A sliding cover for catering trays

Abstract

Disclosed is a sliding cover for a catering tray. The sliding cover includes a perimeter frame having a track formed along an interior perimeter of the perimeter frame having two parallel longitudinal track portions, and two parallel track portions. A first panel, second panel, and third panel are each situated in and slide within the parallel longitudinal track portions and ends of the panels can be supported in the parallel horizontal track portions. The sliding cover is useful for protecting a food item in a catering tray, while providing access to the food through an opening when the panels are manually retracted.

Description

A SLIDING COVER FOR CATERING TRAYSCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 472,929, filed on June 14, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to food containers, and more particularly, to a sliding cover for catering trays.Background of the Invention

[0003] The current invention pertains to containers and covers for serving food items. In today’s culture, it is often commonplace to prepare, deliver, and serve large portions of food for people attending special events. Such events include business gatherings, seminars, religious occasions, parties, group celebrations, and many more. These events may often be attended by hundreds of people. As such, a variety of foods must be provided in large portions in order to accommodate the demands of the group. To help facilitate this demand, food items are often prepared ahead of time in a full kitchen or possibly onsite, as is the case with mobile catering stations and food trucks.

[0004] After a large food dish has been prepared, it is often placed in a transportable container or food dish. These food containers may be disposable and constructed from materials that allow the food item to be placed and preserved at a warming station. These types of arrangements make it possible for eventgoers to slowly consume the dish over an extended period of time without the food going cold or being ruined by environmental elements or insects. Further, it is also commonplace for food serving containers to include a lid or cover of some sort. These covers again help with keeping the food fresh, warm, and free from contaminants.

[0005] Containers for serving food items have existed for thousands of years, ranging in complexity from basic wood slabs to ornate metal and glass plates having precious metal and jewel adornments. Depending on the quantity of food to be served, the venue, and the nature of the consumer, different trays or dishes may be appropriate. For example, a large circular platter that is commonly used for delivering individual meals in a restaurant would not be appropriate for use at a large corporate event or buffet. For larger events, especially those that involve mass servings of specified dishes, it is very common to provide food items in a rectangular food tray that is lightweight but sturdy. These food trays are often constructed from aluminum foil materials which minimize weight, but still allow for reheating (or continuous heating) and stacking of the food trays.

[0006] A typical catering tray may include a main body having a perimeter flange which extends away from the upper rim of the container. These trays are often sold in multi-packs and are constructed from materials that allow for reheating and oven preparations. The common catering tray may also include a lid of some sort. These lids are typically paper or metal in construction and are often suited for a single use. Furthermore, the typical lid is often coupled to the catering tray by manually pressing down on the edging surrounding the container flange. Although this type of connection is generally durable for packaging and transportation of the contents, it is not especially convenient for situations where frequent access to the tray contents is desired.

[0007] In other applications, disposable catering trays may also be provided with plastic films for covering the food contents. These types of container lids are susceptible to damage or puncture. In addition, plastic film lids do not allow for catering trays to be stacked upon each other during transport and also limit the number of times that the contents may be accessed before the plastic film rips or becomes compromised.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a solution to at least one of the aforementioned problems. For instance, there is an established need for a catering tray lid that is structurally sound while also providing improved access to the food contents in a safe a secure manner.Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention is directed to a sliding cover for a catering tray. The sliding cover includes a perimeter frame having a track formed along an interior perimeter of the perimeter frame having two parallel longitudinal track portions, and two parallel width track portions. A first panel, second panel, and third panel are each situated in and slide within the parallel longitudinal track portions along width ends of the panels. Longitudinal ends of the panels can be supported in the parallel width track portions. The sliding cover is useful for protecting a food item in a catering tray, while providing access to the food through an opening when the panels are manually retracted. Materials used to construct the sliding cover may vary by application.

[0010] In a first implementation of the invention, the third panel may be manually moved towards the second panel and first panel in a manner that continuously positions the third panel above the second panel. Similarly, the second panel may be manually moved toward the first panel with the second panel remaining above the first panel. Upon sliding the panels from one side of the cover to the other, a window may be created that allows a user to access a stored food item in the catering tray.

[0011] In another aspect, the sliding cover may be configured with three (3) or more sliding panels.

[0012] In another aspect, the one or more of the sliding panels may be moved from one side of the sliding cover to the other as desired by the user, by sliding the panels along the parallel longitudinal track portion along width ends of the panels.

[0013] In another aspect, the perimeter frame of the sliding cover may include a plurality of segmented curved edge clasps extending out from the perimeter frame and configured for placement around an upper edge of a catering tray.

[0014] In another aspect, the sliding cover may be generally rectangular in shape, although other shapes are hereby contemplated.

[0015] In another aspect, the panels may be arranged vertically to be moved in a sliding fashion across the long axis of the cover.

[0016] In another aspect, the panels may be configured to remain in one position unless manually manipulated by the user.

[0017] In another aspect, the edge of the perimeter frame may include a segmented extended curved clasp portion that allows the sliding cover to fit over most food tray configurations.

[0018] In another aspect, the sliding cover may be constructed from metallic materials, including but not limited to, food grade aluminum foil.

[0019] In another aspect, the sliding cover may be constructed from materials that include paper or cardstock panels having metallic backings with heat retention properties.

[0020] In another aspect, the complete contents of the catering tray may be accessed by the user by simply moving the panels from a closed configuration to an open configuration without needing to remove the sliding cover from the catering tray.

[0021] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 presents a top perspective view of the sliding cover for use with a catering tray, in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 presents a top perspective view of the sliding cover showing the cover in position over a catering tray, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 3 presents a top perspective view of the sliding cover showing the cover ‘in-use’ and in a completely closed configuration while coupled to a catering tray, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 4 presents a top perspective view of the sliding cover showing the cover ‘in-use’ and in a partially open configuration while coupled to a catering tray, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 5 presents a top perspective view of the sliding cover showing the cover ‘in-use’ and in a completely open configuration while coupled to a catering tray, which three panels are shown on top of each other with the sliding tabs shown on the first panel and second panel, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 6 presents an exploded view of the sliding cover, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and,

[0029] FIG. 7 presents a side perspective view along line A — A of FIG. 5 of the sliding cover while coupled to a catering tray, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.Detailed Description

[0031] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0032] Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a perimeter frame having a track formed along an interior perimeter of the perimeter frame having two parallel longitudinal track portions, and two parallel width track portions. A first panel, second panel, and third panel are each situated in and slide within the parallel longitudinal track portions along width ends of the panels. Longitudinal ends of the panels can be supported in the parallel width track portions

[0033] The tracks are arranged to receive a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The first panel, second panel, and third panel may slide horizontally within the perimeter track located on the inside perimeter of the perimeter track. The first panel has a distal longitudinal edge that is overlaid in a portion, e.g., from about 1 / 8 of an inch up to about 1 of an inch, by the proximal longitudinal edge of the second panel, and the distal longitudinal edge of the second panel is overlaid in a similar portion by the proximal longitudinal edge of the third panel, such that in a fully closed configuration the proximal longitudinal edge of the first panel and the distal longitudinal edge of the third panel are each supported in the internal perimeter parallel width ends of the perimeter tracks and each of the width edges of the three panels are supported along the parallel longitudinal tracks along the interior perimeter of the perimeter frame.

[0034] In a partially open configuration, the third panel is slid to completely overlay the second panel which leaves a 1 / 3 opening to access the contents of a food tray located beneath the perimeter frame.

[0035] In a completely open configuration, the second and third panels can be slid to completely overlay the first panel which leaves a 2 / 3 opening to access the contents of a food tray below. The completely open configuration has two possible positions of the three overlaid panels. One of such configurations can have all three panels slid to a first width side of the perimeter frame so that the center and the second 1 / 3 of the food in the food tray can be accessed after the first third below the third panel in the completely closed configuration is consumed in the partially open configuration, thus allowing the central third of the food to be accessed while the other remaining third of the food remains covered. Another of the two possible positions of the three overlaid panels in the completely open configuration is that after 2 / 3 of the food in the tray is consumed, the three panels overlaid over each other as described herein can all be moved to a second width side of the perimeter frame, so that the remaining 1 / 3 of food in the food tray can be accessed and the center 1 / 3 is left open and the three overlaid panels are moved to the first width side of the perimeter frame to overly the other empty 1 / 3 portion of the food tray.

[0036] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-7, a sliding cover 100 for use with a catering tray 200 is disclosed. The sliding cover 100 may include a perimeter frame 180 having a curved edge 182, a right side 168, a left side 170, a top side 172, a bottom side 174, a right upper corner 112, a right lower corner 114, a left lower corner 116, and a left upper comer 118. The sliding cover 100 may further include a first panel 106, a second panel 108, and a third panel 110. The first panel 106, second panel 108, and the third panel 110 may be configured to slide from the right side 168 to the left side 170 within a track 154 formed along an interior perimeter 155 of the perimeter frame 180. The track 154 can have two parallel longitudinal track portions 157 and two parallel width track portions 159. The first panel 106, second panel 108 and third panel 110 can each be situated by their respective width sides 161 in the parallel longitudinal track portions 157. One or more of the first panel 106, second panel 107 and third panel 110 can each have their distal longitudinal ends 163 supported in the right side 168 width track portion 159. Alternatively, one or more of the first panel 106, second panel 107 and third panel 110 can each have their proximal longitudinal ends 165 supported in the left side 170 width track portion 159.

[0037] The first panel 106 may include a first panel top surface 128 and a first panel bottom surface 130. The first panel 106 may be configured in a generally-rectangular shape havingrounded comers that allow for a flush fitting along the left side 170 of the sliding cover 100. The second panel 108 may include a second panel top surface 132 and a second panel bottom surface 134. The second panel 108 may be configured in a rectangular shape which may be slidably retained over the first panel 106 (in a portion as described herein) and beneath the third panel 110 (in a portion as described herein). The third panel 110 may include a third panel top surface 136 and a third panel bottom surface 138. The third panel 110 may be configured in a generally- rectangular shape having rounded corners that allow for a flush fitting along the right side 168 of the sliding cover 100.

[0038] Referring specifically to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of the sliding cover 100 for use with a catering tray 200 is disclosed, in accordance with a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Shown here, the sliding cover 100 includes a perimeter frame 180 having a curved edge 182, a right side 168, a left side 170, a top side 172, a bottom side 174, a right upper comer 112, a right lower corner 114, a left lower comer 116, and a left upper corner 118. The sliding cover 100 may further include a first panel 106, a second panel 108, and a third panel 110. The first panel 106, second panel 108, and the third panel 110 may be configured to manually slide within a track 154 (detailed in FIG. 7).

[0039] Referring next to FIG. 2, a top perspective view of the sliding cover 100 showing the cover 100 in position over a catering tray 200 is disclosed, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this view, a typical placement of the sliding cover 100 over a catering tray 200 is shown in use. Here again, the sliding cover 100 may include a perimeter frame 180 having a curved edge 182. The perimeter frame 180 include a plurality of segmented curved edge clasps 183 extending out from the perimeter frame 180 and configured for placement around an upper edge 202 of a catering tray 200.

[0040] Referring now to FIG 7, there is provided a cross section of the sliding cover 100 over a food tray 200 along the line A — A shown in FIG. 5. As can be noted in FIG. 7, the sliding cover 100 has a perimeter frame 180 having a track 154 formed along an interior perimeter 155 thereof. The track 154 can have an upper lip 151 , and a lower support lip 153 which are set over and below, and perpendicular to, the interior perimeter wall 155. The perimeter frame 180 can have the abovedescribed plurality of segmented curved edge clasps 183 extending out from the perimeter frame 180, and preferably contain an extension portion 181 and a clasp portion 185.

[0041] Still referring to FIG. 7, the perimeter frame 180 may be supported by a tray lip 204 extending from the aforementioned upper edge 202 of the serving tray 200. The segmented curved edge clasps 183 can be made of a flexible and / or deformable material such as the non-limiting examples of low density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, and combinations thereof. The segmented curved edge clasps 183 can have sufficient rigidity and the clasp portion 185 can be of a suitable size to be retained over the upper edge 202 of a catering tray 200 until released by pulling up on the clasp portion 185 to release the segmented curved edge clasps 183. One can manually depress the clasp portion 185 and perimeter frame 180 around the catering tray 200, so as to cover the contents of the catering tray 200. In this configuration, the first panel 106, the second panel 108, and the third panel 110 remain spread apart so as to keep the sliding cover closed. A sliding cover 100 can have at least 4 segmented curved edge clasps 183, and up to about 12 segmented curved edge clasps 183. The clasps 183 can each be of any suitable length along the edge 202, but preferably can be from about 1 inch up to about 3 inches.

[0042] Referring next to FIG. 3, a top perspective view of the sliding cover 100 showing the cover ‘in-use’ and in a ‘closed configuration’ while coupled to a catering tray 200 is disclosed, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. As before, the sliding cover 100 includes a perimeter frame 180 having a curved edge 182, a first panel 106, a second panel 108, and a third panel 110. The first panel 106, second panel 108, and third panel 110 are frictionally retained in the track 154. In this view, the sliding cover 100 remains in a ‘closed configuration’ to help protect and preserve the contents of the catering tray 200 until desired by the user. As noted above, the first panel 106, second panel 108, and third panel 110 may slide horizontally within the perimeter track 154 located on the inside perimeter 155 of the perimeter frame 180. The first panel 106 has a distal longitudinal edge 163 that is overlaid in a portion 189, e.g., from about 1 / 8 of an inch up to about i of an inch, by the proximal longitudinal edge 165 of the second panel 108, and the distal longitudinal edge 163 of the second panel 108 is overlaid in a similar portion 189 by the proximal longitudinal edge 165 of the third panel 110, such that in a fully closed configuration the proximal longitudinal edge 165 of the first panel 106 and the distallongitudinal edge 163 of the third panel 110 are each supported in the internal perimeter track 154 parallel width ends 170, 168 respectively, of the perimeter track 154 and each of the width edges 191 of the three panels 106, 108 and 110 are supported along the parallel longitudinal tracks 157 along the interior perimeter 155 of the perimeter frame 154.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, the first panel 106 and second panel 108 can have sliding tabs 193 located along the proximal edges 165 of the first panel 106 and second panel 108. The sliding tabs 193 can be used to slide the first panel 106 and second panels 108 from the left side 170 to the right side 168 and vice-versa. Starting from the closed position shown in FIG. 3 the third panel 110 can be slid over the second panel 108 to the partially open configuration as shown in FIG. 4, and then first panel 106 can be slid under the second panel 108 using the sliding tabs 193 on the first panel 106 and then the three panels 106, 108 and 110 can be slid to the right side 168 using the sliding tabs 193 present on the first and / or second panels 106 and 108 to end in the open configuration as shown in FIG. 5. The sliding panel 110 can also optionally contain sliding tabs 193 (not shown).

[0044] Still referring to FIGS. 1-6, the first panel 106, second panel 108 and third panel 110 can be inserted into the perimeter frame 180, by bending the two portions of perimeter 180 which are located on the right side 168 of the sliding cover 100 in the direction of the arrows (see FIG. 4) to permit for unobstructed access in a planar manner of the panels to the perimeter track 154 and the insertion of the panels 106, 108 and 110 therein and thereafter, upon release of the bent portions of perimeter frame 180, the escape or removal of the panels from the sliding cover is prevented by the presence of such reverted portions of perimeter 180 on the right side 168 of the sliding cover. The perimeter portions 180 shown on the right side 168 can alternatively be present on the left side 170 in a similar manner shown on the right side 168, or still further such portions could be present on the left side 170 and the right side 168 simultaneously. The third panel 110 can be without sliding tabs 193. Track 154 is shown as a single track, although the use of a plurality of tracks 154 is also envisioned. For example, track 154 could be subdivided into three separate tracks along the height of the inside track 154 wherein each track could serve as the support track 154 for one of panels, 106, 108 and 110, respectively.

[0045] Referring next to FIG. 4, a top perspective view of the sliding cover 100 showing the cover ‘in-use’ and in a ‘partially open configuration’ while coupled to a catering tray 200 is disclosed, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Here again, the sliding cover 100 includes a first panel 106, a second panel 108, and a third panel 110. The first panel 106, second panel 108, and third panel 110 may be manually adjusted within the perimeter track 154 to move from a ‘closed configuration’ as shown in FIG. 3 to a ‘partially open configuration’ as disclosed here. As shown, the perimeter frame 180 and curved edge 182 and segmented clasp sections 183 are engaged around the catering tray 200 to keep the food free from exposure to environmental elements until desired. In this manner, the user may gain access to the contents of the catering tray 200 without extensively compromising the freshness of a food item or risking contamination.

[0046] Referring next to FIG. 5, a top perspective view of the sliding cover 100 showing the cover ‘in-use’ and in an ‘open configuration’ while coupled to a catering tray 200 is disclosed, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Previously, in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the sliding cover 100 was presented in a ‘closed configuration’ and ‘partially open configuration’, respectively. Here again, the sliding cover 100 includes a first panel 106, a second panel 108, and a third panel 110. The first panel 106, second panel 108, and third panel 110 have been manually moved within the track 154 to expose a window for accessing the inside of the catering tray 200. Sliding the panels 110, 108, 106 from a ‘closed configuration’, to a ‘partially open configuration’, and now to an ‘open configuration’ allows the catering tray 200 and its contents to stay fresh, warm, and protected from any sort of displacement caused by moving or stacking additional catering trays 200 on top of each other. As shown, the perimeter frame 180 and segmented curved edge clasps 183 remain engaged around the catering tray 200 to limit any exposure to the opening created by sliding the first panel 106, second panel 108, and third panel 110 from one side of the sliding cover 100 to the other.

[0047] Referring next to FIG. 6, an exploded view of the sliding cover 100 is disclosed, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this illustration, the sliding cover 100 for use with a catering tray 200 may include a perimeter frame 180.

[0048] In addition, FIG. 6 illustrates the configuration of the first panel 106, second panel 108, and third panel 110. The first panel 106 may include a first panel top surface 128 and a first panel bottom surface 130. The first panel 106 may be configured in a generally-rectangular shape having rounded corners on one side. The second panel 108 may include a second panel top surface 132 and a second panel bottom surface 134. The second panel 108 may be configured in a rectangular shape which may be slidably retained between the first panel 106 and the third panel 110 (with or without the overlaid portion 189 described herein). The third panel 110 may include a third panel top surface 136 and a third panel bottom surface 138. Similar to the first panel 106, third panel 110 may be configured in a generally-rectangular shape having rounded corners on one end.

[0049] Referring finally to FIG. 7, a side perspective view of the sliding cover 100 coupled to a catering tray 200 is disclosed, in accordance with the first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. In this illustration, the perimeter frame 180 and track 154 are clearly shown to be engaged around the upper edge 202 of the catering tray 200. This configuration again allows for the contents of the catering tray 200 to be protected and preserved unless manually directed by the user. Further detail is provided here to show the track 154 created between the upper lip 151, and the lower support lip 153. The track 154 is useful to slidingly retain the first panel 106, the second panel 108, and the third panel 110. Each of the first panel 106, second panel 108, and the third panel may remain in position until manually repositioned to an ‘closed configuration’, ‘partially open configuration’, or an ‘open configuration.’

[0050] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A sliding cover for a catering tray, said sliding cover comprising: a perimeter frame; a track formed along an interior perimeter of the perimeter frame having two parallel longitudinal track portions, and two parallel width track portions; a first panel situated in the parallel longitudinal track portions; a second panel situated in the parallel longitudinal track portions; and a third panel situated in the parallel longitudinal track portions.

2. The sliding cover of claim 1, comprising more than 3 sliding panels.

3. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein one or more of the sliding panels are configured to move from one side of the sliding cover to the other, by sliding the panels along the parallel longitudinal track portion along width ends of the panels.

4. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein the perimeter frame of the sliding cover includes a plurality of segmented curved edge clasps extending out from the perimeter frame and configured for placement around an upper edge of a catering tray.

5. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein, the sliding cover is rectangular in shape.

6. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein the panels are arranged vertically to be moved in a sliding fashion across the longitudinal axis of the cover.

7. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein the panels are configured to remain in one position unless manually manipulated by the user.

8. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein the sliding cover is constructed from a metallic material.

9. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein the sliding cover is constructed from materials that include paper or cardstock panels having metallic backings with heat retention properties.

10. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein one or more of the panels each contain one or more sliding tabs for moving the panels along the longitudinal track portions.

11. The sliding cover of claim 1, in the shape of a rectangle wherein each side of the rectangle contains at least two segmented curved edge clasps extending out from the perimeter frame and configured for placement around an upper edge of a catering tray.

12. The sliding cover of claim 1, in the shape of a rectangle wherein one width side of the rectangle contains a portion of the perimeter frame which is bendable.

13. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein the first panel is overlaid in a portion by the second panel and wherein the second panel is overlaid in a portion by the third panel.

14. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein the first panel, second panel, and third panel are each situated by respective width sides in the parallel longitudinal track portions.

15. The sliding cover of claim 1, in the shape of a rectangle wherein the one or more of the first panel, second panel and third panel each have distal longitudinal ends which are supported in a width track portion.

16. The sliding cover of claim 1, wherein the perimeter track has an upper lip and a lower support lip which are set over and below the perimeter track, and are perpendicular to an interior perimeter wall of the perimeter track.

17. A food service tray assembly system comprising: a sliding cover for a catering tray, said sliding cover comprising: a perimeter frame, a track formed along an interior perimeter of the perimeter frame having two parallel longitudinal track portions, and two parallel width track portions, a first panel situated in the parallel longitudinal track portions, a second panel situated in the parallel longitudinal track portions, and a third panel situated in the parallel longitudinal track portions; and, a food service tray.

18. The food service tray assembly system of claim 17, wherein the perimeter frame is supported by a tray lip extending from an upper edge of the food service tray.

19. The food service tray assembly system of claim 18, wherein the sliding cover further comprises segmented curved edge clasps which are configured to be retained over the upper edge of the food service tray.

20. The food service tray assembly system of claim 17, wherein the first panel and second panel have sliding tabs located along proximal edges of the first panel and second panel, whichare configured to be able to slide the first panel and second panel from one side of the sliding cover to the opposing side of the sliding cover.

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