Abstract:
A generally square base serving tray is subdivided generally diagonally into three sections by partial-height walls and having partial-height support pads at opposite ends of the diagonal perpendicular to the sections, and an irregular oval or boat-shaped cutting and serving tray configured to nestle to the bottom of and within a center diagonal section of the base serving tray or alternatively rest elevated above the partial-height walls between a pair of partial-height support pads. The base serving tray and the nestled cutting tray each have lids permitting food to be stored therein. The nestled cutting tray lid is further designed to serve as an alternative flat cutting board with a juice groove defined by the lid closure lip. The unique geometry of the upper rim of the cutting tray, illustrated in an alternative four-member construction, accommodates melons of various sizes, and secures them against sliding or rolling during cutting.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 61/508,476, filed Jul. 15, 2011, and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application 61/645,039 filed May 9, 2012, each of the same title and inventorship, the entire contents of each which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention pertains generally to work holders, and more particularly to a work-underlying support well suited for the preparation, storage and serving of melons and other fruits and foods. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Juicy and sweet melons and other similar fruits are highly coveted. There is little more thoroughly enjoyable than the taste of a cool melon on a hot summer day. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that there are many health benefits associated with consuming these fruits. Consequently, melons are in a very small group of foods that are both delectable and healthy. For the purposes of the present disclosure, melons will be understood to include but not be limited to cantaloupe, musk melons, honeydew melons, watermelons, and the many other known varieties of similar fruit. These melons are commonly quite large compared to other fruits, and are typically spherical or ovoid in shape. 
     Unfortunately, and in spite of the coveted taste and health benefits, many consumers are still reluctant to eat melons regularly. The high moisture and sugar content leads to significant juice release during and subsequent to cutting, peeling and other common preparatory activities. This juice can quickly create a sticky mess that can be quite difficult to clean. While a highly absorbent cleaner such as a high-quality paper towel will draw in the liquid, this tends to dehydrate the remaining juice, resulting in a significantly stickier surface. The paper towel will then tend to stick to the sticky surface and fall apart. Sponges and dish clothes dilute the juice, but do not remove it well. This means that multiple passes of wiping followed by rinsing are required to clean the surface when using a cloth or sponge. Particularly large melons may leak sufficient juice to not only wet a counter or cutting board, but may also leak onto the floor. All of the same issues with cleaning apply to cleaning the floor, but with the further issue that many kitchens are carpeted. Cleaning the juice from a carpet is extremely difficult. 
     In addition to the potential mess and difficulty cleaning up, the large size of most melons makes them difficult to handle. Their roundness, often spherical or ovoid, means they tend to roll on the counter or cutting board, further compounding the difficulty of handling them during preparation. The risk of the melon rolling, combined with the usually tough rind or peel, makes cutting them enough more dangerous to discourage some persons who would otherwise like to consume them. Even a careful and skilled cook may on occasion have a melon shift during cutting. If the melon rolls, the leaking juice may be pushed across the cutting board or counter and on to the floor. 
     Common cutting boards provide no solution to these problems of leaking juice and food sliding or rolling during cutting, instead only providing a protective barrier against damage due to the actions of the cutlery. Nevertheless, a number of artisans through time have recognized the desirability of a cutting board that captures and holds food in place. Exemplary patents, the contents and teachings which are incorporated herein by reference, include: U.S. Pat. No. 93,844 by Sykes, entitled “Carving dish”; U.S. Pat. No. 152,331 by Cass, entitled “Skewers”; U.S. Pat. No. 190,688 by Mathewson, entitled “Culinary dishes”; U.S. Pat. No. 345,528 by Mitchell, entitled “Carving device”; U.S. Pat. No. 361,742 by Bennett, entitled “Appliance for holding articles in position for carving meat, etc.”; U.S. Pat. No. 566,479 by Sellman, entitled “Attachment for trays”; U.S. Pat. No. 943,767 by Bullard, entitled “Carving board”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,257,970 by Long, entitled “Tray for watermelons”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,464,114 by Bloecher, entitled “Meat holder to facilitate carving”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,599,681 by Wells, entitled “Carving board unit”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,620,003 by Perdue Jr, entitled “Base with meat carving facilities”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,751,951 by Strathaus, entitled “Roast board”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,942,639 by Margolis, entitled “Carving platter”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,030,994 by Wysowski, entitled “Meat carving board”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,844 by Hellman, entitled “Carving board”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,759 by Potter et al, entitled “Cutting board”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,037 by Gore, entitled “Food preparation and serving plate”; U.S. Pat. No. Des 162,101 by Wells, entitled “Carving board”; U.S. Pat. No. Des 167,750 by Karoff, entitled “Combined foldable roast board and food tray”; U.S. Pat. No. Des 168,098 by Klein, entitled “Meat carving board with hinged sections”; U.S. Pat. No. Des 168,304 by Klein, entitled “Meat carving board”; and U.S. Pat. No. Des 198,386 by Neuberg, entitled “Carving dish”. 
     The aforementioned patents use spikes, impaling pins or small skewers that are designed to penetrate the flesh of meat or other foods. While such spikes, impaling pins or skewers are generally quite effective at holding a food during carving or cutting, they present several undesired deficiencies. Among these are: the inherent and undesired damage to the food, which can render the food unattractive or unsuitable for serving or presentation; an unattractive and even somewhat frightening appearance of the board itself with the plurality of spikes rising therefrom; the risk of accidental injury to a person or accidental damage to another object due to contact with the impaling pins, which can occur both during use and in cleaning or even when placing the board in storage or upon removal therefrom; and the specialized purpose of the device necessitated by the pins that interfere with other uses. 
     In addition, securely anchoring the pins is very important, since significant force may be required with tougher foods or rinds to drive them onto such pins. This has been achieved in several different ways in the prior art incorporated herein above. In some of these patents, the pins are formed integrally with the underlying cutting board. The pins must necessarily be of a generally hard material such as carbon steel or the like to maintain strength and the requisite sharp point, but such a hard material is very detrimental to a knife edge. Alternatively, artisans have anchored the hard pins into a more suitable and softer material, or provided a framework to support the pins. Unfortunately, secure anchoring is difficult. This embedding or supporting framework may work for a limited period, but over time the forces applied against the pins will tend to deform the surrounding softer cutting board material, leading to loose and wobbly pins that become progressively more useless. In addition, and long before the pins are visibly loose, there will be microcracks between the pins and the board, leading to the undesirable entrapment of juices. 
     Seeking to improve upon the limitations of the prior art impaling pins, U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,022 by Gibson, entitled “Cutting board”, the contents and teachings which are incorporated herein by reference, illustrates a cutting surface covered by small conical protrusions that are designed to grip the food, without impaling. In addition, a juice channel is provided for collection and drainage. Unfortunately, these small conical protrusions, while presenting more friction than a plain and smooth cutting board, provide insufficient engagement with large melons to effectively prevent slipping, and do not prevent melons from rolling during cutting. Further, these protrusions are easily damaged during contact with cutlery, rendering them progressively less effective over time. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,846 by Quinn, entitled “Covered dish carrier”, the contents and teachings which are incorporated herein by reference, a cutting board is provided with holes that only partially extend through the cutting board. Into these holes pins may be placed that can be used to capture a food for cutting, or alternatively to hold and retain a dish thereupon. When the pins are not desired, they may be removed and the cutting board used in the traditional manner. Since these pins are designed only to form a perimeter around the food or container, they do not penetrate the food. As a result, the food is still preserved for presentation, and not punctured or damaged in any way. Undesirably, these removable pins must be kept with the cutting board or they will be readily lost. Further, the partial holes present surfaces at the bottom of the hole that are difficult to completely clean and sanitize. Finally, the size of the pins needed to capture and hold a food or receptacle will vary depending upon the size of the food or receptacle, meaning a large assortment of pins may be necessary. 
     Seeking to improve the utility of an ordinary cutting board, several artisans have combined a cutting board together with a juice collecting tray or receptacle. These again provide no way to secure a melon or other food against slipping and rolling. Exemplary patents, the contents and teachings which are incorporated herein by reference, include: U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,208 by Benjamin, entitled “Cutting board receptacle tray”; U.S. Pat. No. Des 161,596 by Russ, entitled “Combined food receptacle and chopping board”; and U.S. Pat. No. Des 281,850 by Morin, entitled “Combined drawer and chopping board therefor”. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,653 by Ladenheim, entitled “Portable reversible cutting board having removable cover and tool”, the contents and teachings which are incorporated herein by reference, a cover is provided that couples with a cutting board to allow the combination to be used not only for cutting, but also for serving. Unfortunately, the cutting board lacks any features to prevent the food from slipping or rolling during cutting, and has only a small, nominal trough to retain juices and hold them during transport or serving. 
     Two U.S. patents, U.S. Pat. No. 4,140,340 by Cloutier, entitled “Watermelon tray” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,356 by Beloff, entitled “Tray for holding food”, the contents and teachings which are incorporated herein by reference, illustrate melon supports that can securely hold melons of diverse size against slipping or rolling during cutting without impaling, and which simultaneously capture any juices released therefrom. These patents illustrate uniquely sloped ribs that run transverse to the longitudinal axis of the melon and cradle the melon, while allowing access between the ribs for transverse cutting. Under the ribs, there is a region which receives and retains liquids that may drain from the supported food. While these patents illustrate very effective melon holders, they are again very restricted in use, since the ribs will interfere with the cutting of many other foods, and, without proper care, will also interfere during the cutting of a melon. Given the limited kitchen storage space available in a typical kitchen, the significant size board required for cutting melons, and the need to properly guide the knife through the melon to avoid the ribs, these melon cutting boards are not practical for most consumers. 
     Other less relevant patents, the contents and teachings which are incorporated herein by reference, include: U.S. Pat. No. 1,962,799 by Whitmarsh, entitled “Cattle-skinning cradle”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,104,278 by Schultz entitled “Bread slicer guide”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,147,800 by Sadowski, entitled “Work holder”; U.S. Pat. No. 2,536,268 by Dillon, entitled “Adjustable slaughtering cradle”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,113 by Douglas et al, entitled “Universal holding fixture”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,759 by Sie et al, entitled “Food slicing rack devices”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,907,989 by Sie et al, entitled “Food slicing rack devices”. 
     In addition to the foregoing patents, Webster&#39;s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, Second Edition copyright 1983, is incorporated herein by reference in entirety for the definitions of words and terms used herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first manifestation, the invention is a support well suited for the preparation, storage and serving of melons and other fruits and foods. The support has a base operatively contacting a countertop or the like, a first generally linear food contacting support member, a second generally linear food contacting support member coaxial with the first generally linear food contacting support member, and a first arcuate food contacting support member interspersed between the first generally linear food contacting support member and the second generally linear food contacting support member and defining a first portion of a circle circumference. A third generally linear food contacting support member is parallel to but displaced from the first generally linear food contacting support member. A fourth generally linear food contacting support member is coaxial with the third generally linear food contacting support member. A second arcuate food contacting support member is interspersed between the third generally linear food contacting support member and the fourth generally linear food contacting support member and defines a second portion of the circle circumference. At least one spacer elevates the first generally linear food contacting support member, second generally linear food contacting support member, third generally linear food contacting support member, fourth generally linear food contacting support member, first arcuate food contacting support member, and second arcuate food contacting support member above the base. 
     In a second manifestation, the invention is a carving support facilitating cutting, preparation, storage and serving of melons and other fruits and foods. The carving support has a base, a pair of spaced, generally parallel and generally linear food contacting support surfaces that together define a first plane of elevation, a pair of spaced, generally arcuate food contacting support surfaces that each define separate and distinct portions of a common circle circumference co-planar with the first plane of elevation; and a spacer elevating the pair of spaced, generally parallel and generally linear food contacting support surfaces and pair of spaced, generally arcuate food contacting support surfaces above the base. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present invention solve inadequacies of the prior art by providing a generally square base serving tray subdivided generally diagonally into three sections by partial-height walls and having partial-height support pads at opposite ends of the diagonal perpendicular to the sections, and an irregular oval or boat-shaped cutting and serving tray configured to nestle to the bottom of and within a center diagonal section of the base serving tray or alternatively rest elevated above the partial-height walls between a pair of partial-height support pads. The base serving tray and the nestled cutting tray each have lids permitting food to be stored therein. The nestled cutting tray lid is further designed to serve as an alternative flat cutting board with a juice groove defined by the lid closure lip. The unique geometry of the upper rim of the cutting tray accommodates melons of various sizes, and secures them against sliding or rolling during cutting. 
     A first object of the invention is to support spherical or ovoid foods including but not limited to melons upon an elevated support that contains and restrains the food against slipping, sliding or rolling upon the support. A second object of the invention is to contain juice released during and subsequent to cutting and other preparatory steps, such that the juice can be collected and used, or alternatively disposed of, without interfering with the cutting and other preparations. Another object of the present invention is to accommodate very diverse food sizes and geometries, while assisting with accuracy and uniformity of cuts. A further object of the invention is to provide drainage channels that are below a support surface to separate the food from the juice, thereby isolating and containing the juice even if the food should somehow move or roll. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a variety of cutting surfaces to facilitate a variety of cutting chores and techniques, while preserving the fluid isolation and collection. A further object of the invention is to provide a variety of containers to facilitate diverse food preparation, delivery and storage. Another object of the present invention is to enable compact and efficient storage of the variety of containers and cutting surfaces. A further object of the invention is to be intuitive to use. An additional object of the present invention is for the supports to be non-damaging to the food supported and held thereon. A further object of the invention is to be compatible with and avoiding dulling of cutlery. An even further object of the invention is to be easily cleaned, with no sharp or dangerous pins or cracks or crevices that might otherwise unsanitarily trap and retain juices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention can be understood and appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment nestled melon cutting and serving combination designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention by projected, exploded view. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a preferred embodiment base serving tray as used in the combination of  FIG. 1  from a projected view. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates the preferred embodiment base serving tray of  FIG. 2  from a top plan view. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates the preferred embodiment base serving tray of  FIG. 2  from a bottom plan view. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the preferred embodiment base serving tray of  FIG. 2  from a front elevational view, with the back elevational view being identical thereto, and the left and right side views being mirror images. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a preferred embodiment nestled melon cutting and serving tray as used in the combination of  FIG. 1  from a projected view. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the preferred embodiment cutting tray of  FIG. 6  from a top plan view. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates the preferred embodiment cutting tray of  FIG. 6  from a bottom plan view. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the preferred embodiment cutting tray of  FIG. 6  from a right side elevational view, with the left side elevational view being identical thereto. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the preferred embodiment cutting tray of  FIG. 6  from a front elevational view, with the back elevational view being identical thereto. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the preferred embodiment nestled melon cutting and serving trays as used in the combination of  FIG. 1  from a top plan view, with the associated covers removed therefrom. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates the preferred embodiment nestled melon cutting and serving combination of  FIG. 1  by side sectional view taken along section line  12 ′ of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate the preferred embodiment melon cutting and serving trays as used in the combination of  FIG. 1  from a side elevational view and a top plan view, respectively, with the associated covers removed therefrom, and in an alternative configuration with the cutting tray rotated ninety degrees with respect to the serving tray and partially elevated therefrom. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative embodiment melon cutting board designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention by top plan view. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a preferred melon support member as used in the alternative embodiment melon cutting board of  FIG. 15  from a back side elevational view. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a preferred spacer member as used in the alternative embodiment melon cutting board of  FIG. 15  from a left side elevational view. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Manifested in the preferred and alternative embodiments, the present invention provides a holder of unique geometry which supports a variety of diverse melons and other foods during cutting and other preparation. In addition, the preferred embodiment further provides a variety of additional optional cutting surfaces, and simultaneously provides a variety of serving and storage receptacles. 
     In a first preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 1-14 , and with particular reference to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment nestled melon cutting and serving combination  10  has a melon cutting board and serving tray  100 , a serving tray cover  190 , and nested therein a second serving tray and melon cutting board  200  and cutting board cover  290 . Consequently, there are two fully separate but nestable containers, each having separate covers, for cutting and serving melons and other foods. 
     Melon cutting board and serving tray  100  is suitable for serving one or a variety of foods or fruits in the three separate sections  104 ,  105 ,  106  formed therein. These sections are defined by generally vertical side walls  107 - 109 , base  102 , and section dividers  110 ,  120 . When combined with cover  190 , tray  100  may further be used for storage and transport as well. The unique geometry of section dividers  110 ,  120  permit tray  100  to additionally be used to support melons during cutting. The melon will be placed to span between section dividers  110  and  120 . Exact placement will be determined by an individual at the time of use, and will normally depend almost entirely upon the size and geometry of the melon and the preference of the individual. For exemplary purposes, and not solely limiting thereto, a small generally spherical melon such as a cantaloupe will be placed to rest upon and span the top arcs  113  and  123 . Practically independent of melon diameter, the melon will naturally drop between these arcs  113 ,  123  and hang down between towards bottom  102 . A smaller diameter spherical melon may drop more closely adjacent to bottom  102 , while a large diameter spherical melon will barely drop below the tops of arcs  113 ,  123 . However, preferably all melons for which this board is designed will remain elevated above base  102  when cradled within arcs  113 ,  123 . Doing so allows any juice to drain into and be collected within section  105 , isolated from the melon rind. 
     When the melon is generally spherical, the orientation of the cutting board relative to the direction of a knife or other cutlery is not critical. In other words, a person may cut the melon at any angle relative to dividers  110 ,  120 , and the arcs  113 ,  123  will retain the melon securely therein. 
     Not all melons, or other fruits or foods, are spherical. Many melons are ovoid, meaning egg-shaped, while other fruits such as pineapples tend to be generally cylindrical. Ovoid foods will typically be captured within arcs  113 ,  123  in the same manner as spherical foods. A person may elect to place the food at some other location, such as between linear segments  111  and  121 , but if so placed, the person will preferably cut transversely to these linear segments. Cutting parallel to linear segments  111 ,  121 , particularly with a spherical food supported therebetween, can undesirably result in the food rolling or sliding similar to prior art flat cutting boards. 
     For those more cylindrical melons or fruits, the generally linear segments  111  and  112 , and the spaced from but generally parallel and generally linear segments  121 ,  122  can support and hold the melon, fruit or food. Once again, it is preferable that the food remains elevated above bottom  102  when cradled therein. While it is contemplated herein that only one set of linear segments, such as  111 ,  121  be provided, the provision of two sets of linear segments is preferred, since this centers arcs  113 ,  123 , better accommodating ovoid fruits and other foods. 
     Section  104  is defined by generally vertical walls  107 ,  109  and partial height section divider  110 . Section  106  is defined by generally vertical walls  108 ,  109  and partial height section divider  120 . During the cutting of a melon or other food, sections  104 ,  106  may be used to catch and contain either cut food or food waste, such as rind, peelings and the like. Once cutting is completed, sections  104 ,  106  will normally act as storage and serving receptacles, and may contain not only the cut foods such as melons, but may alternatively contain other foods such as chip or vegetable dip, chips or vegetables, and any other food. Once cutting is completed, section  105  which is defined by generally vertical wall  109  and partial height section dividers  110 ,  120  may also be used as a serving and storage receptacle. 
     Cover  190  will preferably snap onto and about cover ring  134 , and either or both cover  190  and cover ring  134  may be provided with any suitable geometries as is known in the art of receptacles and covers to ensure a snug but releasable fit there between. A lip  133  may preferably be provided which helps to prevent accidental separation between cover  190  and cover ring  134 , by preventing objects adjacent to melon cutting board and serving tray  100  from directly contacting cover  190 . One or more small notches  131  are preferably formed in lip  133 , such as at each diagonal corner as illustrated in the figures, which permits a person to easily manually access cover  190  when a person desires to remove cover  190  from melon cutting board and serving tray  100 . 
     Owing to the unique geometry of melon cutting board and serving tray  100 , a second serving tray and melon cutting board  200  and cutting board cover  290  may nest within melon cutting board and serving tray  100 . These two embodiments of melon cutting board and serving trays  100 ,  200  designed in accord with the present invention have been illustrated in the various figures. The embodiments are distinguished by the hundreds digit, and various components within each embodiment designated by the ones and tens digits. However, many of the components are alike or similar in structure and function between embodiments, so numbering of the ones and tens digits have been maintained wherever possible, such that identical, like or similar functions may more readily be identified between the embodiments. If not otherwise expressed, those skilled in the art will readily recognize the similarities and understand that in many cases like numbered ones and tens digit components may be substituted from one of melon cutting board and serving trays  100 ,  200  to the other in accord with the present teachings, except where such substitution would otherwise destroy operation of the embodiment. Consequently, those skilled in the art will readily determine the function and operation of many of the components illustrated herein without unnecessary additional description. 
     The noteworthy distinctions between melon cutting board and serving trays  100 ,  200  is that melon cutting board and serving tray  200  is a single section, so vertical wall  209  which forms the entire vertical exterior extends the full height of melon cutting board and serving tray  200 . In contrast, section dividers  110 ,  120  are only partial height, shorter than the surrounding walls  107 - 109 . This means that, when a melon is to be cut and can be accommodated within melon cutting board and serving tray  200 , the knife may be used to cut down to adjacent with cover ring  234 , where with melon cutting board and serving tray  100 , the knife would undesirably contact cover ring  134  well before reaching section dividers  110 ,  120 . Consequently, depending upon the preferences of the user, melons and other foods may be cut using melon cutting board and serving tray  200  by removing melon cutting board and serving tray  200  from melon cutting board and serving tray  100 . Generally linear segments  211 ,  212 ,  221 ,  222  function in the same manner and purpose as segments  111 ,  112 ,  121 ,  122  described herein above. 
     As apparent from  FIGS. 1 and 11 , melon cutting board and serving trays  100 ,  200  are nestable. Notches  115 ,  125  are provided in section dividers  110 ,  120  to enable a person to readily grasp lip  233  to lift and remove melon cutting board and serving tray  200  from melon cutting board and serving tray  100 . Doing so, as already described herein above, allows melon cutting board and serving tray  200  to be used completely independently from melon cutting board and serving tray  100 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates melon cutting board and serving trays  100 ,  200  nested together, with covers  190 ,  290  in place, by cross-section view as taken along section line  12 ′ of  FIG. 1 . This allows for efficient storage of nestled melon cutting and serving combination  10  when not in use, and when in use permits diverse foods to be kept in the refrigerator or otherwise stored. Also visible in  FIG. 12  is the unique geometry of lid  290 , which has a top surface  292 , a bottom surface  293 , and a u-shaped closure lip  294  that terminates at a surface  295  that is parallel and preferably co-planar with bottom surface  293 . With this preferred geometry, lid bottom surface  293  may serve as an alternative cutting board. The u-shaped geometry of closure lip  294  defines a drainage channel which captures small quantities of juice, helping to keep a counter or other work surface clean and dry. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate nestled melon cutting and serving combination  10  in an alternative configuration, with melon cutting board and serving tray  200  rotated 90 degrees relative to that of  FIG. 11 . This arrangement aligns base  202  with special supporting pads  142 ,  152  and shoulders  144 ,  154  that secure the distal longitudinal ends of melon cutting board and serving tray  200 . When so arranged, and as best illustrated in  FIG. 13 , melon cutting board and serving tray  200  is supported within but elevated above melon cutting board and serving tray  100 , which can further facilitate cutting or other food preparation. 
     As may be apparent, this preferred embodiment melon cutting and serving combination  10  comprises a highly adaptable construction to suit a wide variety of needs, permitting compact storage when not in use, isolation of a variety of foods for serving and refrigeration or freezing or other storage when in use, and also providing a number of easy-to-use cutting surfaces for melons and other foods of diverse sizes while collecting and retaining juices that leak therefrom during the cutting. By using the appropriately sized cutting support, a person may gather the juices and still isolate the juices from direct contact with the rind, since the melon may preferably be supported above where the juices are collected. The base  102 ,  202  may rest upon a countertop, within a sink, or in any other suitable location. While not the most preferred use, either of the bases  102 ,  202  may additionally form yet another cutting surface by inverting the entire associated melon cutting board and serving tray  100 ,  200 . 
     Melon cutting and serving combination  10  is preferably fabricated from a material suitable for use as a cutting board. In use, a melon or other food which is desired to be cut or severed is operatively placed upon any one of the suitable cutting supports and then cut into one or a plurality of sections. When cutting is completed, the members are easily separated from each other, cleaned, and very compactly stored. 
       FIGS. 15-17  illustrate a first alternative embodiment melon cutting board  20 . Cutting board  20  is preferably fabricated from four discrete members  25 ,  25 ′,  27 , and  27 ′, each which is fully or primarily separable from the others. In this way, melon cutting board  20  may be disassembled into four individual components for easy cleaning, storage, and light weight transport to a picnic or camping site. 
     Each of the four discrete members  25 ,  25 ′,  27 , and  27 ′ are provided with notches  26 ,  28  at distal ends, resembling those used to construct a log house, and each component then can slide into a notch in an adjacent member during assembly, prior to use. However, any suitable means may be used to couple the members together, including other geometric engagements, various fasteners and adhesives. While such coupling is preferably separable and temporary, permanent couplings may also be provided. 
     To provide a stable base, members  25 ,  25 ′ are provided with a base  24 ,  24 ′ respectively that provides an enlarged area of contact with a sink, countertop, the ground, or any other suitable surface. 
     Melon cutting board  20  also illustrates the addition of an enlarged gap defined by arcs  23 ,  23 ′in the central portion of the two longer members. This generally circular portion or shape is most preferably designed to cradle smaller melons such as cantaloupe and honeydew melons. Larger or more oval or oblong food items are supported throughout a larger portion of the two longer members, but a smaller or more round food item will rest within the center circular portions of the two longer members. This combination of generally linear segments  21 ,  22  with arc  23 , and the corresponding generally linear segments  21 ′,  22 ′ with arc  23 ′ work in the same manner and may be used in the same way as those identified herein above as  111 ,  112 ,  113 ,  121 ,  122 ,  123  and  211 ,  212 ,  213 ,  221 ,  222 ,  223 . However, owing to the separable nature of the four discrete members  25 ,  25 ′,  27 , and  27 ′, this alternative embodiment melon cutting board  20  may be readily disassembled into more compact storage. 
     From the foregoing figures and description, several additional features and options may become more apparent. The melon or food contacting surfaces defined by generally linear segments  21 ,  22 ,  21 ′,  22 ′,  111 ,  112 ,  121 ,  122 ,  211 ,  212 ,  221 ,  222 , and arcs  23 ,  23 ′,  113 ,  123 ,  213 ,  223  are preferably relatively co-planar with their associated counterparts. While in the preferred embodiments these components are spaced from the associated bases by generally vertical side walls, other spacers may be incorporated, such as posts or the like. In an extreme example contemplated herein, the food contacting surfaces might comprise a portion of a wire frame, such that the vertical spacers and base are also a part of the wire frame. Nevertheless, the vertical side walls of the preferred embodiment provide the further combination of closed containers and receptacles, a feature which is unavailable in the alternative embodiment melon cutting board  20  and would likewise be unavailable in a wire frame version thereof. 
     A preferred embodiment melon cutting board may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including metals, resins and plastics, ceramics or cementitious materials, or even combinations or composites of the above. The specific material used may vary, though special benefits are attainable if several important factors are taken into consideration. First, it is preferable that all materials are sufficiently tough and durable to not fracture, even when great forces are applied thereto. Stain resistance, food compatibility and similar characteristics are also desirable. A material soft enough to not dull cutlery is also preferable. A preferred material may comprise polyethylene in any suitable molecular weight. Polyethylene has the advantage of being stain and chemical resistant, tough and durable, scuff resistant, is readily cleaned, and easily manufactured as desired. Nevertheless, there are a plethora of suitable materials available. Furthermore, the materials selected may vary depending upon a particular manufacturing method chosen. Various fillers, additives or other ingredients may be combined with the selected material to improve or enhance particular properties, or may be selectively added or applied as coatings. 
     While the foregoing details what is felt to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, no material limitations to the scope of the claimed invention are intended. Further, features and design alternatives that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be incorporated herein. The scope of the invention is set forth and particularly described in the claims herein below.