Technical Field

The subject invention concerns a tray, intended for instance for serving food and/ or beverages, for example in hamburger bars.

Background of the Invention

In self-service restaurants it is common practice that the customers carry their food and beverages from the counter to their tables. Comparatively frequently the glass or the drinking cup will slid on top of the tray and fall over. This leads to extra costs and extra work for the personnel in the restaurant. In hamburger restuarants, where large volumes are handled, a great many drinking cups are lost every day in this manner. The customer is given a new cup filled with drink and the personnel has to clean the floor afterwards. Obviously, it is a time-consuming job to dry up for instance half a litre of Coca- Cola that is spilled on the floor. This leads to considerable extra costs and work in the business. In addition, empty cups and wrapping pa¬ per often fall off the tray when the latter, after the meal, is carried to the tray-collection stand. The premises thus made untidy need to be cleaned frequently, resulting in the personnel having to perform addi- tional work. The problem is particularly serious in the seasonal out¬ door restaurants where empty cups often are blown off the trays and the tables and pollute the environment around the restaurant. These problems could be largly solved by using trays provided with holders that secure the drinking cups and the like but at the same time it is extremely important that the trays are designed so as to lend them¬ selves to compact nesting since large volumes of trays are used.

Purpose of the Invention

The purpose of the invention is to provide a tray in which the above outlined problems are considerably reduced while at the same time the tray is easy to stack.

Summary of the Invention

The subject invention is achieved in a tray in accordance with the invention having the characteristics appearing from the appended claims. The tray in accordance with the invention thus is essentially characterized in that the tray has an essentially flat base from which project a number of upwardly extending portions formed with a num¬ ber of recesses, the latter ending downwardly in bottom sections each recess having a shape so adapted to a cup, a glass, or other body of an essentially circular or similar cross-sectional configuration that said cup etcetera will be partly or completely surrounded by the sup¬ porting surfaces that are formed in the transition area between the upwardly projecting portions and the recesses such that the support¬ ing surfaces provide a holding force on a suitable cup, glass, or simi- lar item, each bottom section being provided with holding means, such as a number of knobs or bosses protruding from the bottom section, as also, as the case may be, with outer, protruding knobs comprising supporting surfaces to exert a hold on smaller cups, and with inner protruding knobs, said holding means being essentially concentric with a circle tangential to the supporting surfaces and positioned closely adjacent the side of a suitable cup, internally or externally and internally of the cup side, said holding means project¬ ing essentially at right angles from the bottom section and, like the supporting surfaces, being so distributed around the cup that the holding means cooperates with the supporting surfaces in a manner of a back-up means to prevent the cup from tipping over in any direc¬ tion. In other words, a cup or similar body is positioned inside a re¬ cess so as to be prevented from sliding laterally on the tray. In addi¬ tion, a special holding means is designed to prevent the cup from tip- ping over. Preferably, this means acts internally underneath the raised bottom of the cup but could act as well externally as internally of the cup side. Obviously, also other bodies having a similar round shape could be positioned in the recesses. If the bodies have a small height, as is the case for example in a low glass, the body need not cooperate with the holding means since sufficient stability could be achieved anyway. However, principally the recesses are shaped to co¬ operate with the standard cups used in hamburger bars and the like.

In addition to the advantage that drinking cups no longer are dropped onto the floor or the ground a number of other important advantage are gained. Today, the cups are provided with plastic lids which largely prevent the liquid inside from spilling, should the cup be turned over on the tray or the table. Consequently, there is hardly any need to use lids when the tray in accordance with the invention is used. In most hamburger bars today the lids is the only plastic pack¬ aging item used.

Additional characteristics of and advantage connected with the invention will appear from the following detailed description of various embodiments, the latter also being more clearly apparent from the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be described in closer detail with the aid of a number of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein identical numeral references have been used in the various drawing figures to denote corresponding parts. In the second em¬ bodiment components having a corresponding function as in the first one are identified with the addition of the '- or "-signs.

Fig. 1 illustrates a tray in accordance with the invention in a perspective view. In one of the recesses of the tray an imaginary cup is indicated.

Fig. 2 illustrates the tray in a view straight from above. Fig. 3 is a view of a tray as seen towards one of its lengthwise sides.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view a long line A-A in Fig. 2, with a cup positioned in the recess.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Fig. 4 but re- lates to a different embodiment. The cross-section is taken along lines

B-B and C-C respectively in Fig. 6. To the left of the centre line the tray is shown supporting a large diameter cup and to the right of the centre line a smaller diameter cup.

Fig. 6 is a view from above of the tray in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 5. For reasons of clarity no cups are shown in this drawing figure.

In Fig. 1 numeral reference 1 designates a tray in accordance with the invention. It has a flat surface or base 2 and portions 3, 4, 5, 6 projecting upwards from the base. In this case the projecting por¬ tions are designed as a rim extending peripherally around the tray, the latter having a conventional rectangular shape. However, the tray could be shaped differently, for instance it could have a round or eliptical shape and the projecting portions need not be arranged as a rim extending peripherally around the tray. A number of recesses 7, 8, 9, 10 are formed in the projecting portions 3-6. The recesses 7-10 terminate downwardly in bottom sections 11, 12, 13, 14. Each recess 7-10 has a configuration that fits a cup 15, a glass or similar items. Usually, the cup, glass or similar body has a circular cross-sectional shape but obviously elliptical or polygonal cross-sectional shapes are possible. The projecting portions 3-6 usually have a flat top face which is parallel to the base 2. In the transition area from the project¬ ing portions 3-6 to the recesses 7- 10 supporting surfaces 16 are formed. Since the top face of the projecting portions is parallel to the base 2 the supporting faces too become parallel to the base. In this manner the supporting surfaces 16 may be spaced a maximum amount from its associated bottom section 11- 14 across its entire width which is an advantage. However, the projecting portions obvi¬ ously also could be configured in some other suitable manner.

As already mentioned the tray in accordance with the invention is primarily intended for use in hamburger bars and the like. This means that the recesses 7-10 are configured to fit conventional coni¬ cal cups 15. Such cups have a very moderate conicity and conse¬ quently the demands on the recesses 7-10 are quite specific, since the trays must also be conveneient to nest in one another. In accordance with the invention the recesses 7-10 are formed with large apertures 17 in the transition area from a projection portion to a recess. In this manner a supporting surface 16 is delimited above and around the aperture 17. Usually, the supporting surface 16 is somewhat wider than the thickness of the tray material because the material will be bent somewhat downwards adjacent the recess. In a similar manner the material could also be bent somewhat upwards from the associ¬ ated bottom section 11-14 at the lower edge of each aperture 17. A corresponding upwardly bent configuration may also be made at the

extreme part of each recess towards the tray periphery. In this man¬ ner a peripheral edge is formed in the tray also in the area of the re¬ cesses, which is an advantage, should a drink be spilled onto the tray. The radical solution including the apertures 17 has been choosen since conventional depressions cannot be designed with the steep angle that corresponds to the cone angle of the cup. Trays of uniform material thickness and formed with such a steep angle could, when arranged in nesting position only form very tall, bulky, and instable stacks. However, it would perhaps be possible to replace the apertures 17 with zones of extremely thin material thickness, perhaps amount¬ ing to only some or a few tenths of the thickness of approximately 2-3 mm in the rest of the tray. From a stacking point of view this solution could possibly function as well as the apertures suggested. This solu¬ tion results in a tray that is entirely closed, which is an advantage considering the risk of spillage, etcetera.

When the tray is configured with a very low over-all height, conventional material thickness dimensions could be used in the re¬ cess sides. When stacked one tray will then be positioned completely above the one underneath, with the exception of downwardly project- ing guides, such as feet, that are positioned on the lower face of each tray. However, in such a low tray the demands on the holding means are considerable.

In accordance with the embodiment shown one recess 7- 10 is positioned in each one of the four corners of the tray. The size of the recesses is adjusted to existing standard cups, such that one larger and smaller recess is used which is very practical. Obviously however, one, two, three or four various types of recesses may be used in ac¬ cordance with the case illustrated. It goes without saying that also the number of recesses may be varied. The position of recesses in the corner trays is a practical one and also space-saving. In this case the width of the rim 3-6 is moderate compared to the size of the recesses 7- 10 and each recess is positioned in such a manner that it forms an opening in the rim inwards, towards the tray centre. This opening is important, since it is convenient to use rectangular protective mats that are placed on the flat base 2 and the corners of which project in over the corresponding bottom section 11-14. At its outer edge each recess 7-10 is provided with two supporting legs 20 interconnecting

the rim and the associated bottom section 11-14. In this manner stability is imparted to the rim as well as to each bottom section. The two supporting legs 20 are formed with the normal tray-material thickness and they slope at an angle of comparitively large inclination. This allows the tray to be stacked compactly. Each supporting surface 16 will in this case end laterally at the side of the associated support¬ ing leg 20. At its opposite end the supporting surface 16 will terminate at the transition between the rim and the base 2. An angle of 60° has been chosen for this transition. Also other arrangements with respect to the supporting legs are possible. For instance, four supporting legs could be used and when this is the case each bottom section 11-14 could be supported more efficiently by the tray rim while at the same time three separate sup¬ porting surfaces 16 are obtained in each recess. As already mentioned, the recesses 7-10 usually are cylindrical or slightly conical, since this is the standard cup configuration. In this manner the supporting surfaces are given a shape matching that of these cups. Obviously however, the supporting surfaces could also be polygonal, a shape which also fits that of the cups although not as well. The cup 15 or similar body having a circular or similar cross- sectional shape thus is surrounded at its lower part by two support¬ ing faces 16. In this manner the cup is retained in position laterally, preventing it from sliding away from the recess. However, since the tray usually has a height amounting only to approximately 2 cm the support given to the cup lies far below the centre of gravity of the cup. Consequently, there is an evident risk that it will tip over, should the tray not be handled with great care. For this reason special holding means are formed in each bottom section 11-14. The drawing figures illustrate one type of holding means consisting of a number of pro- truding knobs or bosses 18. The latter are positioned essentially con¬ centrically with a circle that borders the supporting surfaces 16. In this manner the holding means may cooperate with the supporting surfaces 16 for the purpose of preventing the cup from tipping over. The manner of this cooperation is clearly indicated in Fig. 4. The knobs or protruberances 18 are positioned in such a manner that they could be inscribed within a circle and the circle is in turn con¬ centric with the supporting surfaces 16. The knobs 18 are positioned

in such a manner that they project upwards internally underneath the bottom 19 of the cup 15. The dimension of the circle within which they may be inscribed thus approximately equals the inner diameter of the cup underneath the cup bottom 19. This means that when the cup 15 is exposed to forces laterally on account of tray movements the cup will have a tendency to be pressed against a supporting surface 16 while abutting against the protruberances 18 positioned below the supporting surface 16 and the protruberances thus will act as back¬ up means. In this manner, the cup is prevented from falling over. The knobs could also be so positioned that they exert a certain clamping action on the inner face of the cup 15. In this manner the cup is se¬ curely retained in the recess also when the latter is empty and thus light, which may be of some advantage. The clamping action thus has a holding effect on the cup also axially, even when the cup is empty. The position of the holding means internally of the cup bottom portion is extremely efficient. When it begins to tilt, the cup will move straight laterally towards the holding means. Practical tests have shown that it is of utmost importance that on their back-up side the holding means project at right angles from the bottom. Chamfered back-up means will only tend to push the cup upwards and the latter therefore will tip over. It has even proved to be advantageous to form the back-up means with slight counter-angle whereby it will to some extent grip the cup when the latter is exposed to lateral loads. The holding means or back-up means should be positioned very closely adjacent the in- ner face of the cup or in light contact therewith in order to function well. Thus, the holding means have an extremely essential function and may be configured in a variety of ways. The number of protruber¬ ances projecting internally underneath the cup bottom 19 obviously could be larger and smaller. Obviously, they could also be chamfered inwards, towards the centre of the bottom section and radially later¬ ally. This is an advantage from cleaning and sanitary points of view. When the knobs have a circularly arcuate shape, each bottom section 11-14 could for the same reason be retracted to the outer face of each protruberance. The holding means could even be shaped as one inte- gral projecting centre island creating a holding or guiding effect on the internal side edge of the cup. The holding means could also be shaped in such a manner that it affects the side of the cup 15 externally, or

externally as well as internally. For instance, each bottom section 11- 14 could have an upwardly bent edge projecting externally of the outer face of the cup 15. The holding means could likewise be formed as a groove formed in each bottom section. In this case the side of the cup penetrates into the groove.

As shown, the holding means 18 has an extremely important function to fulfill as a back-up means preventing the cup from tilting. Without any doubt, this function is served most effeciently when the holding means completely or to an essential extent projects inwardly in underneath the bottom 19 of the cup and acts against the inner face of the cup.

In Figs. 5 and 6 is shown a different embodiment of the recesses 6, 7, 8, 9. Recess 9 is illustrated in the drawing figures 5 and 6 only to facilitate a comparison with the earlier embodiment shown in Figs. 1-4. The recesses in accordance to Figs. 5 and 6 have the consider¬ able advantage that one recess is arranged to hold cups of two differ¬ ent sizes. This is shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 5. To the left of the centre line is shown a large cup 15 and to the right of the centre line a smaller cup 21. As a comparison, Fig. 4 illustrate large cup 15 positioned inside the recess 9 or 7. A small cup 21 is then positioned in recess 6 or 8. In accordance with Figs. 1-4 at most two small and two large cups may be positioned on the tray at the same time. In accordance with Figs. 5 and 6, on the other hand, four small cups 21 or four bigs cup 15 may be positioned in the tray and all combinations of such cups, for instance one small cup and three large cups. This an obvious advantage since the embodiment according to Figs. 5 and 6 makes possible a more flexible use of the tray.

By comparing Figs. 5 and 6 the particular design of the recesses 6-9 in this case is clearly apparent. Components having a function corresponding to that in accordance with the first embodiment are identified with the addition the ' sign of " sign. The supporting sur¬ faces 16' formed in the transition area between an upperwardly pro¬ jecting portion 5, 6 and the recess 9 have a somewhat different shape from the corresponding supporting surfaces in accordance with the earlier described embodiment. The recess 9 is formed with number of apertures in its bottom section 13. One reason therefore is to prevent the user of a tray to use a recess as an ashtray. However, the aper-

tures also results in less material being needed to form the tray and its weight consequently also is reduced. A number of tongues 22, in this case eight in number, extend from the outer supporting surfaces 16' downwardly and towards the centre of the recess. The recess is arranged symmetrically around the symmetry line 23 but obviously it could be shaped in many other ways. The tongues 22 support on the one hand external upwardly projecting knobs or bosses 18' the main purpose of which is to serve as back-up means for the large cup 15 and on the other upwardly protruding knobs or bosses 18" the pur- pose of which is to serve as back-up means for a smaller cup 21. This is clearly apparent from Fig. 5. At its upper part the external knobs 18' are shaped so as to be formed with internal supporting surfaces 16" intended to support the smaller cup 21. As appears from Fig. 5 the outer knobs 18' protrude to a height at a level less than 10 mm above the cup bottom. This design has been tested in practical use with good results. This clearly indicates the efficient combination of supporting surfaces and holding means acting internally of the cup. The bottom section of the recess 9 is provided with one large centre aperture 23. It extends by means of four flaps between the inner knobs 18" and the extremest part of these flaps somewhat under¬ mines the outer knobs 18'. Also, the upper face of these knobs also is chamfered. In this manner several trays may be nested into a more compact stack. However, this configuration actually is not necessary, should such a more compact stack not be desired. A number of larger apertures 24, in this case four, are formed in the bottom section. Also a number of smaller apertures 25, in this case four in number, are formed in the bottom section. None of the holes 23-25 is strictly nec¬ essary but some apertures can, as mentioned, allow several trays to be nested into a more compact stack.