Tray

Abstract

The invention relates to a tray for holding items, such as containers of food or beverage, said tray comprising a lateral support plate (1; 101) and a base plate (5; 102) arranged in a substantially parallel relationship, the tray further having spacing and locking means (6; 25, 122; 104, 105, 106, 107), said spacing and locking means (6; 25, 122, 104, 105, 106, 107) interconnecting the lateral support plate (1; 101) and the base plate (5; 102). The invention is distinctive in the lateral support plate (1; 101) having at least one opening (2a; 2b; 103) being defined through said lateral support plate (1, 101), forming lateral support for at least one item (3; 4). The base plate (5; 102) defining a supportive floor for the at least one item (3; 4), said spacing and locking means (6; 103) being configured to hold said lateral support plate (1; 101) and said base plate (5; 102) in a first extended spaced apart position and to hold said lateral support plate (1; 101) and said base plate (5; 102) in a second retracted position. The base plate (5; 102) having at least one elevated portion (17; 110) corresponding with the at least one opening (2a; 2b; 103) in the lateral support plate (1; 101), said elevated portion (17; 110) filling said opening in said second retracted position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention herein pertains dining trays and particularly pertains to a dining tray that will provide support for various shaped containers for food or beverages stay positioned on the dining tray during use. The invention also pertains a tray that can be converted into having a flat surface and that is suitable for drawing, writing or similar activities.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION[0002]Due to the fast-paced life style of the world we live in, it has become common practice for millions of people each day to grab a bite to eat on the go. Travelling to and from work, running errands, picking up the kids and shuffling them back and forth to school and extracurricular activities, taking long trips, are examples of times when a sit down meal at home may not be possible. We find ourselves instead eating in our automobiles or bringing our food along with us to eat while watching the kids play soccer or participate in some other ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0032]In yet another preferable embodiment of the invention, the at least one support member is adapted to be oriented in two positions; a position where the at least one support members is perpendicular to the base plate and a position where the at least one support member are parallel with the base plate. This provides tray with better storage possibilities.

[0033]In yet another preferable embodiment of the invention said tray having at least one antiskid element arranged on the side of the base plate facing away from the lateral support plate. This provides better support when the tray is arranged in the lap.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, many people find that eating in an automobile or, for instance, at the ball field, is not convenient and poses certain difficulties such as where to put the sandwich, where to put the French fries, where to put the ketchup and sauces.

Placing these items in your lap can be messy at any time and even hazardous while driving.

In conventional travel trays there are no support for the food or beverage containers and while carrying the tray, or balancing it on the lap, the open food containers can easily tilt and spill.

The base plate and the drinking bands do not form a flat surface when the tray is in collapsible position and are therefore not suitable for use as a playboard as a support for other item, like book for drawing, writing etc.

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