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).

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

[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.

Problems solved by technology

Such pockets are prone to retain spilled liquid and / or can be difficult to clean, hence quickly become soiled and unattractive.

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