U.S. patent application number 12/442984 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-03 for drip tray.
Invention is credited to Kevin Fox.
Application Number | 20100133138 12/442984 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37435002 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100133138 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fox; Kevin |
June 3, 2010 |
DRIP TRAY
Abstract
A drip tray (40) having an outer surface which comprises a
transparent window pane (42) surrounded by a frame (44) is
disclosed. The transparent window pane (42) lies over a compartment
(60) adapted to retain display indicia (54), e.g. advertising
material. An enclosed volume (50) lies under the frame (44) and is
in fluid communication with the outer surface via drainage
passageways (46). The compartment (60) is isolated from the outer
surface and the enclosed volume so that liquid spilled on the outer
surface does not contaminate the display indicia (54).
Inventors: |
Fox; Kevin; (South Wales,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STITES & HARBISON PLLC
1199 NORTH FAIRFAX STREET, SUITE 900
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
37435002 |
Appl. No.: |
12/442984 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
September 21, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2007/003624 |
371 Date: |
January 20, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 ;
206/561 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 23/06 20130101;
A47G 23/0306 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.5 ;
206/561 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00; B65D 1/34 20060101 B65D001/34 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 27, 2006 |
GB |
0619338.7 |
May 3, 2007 |
GB |
0708594.7 |
Claims
1. A drip tray comprising: a body portion having: an outer surface
including a transparent window surrounded by a frame; and a
compartment under the transparent window, the compartment being
adapted to retain display indicia so that the display indicia is
viewable through the transparent window; and a drainage volume for
retaining liquid in fluid communication with the outer surface via
one or more drainage inlets in the frame, wherein the outer surface
and drainage volume are isolated from the compartment to permit
liquid to drain from the outer surface and be retained in the
drainage volume without contaminating the display indicia.
2. A drip tray according to claim 1 including a tray portion,
wherein the body portion is removably mountable in the tray portion
and the drainage volume includes a passageway through the body
portion to define a fluid flow path from the outer surface into the
tray portion, which is arranged to retain liquid.
3. A drip tray according to claim 2, wherein the compartment is a
liquid-proof sealable pocket within the body portion.
4. A drip tray according to claim 3 comprising a plug that is
reversibly insertable into the pocket to seal the display indicia
therein.
5. A drip tray according to claim 4, wherein the plug includes a
recess at a position which intersects with the passageway through
the body portion when the plug is inserted into the pocket.
6. A drip tray according to claim 1, wherein the drainage volume is
an enclosed volume of the body portion for retaining drained
liquid.
7. A drip tray according to claim 6, wherein the body portion
comprises a base which defines the drainage volume and a cover
which includes the outer surface.
8. A drip tray according to claim 7, wherein the base is welded to
the cover.
9. A drip tray according to claim 7, wherein the cover is removably
attachable to the base along cooperating contact edges.
10. A drip tray according to any of claim 7, wherein the base
includes retaining means for holding the display indicia in the
compartment.
11. A drip tray according to any of claim 7, wherein the cover
includes retaining means for holding the display indicia in the
compartment.
12. A drip tray according to any of claim 7, wherein the enclosed
volume is a trench covered by the frame.
13. A drip tray according to claim 12, wherein the trench extends
around the whole periphery of the transparent window.
14. A drip tray according to claim 12, wherein the trench borders
the compartment.
15. A drip tray according to claim 1, wherein the body portion is
mountable on a horizontal surface such that the outer surface is an
angled slope relative to that surface, whereby the angled slope
defines a flow direction for liquid to drain from the outer
surface.
16. A drip tray according to claim 15, wherein the one or more
drainage inlets include one or more inlets located downstream from
the transparent window in the flow direction.
17. A drip tray according to claim 1, wherein the one or more
drainage inlets are arranged such that every straight line flow
path across the frame from the transparent window to an edge of the
body portion intersects with a drainage inlet.
18. A drip tray according to claim 16, wherein the one or more
drainage inlets are arranged such that every straight line
downstream flow path across the frame from the transparent window
to an edge of the body portion intersects with a drainage
inlet.
19. A drip tray according to claim 1, wherein the transparent
window is a rectangle and the frame has a substantially uniform
width.
20. A drip tray according to claim 1, wherein the transparent
window and frame are formed in one piece.
21. A drip tray according to claim 1, wherein the transparent
window and frame lie on the same plane.
22. A drip tray according to claim 1, wherein the display indicia
is a sheet-like member and the compartment includes a slot for
securely receiving the sheet-like member.
23. A drip tray according to claim 22, wherein the sheet-like
member is a folded sheet of plastic arranged to retain an
interchangeable insert therewithin.
24. A drip tray according to claim 1, wherein the body portion
includes an access recess to permit removal of the display
indicia.
25. A cover for a drip tray, the cover comprising: an outer surface
including a transparent window surrounded by a frame; a compartment
under the transparent window, the compartment being adapted to
retain display indicia so that the display indicia is viewable
through the transparent window; one or more drainage inlets in the
frame; and an attachment portion for attaching the cover to a base
having a volume for retaining liquid from the drainage inlets;
wherein the outer surface and drainage inlets are isolated from the
compartment and the attachment portion is arranged to isolate the
volume in the base from the compartment to permit liquid to drain
from the outer surface without contaminating the display indicia.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a drip tray, e.g. suitable for
catching liquid spilled from drinks served at a bar. In particular
it relates to a drip tray adapted to display indicia, e.g.
advertising material.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] To protect the surface of a bar at service points, it is
common to have some means of absorbing or catching liquid that can
be spilled at the point of sale. Examples include absorbent mats,
e.g. beer towels, and drip trays.
[0003] Typically drip trays comprise a liquid-retaining tray having
a perforated serving surface positioned thereover. Liquid spilled
on the serving surface drains through perforations into the
tray.
[0004] As drip trays are to be found at the point of sale, they are
ideal objects for displaying marketing material. It is known to
apply indicia, e.g. brand logos, to drip trays. However, it is
desirable to be able to vary the material that is displayed, so
drip trays with pockets for holding replaceable indicia have been
developed. Such pockets are prone to retain spilled liquid and/or
can be difficult to clean, hence quickly become soiled and
unattractive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] At its most general the present invention provides a drip
tray which isolates its drainage system from its display
portion.
[0006] According to the invention, there is provided a drip tray
comprising a body portion having: an outer surface including a
transparent window surrounded by a frame; and a compartment under
the transparent window, the compartment being adapted to retain
display indicia so that the display indicia is viewable through the
transparent window; and a drainage volume for retaining liquid in
fluid communication with the outer surface via one or more drainage
inlets in the frame, wherein the outer surface and drainage volume
are isolated from the compartment to permit liquid to drain from
the outer surface and be retained in the drainage volume without
contaminating the display indicia. The compartment containing the
display indicia may therefore be sealed off from the drainage
volume and outer surface so that spilled liquid cannot get to the
display indicia.
[0007] The display indicia may be reversibly mountable in the
compartment to allow different material to be displayed.
[0008] In one embodiment, the drip tray may also include a tray
portion, and the body portion may be removably mountable in the
tray portion. In this embodiment, the drainage volume may include a
passageway through the body portion to define a fluid flow path
from the outer surface into the tray portion. The spilled liquid
may therefore be retained by the tray portion.
[0009] The compartment may be a liquid-proof sealable pocket within
the body portion. The pocket may be a volume enclosed within the
body portion, e.g. accessible via a sealable pathway to the
periphery of the body portion. For example, the pocket may be
sealed using a plug that is reversibly insertable into the pocket
(or pathway) to seal the display indicia therein. The pathway may
intersect with the passageway on its way through the body portion.
The plug may therefore include a recess at a position which
intersects with the passageway through the body portion when the
plug is inserted into the pocket. The pocket can therefore be
sealed without compromising the fluid flow path through the body
portion.
[0010] In another embodiment, the drainage volume may be an
enclosed volume of the body portion for retaining drained liquid.
The body portion itself may therefore retain the spilled liquid and
an additional tray portion may not be required. The body portion
may comprise a base which defines the drainage volume and a cover
which includes the outer surface. The base may be welded to the
cover. In this case, the drainage volume may have a sealable outlet
(e.g. bung hole and stopper) to permit the tray to be emptied and
reused. Alternatively, the cover may be removable attachable to the
base along cooperating contact edges. The contact edges may form a
seal when they engage one another. In this case a bung hole is not
necessary because the tray can be emptied by removing the cover.
This arrangement may also facilitate cleaning because greater
access is permitted to the interior of the drainage volume.
[0011] Either the base or the cover may include retaining means for
holding the display indicia in the compartment. The retaining means
may be any suitable fixture, such as clips, projecting flanges,
reusable adhesive or the like.
[0012] In one embodiment, the enclosed volume for retaining liquid
is a trench covered by the frame. The trench may extend around the
whole periphery of the transparent window. The frame may be opaque
whereby the retained liquid (indeed the entire trench itself) may
be concealed from view in use. The trench may border the
compartment. For example, the retaining means may be provided on
the outer walls of the trench. The trench may be shaped to define a
recess under the cover for receiving the display indicia. The
recess and display indicia may have matching shapes; i.e. the
display indicia may fit snugly into the recess.
[0013] The body portion may be mountable on a horizontal surface
such that the outer surface is an angled slope relative to that
surface, whereby the angled slope defines a flow direction for
liquid to drain from the outer surface. An angled serving surface
may promote drainage, i.e. may prevent liquid from standing on the
outer surface. The one or more drainage inlets may be arranged
accordingly, i.e. to include one or more inlets located downstream
from the transparent window in the flow direction. In one
embodiment, the one or more drainage inlets may be arranged such
that every straight line flow path across the frame from the
transparent window to an edge of the body portion intersects with a
drainage inlet. Where the outer surface is angled, the one or more
drainage inlets may be arranged such that every straight line
downstream flow path across the frame from the transparent window
to an edge of the body portion intersects with a drainage
inlet.
[0014] The transparent window may be a rectangle and the frame may
have a substantially uniform width. The frame may have an
upstanding lip around its outer edge. However, in an alternative
arrangement, the drip tray may have attachment elements on its side
surfaces which allow a plurality of trays to be attached to one
another side by side. Side ridges and side drainage inlets may not
be required in this case because sideways overflow may be caught by
an adjacent drip tray.
[0015] The transparent window and frame may be formed in one piece,
e.g. the cover may be an integrally formed element. Alternatively,
a transparent pane of material (e.g. plastic or glass) may be
sealed within an aperture defined by a frame. The transparent
window and frame may lie on the same plane. Alternatively, the
transparent window may be raised above the frame. This arrangement
can promote draining and preventing pooling of liquid on the outer
surface.
[0016] The display indicia may have any form suitable for retention
in the compartment. For example, it may be a sheet-like member and
the compartment may include a slot or projecting flange for
securely receiving the sheet-like member. The sheet-like member may
be flexible, which may make it suitable for insertion into a
cooperating slot, where it is retained by friction. The sheet-like
member may be a folded sheet of plastic arranged to retain an
interchangeable insert therewithin. The insert may be paper. As the
invention can provide secure sealing between the drainage volume
and the compartment, the compartment may include electrical
components because the risk of damage from spilled liquid is small.
For example, the compartment may be lit by an electric light
source, or the display indicia may comprise a plasma display.
[0017] The body portion may include an access recess to permit
removal of the display indicia. For example, a thumb-shaped recess
may be formed in the base to enable the display indicia to be
gripped to facilitate removal.
[0018] In another arrangement, the base of the drip tray may be
formed integrally into a bar surface, such that the cover of the
drip tray is attachable directly to the bar. This aspect of the
invention may be expressed as a cover for a drip tray, the cover
comprising: an outer surface including a transparent window
surrounded by a frame; a compartment under the transparent window,
the compartment being adapted to retain display indicia so that the
display indicia is viewable through the transparent window; one or
more drainage inlets in the frame; and an attachment portion for
attaching the cover to a base having a volume for retaining liquid
from the drainage inlets; wherein the outer surface and drainage
inlets are isolated from the compartment and the attachment portion
is arranged to isolate the volume in the base from the compartment
to permit liquid to drain from the outer surface without
contaminating the display indicia.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Examples of the invention are described with reference to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an insert for a drip tray
that is a first embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIGS. 2(a), 2(b), and 2(c) show plan views of sealing plugs
that are suitable for using with the insert shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a retaining tray for the
insert shown in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross section through the retaining tray shown
in FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the retaining tray shown in FIG.
3;
[0025] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a drip tray that
is a second embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the base of the drip tray shown in
FIG. 6;
[0027] FIG. 8 is an end view of the drip tray shown in FIG. 6;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross section of the drip tray shown in FIG. 6
taken along the line A-A in FIG. 8;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a drip tray that is a third
embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a side view of the drip tray shown in
[0031] FIG. 10;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the bottom of the drip tray shown
in FIG. 10;
[0033] FIG. 13 is an end view of the drip tray shown in FIG.
10;
[0034] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a drip tray that
is a fourth embodiment of the invention; and
[0035] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the drip tray shown in FIG. 14
when assembled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION; FURTHER OPTIONS AND PREFERENCES
[0036] FIG. 1 shows an advertising insert 10 for a drip tray that
is a first embodiment of the invention. The insert is made from a
rectangular piece of rigid material, e.g. plastic. The insert can
be formed from a single piece of material. The outer surface of the
insert 10 (shown facing upwards in FIG. 1) has two transparent
windows 12 which permit the interior of compartments formed within
the insert 10 to be seen. The compartments are rectangular and
correspond to the area covered by the respective windows 12. Each
compartment can receive an advertisement through an entry slot 14
formed in one side of the insert 10. The insert 10 shown in FIG. 1
is reversible (i.e. the under surface is identical to the outer
surface). Thus, two further transparent windows are formed on the
surface opposite the outer surface shown in FIG. 1. A double-sided
advert can therefore be inserted into each compartment allowing the
insert 10 to display four adverts in total. The adverts may be
targeted for different times of day such that the relevant adverts
are selected by positioning the relevant surface facing upwards as
the outer surface.
[0037] In use, drinks from a bar may be served on the outer
surface. Drainage inlets 16, 18, 20 are provided to catch any
liquid that may be spilled from drinks served on the outer surface.
The drainage inlets 16, 18, 20 comprise L-shaped corner slots 16,
long edge slots 18 and side slots 20. Each of the drainage inlets
16, 18, 20 opens into a correspondingly shaped passageway that
passes all the way through the insert 10. The drainage inlets 16,
18, 20 overlap with one another such that there is no straight line
flow path for liquid from the transparent windows 12 to the outer
edge of the insert 10.
[0038] To prevent liquid spilled on the insert from contaminating
the compartments containing the advertising material, the
advertising material is sealed in the compartments by inserting a
plug 22 into each entry slot 14. Examples of such plugs are shown
in FIGS. 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c). Since the pathway to the compartment
from the entry slot 14 intersects with the drainage passageways
through to the insert 10, it is necessary for the plugs 22 to
include through holes which aligned with the drainage passageways
when the plug is an inserted position. FIG. 2(a) shows a plug 22
that is suitable for insertion into the left hand entry slot 14
shown in FIG. 1. This plug has a slotted through hole 24 which
aligns with the long edge slot 18 and a shorter through hole 26
which aligns with part of the L-shaped corner slot 16 when the plug
22 is fully inserted. The parts of the plug on either side of the
slotted through hole 24 are joined by a sloped connector 28. This
connector 28 is sloped to prevent liquid from settling on a part of
the plug which spans across the drainage passageway.
[0039] FIG. 2(c) shows a plug 22 suitable for insertion into the
right hand entry slot 14 shown in FIG. 1. It includes slotted
through holes 24, 26 and sloping connector 28 to perform the same
functions as those described with respect to FIG. 2(a).
[0040] Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has only two
advertising compartments, it is possible to make an insert having
three or more. In this case it is possible that the middle
compartments have entry slots which do not intersect with the
L-shaped corner slots 16. FIG. 2(b) shows a plug 22 suitable for
use with such middle compartment entry slots. It does not have the
shorter through hole 26.
[0041] The plugs may be provided with an L-shaped recess 30 in
their outer edge to facilitate removal e.g. with an angled piece of
material (which may be incorporated on a key ring or the like).
[0042] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a retaining tray 32 on
which the insert 10 shown in FIG. 1 can be mounted. The tray
portion 32 is formed by a rectangular base surrounding by an
upstanding wall 33, which has a tapering outer surface and defines
a liquid-retaining volume therewithin. A mounting flange 34
projects from the inner surface of the upstanding wall 33 and forms
a seat for the insert 10 shown in FIG. 1. An upstanding ledge 36 is
formed on the base of the retaining tray 32 to provide further
support for the insert 10. The mounting flange 34 and the
upstanding ledge 36 are shaped so that they do not interfere with
the drainage passageways through the insert 10. Thus, liquid
spilled on the outer surface of the insert 10 will drain through
drainage passageways into the retaining tray 32.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a cross section through the retaining tray 32.
The mounting flange 34 is higher on a back edge of the retaining
tray 32 than on its front edge. Thus, when the insert 10 is mounted
on the retaining tray 32, the outer surface is tilted with respect
to the base of the retaining tray 32. This promotes drainage and
prevents liquid from standing on the outer surface.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the retaining tray 32, showing
the mounting flange 34 and the upstanding ledge 36. A gap 38 is
formed in the upstanding ledge 36 to ensure even distribution of
liquid throughout the base of the retaining tray 32.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a drip tray 40 that is a
second embodiment of the invention. The components of the drip tray
40 are exploded to aid understanding. The drip tray 40 has an outer
surface (facing upwards in FIG. 6) formed by a transparent window
pane 42 which is mounted within a frame 44. The join between the
window pane 42 and frame 44 is sealed to prevent liquid from
passing therethrough. Drainage passages 46 are formed along a
bottom edge of the frame 44. The drainage passages 46 pass all the
way through the frame 44. The window pane 42 and frame 44 form a
cover, which is mounted on a base 48. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6, the cover is welded to the base, i.e. the frame 44 is
welded to the base 48. The base 48 has a rectangular channel 50
shaped to match (e.g. underlie) the frame 44. Thus, in this
embodiment, an inner upstanding wall 51 of the channel 50 is welded
to an inner edge of the frame 44 and an outer upstanding wall 49 of
the channel 50 is welded to an outer edge of the frame. A volume is
therefore enclosed beneath the frame 44 in which liquid received
through the drainage passages 46 may be retained. Thus, in this
embodiment, there is no need for an additional retaining tray; this
function is performed by the base 48.
[0046] To empty the enclosed volume, bung holes 52 are provided in
the back wall of the base 48. These can be closed (e.g. using
stoppers) when the drip tray 40 is in use.
[0047] When the window pane 42 is bonded to the frame 44, and the
frame 44 is welded to the base 48, a rectangular recess is formed
beneath the window pane 42. This recess can be used as a
compartment for retaining display indicia 54 so that it can be
viewed through the window pane 42. The inwardly facing surfaces of
the upstanding wall 51 are provided with retaining means to hold
the display indicia 54 in place. Since the channel 50 is sealed
with respect to the inner recess and the join between the window
pane 42 and the frame 44 is sealed with respect to the inner
recess, the display indicia 54 is not contaminated by liquid
spilled on the outer surface of the drip tray 40.
[0048] Rounded feet 56 are attached to the bottom of the base 48 to
prevent the base from scratching a bar surface.
[0049] FIG. 7 shows a view of the bottom of the assembled drip tray
40 shown in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the tray is made out of
transparent material, so that the drainage passages 46 can be seen
through the bottom surface of the base 48. The location of feet 56
in recesses formed in the bottom surface of the base 48 is also
shown.
[0050] The compartment 60 formed under the transparent window pane
42 and bordered by the inner surface 51 of the base 48 has a
thumb-shaped recess 58 formed in the top edge of the base 48. The
recess 58 is to enable access to the display indicia 54 (not shown
in FIG. 7) so that it can be removed from the compartment 60. In
this embodiment the display indicia 54 is a sheet of material which
is retained in the compartment 60 by resting on ledges 62 formed on
the top and bottom sides of the compartment 60. Other means of
retaining the display indicia 54 may be used. For example, a slot
may be formed along the side walls of the compartment 60, and the
display indicia 54 may be slid into that slot.
[0051] FIG. 8 shows a view of the backside of the drip tray shown
in FIG. 6. The bung holes 52 are visible.
[0052] FIG. 9 shows a cross section through the drip tray 40 taken
along the line A-A in FIG. 8. In FIG. 9, a sheet of material (the
display indicia 54) is shown mounted on the ledges 62. Furthermore,
this view shows that the channel 50 defined by the base 48 is
isolated from the outer surface of the drip tray 40, which is
formed by the frame 44 and the window pane 42.
[0053] In FIG. 9, the outer edge of the frame 44 has an upstanding
lip 64 to prevent liquid from escaping over the edge of the frame
rather than through the drainage passages 46.
[0054] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a drip tray 70 that is a third
embodiment of the invention. The drip tray 70 of the third
embodiment is similar to that of the second embodiment in that it
comprises an enclosed volume for retaining spilled liquid.
Similarly to the second embodiment, the enclosed volume includes a
channel formed below a frame 72 which surrounds a window pane 74
that lies over a recessed compartment 82 suitable for receiving
sheet-like display indicia (not shown). In FIG. 10, the frame 72
has a plurality of drainage inlets 76 formed therein which are in
fluid communication with the channel (not shown) defined underneath
the frame 72 by the connection of the frame 72 with a base 78.
[0055] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the drip tray 70 in use. It is
tilted by having a pair of back feet 80 projecting further from the
bottom of base 78 than a pair of front feet 81. This tilting
provides a flow direction for liquid spilled on the outer surface
of the drip tray 70; liquid flows down towards the bottom edge of
the drip tray 70. The arrangement of the drainage inlets 76 in the
third embodiment is selected based on the tilting of the outer
surface: all of the drainage inlets 76 are provided downstream of
the top edge of the drip tray 70. The drainage inlets 76 are
provided in an overlapping formation in which there is no straight
line downstream flow path for liquid from the transparent window
pane 74 to the outer edge of the frame 72 whilst enabling the frame
to possess a sufficient level of structural strength.
[0056] The underside of the drip tray 70 is shown in FIG. 12. In
this embodiment sheet-like display indicia can be retained in the
compartment 82 by being slid into a slot 84 formed around the inner
edge 86 of the base 78. In this case, a thumb-shaped recess 88 is
provided on the front edge of the base 78, where it is out of sight
of a drink-buying customer when the drip tray is in use.
[0057] The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in
the way that the frame 72 is attached to the base 78. In the second
embodiment, the attachment was welded. In the third embodiment, the
frame 72 is detachable from the base 78. This makes the drip tray
easier to clean and means that it is not necessary to form bung
holes in the base or frame. In this embodiment, the edges of the
frame 72 and base 78 which contact one another have cooperating
feature which enable the frame to be attached to the base. The
cooperating features may include a snap-fit attachment or easy-on,
difficult off engagement formations. The contact edge may form a
seal when engaged with each other. For example, a layer of rubber
may be provide a compressible rubber seal around the contact edge
77 between the frame 72 and the base 78.
[0058] FIG. 13 shows the back of the drip tray 70. Two clips 90 are
provided on the back edge to sealably secure the frame 72 to the
base 78. To improve the capacity of the base, the inner and outer
upstanding walls of the base may extend up and overlap with the
connecting walls of the frame.
[0059] FIGS. 14 and 15 show a drip tray 100 that is a fourth
embodiment of the invention. The drip tray 100 comprises a cover
104 that is attachable to a base 108. The details of the attachment
are described below. The cover 104 includes a transparent window
102 at its centre, surrounded by and sealed within an opaque frame.
In this embodiment, the window 102 is in a landscape type
orientation, which is different from the portrait type orientation
shown in FIG. 10. The bottom and side edges of the cover 104 have a
plurality of drainage inlets 106 formed therethrough. The drainage
inlets 106 are arranged in an overlapping manner so that there is
no straight fluid flow path from the transparent window 102 to the
bottom or side edge of the cover 104 which does not intersect with
a drainage inlet 106.
[0060] The base 108 comprises a rectangular trench 110 shaped to
lie under (i.e. be enclosed by) the frame of the cover 104. A
plurality of projecting ribs 114 are provided on the inner surface
of the outer wall of the base 108. The top of each rib 114 is
located below the top edge 109 of the outer wall and supports the
cover 104 so that the top (outer) surface of the cover 104 lies
flush with the top edge 109. In contrast, the top edge 111 of the
inner wall of the base 108 abuts the underside of the cover 104 to
provide isolation between the trench 110 and a compartment for
holding display indicia. The cover 104 is held in place (and
provide firm abutment between its underside and the inner top edge
111) by a projecting clip 116, which is securely receivable in
corresponding groove 118 formed in the base 108. A projecting strip
(not shown) may be attached (e.g. chemically welded or integrally
moulded) across the whole width of underside of the top of the
cover 104. The strip may fit snugly with the against the outer side
walls 109 and provide a barrier to prevent liquid from travelling
to the underside of the window 102.
[0061] In this embodiment the compartment for holding display
indicia is formed by a U-shaped sub-frame 112 attached to the
underside of the cover 104. The sub-frame 112 has an L-shaped
cross-section so that it defines a ledge on which the display
indicia, which in this case in a sheet 120 of material, can rest.
The sub-frame 112 is shaped to fit inside the rectangle formed by
the top edge 111 of the inner wall of the base 108 so that when the
cover 104 is mounted on the base 108 the sub-frame 112 is isolated
from the trench 110. Since the drainage inlets 106 lead directly
into the trench 110, the compartment defined by the sub-frame 112
is not contaminated by liquid that drains from the outer
surface.
[0062] The tray 100 is provided with feet 122 which are attached to
the underside of the base 108 and cause the tray 100 to adopt a
forward tilted configuration when mounted on a flat surface,
whereby liquid split on the outer surface of the cover is
encouraged to flow towards the bottom edge of the cover.
[0063] A sloped display surface 124 is provided along the bottom
edge of the tray 100. Further advertising, e.g. logos or the like
may be provided e.g. attached or painted thereon.
[0064] One side of the tray 100 is provided with projecting teeth
126 whilst the other side includes recesses 128 for receiving
corresponding teeth. This arrangement permits a plurality of trays
to be securely attached to one another in a row.
* * * * *