least one
restraining member is a strap connecting the cross bars.
18. The serving tray stand of claim 15, wherein the at least one
restraining member is made of material selected from the group
consisting of webbed material, fabric strap, and metal or plastic
chain.
19. The serving tray stand of claim 1, wherein the cross bars and
the at least one restraining member are configured to hold service
items.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to folding serving
tray stands, and more particularly to a serving tray stand that
includes an open upper portion free of support straps, and lower
cross bars connected by at least one support strap or restraining
member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Lightweight serving tray stands are widely used in the food
service industry because they are easy to use, convenient, and
greatly increase server efficiency. Tray stands reduce the spillage
dangers inherent in serving with one hand while balancing a tray
with the other, allowing servers to transport several dishes to or
from a table in a single outing. Making a serving tray stand
foldable adds the advantages of space efficiency and ease of
storage and transport.
[0003] Serving tray stands constructed of a pair of pivoting frames
with support straps located above the frames' pivot points are well
known in the prior art. Examples include Wilson, U.S. Pat. No.
1,488,425, which provides a folding serving stand with flexible
bands connecting the upper portions of the stand; Spellman, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,580,750, which provides a restaurant tray support stand
with fabric bands connecting the upper portions of the stand; and
Sheffield, U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,525 which provides a folding table
apparatus with anchor loops connecting the frames of the apparatus
above their pivot point.
[0004] Support straps mounted to upper portion of the tray stand
frames above the pivot points may catch on the servers' arms, and
may also interfere with placement and removal of the serving tray
from the tray stand. This is particularly problematic when
wait-staff are required to deal with heavy serving trays. Instead
of freely and quickly removing the serving trays, servers must
carefully reach between the bottom of the tray and the top of the
straps to lift the trays without accidentally lifting or
overturning the tray stand. Serving speed and efficiency suffer
because servers are forced to maneuver between a solid tray bottom
and support straps, which may entangle an arm.
[0005] Additionally, many available serving tray stands lack any
protective means to prevent serving trays from sliding off of a
stand that is inadvertently jostled or tilted. It would be
desirable to include a provision so that a serving tray would rest
steadily on the stand, even if the stand were brushed against by
accident or in the course of service.
[0006] Further, many commercially available serving tray stands
merely provide an upper surface upon which to place a tray, without
providing any additional storage capabilities. It would be
desirable to includes provisions that permit temporary storage of
another service tray, or of a bus tub for carrying soiled
dishes.
[0007] Barile, U.S. Pat. No. 2,802,578, discloses a collapsible
serving stand which provides a single, unitary shelf positioned
below the pivot point of a pair of pivoting frames. A shelf is
attached on one side to a transverse rod and on the other side to a
transverse roller rod. The transverse rod is attached to one frame
member, and the roller rod is attached to the other frame member.
When the stand is collapsed, the roller rod slides along a slot
formed within two sides of the shelf, thus allowing the shelf to
pivot about the transverse rod. Though the shelf in Barile provides
additional storage, its permanent sliding and solid parts render it
vulnerable to breaking or catching. It is also necessarily heavier,
bulkier, and more difficult to transport than conventional serving
tray stands.
[0008] Accordingly, a need exists for a foldable serving tray stand
with an open upper portion free of support straps. Desirably, such
a tray stand includes protective bumpers or rings to prevent
serving trays from sliding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A foldable serving tray stand includes first and second
frames, each having spaced parallel legs connected by a transverse
portion. The frames are pivotably coupled at a pivot point located
on a common axis. Also included are first and second cross bars
attached to each frame below the pivot point. The cross bars are
connected to each other by at least one restraining member
configured to prevent pivoting movement of the frames away from
each other by greater than a predetermined amount.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the frames are U-shaped, with an
integrally formed transverse portion. The frames may be
substantially the same size and pivotally coupled in an offset
manner from each other. Alternatively, the frames may be
differently sized and coupled one inside the other. Preferably, the
U-shaped frames are made of metal, such as heavy gauge tubular
steel. Each of the legs of the U-shaped frames may be capped with a
plastic foot to provide secure contact with the floor upon which
the tray stand rests. Each of the integral upper transverse
portions of the U-shaped frames may include at least one bumper or
ring, preferably made of a non-slip material, such as rubber.
[0011] The cross bars may be connected to each other by at least
one restraining member or strap. Preferably, two space apart
restraining members are included. The straps may be made of a
webbed material or fabric, such as nylon strap or other synthetic
fabric. Most preferably, the crossbars and the strap(s) may be
configured to hold service items, such as bus tubs and additional
serving trays.
[0012] In an alternate embodiment, the first and second frames each
have transverse beams connecting each leg. The frames may be
substantially the same size and coupled in an offset manner from
each other, or may be differently sized and coupled one inside the
other. Preferably, the frames are made of wood, such as finished
hardwood. Each of the transverse beams may include at least one
non-slip ring or bumper. Most preferably, each transverse beam
includes two non-slip rings spaced from one another.
[0013] With respect to the bumpers or rings attached to the
transverse portions or beams 20, 22, 120, 122, either embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 or 2 may utilize the rubber rings or the raised
bumpers. Such bumpers may be fastened by any suitable method as
described herein, including screws, bolts, rivets, adhesive, and
the like. It is not material whether a construction made of wood,
plastic or metal utilizes the rings or the bumpers.
[0014] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention, together with the organization and manner of use
thereof, will become apparent from the following description of the
invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals designate like elements throughout
the several views.
[0015] While the present invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof
are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will
be described in detail. It should be understood that the drawings
and detailed descriptions thereof are not intended to limit the
invention to the particular form disclosed, but rather, the
invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable serving tray
stand in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present
invention, depicting the tray stand in an open state; and
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the foldable serving tray stand of the present invention, depicting
the tray stand in an open state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention is directed to a foldable serving tray
stand 10 as depicted in FIG. 1. The tray stand 10 generally
comprises a first U-shaped frame 12, pivotably coupled to a second
U-shaped frame 14. Both frames 12, 14 include spaced pairs of
parallel legs 16, 18 and transverse portions 20, 22. The transverse
portions 20, 22 may be integrally formed with the legs or may be
separate therefrom. The frames 12, 14 may be generally tubular in
shape, and made of metal or plastic. Preferably, the frames 12, 14
are made of heavy gauge tubular steel. Each of the legs 16,18 may
be capped with a foot 24. Preferably, the foot 24 is a rounded,
ball or disk-type plastic foot, which may be inserted securely into
the legs 16, 18. Such a foot 24 is advantageous because it prevents
objects from catching on an exposed foot edge, as may happen with
other, outside-fitting feet. Rounded feet 24 also are more
wear-resistant, provide exceptional stability, and protect floors
better than other types of feet.
[0019] The first and second frames 12, 14 are pivotably coupled to
each other at first and second pivot points 26, 28 located on a
common axis, labeled as "X." At the pivot points 26, 28, the
tubular material of the legs 16, 18 of the first and second frames
12, 14 may be indented, to better keep the legs in alignment with
respect to each other and prevent lateral movement. The frames 12,
14 are coupled at the pivot points 26, 28 with connectors, such as
screws, bolts, rivets, pins 30, and the like. The tray stand 10
depicted in FIG. 1 is shown in its open state. The frames 12, 14
may be folded together about their pivot points 26, 28 to close the
tray stand 10 to allow for easier transport or storage.
[0020] The frames 12, 14 may be substantially the same size and
coupled to each other in an offset manner, as seen in FIG. 1.
Alternately, they may be differently sized and coupled one inside
the other such that one frame "straddles" the other frame. In such
an alternate embodiment, the outside edges of the legs of one frame
contact the inside edges of the legs of the other frame at the
pivot point. However, tray stands composed of differently-sized
frames are necessarily more technically demanding and expensive to
manufacture, requiring production and stocking of two separate
frames. In contrast, tray stands constructed with a pair of
same-sized frames are simpler and less expensive to manufacture,
requiring production and stocking of only one frame type and
size.
[0021] First and second tubular cross bars 32, 34 are attached to
the legs 16, 18 of the first and second frames 12, 14 respectively,
below the pivot points 26, 28. The cross bars 32, 34 are attached
to the legs 16, 18 with connectors such as screws, bolts, rivets,
pins 36, or any suitable connector. In the specific embodiment of
FIG. 1, the cross bars 32, 34 are coupled to each other by two
support straps 38, 40. At their ends, the support straps 38, 40 are
partially wrapped around the cross bars 32, 34 and fastened with
adhesives or connectors, such as screws, bolts, pins, or staples.
Further, any suitable connection method may be used, such as
welding in place, and the like. Although the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 1 discloses two support straps 38, 40, the serving tray
stand 10 of the present invention also may be constructed with only
one strap, or with more than two straps (not shown). Preferably,
the support straps are made of webbed material (webbing), fabric,
nylon or other synthetic fabric, and the like, which are sturdy and
easily washed. Alternately, a suitable chain may be used.
[0022] The integral upper transverse portions 20, 22 of the frames
12, 14 preferably bear two protective bumpers 42, 44 and 46, 48
respectively, spaced from one another. Again, although the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 discloses two bumpers 42, 44 and
46, 48 located on each of the transverse portions 20, 22 of the
frames 12, 14, the serving tray stand 10 of the present invention
also may be constructed with only one bumper on each transverse
portion, or with more than two bumpers (not shown). Preferably, the
bumpers are made of rubber, or another suitable non-slip material.
The bumpers 42, 44 and 46, 48 may be attached to the transverse
portions 20, 22 of the frames 12, 14 with chemical adhesive or
connectors, such as screws, bolts, pins, or any suitable connector.
In the preferred embodiment, the bumpers 42, 44 and 46, 48 are
small, raised, and generally annular in shape, but any shape or
size of bumper may be used.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, operation of the present invention now
will be described. First, a server must ensure the tray stand 10
has been unfolded into its open state, as shown in FIG. 1. The
server may then rest a serving tray (not shown) on the transverse
portions 20, 22 of the frames 12, 14. The bumper pairs 42, 44 and
46, 48 prevent the tray from sliding off the stand 10 should the
tray or stand be accidentally jostled or tilted. The retaining
members or support straps 38, 40 fastened to the cross bars 32, 34,
prevent the legs 16, 18 of the frames 12, 14 from spreading greater
than an amount governed by length of the straps. Preferably, the
length of the support straps permit the frames 12,14 to separate to
a maximum angle of about sixty degrees. However, any suitable angle
of separation may be permitted depending upon the specific
application. In addition, the cross bars 32, 34 and support straps
38, 40 create a temporary storage area below the pivot points 26,
28 configured to hold service items, such as bus tubs or extra
serving trays (not shown).
[0024] The "openness" or non-blocked feature of the upper portion
of the tray stand 10 provides a significant advantage to a server
attempting to remove a serving tray. Most conventional tray stands
include support straps above their pivot points, which typically
connect their upper transverse portions to each other. Servers
using such tray stands must carefully reach between the service
tray bottom and top of the straps to lift trays, taking precautions
not to entangling an arm and accidentally lift or overturn the tray
stand. The open tray stand 10 of the present invention allows the
server to freely and quickly remove serving trays without the
nuisance of straps at that location, thus increasing serving speed
and efficiency of the wait-staff.
[0025] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is depicted
in FIG. 2. The tray stand 110 generally comprises a first frame
112, pivotably coupled to a second frame 114. Both frames 112, 114
may include spaced pairs of substantially parallelepiped-shaped
parallel legs 116, 118 and oblate cylindrical upper transverse
beams 120, 122. The frames may be made of wood, preferably,
finished hardwood. Of course, any suitable material may be
used.
[0026] The first and second frames 112, 114 are pivotably coupled
to each other at first and second pivot points 126, 128 located on
a common axis, labeled as "X." The frames 112, 114 are coupled at
the pivot points 126, 128 with connectors, such as screws, bolts,
or pins 130. The tray stand 110 depicted in FIG. 2 is shown in its
open state. The frames 112, 114 may be folded together about their
pivot points 126, 128, closing the tray stand 110 to allow for
easier transport or storage. The frames 112, 114 may be
substantially the same size and coupled in an offset manner from
each other, or may be differently sized and coupled one inside the
other, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0027] First and second rectangular parallelepiped cross bars 132,
134 are attached to the legs 116, 118 of the first and second
frames 112, 114 respectively, below the pivot points 126, 128. The
cross-sectional shape of the components may be round, rectangular,
or any other suitable shape. The cross bars 132, 134 are attached
to the legs 116, 118 with a suitable chemical adhesive or a
suitable connectors such as screws, bolts, pins, rivets, and the
like. The cross bars 132, 134 are connected to each other by two
support straps or restraining members 138, 140. At their ends, the
support straps 138, 140 may be partially wrapped around the cross
bars 132, 134, and fastened with adhesives or connectors such as
screws, bolts, pins, or staples. Although the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2 discloses two support straps 138, 140, the
serving tray stand 110 of the present invention also may be
constructed with only one strap, or with more than two straps (not
shown). Preferably, the support straps are made of webbed material
(webbing), which is both sturdy and easily washed. Any suitable
material may be used, such as fabric, nylon or other synthetic
fabric, metal or plastic chain, and the like.
[0028] The upper transverse beams 120, 122 of the frames 112, 114
preferably bear two close-fitting, protective rings 142, 144 and
146, 148 respectively, spaced from one another. Again, though the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 discloses two rings 142, 144 and
146, 148 located on each of the upper transverse beams 120, 122 of
the frames 112, 114, the serving tray stand 110 of the present
invention also may be constructed with only one ring (or bumper) on
each upper transverse beam, or with more than two rings (not
shown). Preferably, the rings are made of a non-slip material. In
the preferred embodiment, the rings 142, 144 and 146, 148 are thin,
raised toroids, but any shape or size of ring may be used.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, the operation of the present invention
now will be described. First, a server must ensure the tray stand
110 has been unfolded into its open state, as shown in the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2. A server may then rest a serving
tray on the upper transverse beams 120, 122 of the frames 112, 114.
The ring pairs 142, 144 and 146, 148 prevent the serving tray from
sliding off the stand 110, should the stand be accidentally jostled
or tilted. The support straps 138, 140, fastened to the cross bars
132, 134, prevent the legs 116, 118 of the frames 112, 114 from
spreading too far apart, as described with respect to FIG. 1. In
addition, the cross bars 132, 134 and support straps 138, 140
create a temporary storage area below the pivot points 126, 128
configured to hold service items, such as bus tubs or extra serving
trays.
[0030] The openness of the upper portion of the tray stand 110
provides a significant advantage to a server attempting to remove a
serving tray, as described above with respect to the specific
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0031] Note that in the specific illustrated embodiments of FIGS.
1-2, the legs are shown as being parallel to each other. In an
alternate embodiment, however, the legs need not be parallel to
each other, and may diverge away from each from the transverse
portion toward the end of the leg. In such an embodiment, the
"footprint" of the tray stand as it contacts the floor is larger
than the "footprint" of top of the tray stand available supporting
the serving tray.
[0032] While the invention has been described in connection with
certain embodiments, it should be understood that it is not
intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. To
the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives,
modifications, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *