Combination display and serving tray

Abstract

A combination serving tray and picture frame which includes an outer frame part, and a transparent glass or plastic front panel, and allows display of three-dimensional art work or memorabilia beneath the glass in both the picture frame mode and in the serving tray mode, and allows easy removal and replacement of the three-dimensional art work or memorabilia, and provides in the serving tray mode protection of the art work from any liquid spilled on the central part when in this article is used in its service tray mode.

Description

A. BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention is in two fields, namely the field of serving trays traditionally used in a horizontal orientation to carry and hold food and beverages, and the field of picture frames traditionally for display of art work in a vertical orientation against a wall.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Conventional picture frames include a transparent glass or plastic front panel to protect the art work, such panel being positioned with its edges adjacent shoulders (rabbits) in the frame and pressure applied from the rear urging the edges of the glass against said shoulders of the frame. In typical rectangular prior art picture frames the inner walls of the central aperture have shoulders facing rearward to support a glass panel, an adjacent mat board, flat two-dimensional art work such as a painting or photo, a back panel and finally a spring, tape or other means to apply pressure on these elements in the frontward direction, whil...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]To protect the artwork the serving tray / picture frame will include a transparent front panel glass, Plexiglas® or other plastic. A further object of this invention is to seal the peripheral edges of the transparent front panel to the frame in a liquid-tight manner so that any liquid spill on the glass surface when the serving tray / picture frame is used in service tray mode cannot leak behind the panel and onto the artwork. In one preferred embodiment, the transparent panel is permanently secured to the front portion of the frame.

[0008]It is a further object to provide a serving tray / picture frame where the artwork can be easily removed and replaced with three-dimensional or other artwork as desired.

[0010]Another object is to provide a display tray in a hobby, craft or construction kit form, where the construction phase can be an enjoyable, relaxing and / or challenging experience for young and older individuals and / or for a family activity, and can be accomplished relatively quickly and easily.

[0011]An additional object is to include spaced apart feet on the bottom of this display tray to slightly elevate this article and to render it easier to grip when it is used in its serving tray mode. This construction allows quick, easy and secure gripping without needing any handles or recesses or other interruptions in the clean “look” of the side beams of the frame.

Problems solved by technology

Even if the decor were personalized for the purchaser of the tray, it would still be permanent and unchangeable, since the liquid-proofing would render the decorated surface permanent.

Images