U.S. patent application number 12/762850 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-20 for combination bussing and washing tray and method therefor.
Invention is credited to Edgardo Clores.
Application Number | 20110253649 12/762850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44787423 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110253649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clores; Edgardo |
October 20, 2011 |
COMBINATION BUSSING AND WASHING TRAY AND METHOD THEREFOR
Abstract
A bussing and dishwasher tray has a floor section. The floor
section is grated. A wall section extends up from a perimeter of
the floor section. A plurality of holding members is formed on the
floor section. A plurality of container sections is formed along an
interior surface area of the wall section.
Inventors: |
Clores; Edgardo; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Family ID: |
44787423 |
Appl. No.: |
12/762850 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/41.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/501 20130101;
A47L 19/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/41.8 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/08 20060101
A47G019/08 |
Claims
1. A bussing and dishwasher tray comprising: a floor section,
wherein the floor section is grated; a wall section extending up
from a perimeter of the floor section, the wall section being
grated, a first set of openings forming the grated wall section; a
second set of openings formed through the wall section, the second
set of openings formed to allow a person to insert a hand through
forming a pair of handles; and a plurality of holding members
formed on the floor section.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 1 wherein
the plurality of holding members comprises a plurality of finger
members extending up from the floor section.
5. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 1 wherein
the plurality of holding members comprises a plurality of finger
members extending up from the floor section, the plurality of
finger members arranged in an array.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. A bussing and dishwasher tray comprising: a floor section,
wherein the floor section is grated having a plurality of cross bar
members; a wall section extending up from a perimeter of the floor
section, the wall section being grated, a first set of openings
forming the grated wall section; a plurality of holding members
formed on the floor section; and a second set of openings formed
through the wall section, the second set of openings formed to
allow a person to insert a hand through forming a pair of
handles.
10. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 9
wherein the plurality of holding members comprises a plurality of
finger members extending up from the floor section.
11. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 9
wherein the plurality of holding members comprises a plurality of
finger members extending up from the floor section, the plurality
of finger members arranged in an array.
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. A bussing and dishwasher tray comprising: a floor section,
wherein the floor section is grated; a wall section extending up
from a perimeter of the floor section and having a first set of
openings forming a grated wall section; a plurality of holding
members formed on the floor section, wherein the plurality of
holding members comprises a plurality of finger members extending
up from the floor section; and a second set of openings formed
through the wall section, the second set of openings formed to
allow a person to insert a hand through forming a pair of
handles.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to restaurant equipment, and
more specifically, to a combination bussing and dish washer
tray.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the restaurant industry, bussing trays are used to help
restaurant employees remove used plates, glasses, utensils and the
like from the table after these items have been used. Presently,
all bussing trays consist of a flat rectangular or oval shape tray
having raised edges. In general, when bussing a table, a restaurant
employee will stack used plates, glasses, utensils and the like
onto the bussing tray. In some instances, the bussing tray may be
used with a bussing cart. In these cases, the restaurant employee
may empty the contents from the used plates and glasses into a
trash container on the cart and then stack used plates, glasses,
utensils and the like onto the bussing tray. The employee may stack
a plurality of bussing trays on the bussing cart.
[0003] One the table or tables have been cleared, the restaurant
employee must remove the used plates, glasses, utensils and the
like from each bussing tray and place the items in a dishwashing
rack so that the items may be cleaned in a dishwasher.
[0004] A problem with current busing trays is that one has to
remove the used plates, glasses, utensils and the like from each
bussing tray and place these items in a dishwashing rack. This is a
time consuming process. Second, due to the configuration of current
bussing trays, only a limited amount of items may be placed on each
tray.
[0005] Therefore, a need exists to provide a device and method to
overcome the above problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment, a bussing and dishwasher
tray is disclosed. The bussing and dishwasher tray has a floor
section. The floor section is grated. A wall section extends up
from a perimeter of the floor section. A plurality of holding
members is formed on the floor section. A plurality of container
sections is formed along an interior surface area of the wall
section
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a bussing and dishwasher tray is disclosed. The bussing
and dishwasher tray has a floor section. The floor section is
grated. A wall section extends up from a perimeter of the floor
section. The wall section has a lower wall section wherein the
lower wall section is a non-grated wall structure having minimal
openings. An upper wall section extends up from the lower wall
section. The upper wall section is a grated wall section. A
plurality of holding members is formed on the floor section. A
plurality of container sections is formed along an interior surface
area of the wall section. Handle members are formed on an exterior
surface area of the wall section.
[0008] The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved
independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or may be
combined in yet other embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully
understood from the detailed description and the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment
of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment
of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0015] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings
and detailed description to indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a combination bussing and dishwasher
tray 10 (hereinafter tray 10) is shown. The tray 10 may be used to
bus tables in order to remove plates, glasses, utensils and the
like from the table (hereinafter table items). The table items are
then placed in the tray 10. They tray 10 may then be placed
directly into a dishwasher for cleaning of the items without the
need to transfer the tables items from a bussing tray to a
dishwasher tray.
[0017] The tray 10 may has a floor section 12. The floor section 12
may be a grate structure having a plurality of parallel or crossed
bars 12A. By having a grate structure, the floor 12 allows water,
food, and the like to drain out of the bottom of the tray 10.
[0018] A wall structure 14 may be formed around the perimeter of
the floor section 12. The wall structure 14 may be a non-grated
wall structure, a grated wall structure, or a combination thereof.
The wall structure 14 may be a separate structure which is attached
to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the wall section 14 may
extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an
embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding
process.
[0019] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the wall structure 14 is
a combination wall structure. The wall structure 14 has a lower
section 14A which is non-grated wall structure having minimal
openings. The non-grated wall structure will help to ensure table
items placed in the tray 10 remain in the tray 10 during bussing
and washing. In FIG. 1, the wall section 14 further has an upper
section 14B. In the present embodiment, the upper section 14B is a
grated wall section. The grated wall section will have a plurality
of openings 14C formed therein. The grated wall section allows the
tray 10 to increase the overall height of the wall structure 14 to
allow the tray 10 to carry more table items during bussing and
washing. Further, by having a grated wall section, the overall
weight of the tray 10 is reduced.
[0020] One or more handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14.
The handles 16 may be a separate structure which is attached to the
wall section 14. Alternatively, the handles 16 may extend from the
wall section 14 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray
10 may be formed by an injection molding process. In general, a
pair of handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14. The pair
of handles 16 may be formed on opposite sides of the wall section
14.
[0021] A plurality of finger members 18 may be formed on the floor
section 12. The fingers 18 may be a separate structure which is
attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the fingers 18 may
extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an
embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding
process. The finger members 18 may be used to stand table items up
in the tray 10. The finger members 18 further may be used to secure
table items in the tray 10 so as to allow only minimal movement
when the tray is placed in a dishwasher.
[0022] In FIG. 1, the finger members 18 are formed in an array like
manner. The finger members 18 are spaced over a majority of the
floor section 12. However, this is only shown as an example. The
finger members 18 may be formed in different patterns, density,
location, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0023] The tray 10 may further have a plurality of container
sections 20. The container sections 20 may be separate structures
which are attached to the tray 10. Alternatively, the container
sections 20 may be formed as a single unit with the tray 10. In
such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection
molding process. The container sections 20 are used to store
smaller table items such as silverware and the like during bussing
and washing.
[0024] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the container sections 20
are positioned along an interior surface of the wall section 14.
However, this is only shown as an example. The container sections
20 may be formed in other areas of the tray 10 without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment of a combination
bussing and dishwasher tray 10' (hereinafter tray 10') is shown.
The tray 10' may have a floor section 12. The floor section 12 may
be a grate structure having a plurality of parallel or crossed bars
12A. By having a grate structure, the floor 12 allows water, food,
and the like to drain out of the bottom of the tray 10.
[0026] A wall structure 14 may be formed around the perimeter of
the floor section 12. The wall structure 14 may be a non-grated
wall structure, a grated wall structure, or a combination thereof.
The wall structure 14 may be a separate structure which is attached
to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the wall section 14 may
extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an
embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding
process.
[0027] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the wall structure 14 is
a combination wall structure. The wall structure 14 has a lower
section 14A which is non-grated wall structure having minimal
openings. The non-grated wall structure will help to ensure table
items placed in the tray 10 remain in the tray 10 during bussing
and washing. The wall section 14 further has an upper section 14B.
In the present embodiment, the upper section 14B is a grated wall
section. The grated wall section will have a plurality of openings
14C formed therein. The grated wall section allows the tray 10 to
increase the overall height of the wall structure 14 to allow the
tray 10 to carry more table items during bussing and washing.
Further, by having a grated wall section, the overall weight of the
tray 10 is reduced.
[0028] One or more handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14.
The handles 16 may be a separate structure which is attached to the
wall section 14. Alternatively, the handles 16 may extend from the
wall section 14 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray
10 may be formed by an injection molding process. In general, a
pair of handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14. The pair
of handles 16 may be formed on opposite sides of the wall section
14.
[0029] One or more racks 22 are formed in the interior of the wall
section 14. The racks 22 may be separate structures which are
attached to the wall section 14. Alternatively, the racks 22 may
extend from the wall section 14 as a single unit. In such an
embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding
process.
[0030] The racks 22 may be used to hold one or more plates or other
table items in an upright position. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
2, the racks 22 are formed of a plurality of parallel bar members
22A. One end of each bar member 22A is attached to the wall section
14. A second end of each bar member 22A extends in a downward angle
and is attached to the floor section 12. FIG. 2 shows a pair of
racks 22 wherein one rack 22 is placed on each end of the tray 10'.
However, this is only shown as an example and should not be seen as
to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 3, a combination bussing and dishwasher
tray 10A (hereinafter tray 10A) is shown. The tray 10A may have a
floor section 12. The floor section 12 may be a grate structure
having a plurality of parallel or crossed bars 12A. By having a
grate structure, the floor 12 allows water, food, and the like to
drain out of the bottom of the tray 10.
[0032] A wall structure 14 may be formed around the perimeter of
the floor section 12. The wall structure 14 may be a non-grated
wall structure, a grated wall structure, or a combination thereof.
The wall structure 14 may be a separate structure which is attached
to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the wall section 14 may
extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an
embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding
process. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the wall structure 14
is a grated wall 14D.
[0033] One or more handles 16 may be formed in the wall section 14.
The handles 16 may be a separate structure which is attached to the
wall section 14. Alternatively, the handles 16 may extend from the
wall section 14 as a single unit or be formed in the wall section
14. In general, a pair of handles 16 may be formed on the wall
section 14. The pair of handles 16 may be formed on opposite sides
of the wall section 14. In the present embodiment, the handles 16
are openings 16A formed in the wall section 14.
[0034] A plurality of finger members 18 may be formed on the floor
section 12. The fingers 18 may be a separate structure which is
attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the fingers 18 may
extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an
embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding
process. The finger members 18 may be used to stand table items up
in the tray 10. The finger members 18 further may be used to secure
table items in the tray 10 so as to allow only minimal movement
when the tray is placed in a dishwasher.
[0035] In FIG. 3, the finger members 18 are formed in an array like
manner. The finger members 18 are spaced over a majority of the
floor section 12. However, this is only shown as an example. The
finger members 18 may be formed in different patterns, density,
location, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0036] One or more racks 22 are formed in the floor section 12. The
racks 22 may be formed of a planer member 22C formed between a pair
of finger members 18. However, this is only shown as an example and
should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention.
The racks 22 may be used to hold one or more plates or other table
items in an upright position.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, a combination bussing and dishwasher
tray 10B (hereinafter tray 10B) is shown. The tray 10B may have a
floor section 12. The floor section 12 may be a grate structure
having a plurality of parallel or crossed bars 12A. By having a
grate structure, the floor 12 allows water, food, and the like to
drain out of the bottom of the tray 10.
[0038] A wall structure 14 may be formed around the perimeter of
the floor section 12. The wall structure 14 may be a non-grated
wall structure, a grated wall structure, or a combination thereof.
The wall structure 14 may be a separate structure which is attached
to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the wall section 14 may
extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an
embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding
process. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the wall structure 14
is a grated wall 14D.
[0039] One or more handles 16 may be formed in the wall section 14.
The handles 16 may be a separate structure which is attached to the
wall section 14. Alternatively, the handles 16 may extend from the
wall section 14 as a single unit or be formed in the wall section
14. In general, a pair of handles 16 may be formed on the wall
section 14. The pair of handles 16 may be formed on opposite sides
of the wall section 14. In the present embodiment, the handles 16
are openings 16A formed in the wall section 14.
[0040] A plurality of finger members 18 may be formed on the floor
section 12. The fingers 18 may be a separate structure which is
attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the fingers 18 may
extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an
embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding
process. The finger members 18 may be used to stand table items up
in the tray 10. The finger members 18 further may be used to secure
table items in the tray 10 so as to allow only minimal movement
when the tray is placed in a dishwasher.
[0041] In FIG. 4, the finger members 18 are formed in an array like
manner. The finger members 18 are spaced over a majority of the
floor section 12. However, this is only shown as an example. The
finger members 18 may be formed in different patterns, density,
location, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, a combination bussing and dishwasher
tray 10C (hereinafter tray 10C) is shown. The tray 10C may have a
floor section 12. The floor section 12 may be a grate structure
having a plurality of parallel or crossed bars 12A. By having a
grate structure, the floor 12 allows water, food, and the like to
drain out of the bottom of the tray 10.
[0043] A wall structure 14 may be formed around the perimeter of
the floor section 12. The wall structure 14 may be a non-grated
wall structure, a grated wall structure, or a combination thereof.
The wall structure 14 may be a separate structure which is attached
to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the wall section 14 may
extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an
embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding
process. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the wall structure 14
is a combination wall structure. The wall structure 14 is a grated
wall 14D.
[0044] One or more handles 16 may be formed in the wall section 14.
The handles 16 may be a separate structure which is attached to the
wall section 14. Alternatively, the handles 16 may extend from the
wall section 14 as a single unit or be formed in the wall section
14. In general, a pair of handles 16 may be formed on the wall
section 14. The pair of handles 16 may be formed on opposite sides
of the wall section 14. In the present embodiment, the handles 16
are openings 16A formed in the wall section 14.
[0045] A plurality of finger members 18 may be formed on the floor
section 12. The fingers 18 may be a separate structure which is
attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the fingers 18 may
extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an
embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding
process. The finger members 18 may be used to stand table items up
in the tray 10. The finger members 18 further may be used to secure
table items in the tray 10 so as to allow only minimal movement
when the tray is placed in a dishwasher.
[0046] In FIG. 3, the finger members 18 are formed in an array like
manner. The finger members 18 are spaced over a majority of the
floor section 12. However, this is only shown as an example. The
finger members 18 may be formed in different patterns, density,
location, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0047] One or more racks 22 are formed in the floor section 12. The
racks 22 may be formed of a planer member 22C formed between a pair
of finger members 18. However, this is only shown as an example and
should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention.
The racks 22 may be used to hold one or more plates or other table
items in an upright position.
[0048] While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in
terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art
will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure can be
practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the
claims.
* * * * *