Food trays in the shape of a sports stadium

Abstract

The present invention is a stadium-shaped food tray designed to enhance the presentation and serving of snacks and dips at sports events and other occasions. The tray is constructed from lightweight materials and features multiple fitted compartments for organizing various food items. Its unique design includes structural components that provide enhanced stability and easy assembly, guided by an included instruction manual. Customizable elements allow users to change colors and add branding, making the tray suitable for specific events and promotional purposes. The invention's novelty is highlighted by its limited prior art, offering a distinctive and appealing option for enhancing the food-serving experience.

Description

[0001] Patent Application of Astrid deGruchy for

[0002] FOOD TRAYS IN THE SHAPE OF A SPORTS STADIUM

[0003] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0004] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application filed 2024 July 21 by the present inventor.

[0005] Background — Prior Art

[0006] This following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

[0007] U. S. Patents

[0008] Patent Number Kind Code Issue Date Patentee

[0009] US2,476,102 Al 1949-07-12 Lobell

[0010] U. S. Patent Application Publications

[0011] Publication Nr. Kind Code Publ. Date Applicant

[0012] US20060042989 Al 2006-03-02 Suter Field of the Invention:

[0013] This invention pertains to food-grade containers and, more specifically, to containers designed for both serving and displaying snacks and dips. One objective of the invention is to create a container that serves both as a serving unit and a display for the food items it holds. Another objective is to design a container with a structure that includes multiple fitted compartments. These compartments, arranged to mimic the seating and layout of a sports stadium, allow the snacks and dips to be prominently displayed, enhancing the thematic experience of sports gatherings.

[0014] Traditional food containers used for serving snacks and dips lack the visual appeal and thematic elements that enhance the enjoyment of food during sports events. There is a need for an innovative serving container that not only fulfills its practical purpose but also contributes to the excitement and atmosphere of the occasion. Due to the unique design and thematic features of this invention, finding prior art is limited, underscoring the novelty and originality of the proposed solution.

[0015] In the search for prior art relevant to innovative food displays for sporting events, the closest matches found are Food and Beverage Tray, U.S. Patent Application Publication [US 2006 / 0042989 Al] to Suter et al. (2006), and U.S. Patents 2,476,102 (1948) to Lobell et al. These existing solutions do not address the combination of thematic design and functional compartments that is offered by the present invention.

[0016] Summary of the Invention:

[0017] The present invention is a food tray with a unique design inspired by a sports stadium. This tray includes multiple compartments for organizing and serving snacks and dips, enhancing the thematic presentation for users. The tray is designed to be assembled in steps and is provided with an instruction manual to assist users in the optimal setup and use of the tray. The food tray designed with a sports stadium theme offers several advantages, including an enhanced thematic experience that adds to the enjoyment of sports events. Its unique design features multiple compartments for effective organization of snacks and dips, minimizing mess and simplifying access. With a user-friendly step-by-step assembly process and versatility for various food items, the tray is both practical and adaptable. The attractive stadium design not only improves visual presentation but also ensures durability, holding food items securely and maintaining its shape. This innovative approach distinguishes the tray from standard serving solutions, providing a distinctive option for themed food presentation.

[0018] Drawings — Figures:

[0019] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows the fully assembled stadium-shaped food tray, highlighting the complete structure and arrangement of parts.

[0021] Fig. 2 depicts the base of the tray and the four tab inserts, indicating their positions for attaching the compartments shown in Fig. 3.

[0022] Fig. 3 illustrates the construction and attachment of compartments to the base using the tabs from Fig. 2. Also shows cutouts for field goals with adhesive tabs (14), the fold mechanism (4), and additional cuts (5).

[0023] Fig. 4 shows the barrier (6) that wraps around the stadium tray, with an adhesive bottom (8). Highlights inserts (9) for structural components from Fig. 5A & Fig. 5B and the adhesion points (7) for overall stability.

[0024] Fig. 5 A & Fig. 5B depicts structural components that reinforce the compartments in Fig. 1, including cross-sections (10), angular parts (11), and reinforcement tabs (12) that fit into slots (9) from Fig. 4. Fig. 6 illustrates the sign that adheres to the barrier in Fig. 4 using adhesive tabs (17), enhancing the tray’s thematic presentation.

[0025] Fig. 7 shows the final field piece placed in the designated spot (18) in Fig. 1, completing the stadium design.

[0026] Drawings — Reference Numerals:

[0027] 1 base 8 adhesive base

[0028] 2 cut for tab 9 groove

[0029] 5 adhesive tab 12 adhesive tab

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION— FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

[0031] The fully constructed food tray is displayed in Fig. 1, illustrating the interconnection of all components shown in the other Figs.. Fig. 2 shows the base (1), which is flat, with a cut tab (2) that can be pushed up from a preformed bend. The tab (2) also includes adhesive tape to interlock with components from Fig. 3. The compartmental walls (4) push up from creases in the base, forming part of the eight compartments. All compartmental walls in Fig. 3 are connected to the same base, with specialized cuts separating the base from the inner compartment walls (5). To mimic goal posts, Fig. 1 shows them fully propped up (13), and in Fig. 3, they are in their initial cut-out position, which can be propped up using precision cut lines (15). The goal posts are held up with adhesive tabs (14). Directly on the base (1), Fig. 4 shows the outer compartment wall (6), which adds more compartments beyond the central ones. These walls are secured with adhesive as seen in (8), which folds to the base layer (1). For structural integrity, Fig. 5A & Fig. 5B depicts parts (10) and (11) inserted into grooves exemplified by (9). Each part in Fig. 5A & Fig. 5B has an adhesive tab (12) for additional strength, securing between parts (4), (6), and (3). The cross sections (10) are placed opposite each other, while the angular parts (11) are positioned in the outer corners between parts (4) and (6) using grooves (9) and tabs (12). Decorative signs, as seen in Fig. 6, are placed in grooves (17) and secured with adhesive backing like (12). Fig. 7 shows an insert (18) placed on top of the compartments (3), but cut to form around the goal posts (13).

[0032] Advantages:

[0033] The innovative design of the stadium-shaped food tray offers several distinct advantages that enhance both functionality and user experience, particularly during sports events. The unique stadium shape adds an exciting and engaging element to any event, serving not only as a functional food tray but also as a decorative centerpiece that enhances the overall ambiance (Fig. 1). The tray features multiple fitted compartments, allowing for a well-organized presentation of various snacks and dips (Figs. 3 and 4), preventing mixing and ensuring easy access. Its step-by-step construction process, accompanied by an instruction manual, ensures easy and quick assembly without confusion. The tray’s structural components, including cross-sections and angular parts provide enhanced stability, with reinforcement tabs and adhesive strips ensuring secure connections and maintaining integrity even when loaded with food.

[0034] Furthermore, the tray’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of snacks and dips, applicable for various occasions beyond sports events, such as parties, picnics, and gatherings. Its lightweight materials ensure portability, making it convenient to transport to different locations. Customizable elements, such as decorative signs (Fig. 6) and inserts (Fig. 7) allow for variations to suit specific themes. The ability to change colors and add branding further enhances the tray’s appeal, allowing users to tailor the tray to specific events, team colors, or corporate branding. This customization adds a unique and personal touch, making the tray suitable for promotional purposes and enhancing the overall experience for users. The uniqueness of the stadium-shaped food tray, with limited prior art, underscores its innovative nature, making it a novel and exciting addition to the market. These advantages collectively make the stadium-shaped food tray a superior option for enhancing the food-serving experience at sports events and other occasions, combining practicality with aesthetic appeal. Conclusion:

[0035] In conclusion, the stadium-shaped food tray is an innovative solution designed to enhance the food-serving experience at sports events and other occasions. Its unique design, featuring multiple fitted compartments, not only organizes snacks and dips effectively but also adds an exciting thematic element to the event. The tray's easy assembly, structural stability, and portability make it a versatile and practical choice for various settings. Customizable elements, such as the ability to change colors and add branding, further enhance its appeal, making it suitable for promotional purposes. The limited prior art underscores the novelty of this invention, positioning it as a unique and valuable addition to the market. This food tray successfully combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, making it a superior option for consumers looking to enhance their event experiences.

[0036] Abstract:

[0037] The present invention is a stadium-shaped food tray designed to enhance the presentation and serving of snacks and dips at sports events and other occasions. The tray is constructed from lightweight materials and features multiple fitted compartments for organizing various food items. Its unique design includes structural components that provide enhanced stability and easy assembly, guided by an included instruction manual. Customizable elements allow users to change colors and add branding, making the tray suitable for specific events and promotional purposes. The invention's novelty is highlighted by its limited prior art, offering a distinctive and appealing option for enhancing the food-serving experience.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 05 December 2025 (05.12.2025)In the ClaimsThis listing of claims will replace all prior versions and listings of claims in the application.1-16. (Canceled)17. (New) A food tray comprising: a base; a compartment sheet having cutouts with creases for bending on a front side; an outer compartment wall; and cross-side supports; wherein the compartment sheet attaches on a back side to the base, wherein the cutouts of the compartment sheet bend at the creases to form a first wall for an inner region and a second wall for a compartment region between the first wall and the second wall on the front side, wherein the outer compartment wall attaches to the base around a perimeter of the compartment region of the compartment sheet, the outer compartment wall forming an outer compartment region between the second wall and the outer compartment wall, and wherein the cross-side supports form compartments in the compartment region and the outer compartment region, each cross-side support attaching to the first wall and the outer compartment wall across a corresponding groove in the second wall.

18. (New) The food tray of claim 17, wherein the food tray has a shape of a sports stadium.

19. (New) The food tray of claim 17, wherein the compartments in the compartment region and the outer compartment region are configured to hold and organize various types of snacks and dips.

20. (New) The food tray of claim 17, further comprising a decorative insert that fits into the inner region.

21. (New) The food tray of claim 17, further comprising a decorative sign comprising a slit that fits over a cross-side support of the cross-side supports.

22. (New) The food tray of claim 17, further comprising cross-angle supports that attach to the second wall and the outer compartment wall at corner regions of the outer compartment region.

23. (New) The food tray of claim 17, further comprising customizable decorative elements.

24. (New) The food tray of claim 17, wherein the compartment sheet further comprises cutouts in the inner region in a shape of goal posts, wherein the cutouts in the shape of goal posts fold backward to enable attachment to the first wall.

25. (New) The food tray of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of adhesive strips for securing components in place, including securing the compartment sheet to the base, and the cross-side supports to the first wall and the outer compartment wall.

26. (New) The food tray of claim 17, wherein the base, the compartment sheet, the outer compartment wall; and the cross-side supports are able to be flattened for transport before assembly.

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