Abstract:
A tray holder apparatus that includes a frame on which a coffee maker may rest and a compartment into which a tray may be slid. The tray that slides into the frame is adaptable for receiving and displaying single serving beverage packages. A portion of the frame rolls over a countertop while the remaining portion of the frame rolls over a base of the tray holder apparatus. The tray may be slid in and out of the frame while the frame remains stationary above the base or while the frame is slid out from the base.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP 
     Not Applicable 
     JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention pertains generally to a kitchen counter storage system that is especially useful for both displaying a coffee maker and also displaying or containing single serve beverage pods, capsules, bags, condiments, and the like. The invention further pertains to a storage system that is particularly useful for moving a coffeemaker on a countertop without the need to slide the entire storage system on the counter and without the need to remove the coffee maker from the storage system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many kitchens include counter space to allow for the preparation of foods and drinks within the confines of the kitchen. In many kitchens the countertop space is limited and efficient use of space is a necessity. Further, a user may prefer to reduce a cluttered look on the countertops. Appliances that are used frequently, such as a coffee maker, are regularly stored on the kitchen counter space. The appliances that are stored on the countertops are often stored on countertops underneath overhanging cupboards. When a user desires to use the appliance, often times the appliance must be slid from underneath the cupboards in order to utilize all the functions of the appliance. 
     Over the years, different coffee makers have been implemented to create distinct brews of tea and coffee. These coffee makers have been utilized to brew larger quantities or multiple cups of a beverage. With the frequent use of these beverage makers, they&#39;re often found stored on the counter top of a kitchen. More recently, single serve beverage makers have been implemented to brew a single serving of tea or coffee, for example. These beverage makers may utilize a beverage package in the form of a capsule, pod, or bag. With the advent of the single serve beverage maker it has become desirable to store and display the single serve beverage packages on the kitchen countertop near the beverage maker. Further, it may be desirable to store the single serve beverage packages near the beverage maker without using up additional counter space. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments according to aspects of the invention provide an apparatus to efficiently move a beverage maker between a stored position underneath a cupboard and an operable position upon the countertop. The apparatus according to aspects of the invention further provides an efficient compartment that offers a storage space for single serve beverage packages that is also particularly useful to both store and display the single serve beverage packages. 
     The apparatus of the invention generally includes a stationary base, extendable frame, and extendable tray. In an embodiment of the invention, the base has a top surface and bottom surface, wherein the bottom of the base rests on the countertop. The bottom of the base may further include a gripping member that restricts movement of the base on the countertop. The frame is slidingly coupled to the base, wherein a portion of the frame slides above the top surface of the base between an extended and retracted position of the frame. The base remains stationary on the countertop while the frame slides over the countertop. The frame has at least two sets of wheels that are rotatably attached to the frame. In order to provide a smooth rolling of the frame along the countertop, the front set of wheels does not contact the base when the frame is in either the retracted or extended positions. Further the rear set of wheels contact the base when the frame is in the retracted position and also contact the base when the frame is in an extended orientation. The tray interlocks with the frame and is orientable between an open and stowed position. The front portion of the tray extends from the frame when the tray is oriented in the open position and the front portion of the tray aligns with a front end perimeter of the frame when the tray is in the stowed position. 
     Aspects of the invention may further include slots formed in the base. The slots are preferably dimensioned to receive the front set of wheels and allow the wheels to remain in contact with the countertop when the frame is oriented in the retracted or stowed position. The frame may include an open bottom portion and rails that extend through the open portion. Further, the frame may have at least partially open sides and back to allow air to pass through the frame. The tray may include spaced apart receptacles, wherein the receptacles form columns and rows within the tray. The top edge of each of the receptacles may be angled to display tops of pods at an angle when the tray is in the open position. 
     Another embodiment according to aspects of the invention includes an apparatus for supporting a beverage maker and single serve beverage packages without requiring increased counter space for both. The apparatus according to aspects of the invention includes a base, a frame, and a drawer or tray. The base has a planar top and bottom surface portions, wherein the base has slots formed in the base. The slots are adapted for receiving wheels rotatably attached to a front portion of the frame. The frame is slidingly coupled to the base, wherein the frame slides above the base between an extended and stored position. The frame has at least two wheels positioned within the slots that do not contact the base when the frame is in the stored position. The frame further has at least two wheels in contact with the base when the frame is in the stored position. The tray interlocks with the frame and is orientable between an open and stowed position. The tray has a front portion that extends from the frame when the tray is oriented in the open position and the front portion of the frame aligns with a perimeter of the frame when in a closed position. The interior of the tray may include rows and columns of spaced apart receptacles within the tray. Each receptacle has a top edge that is angled relative to a planar top of the tray such that a single serve beverage package (including a pod, capsule or bag) rests in the receptacle to display a top of the beverage package (pod, capsule or bag) at an angle relative to a surface on which the base rests. 
     These and other embodiments according to aspects of the invention include a gripping member on the planar bottom surface of the base. The frame may have an open bottom portion and rails that extend through the open portion. Further, the frame may have at least partially open sides and back to allow air to pass through the frame. Additionally, the frame may have at least partially open sides and back to allow air to pass through the frame. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a portion of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to further explain the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred; however, it should be understood, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the various figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals throughout the figures identify substantially similar components. 
         FIG. 1  is a front, right, top perspective view of a tray holder apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front, left, top perspective view of a tray holder apparatus of the type shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a back, left, bottom perspective view of a tray holder apparatus of the type shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a back, right, bottom perspective view of a tray holder apparatus of the type shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front, right, top perspective view of a tray holder apparatus of the present invention shown with a tray extended; 
         FIG. 6  is a back, left, bottom perspective view of the tray holder apparatus of the type shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a front, right, top perspective view of a tray holder apparatus of the present invention shown with a tray extended from a frame and a frame extended from a base; 
         FIG. 8  is a back, left, bottom perspective view of a tray holder apparatus of the type shown in  FIG. 7  with the tray extended from the frame and the frame extended from the base; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded front, right, top perspective view of the tray, frame and base of the tray holder apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded back, left, bottom perspective view of the tray, frame and base of the type shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front, right, top, perspective view of a frame elevated above a base of the tray apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a back, left, bottom perspective view of the frame and base of the type shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front, left, top perspective view of a tray of the tray apparatus of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a front, left, bottom perspective view of the tray of the type shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description provides detail of various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each of these embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not intended to be a limitation of the invention. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. By way of example, those skilled in the art will recognize that features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, may be used in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention also cover such modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     The tray holder apparatus  10  of the present invention is particularly well suited for displaying a single serve coffee maker on a countertop. The tray holder  10  generally includes a frame  40  on which the single serve coffee maker may be positioned. The frame  40  is further adapted to receive a tray  80  that is suitable for storing and displaying single serve beverage packages within the tray  80 . The tray  80  interlocks with the frame  40  and slides between an open and stowed position. The frame  40  is coupled to a base  20  and travels above the base  20  between an extended and retracted orientation. When a coffee maker rests on the frame  40 , the frame travels to efficiently move the coffee maker from a stored position underneath a cupboard and an operable position on the countertop. The apparatus  10  further provides tray  80  that stores single serve beverage packages and that may also be oriented to display the single serve beverage packages. The apparatus  10  will now be described in greater detail in conjunction with the Figures. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the apparatus  10  is illustrated with the frame  40  in the retracted orientation and the tray  80  in the closed or stowed position. The frame  40  rests above base  20  with rollers or wheels  60  and  62  in contact and engaged with top surface  22  of base  20 . Gripping members  32  are fixed to a bottom surface  24  of the base  20 . The gripping members may be a neoprene, rubber or other material of known suitable construction that increases the stiction between the base  20  and a countertop. When in either the closed orientation or open position (of either or both the tray and frame) the tray  80  and frame  40  provide an aesthetic presentation and create an appeal for the beverage maker and single serve beverage packages. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show the tray  80  extended from the frame  40 . Tray  80  includes a front panel  86  and rear panel  88  that are sized to fit within an open front and back portion  70  of the frame  40 . The tray  80  includes multiple receptacles  90  extending into the tray from a substantially planar top portion  100  of the tray  80 . The multiple receptacles  90  are aligned in rows  92  and columns in the tray to further create an aesthetic presentation of the tray. Arrows  82  and  84  identify the general location of the front portion  86  of the tray  80  when the tray is oriented in the open and stowed positions  82  and  84  respectively. The receptacles  90  further include a top edge  96  of each receptacle that angles downward towards a front panel  86  of the tray. The angled top edge  96  provides an angled surface onto which a top portion of a beverage package rests. In this manner, the top portion of the beverage package is more readily observed when the drawer or tray  80  is oriented in the open position  82 . The base  20  includes slots  34  that are adapted to receive wheels  56  and  56  that are attached to frame  40 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show both the frame  40  extending from the base  20  and the tray  80  extending from the frame  40 . Arrows  82  and  84  identify the general location of the front portion  86  of the tray  80  when the tray is oriented in the open and stowed positions  82  and  84  respectively relative to the frame  40 . Arrows  52  and  54  identify the general location of the front portion  42  of the frame  40  when the frame is oriented in the open and stowed positions  52  and  54  respectively relative to the base  20 . The open bottom  68  portion of the frame  40  includes rails  72  that provide stability and a distinguishable look from under the frame  40 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate the apparatus  10  in a disassembled state. Frame  40  is shown elevated above the base  20  and the tray  80  is completely removed from frame  80 .  FIGS. 11 and 12  further illustrates the interlock and coupling between the frame  40 , base  20  and tray  80 . Base  20  includes a top surface  22  and bottom surface  24 . Frame  40  rests on the top surface  22  of the base  20  and the bottom surface  24  of the base  20  is particularly well adapted to rest on a kitchen countertop. Base  20  further includes a flange  30  extending upward from the top surface or portion  22  of the base around a perimeter of the base. The base  20  further includes front and back portions  26  and  28  wherein cutouts or slots  34  and  36  are formed in the base  22 . Slots  34  are sized to receive wheels  56  and  58  of the frame  40  without contacting the base  20 . Further, cutouts  36  are sized to allow rails  72  of the frame to pass over the flange  30  without contacting the flange  30  or base  20 . Frame  40  includes a front  42  having a front end perimeter portion  46  and a rear  44  having a rear or back end perimeter portion  48 . When the tray  80  is in the stowed position  84 , the front portion  86  aligns approximately flush with the front perimeter end  42  of the frame  40 . Wheels  56  and  58  are rotatably attached to front  42  of the frame  40  and wheels  60  and  62  are attached to rear  44  of the frame  40 . The frame  40  includes an upper ledge and interlock  64  and lower ledge  74  extending longitudinally along an interior of the sides of the frame. The tray includes extensions  102  that extend along both side edges of the tray  80 . The extensions  102  of the tray slide along a top surface of the lower ledge  74  of the frame. The interlock ledge  64  restricts the tray from extending out of the frame beyond the front portion of the interlock  64  and the interlock ledge  64  engages a top of extensions  102  to restrict the tray from tipping down when the tray is oriented in the extended position  52 . Frame  40  further includes cutouts  66  in the sides, open front and back  70  and open bottom  68  of the frame to provide an aesthetic look and to further allow air to pass through the frame. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  further illustrates an embodiment of the tray  80 . Tray  80  is orientable between an open position  82  and closed position  84 . Tray  80  includes a front panel  86  and rear panel  88  that are sized to fit within an open front and back portion  70  of the frame  40 . The tray  80  includes multiple receptacles  90  extending into the tray from a substantially planar top portion  100  of the tray  80 . The multiple receptacles  90  are aligned in rows  92  and columns in the tray to further create an aesthetic presentation of the tray. The receptacles  90  further include a top edge  96  of each receptacle that angles downward towards a front panel  86  of the tray. An extension ledge  102  extends along a longitudinal sides of the tray  80 . 
     In use, the front wheels  56  and  58  roll on the countertop while the rear wheels  60  and  62  roll on the base  20  when the frame is pulled over the base between the extended and retracted orientations  52  and  54 . Additionally, tray  80  may be slid along ledge  74  between the open position  82  and closed position  84 . In this manner, a user may choose to orient the apparatus  10  in multiple orientations. By way of example, the frame may be positioned in the retracted position  54  while the tray  80  is oriented in the open position  82 . Alternatively, the frame may be oriented in the extended position  52  and the tray  80  may be slid between the open and closed positions  82  and  84  to access the contents stored within the tray  80 . 
     These and various other aspects and features of the invention are described with the intent to be illustrative, and not restrictive. This invention has been described herein with detail in order to comply with the patent statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. It is to be understood, however, that the invention can be carried out by specifically different constructions, and that various modifications, both as to the construction and operating procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, in the appended claims, the transitional terms comprising and including are used in the open ended sense in that elements in addition to those enumerated may also be present. Other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing this document.