Food And Beverage Serving Tray Having Automatic Latching Sides

Abstract

An expandable tray having a primary layer and a secondary layer having a substantially parallel configuration. The primary layer is configured to be moved in a direction of a third layer to orient the third layer and a support structure at approximately 90 degrees in relation to the secondary layer. The primary layer and the secondary layer have sidewalls forming a latching structure configured to interconnect the sidewalls, thereby orienting the tray in an expanded configuration between the primary layer and the secondary layer. A portion of the primary layer is foldable along a hinge point located within an opening thereon the primary layer, forming a support structure. A mounting surface is connected to a portion of the support structure. The mounting surface is connected to a portion of the secondary layer with an attaching element. A removable portion is connected to the mounting surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates, generally, to a printable food and beverage tray. More particularly, it relates to an expandable tray having double latching sides that are adapted to interconnect to orient the tray in an open configuration.[0003]2. Background Art[0004]Prior art concession trays have sidewalls with tabs that are inserted through corresponding openings in the tray during assembly. A user including, but not limited to, a concession employee or a quick service restaurant employee has to pre-assemble these trays having tabs in advance because the assembly process of positioning the tabs into the openings is time consuming. These tabs need to be individually inserted into their corresponding opening during the tray assembly. The assembled trays are then stacked and stored next to a register to be accessible to a user during the fulfillment of an order. When these bulky pre-assembled trays are stacked and stored next ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a compact concession tray that can be easily expanded from a closed to an open configuration. The tray has interlocking sidewalls that form a lip when expanded, which allows for quick and easy assembly. The tray also has a removable coupon printed on it that can be torn away by the user. The objective is to provide a convenient and efficient solution for concessions and food ordering in a compact space.

Problems solved by technology

A user including, but not limited to, a concession employee or a quick service restaurant employee has to pre-assemble these trays having tabs in advance because the assembly process of positioning the tabs into the openings is time consuming.

When these bulky pre-assembled trays are stacked and stored next to a register, they take up valuable space which can be limited.

Additionally, these bulky trays can obstruct a work area which can be burdensome to a user, can pose a fire hazard, and create a cluttered work space.

More particularly, when the assembly process of inserting the sidewall tabs into the corresponding tray openings becomes burdensome and time consuming, the needed interconnecting latching mechanism would better act to quickly and more efficiently position the tray in an upright configuration.

Prior art nesting trays and molded trays are not adapted to be received by an electrophotographic machine.

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