TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[1] This invention its of a Tray for ready meals, mainly sold in shopping mall food courts, shopping centers, airports, hospitals, universities, and other locations; the mentioned tray features innovative construction features formed by slots interspersed with dividing walls envisioned for individual accommodation of the items that make up quick meals as snacks, chips and side dishes, and includes a cylindrical central niche for drink accommodation can, glass or bottle; the afored mentioned plate presents itself shaped in such a way that the arrangement of slots compete for that part of the user's forearm and hand entering a channel substantially similar shape of a 'J' and an anatomical and ergonomic design, channel this specially dimensioned so that the tray remain accommodated in the portion of the forearm and the hand of the user, allowing for the transport of the same occurs without any user effort and, especially, in full balance with any amount of products, even if distributed with weights unbalanced on the tray (more volume from one side to the other), since the above mentioned ergonomic channel 'J' surrounds the forearm and the hand of the user holding the tray in a snug fit, avoiding any rotation of the tray, even if the transport and manipulation of the tray is made with one hand, freeing, this time, the other hand to other movements, providing greater comfort with full security for the user.

BACKG ROU N D OF TH E I NVE NTION

[2] It is clear that increasingly, people feed on fast foods as snacks, chips and accompaniments, mainly due to the speed in the preparation and delivery of the service, as well as the pleasant flavor these foods provide mainly snacks, salted, fried potatoes and other similar.

[3] In general, the mentioned foods are offered in cafeterias or restaurants available on the outskirts of the shopping center food courts, shopping centers, airports, hospitals, universities, etc., the cited food courts, formed by large spaces, are organized by multiple tables and chairs for the accommodation of customers after the acquisition of the meal.

[4] For the transport of the meal between the place of purchase to the table of the food court the consumer receives a flat tray where items of quick meal are available, as well as the beverage containers, cutlery, packets of various sauces, napkins, etc.

[5] Conventionally said trays are manufactured currently by injection molding process, using as a starting material, e.g., polypropylene or other similar material and may be presented in various colors and shapes peripherals. Has generally rectangular shape and the base is completely flat, including, as only one edge in the form of short angled wall, forming a collar that acts as retains the products distributed on said conventional tray. Some trays have handles or openings at opposite ends of the lower edges, which allow the user to snap your fingers for better handling of the tray.

[6] Most of the trays has a textured surface to form a better grip of their products with difficulty, since the same will be sliding during transportation, especially during the journey between the points of sale to the table of the food court. The consumer, in most cases, has to hold the tray with both hands because of the weight, however, not infrequently, although with difficulty, you have to hold the cup / can / bottle with the other hand during transport to maintain the balance of the items.

[7] Thus, since both hands generally hold the tray and the items thereon, it is clear that the movement restriction prevents the consumer the freedom to manipulate other issues, such as bag loading, backpack, wallet, cell phone, or even guidance and attention with small children along the way to the table of the food court, among other factors. [8] Another disadvantage of the trays currently manufactured, is due to the formats currently used, that is, flat faces, a fact which requires the manufacturing process or by injection molding, also considering the need to support the inclusion of greater weight without occurs warping or bending.

[9] For this reason, it is knowledge of the manufacturers that the trays best physical condition and maintenance - flat base maintenance - are not produced with recyclable plastics and yes, most of virgin type, increasing the final cost of the product. The trays made from recyclable plastics have "deformed" bottoms and even twists and must be replaced.

[10] Also currently, are in fashion quick meals served in 'food-truck' comprising adapted and provided vehicle infrastructure for meal preparation and commercialization in open urban areas, such as squares, streets, etc.

[11] The main drawback in this case lies in the fact that the meals usually be served in small trays or disposable dishes that do not offer any convenience for the consumer to enjoy the meal.

[12] Therefore, the difficulty in consumption influences, including the consideration during the food tasting.

ANALYSIS OF THE TECHNICAL STATE

[13] In research conducted in specialized database found in documents related to the transport of food trays, such as document number MU 8800220-9 that is for snack trays and consisting essentially of a prismatic tray that forms a compartment inside, being provided with two circular cavities concentric with triangular tabs, and also rectangular cavities of different dimensions with trapezoidal and triangular latches symmetric and opposite position, each intended to be approved given component snack.

[14] The document number MU 8103143-2 refers to a disposable individual snack tray, with or without a lid, for use in cafeterias, restaurants and alike, consisting of a box of cardboard or similar, with holes on one side for placement of the fingers, a larger hole at the top for placing a container with liquid, and a compartment adjacent to this hole for placing food eatables.

[15] The document number US5697512 is a tray for stabilization using a hand and forearm. The surface of the base is positioned away from the forearm so that the hot food on the tray surface does not damage or cause discomfort to the user of the tray. The stabilizing member has a shape in conformity with the curvature of the forearm is positioned on one side of the board and extends on the opposite side a cup holder. The stabilizing element and the cup support extending from the board a distance equal to that enables the device to be rested on a table or flat surface. Another feature of the invention allows stacking for storage or transport.

[16] Analyzing the above document it is verified that mentioned plate is elongated and allows the support of same on the forearm, however, differs from the template requested by the fact that the socket on the forearm be only through the concave portion and the means for supporting the hand involving the glass container promotes full exposure.

[17] Another drawback of this model lies in the fact of reducing the use in the case of people with amputation of fingers, or specifically the thumb, or people who have a disability or loss of movement, which makes the handle position and / or collet lock, and be designed for ambidextrous people generating departure from the arm of the tray in order to reduce the security and stability and stability of the tray when utilized.

[18] The document number WO2016008569 (see Figure 1A) refers to a food supporting device comprising a tray part for supporting food in which the lower face provides two supports "U" inverted into support on the top of the user's arm. The device further comprises a cylindrical portion holding containers that acts as a handle for the hand of the user, however, comprises a cut piece in relation to the tray and, therefore, is removable for forward or backward by means of connectable terminals the slots provided at the bottom of tray.

[19] While this tray model includes support for an inverted "U" being positioned about the user's forearm, and the handle provide adjustment means relative to the length of the forearm / board, mentioned supports do not represent the expected stability for manipulation of the tray, because it doesn ^' t grasp the forearm, and the object of the tray in question, demanding, that the products arranged on the board are distributed evenly in order to avoid twists and unexpected turns. Another disadvantage is adjustable cylindrical support also cooperate to instability in maintaining the balance of the whole by the user, since they can unintentionally move out of the tray.

[20] Another drawback lies in the fact that the tray presented in paragraph document WO2016008569 be safe only with the thumb making it difficult to handle for amputees, specifically the thumb, or people who have a disability or loss of movement, which makes the handle position and / or collet lock and does not allow wrist turning mainly pulse (see figure 1A).

[21] Another disadvantage is the fact that the adjustable means interconnecting the tray is offset from the geometric center, providing poor weight distribution and instability of the tray.

[22] Another drawback resides in the need to insert stiffeners or materials, such as polymers of higher stiffness to perform the interconnection between the glass tray and making the use of renewable materials difficult in turn making the process costly.

[23] The documents cited in the above paragraphs, though belonging to the same field of application, namely for the transport of food tray do not have any of the characteristics of the object now perfected thereby ensuring that it meets legal requirements for patentability. OBJECTIVES OF THE I NVENTION

[24] Thus, thinking to provide improvements to the consumer market, the applicant has developed tray for ready meals, mainly sold in shopping mall food courts, shopping centers, airports, hospitals, universities, among other places.

[25] The mentioned innovative tray comprises one piece made by a simple type casting "one shot" with the use of inexpensive and recyclable materials such as expanded polystyrene. The tray can adopt miscellaneous peripheral shape provided that it can group multiple sectors concave dimensions and different shapes, preferably the same depth as each concave sector protruding from the same flat face that forms the edge of the tray.

[26] The mentioned arrangement concave sectors are also responsible for the mechanical structure of the tray, providing greater resistance to play as a whole. This feature is extremely important for use of said process, "one-shot" manufacturing, it allows the production of trays with adequate structural strength even at low thicknesses or "ultrafine".

[27] The said concave sectors sets slots for individual accommodation of the items that make up quick meals as snacks, chips, side dishes or other marketed in 'fast food' or 'food-truck'.

[28] A cylindrical slot is designed to place a drink in the can, cup or bottle and preferably is provided close to the tray center of balance that the arrangement of said peripheral slot in relation to the cylindrical slot configure an anatomical and ergonomic channel carried on the underside of tray that allows penetration of the forearm and hand of the user. The said channel has format substantially in 'J' and has, as its main characteristic, the fact be configured by parallel walls and slightly conical joined by flat upper wall that settle on the user's forearm, setting up an area of "grab" the paper tray because said channel provides greater stabilization of the tray, also considering that the hand and the fingers they cease the channel surrounding the cylindrical projection (for glass, can or bottle) confirming the guarantee of "grab" and the subsequent stabilization of the tray without turns or involuntary unbalanced twists.

[29] It is understood that the completion of the channel in the cylindrical projection configures the short branch of the said "J", enabling people without one or more fingers or even without the thumb, can lead to securely tray with only one arms, while the other arm and the other hand is free to perform any other movements, bringing much convenience to the user when the transportation and handling of food during consumption.

[30] For the concave sectors present rounded edges cleaning is made easier, preventing the accumulation of dirt and food debris and others.

[31] The innovative tray can have dimensions, configurations and colors, and can be developed for different types of establishments, such as those that serve fast food as "fast foods", snacks, chips and side dishes, etc.

[32] Another advantage derived from the constructiveness of the tray, deferred, even more in the document WO2016008569 (made up of two pieces) is the tray in question can be manufactured by a process of 'one shot molding', i.e. thermoforming and mold release of a piece, promoting cost reduction and agility in productivity.

[33] Another advantage resides in the innovated tray can be produced for process disposable garment with renewable raw sources cooperating with the environment and reducing costs because the recycling decreases the amount of raw material used, as well as the need for the inclusion of other materials for reinforcing structure such as metals, etc.

FIGURE DESCRIPTIONS

[34] The complement of the present description in order to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics of the present invention and according to a preferred practical embodiment thereof, accompany in the attached the description, a set of drawings where, in an exemplified way, although not limitative, represents its operation:

Figures A and B illustrate symbolic reproductions of paragraph document number WO2016008569 representative of the prior art, and Figure B is a longitudinal sectional view of the tray showing subtle way of fitting the forearm, and the positioning of the hand with the adjustable container receiving the cup or others;

Figure 1 is a superior top lateral side view lateral of the tray in question;

Figure 2 shows a side perspective inferior view;

Figure 3 shows a top view;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view A. A shown in the preceding figure illustrating the area of support for the forearm and hand of the user tray;

Figure 4A shows a longitudinal sectional view B.B shown in Figure 3;

Figure 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view C.C shown in Figure 3;

Figure 4C represents a cross-sectional view D.D shown in Figure 3;

Figuras 5 and 5A show views of the tray below, illustrating ergonomic support areas for both upper limbs;

Figures 6 and 7 are views in top and bottom views of a second constructive variation of tray;

Figure 8 shows a top view of the tray shown in the second version;

Figure 9 shows a cut view cut E.E shown in the figure above;

Figures 10, 10A, 10B and IOC show views of the tray below, illustrating the ergonomic support areas for both upper limbs;

Figure 11 shows an exploded perspective view of the elements that compose a third constructive variation;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the third variation of the tray; Figure 13 shows a top view of a third constructive version of the tray; and Figure 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view F.F shown in the previous figure. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[35] With reference to the illustrated drawings, the invention of this patent refers to "TRAY FOR MEALS READY", more precisely it is tray (10) of the type idealized for accommodation and transport of ready meals as snacks, salted potatoes fries, side dishes and the like. Said plate (10) comprises one piece (20) and provided with oblong plurality niche (s) for various foods (30) and housing (s) for cup / can or bottle (40).

[36] According to the present invention, the tray (10) is made of environmentally friendly material such as polypropylene or corresponding materials through the process of 'one-shot molding' composing a piece (20) with reduced thickness, such as ultrafine. The tray (10) is configured by a main plane (22) which can have peripheral edge (21) having any shape and upturned collar (g). The principal plane (22) protrude, down, multiple niches (30) and / or (40), as well as this same plane (22) protrudes upwards, a channel (100) to format a "J", which is distributed in the longitudinal midline of the tray (10).

[37] Referring channel (100) is configured by an elongated branch formed by rectilinear portions (101) ending in portions ordinarily circular (102); both the section (101) as the passage (102) are composed of peripheral wall (103) slightly angular and flat upper base (104); the peripheral wall (103) is compliant with the baseline (22) via rounded corners. Circular industry center (102) projects one of the niches (40), which has depth (T) preferably the depth (T) of the other niches (30), setting the base support (ba) of the tray (10 ). Recesses (30) and cylindrical housing (40) with peripheral walls comprise compartments (31a) and (41a) and flat lower base (32) and (42). [38] The format "J" channel (100) is ergonomic and anatomical relative to the forearm (AT), handle (PU) and hand (MA) of the user, providing a structured, balanced, since, with the forearm (AT ), handle (PU) and hand (MA) with or without the thumb, or even with no or all fingers (DE), properly seated in the channel aforementioned (100) is full stabilization of the tray (10) eliminating even the need to fully grasp the niche (40) (see figures 4, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5, 5, 9, 10, 10A, 10B and IOC).

[39] The full accommodation of the forearm portion (AT) and hand (MA) in a position to hold or not in the niche (40) in the channel (100) defines the full balance of the tray (10) in all the rotation vectors (x) (y) and (z) (figure 1), even considering that there may be more food on one side of the tray than on the other, or one side of the tray may be heavier than the other side. The snap of the forearm and hand of the user on the "J" channel (100) sets stability while handling the tray.

[40] In a preferred builder option (Figures 1 to 10 C) the niches (30) may have various dimensions and are distributed radially relative to the channel (100) being interconnected by sections of the base plane (22), forming a stable mechanical structure and, they are distributed radially from the central recess (40).

[41] In a preferred builder version (see Figures 1 to 5A), the niches (30) of the tray (10) comprising: i) ordinarily rectangular compartment (34) of larger size formed by angled walls (34a) joined by arcuate wall (34b); ii) compartment (35) smaller elongate the inner wall (35a) presents curved so as to circumvent the outer wall of the cylindrical stem housing (40); iii) compartment (36) of reduced size relative to the housing (35) and aligned with circular portion of the channel (100); and IV) three compartments (37a), (37b) and (37c) with reduced width (x2) and varying lengths and are opposed to the compartments (34) and (35).

[42] In a second constructive version (Figures 6 to IOC), the tray (10') has at least six segments (30') which surround a cylindrical stem niche (40') whose association comprises the ergonomic channel (100') integrated to the central portion of tray (10') for supporting the end portion of forearm (AT) and hand (MA) of the user being between the larger housing (34') and channel (100 ') are provided a pair of compartments (34a' ) and (34b ') of reduced dimensions in relation to the other compartments (34') (35 ') (36') and (37').

[43] In a third constructive version (Figures 11 and 14), tray (10') is formed by multiple compartments (34") cylindrical, which surround channel (100') and housing (40") in order to compose a tray (10") devised for loading various containers such as cups, bowls, bottles, etc. (Not shown), and the lower portion (11") gets a single piece base (12") similar peripheral shape to the shape of the tray (10") and provided with shoulder (13") with the same of channel format (100") on the upper face (13a") is provided a recess configuring a ramp to forearm support (AT).

[44] Said standout (13") provides also a projection (14") which is aligned with the niche (40") when constructing the base (12") in the tray (10") setting a handle (PG) to aid the handling tray (10").

[45] All trays (10), (10') and (10') can be comprised of channels (100), (100') and (100') shaped to support both upper limbs of the user.

[46] It is true that when the invention is put into practice, modifications may be introduced with regard to certain details of construction and form, without this implying depart from the fundamental principles that are clearly substantiated in the set of claims, being well understood that the terminology used was not the purpose of limitation.