US20040084463A1 - Serving tray - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention is a serving tray with a handle and arm support for reducing repetitive injury. And having feet to hold the tray above the handle when at rest

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates generally to the field of serving trays. [0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The state of the art in serving trays is a flat profile generally in an oval, rectangular or even kidney shape. Some have change boxes affixed. These trays can cause serious joint and muscle injuries in the wrist, elbow and forearm. The invention overcomes the tendency toward repetitive injury by providing superior hand position and control and balance of the tray. [0002]
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
• A first object of the invention is to provide a tray with a handle that will improve arm position under the load. This arm position will decrease repetitive motion injury. A second object is to provide a support system so that the tray is supported above the handle when being loaded or not in use.[0003]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
• FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view. [0004]
• FIG. 2 is a top perspective view. [0005]
• FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment. [0006]
• FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment.[0007]
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
• FIG. 1 shows an bottom view of a tray having an arm rest [0008] 2 for accepting a server's arm and providing lateral support so that the tray won't easily slip off the arm. The arm rest 2 is lined with a foam padding material 3 to cushion the arm. At an end opposite the arm rest 2 the tray has a handle 4. The invention contemplates a handle 4 in a vertical and horizontal orientation. The tray further has feet 5 disposed so as to provide a stable platform for loading items on the tray; as few as three feet will suffice. It is contemplated that the arm rest 2 and the handle 4 may have integral portions that will act as feet as well. In a preferred embodiment a foot is located substantially near a corner of a rectangular tray in order to provide maximum stability.
• In another embodiment a [0009] horizontal handle 4 may be attached between two of the feet 5.
• In another embodiment the tray incorporates a [0010] drawer 6 under the tray 1 for change or a tablet or a calculator.
• FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment where the [0011] handle 4 is presented in a configuration parallel to the tray 1.
• The invention also contemplates providing a docking station where the tray can rest without the need of [0012] feet 4 on the tray and leaving the handle free from interfering with the attitude of the tray during loading
• Obviously, numerous (additional) modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. [0013]

Claims (8)

1. A serving tray comprising a planar member and handle means extending below a surface thereof.

2. A serving tray as described in claim 1 further comprising arm support means extending below said surface.

3. A serving tray as described in claim 2 further comprising at least foot means for steadying said tray when at rest.

4. A serving tray as described in claim 1 wherein one of said handle means comprise foot means for supporting said tray when placed on a flat surface.

5. A serving tray as described in claim 2 wherein said arm support means comprise foot means for supporting a tray on a flat surface.

6. A serving tray as described in claim 2 comprising at least three feet for supporting said tray on a flat surface.

7. A serving tray as described in claim 2 further comprising means for attaching a second tray slideably to said tray.

8. A serving tray as described in claim 7 wherein said second tray is attached to said surface wherein said handle is attached.

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