U.S. patent application number 13/480380 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-13 for food tray with non-slip inserts.
This patent application is currently assigned to Masterbuilt Manufacturing, Inc.. Invention is credited to James Carden, Ashley Hatcher, Seth Sawyer.
Application Number | 20120228188 13/480380 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46794559 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120228188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hatcher; Ashley ; et
al. |
September 13, 2012 |
Food Tray With Non-Slip Inserts
Abstract
A tray system may have one or more retaining portions for a
container, the one or more retaining portions receiving and
securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray may have a
non-slip removable insert inserted into each of the one or more
retaining portions which may be fitted to the bottom of the
retaining portion and may maintain grip on the tray and the
container. The tray system may have a retaining portion for a
beverage container with a slot to receive a stem portion of the
beverage container as well as having a non-slip removable insert
with a corresponding slit.
Inventors: |
Hatcher; Ashley; (Columbus,
GA) ; Sawyer; Seth; (Columbus, GA) ; Carden;
James; (Columbus, GA) |
Assignee: |
Masterbuilt Manufacturing,
Inc.
Columbus
GA
|
Family ID: |
46794559 |
Appl. No.: |
13/480380 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13458288 |
Apr 27, 2012 |
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13480380 |
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12368144 |
Feb 9, 2009 |
8167129 |
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13458288 |
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11421552 |
Jun 1, 2006 |
7506763 |
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12368144 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/565 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 23/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/565 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/36 20060101
B65D001/36; A47G 19/02 20060101 A47G019/02 |
Claims
1. A tray apparatus, comprising: a substantially planar surface,
having an upper surface and a lower surface comprising: a first
retaining portion, recessed into the upper surface of the
substantially planar surface, for retaining a container, and a
second retaining portion, recessed into the substantially planar
surface, for retaining a liquid container; the second retaining
portion being located proximal to an edge of the substantially
planar surface and comprising a slot extending from a center
portion of the second retaining portion through the edge of the
substantially planar surface.
2. The tray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an insert,
that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on
both a surface of the first retaining portion and the container,
wherein a first side of the insert differs from a second side of
the insert in surface texture, and the insert is configured to fit
entirely within the first retaining portion and does not extend
beyond an upper plane of the first retaining portion, and the grip
between the retaining portion and the insert is maintained by at
least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the
insert.
3. The tray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an insert,
that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on
both a surface of the first retaining portion and the container,
wherein a first side of the insert differs from a second side of
the insert in surface texture, and the insert is configured to fit
entirely within the first retaining portion and does not extend
beyond an upper plane of the first retaining portion, and the grip
between the retaining portion and the insert is maintained by at
least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the
insert, and the insert further comprises a ring shape.
4. The tray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an insert,
that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on
both a surface of the second retaining portion and the liquid
container, wherein a first side of the insert differs from a second
side of the insert in surface texture, and the insert is configured
to fit entirely within the second retaining portion and does not
extend beyond an upper plane of the second retaining portion, and
the grip between the retaining portion and the insert is maintained
by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of
the insert, and the insert further comprises a slit through the
first and second side of the insert to match the slot configuration
of the second retaining portion.
5. The tray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an insert,
that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on
both a surface of the second retaining portion and the liquid
container, wherein a first side of the insert differs from a second
side of the insert in surface texture, and the insert is configured
to fit entirely within the second retaining portion and does not
extend beyond an upper plane of the second retaining portion, and
the grip between the retaining portion and the insert is maintained
by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of
the insert, and the insert further comprises a ring shape with an
arcuate section of the ring missing to match with the slot
configuration of the second retaining portion.
6. The tray apparatus of claim 2, wherein the insert comprises a
dishwasher safe material.
7. The tray apparatus of claim 3, wherein the insert comprises a
dishwasher safe material.
8. The tray apparatus of claim 4, wherein the insert comprises a
dishwasher safe material.
9. The tray apparatus of claim 5, wherein the insert comprises a
dishwasher safe material.
10. The tray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray apparatus
comprises a material based on melamine or plastic.
11. The tray apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray apparatus
comprises a dishwasher safe material.
12. The tray apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a handle
portion located on the periphery of the substantially planar
surface.
13. The tray apparatus of claim 12, wherein the handle portion
comprises a single handle comprising an elevated arch portion and a
hole portion which extends from the upper surface through the lower
surface.
14. The tray apparatus of claim 2, wherein the insert comprises a
material based on at least one of silicon, melamine, and
rubber.
15. The tray apparatus of claim 3, wherein the insert comprises a
material based on at least one of silicon, melamine, and
rubber.
16. The tray apparatus of claim 4, wherein the insert comprises a
material based on at least one of silicon, melamine, and
rubber.
17. The tray apparatus of claim 5, wherein the insert comprises a
material based on at least one of silicon, melamine, and
rubber.
18. A tray apparatus, comprising: a substantially planar surface,
having an upper surface and a lower surface comprising: a first
retaining portion, recessed into the upper surface of the
substantially planar surface, for retaining a container, and a
second retaining portion, recessed into the substantially planar
surface, for retaining a liquid container; the second retaining
portion being located proximal to an edge of the substantially
planar surface and comprising a slot extending from a center
portion of the second retaining portion through the edge of the
substantially planar surface; and a handle portion located on the
periphery of the substantially planar surface; a first insert, that
is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both
a surface of the first retaining portion and the container, wherein
a first side of the first insert differs from a second side of the
first insert in surface texture, and the first insert is configured
to fit entirely within the first retaining portion and does not
extend beyond an upper plane of the first retaining portion, and
the grip between the retaining portion and the first insert is
maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface
texture of the first insert; and a second insert, that is
substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a
surface of the second retaining portion and the liquid container,
wherein a first side of the second insert differs from a second
side of the second insert in surface texture, and the second insert
is configured to fit entirely within the second retaining portion
and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the second retaining
portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the second
insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to
the surface texture of the second insert, and the second insert
further comprises a slit through the first and second side of the
second insert to match the slot configuration of the second
retaining portion.
19. The tray apparatus of claim 18, the handle portion comprising a
single handle comprising an elevated arch portion and a hole
portion which extends from the upper surface through the lower
surface.
20. The tray apparatus of claim 18, wherein the tray comprises a
dishwasher safe material.
21. The tray apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first insert and
the second insert each comprise a material based on at least one of
silicon, melamine, and rubber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/458,288, filed on Apr. 27, 2012,
which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/368,144, filed Feb. 9, 2009, which is a Continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/421,552, filed on Jun. 1, 2006.
These applications are each hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a food tray having non-slip
inserts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many devices exist for serving food. Some systems include
indentations and surface coverings but have known drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray
system is provided with one or more retaining portions for a food
container, the retaining portions receiving and securely holding
fitted non-slip inserts. The tray system may contain one or more
feet which may be of a depth at least equal to the deepest recessed
portion of the tray, such that the one or more feet may allow the
tray to sit stably on a flat surface. The tray system may contain
one or more non-slip inserts inserted into the one or more
portions, which may be fitted to the bottom of the portions. The
inserts may maintain grip on the serving tray and a food container
and may be removable and reusable. The removal of the inserts may
facilitate ease of cleaning and prevent buildup of dirt underneath
traction surfaces. The tray and inserts may be composed of
materials that are dishwasher safe. The tray may be stackable. The
one or more inserts may be interchangeable such that inserts from
one tray may be utilized for another tray, allowing a tray's
inserts to be replaced or their color to be varied. The tray may
have handles at two opposite edges thereof; the handles may have a
slotted portion therein for gripping.
[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray
system is provided with a substantially planar surface, with an
upper and lower surface, having a first retaining portion, recessed
into the substantially planar surface, for retaining a container,
and a second retaining portion, recessed into the substantially
planar surface, for retaining a beverage container; the second
retaining portion being located proximal to an edge of the
substantially planar surface and comprising a slot extending from a
center portion of the second retaining portion through the edge of
the substantially planar surface.
[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray
system is provided having a substantially planar surface, with an
upper surface and a lower surface, having a first retaining
portion, recessed into the upper surface of the substantially
planar surface, for retaining a container, and a second retaining
portion, recessed into the substantially planar surface, for
retaining a liquid container; the second retaining portion being
located proximal to an edge of the substantially planar surface and
comprising a slot extending from a center portion of the second
retaining portion through the edge of the substantially planar
surface; and a handle portion located on the periphery of the
substantially planar surface; a first insert, that is substantially
planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the
first retaining portion and the container, wherein a first side of
the first insert differs from a second side of the first insert in
surface texture, and the first insert is configured to fit entirely
within the first retaining portion and does not extend beyond an
upper plane of the first retaining portion, and the grip between
the retaining portion and the first insert is maintained by at
least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the
first insert; and a second insert, that is substantially planar and
removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the second
retaining portion and the liquid container, wherein a first side of
the second insert differs from a second side of the second insert
in surface texture, and the second insert is configured to fit
entirely within the second retaining portion and does not extend
beyond an upper plane of the second retaining portion, and the grip
between the retaining portion and the second insert is maintained
by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of
the second insert, and the second insert further comprises a slit
through the first and second side of the second insert to match the
slot configuration of the second retaining portion.
[0007] Other advantages will be appreciated by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon review of the entirety of this patent
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a top, angled view of a food tray with
recessed portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a food tray with recessed
portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a food tray with recessed
portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a top view of a food tray with recessed
portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a view of both sides of an insert showing the
smooth side and an opposite side with a raised pattern.
[0013] FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of a food tray according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6B depicts a top view of a food tray according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6C depicts a bottom view of a food tray according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6D depicts a front elevational view of a food tray
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6E depicts a rear elevational view of a food tray
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7A depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray
with inserts according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 7B depicts a perspective view of a food tray with
inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8A depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray
with inserts according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 8B depicts a perspective view of a food tray with
inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 9A depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray
with inserts according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 9B depicts a perspective view of a food tray with
inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 10A depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray
with inserts according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 10B depicts a perspective view of a food tray with
inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed in
detail below. While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed,
it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes
only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that
other components and configuration can be used without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0027] As discussed above, various embodiments and iterations of
the present invention relate to a food tray. FIG. 1 illustrates a
tray 100 which has a main body including one or more retaining
portions 110. In some embodiments, the retaining portion 110 may be
recessed. In other embodiments, the retaining portion 110 may be
formed by using one or more raised surfaces. In some embodiments,
the tray 100 may be composed of the chemical compound melamine. In
some embodiments, the tray 100 may be formed using a plastic. In
some embodiments, the tray 100 may be composed of wood, metal,
glass or other materials or some combination thereof. In some
embodiments, the tray 100 may be made of substances that are
dishwasher safe. In some embodiments, the tray 100 may be a tray
with one or more handles 130 for gripping the tray. In one
embodiment, the tray 100 may be a tray with handles at two opposite
edges thereof; the handles may comprise a handle 130 with a slotted
portion 140 therein for gripping.
[0028] The retaining portions 110 may be designed to receive one or
more inserts 120. The inserts 120 may fit in the retaining portions
110. The inserts 120 may also grip securely to the tray 100. The
inserts 120 may provide traction for serving containers such that
when the tray 100 is not level the inserts may greatly reduce the
chance of container slippage. In some embodiments, the inserts 120
may be silicon based. In other embodiments, the inserts 120 may be
composed of rubber or other suitable materials or some combination
thereof. In some embodiments, the inserts 120 may be permanently
affixed to the bottom of the retaining portions 110. In some
embodiments, the inserts 120 may be composed of non-stick
materials. In some embodiments, the inserts 120 may be removed for
cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt underneath the inserts 120.
The inserts 120 may be made of substances that are dishwasher safe.
The inserts 120 may subsequently be reused. The inserts 120 also
may be printed in a variety of colors, with various designs or
logos so that users of tray 100 may change the appearance of the
tray 100 for personal taste, marketing or other reasons by
switching inserts. In some embodiments, the ease of removal of
inserts 120 may also allow for replacement of inserts in the event
an insert is worn or damaged.
[0029] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a side view of the tray 100. The
tray 100 may comprise a tray with one or more feet 200. The feet
200 in some embodiments offset recessed portions 202 and 204
respectively such that when the tray 100 is placed on a flat
surface it may sit stably. The height of feet 200 in some
embodiments may be equal to or greater than the depth of the
deepest recessed portion of their respective trays so that they may
achieve this stability. In some embodiments, the tray 100 may be
constructed such that the bottom 206 of the tray 100 is a smaller
perimeter than the perimeter of the top 208 of tray 100. In such an
embodiment, the bottom perimeter of the recessed portions 202 and
204 would also be smaller than their respective top perimeters.
This embodiment may permit tray 100 to be stackable.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of tray 100. Inserts 120 are
shown inserted into retaining portions 110. Some embodiments of the
tray 100 may be a round shape, an oval shape, a square shape or
other practical shapes. Other embodiments of the tray 100 may have
a different arrangement or number of retaining portions. In some
embodiments, the tray 100 may contain more than one retaining
portion which may be designed for different types of serving
containers. In some embodiments, one retaining portion 110b may be
designed for holding a glass or other beverage container and
retaining portion 110a may be designed for holding a plate. One
embodiment of tray 100 may contain a retaining portion for
silverware. Other embodiments consider retaining portions for
multiple dishes for a serving tray. Another embodiment of the tray
100 contains a retaining portion for medical utensils to provide a
safe, orderly arrangement during medical or dental procedures.
Other embodiments of the tray 100 may have retaining portions
specialized to hold containers or tools particular to a specific
industry. While FIG. 4 illustrates the retaining portions as
circular, other shapes including square, oval or rectangular shapes
may be utilized. In one embodiment of the tray 100 no retaining
portion is utilized and insert 120 is designed to fit a portion or
portions of the top side of the tray and to grip to the tray
directly. When inserts 120 are in place in retaining portions 110
they may lay flat and may provide a even gripping surface for food
containers.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates view of both sides of the insert 120
showing side 120a with smooth texture 500 and an opposite side 120b
with a design 510 to facilitate grip on moist containers. In some
embodiments, this design may be a raised crosshatch or grid
pattern. In some embodiments, both sides of insert 120 may be
smooth. In some embodiments both sides of insert 120 may be have a
design to facilitate grip on moist containers. A variety of designs
consisting of raised or grooved patterns may be utilized so that
insert 120 may retain grip on a food or beverage container when the
container or insert is moist. The insert 120 may be placed in the
retaining portion 110 of tray 100 so that either side is facing up.
If the side 120b is facing up it may facilitate grip on a serving
container by reducing slippage of a food container if there is
moisture on the insert or the food container. In some embodiments
this may be used to reduce slippage of "sweating" glasses. The
crosshatch pattern may be a pattern that is not significantly
raised such that it does not significantly affect the appearance of
the design of the insert but still reduces the slippage of moist
food containers.
[0032] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E depict a tray 600 which has a
main body 602, having a top surface 601 and a bottom surface 603.
The tray 600 may have a lip area 605 surrounding the periphery of
the tray. The lip area 605 may be a raised rim. The lip area 605
may serve to contain any items placed on the top surface 601 of the
tray 600 such as when the tray is tilted or otherwise moved, the
lip area 605 may serve to prevent items from falling or rolling off
of the tray 600. The tray may have retaining portions 604 and 606.
In some embodiments, the retaining portions 604 and 606 may be
recessed. In FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the retaining portions 604 and
606 are shown as being recessed into the top surface 601 of the
tray 600. In other embodiments retaining portions 604 and 606 may
be formed by using one or more raised surfaces. While FIG. 6
illustrates the retaining portions as circular, other shapes
including square, oval or rectangular shapes may be used.
[0033] The retaining portion 604 may be used to retain and hold a
container, such as a food or other container. The retaining portion
606 may be configured with a slot 614 such that a beverage
container having a stem or other elongated portion may be held
therein. Other types of containers may be held by the retaining
portion 606. As shown in FIG. 6, the retaining portion 606 may have
a widened, circular area 616 at its center that connects to the
slot 614. The area 616 may be a cut-out or hole portion of the tray
600. By way of non-limiting example, the retaining portion 606 may
be configured to hold a wine glass, champagne flute, or equivalent
beverage container. The stem of the beverage container may be slid
into the slot 614 and then the upper portion of the beverage
container may come to rest on the surface of the retaining portion
606. The area 616 may enable the bowl or top part of the beverage
container rest within the area 616 such that the bowl portion
protrudes through the area 616 and downward through the bottom
surface 603 to provide better holding of the beverage container. It
should be appreciated that the use of the terms "beverage
container," "glass," or "flute" or other types of beverage
containers are meant to be non-limiting and exemplary only, as a
variety of beverage containers may be held within the retaining
portion 606.
[0034] In some embodiments, the tray 600 may be composed of the
chemical compound melamine. In some embodiments, the tray 600 may
be formed using a plastic. In other embodiments, the tray 600 may
be composed of wood, metal, glass or other materials or some
combination thereof. According to exemplary embodiments, the tray
600 may be made of substances that are dishwasher safe.
[0035] The tray 600 may have with a handle area 608 for gripping or
holding the tray. The handle area 608 may have a slot portion 610
and an elevated arch portion 612. The slot portion 610 may be an
opening extended through the tray 600 from the top surface 601
through the bottom surface 603. The elevated arch portion 612 may
be a smoothed, curved area that is part of the main body 602 of the
tray 600 and that extends above the top surface 601 of the tray 600
as shown in the figures. The elevated arch portion 612 may serve as
an area which rests against the back of a person's hand that is
positioned to hold the tray (in cooperation with the slot portion
610). The handle area 608 may be constructed to allow a user to put
their hand in the slot portion 610. The user's fingers (with the
exception of the thumb) would rest under the tray 600 against the
bottom surface 603 and provide support from underneath while the
back of the user's hand rests against the elevated arch 612 behind
the slot portion 610. The user's thumb would remain in outside of
the hole portion 610. The weight of the tray 600 may pull that arch
tight against the back of the hand which assists in keeping the
tray 600 upright even when the user's fingers beneath the tray 600
are not directly touching it. According to some embodiments, the
tray 600 may be held in other manners using the handle portion 608
with a user's hand positioned differently than described above. For
example, the user could position their handle such that their
fingers wrap around the elevated arch 612 and through the hole
portion 610 using the elevated arch as a grip portion to hold the
tray.
[0036] The tray 606 may further have a hole area 618. The hole area
618 may extend through the surface of the tray and may be generally
round in shape, although other shapes are possible. The inner
surface of the hole area 618 may be conically tapered or cone
shaped from the top 601 of the tray 600 to the bottom 603 of the
tray ((that is the cone taper runs in that direction). The hole
area 618 may be used to hold a napkin (not shown). The hole 618 may
be of the appropriate size so that a napkin may be threaded through
the hole and the hole thus holds the napkin in place. This feature
may enable the napkin to be used to wipe off your fingers without
having to pick up the napkin, as it is already standing up for
accessibility. The conical taper of the hole 618 facilitates
insertion of the napkin and also aid in holding the napkin in
place. The conical taper alleviates any sharp edges that could cut
through the napkin. According to some embodiments, the hole 618 may
serve as a point through which a finger or other item may be
inserted. For example, the hole 618 may serve as a holder for
utensils. Utensil handles may be inserted into the hole 618.
Additionally, the hole 618 may serve as an additional holding point
for the tray 600.
[0037] The tray 600 may have feet as shown for the tray 100 and
described above.
[0038] The retaining portions 604 and 606 may be designed to
receive one or more inserts. The inserts may fit into retaining
portions 604 and 606. Inserts may also grip securely to tray 600.
The inserts may provide traction for serving containers such that
when tray 600 is not level the inserts may greatly reduce the
chance of container slippage. In some embodiments, the inserts may
be silicon based. In other embodiments, the inserts may be composed
of rubber or other suitable materials or some combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the inserts may be permanently affixed to the
bottom of retaining portions 604 and 606. In some embodiments, the
inserts 620 may be composed of non-stick materials. The inserts may
be removed for cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt underneath
the inserts. The inserts may be made of substances that are
dishwasher safe. The inserts may subsequently be reused after
washing. The inserts also may be printed in a variety of colors,
with various designs or logos so that users of tray 600 may change
the appearance of the tray 600 for personal taste, marketing or
other reasons by switching inserts. In some embodiments the ease of
removal of the inserts may also allow for replacement of inserts in
the event an insert is worn or damaged. The inserts may have
differing first and second sides as shown in FIG. 5 and described
above, such that one side is smooth and the opposite side has a
textured surface for maintaining a grip.
[0039] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B depict a tray
according to exemplary embodiments with inserts that are configured
to be placed in the one or more retaining portions of the tray. The
inserts may be as described above. The tray may be the tray 600 as
described above.
[0040] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict inserts 702 and 704 for placement in
retaining portions 604 and 606. The inserts 702 and 704 may be
shaped as depicted. The insert 702 may be generally circular in
shape with a cut-out section from the circle 706 through which the
stem of a beverage container may be inserted. The insert 704 may be
a solid insert that is a complete planar circular shape (such as
also described above in other embodiments). FIGS. 8A and 8B depict
inserts 802 and 804 for placement in retaining portions 604 and
606. The inserts 802 and 804 may be shaped as depicted. The insert
802 may be a solid insert that is a complete planar circular shape.
The insert 804 may be circular with a hollow section in the central
portion 806. FIGS. 9A and 9B depict inserts 902 and 904 for
placement in retaining portions 604 and 606. The inserts 902 and
904 may be shaped as depicted. The insert 902 may shaped similar to
the insert 702 and the insert 904 may be shaped similar to the
insert 804. FIGS. 10A and 10B depict inserts 1002 and 1004 for
placement in retaining portions 604 and 606. The inserts 1002 and
1004 may be shaped as depicted. The inserts 1002 and 1004 may be
solid, planar, and circular in shape. As depicted in FIGS. 7A
through 10B the inserts may have a variety of configurations and
shapes. It should be understood that the inserts depicted in the
different figures may be mixed and matched beyond the combinations
shown. Furthermore, additional shapes and configurations are
possible for the inserts.
[0041] Some of the terminology used herein may be understood as
follows: Melamine is the chemical compound
(triamino-triazine--C3N6H6), comprising carbon, nitrogen and
hydrogen.
[0042] While the foregoing description includes details and
specificities, it should be understood that such details and
specificities have been included for the purposes of explanation
only, and are not to be interpreted as limitations of the present
invention. Many modifications to the embodiments described above
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, as it is intended to be encompassed by the following
claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *