Abstract:
A tray system may have one or more retaining portions for a container, the one or more retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray may have a non-slip removable insert inserted into each of the one or more retaining portions which may be fitted to the bottom of the retaining portion and may maintain grip on the tray and the container. The tray system may have a retaining portion for a beverage container with a slot to receive a stem portion of the beverage container as well as having a non-slip removable insert with a corresponding slit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/458,288, filed on Apr. 27, 2012, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/368,144, filed Feb. 9, 2009, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/421,552, filed on Jun. 1, 2006. These applications are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a food tray having non-slip inserts. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many devices exist for serving food. Some systems include indentations and surface coverings but have known drawbacks. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0004]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray system is provided with one or more retaining portions for a food container, the retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray system may contain one or more feet which may be of a depth at least equal to the deepest recessed portion of the tray, such that the one or more feet may allow the tray to sit stably on a flat surface. The tray system may contain one or more non-slip inserts inserted into the one or more portions, which may be fitted to the bottom of the portions. The inserts may maintain grip on the serving tray and a food container and may be removable and reusable. The removal of the inserts may facilitate ease of cleaning and prevent buildup of dirt underneath traction surfaces. The tray and inserts may be composed of materials that are dishwasher safe. The tray may be stackable. The one or more inserts may be interchangeable such that inserts from one tray may be utilized for another tray, allowing a tray&#39;s inserts to be replaced or their color to be varied. The tray may have handles at two opposite edges thereof; the handles may have a slotted portion therein for gripping. 
         [0005]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray system is provided with a substantially planar surface, with an upper and lower surface, having a first retaining portion, recessed into the substantially planar surface, for retaining a container, and a second retaining portion, recessed into the substantially planar surface, for retaining a beverage container; the second retaining portion being located proximal to an edge of the substantially planar surface and comprising a slot extending from a center portion of the second retaining portion through the edge of the substantially planar surface. 
         [0006]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tray system is provided having a substantially planar surface, with an upper surface and a lower surface, having a first retaining portion, recessed into the upper surface of the substantially planar surface, for retaining a container, and a second retaining portion, recessed into the substantially planar surface, for retaining a liquid container; the second retaining portion being located proximal to an edge of the substantially planar surface and comprising a slot extending from a center portion of the second retaining portion through the edge of the substantially planar surface; and a handle portion located on the periphery of the substantially planar surface; a first insert, that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the first retaining portion and the container, wherein a first side of the first insert differs from a second side of the first insert in surface texture, and the first insert is configured to fit entirely within the first retaining portion and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the first retaining portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the first insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the first insert; and a second insert, that is substantially planar and removable, for maintaining grip on both a surface of the second retaining portion and the liquid container, wherein a first side of the second insert differs from a second side of the second insert in surface texture, and the second insert is configured to fit entirely within the second retaining portion and does not extend beyond an upper plane of the second retaining portion, and the grip between the retaining portion and the second insert is maintained by at least one gripping quality related to the surface texture of the second insert, and the second insert further comprises a slit through the first and second side of the second insert to match the slot configuration of the second retaining portion. 
         [0007]    Other advantages will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the entirety of this patent application. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts a top, angled view of a food tray with recessed portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts a side view of a food tray with recessed portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  depicts a side view of a food tray with recessed portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  depicts a top view of a food tray with recessed portions and inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  depicts a view of both sides of an insert showing the smooth side and an opposite side with a raised pattern. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6A  depicts a perspective view of a food tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6B  depicts a top view of a food tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6C  depicts a bottom view of a food tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6D  depicts a front elevational view of a food tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6E  depicts a rear elevational view of a food tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7A  depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7B  depicts a perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8A  depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8B  depicts a perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9A  depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9B  depicts a perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10A  depicts an exploded perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10B  depicts a perspective view of a food tray with inserts according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configuration can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0027]    As discussed above, various embodiments and iterations of the present invention relate to a food tray.  FIG. 1  illustrates a tray  100  which has a main body including one or more retaining portions  110 . In some embodiments, the retaining portion  110  may be recessed. In other embodiments, the retaining portion  110  may be formed by using one or more raised surfaces. In some embodiments, the tray  100  may be composed of the chemical compound melamine. In some embodiments, the tray  100  may be formed using a plastic. In some embodiments, the tray  100  may be composed of wood, metal, glass or other materials or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the tray  100  may be made of substances that are dishwasher safe. In some embodiments, the tray  100  may be a tray with one or more handles  130  for gripping the tray. In one embodiment, the tray  100  may be a tray with handles at two opposite edges thereof; the handles may comprise a handle  130  with a slotted portion  140  therein for gripping. 
         [0028]    The retaining portions  110  may be designed to receive one or more inserts  120 . The inserts  120  may fit in the retaining portions  110 . The inserts  120  may also grip securely to the tray  100 . The inserts  120  may provide traction for serving containers such that when the tray  100  is not level the inserts may greatly reduce the chance of container slippage. In some embodiments, the inserts  120  may be silicon based. In other embodiments, the inserts  120  may be composed of rubber or other suitable materials or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the inserts  120  may be permanently affixed to the bottom of the retaining portions  110 . In some embodiments, the inserts  120  may be composed of non-stick materials. In some embodiments, the inserts  120  may be removed for cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt underneath the inserts  120 . The inserts  120  may be made of substances that are dishwasher safe. The inserts  120  may subsequently be reused. The inserts  120  also may be printed in a variety of colors, with various designs or logos so that users of tray  100  may change the appearance of the tray  100  for personal taste, marketing or other reasons by switching inserts. In some embodiments, the ease of removal of inserts  120  may also allow for replacement of inserts in the event an insert is worn or damaged. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate a side view of the tray  100 . The tray  100  may comprise a tray with one or more feet  200 . The feet  200  in some embodiments offset recessed portions  202  and  204  respectively such that when the tray  100  is placed on a flat surface it may sit stably. The height of feet  200  in some embodiments may be equal to or greater than the depth of the deepest recessed portion of their respective trays so that they may achieve this stability. In some embodiments, the tray  100  may be constructed such that the bottom  206  of the tray  100  is a smaller perimeter than the perimeter of the top  208  of tray  100 . In such an embodiment, the bottom perimeter of the recessed portions  202  and  204  would also be smaller than their respective top perimeters. This embodiment may permit tray  100  to be stackable. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of tray  100 . Inserts  120  are shown inserted into retaining portions  110 . Some embodiments of the tray  100  may be a round shape, an oval shape, a square shape or other practical shapes. Other embodiments of the tray  100  may have a different arrangement or number of retaining portions. In some embodiments, the tray  100  may contain more than one retaining portion which may be designed for different types of serving containers. In some embodiments, one retaining portion  110   b  may be designed for holding a glass or other beverage container and retaining portion  110   a  may be designed for holding a plate. One embodiment of tray  100  may contain a retaining portion for silverware. Other embodiments consider retaining portions for multiple dishes for a serving tray. Another embodiment of the tray  100  contains a retaining portion for medical utensils to provide a safe, orderly arrangement during medical or dental procedures. Other embodiments of the tray  100  may have retaining portions specialized to hold containers or tools particular to a specific industry. While  FIG. 4  illustrates the retaining portions as circular, other shapes including square, oval or rectangular shapes may be utilized. In one embodiment of the tray  100  no retaining portion is utilized and insert  120  is designed to fit a portion or portions of the top side of the tray and to grip to the tray directly. When inserts  120  are in place in retaining portions  110  they may lay flat and may provide a even gripping surface for food containers. 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates view of both sides of the insert  120  showing side  120   a  with smooth texture  500  and an opposite side  120   b  with a design  510  to facilitate grip on moist containers. In some embodiments, this design may be a raised crosshatch or grid pattern. In some embodiments, both sides of insert  120  may be smooth. In some embodiments both sides of insert  120  may be have a design to facilitate grip on moist containers. A variety of designs consisting of raised or grooved patterns may be utilized so that insert  120  may retain grip on a food or beverage container when the container or insert is moist. The insert  120  may be placed in the retaining portion  110  of tray  100  so that either side is facing up. If the side  120   b  is facing up it may facilitate grip on a serving container by reducing slippage of a food container if there is moisture on the insert or the food container. In some embodiments this may be used to reduce slippage of “sweating” glasses. The crosshatch pattern may be a pattern that is not significantly raised such that it does not significantly affect the appearance of the design of the insert but still reduces the slippage of moist food containers. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  6 C,  6 D, and  6 E depict a tray  600  which has a main body  602 , having a top surface  601  and a bottom surface  603 . The tray  600  may have a lip area  605  surrounding the periphery of the tray. The lip area  605  may be a raised rim. The lip area  605  may serve to contain any items placed on the top surface  601  of the tray  600  such as when the tray is tilted or otherwise moved, the lip area  605  may serve to prevent items from falling or rolling off of the tray  600 . The tray may have retaining portions  604  and  606 . In some embodiments, the retaining portions  604  and  606  may be recessed. In  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C, the retaining portions  604  and  606  are shown as being recessed into the top surface  601  of the tray  600 . In other embodiments retaining portions  604  and  606  may be formed by using one or more raised surfaces. While  FIG. 6  illustrates the retaining portions as circular, other shapes including square, oval or rectangular shapes may be used. 
         [0033]    The retaining portion  604  may be used to retain and hold a container, such as a food or other container. The retaining portion  606  may be configured with a slot  614  such that a beverage container having a stem or other elongated portion may be held therein. Other types of containers may be held by the retaining portion  606 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the retaining portion  606  may have a widened, circular area  616  at its center that connects to the slot  614 . The area  616  may be a cut-out or hole portion of the tray  600 . By way of non-limiting example, the retaining portion  606  may be configured to hold a wine glass, champagne flute, or equivalent beverage container. The stem of the beverage container may be slid into the slot  614  and then the upper portion of the beverage container may come to rest on the surface of the retaining portion  606 . The area  616  may enable the bowl or top part of the beverage container rest within the area  616  such that the bowl portion protrudes through the area  616  and downward through the bottom surface  603  to provide better holding of the beverage container. It should be appreciated that the use of the terms “beverage container,” “glass,” or “flute” or other types of beverage containers are meant to be non-limiting and exemplary only, as a variety of beverage containers may be held within the retaining portion  606 . 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the tray  600  may be composed of the chemical compound melamine. In some embodiments, the tray  600  may be formed using a plastic. In other embodiments, the tray  600  may be composed of wood, metal, glass or other materials or some combination thereof. According to exemplary embodiments, the tray  600  may be made of substances that are dishwasher safe. 
         [0035]    The tray  600  may have with a handle area  608  for gripping or holding the tray. The handle area  608  may have a slot portion  610  and an elevated arch portion  612 . The slot portion  610  may be an opening extended through the tray  600  from the top surface  601  through the bottom surface  603 . The elevated arch portion  612  may be a smoothed, curved area that is part of the main body  602  of the tray  600  and that extends above the top surface  601  of the tray  600  as shown in the figures. The elevated arch portion  612  may serve as an area which rests against the back of a person&#39;s hand that is positioned to hold the tray (in cooperation with the slot portion  610 ). The handle area  608  may be constructed to allow a user to put their hand in the slot portion  610 . The user&#39;s fingers (with the exception of the thumb) would rest under the tray  600  against the bottom surface  603  and provide support from underneath while the back of the user&#39;s hand rests against the elevated arch  612  behind the slot portion  610 . The user&#39;s thumb would remain in outside of the hole portion  610 . The weight of the tray  600  may pull that arch tight against the back of the hand which assists in keeping the tray  600  upright even when the user&#39;s fingers beneath the tray  600  are not directly touching it. According to some embodiments, the tray  600  may be held in other manners using the handle portion  608  with a user&#39;s hand positioned differently than described above. For example, the user could position their handle such that their fingers wrap around the elevated arch  612  and through the hole portion  610  using the elevated arch as a grip portion to hold the tray. 
         [0036]    The tray  606  may further have a hole area  618 . The hole area  618  may extend through the surface of the tray and may be generally round in shape, although other shapes are possible. The inner surface of the hole area  618  may be conically tapered or cone shaped from the top  601  of the tray  600  to the bottom  603  of the tray ((that is the cone taper runs in that direction). The hole area  618  may be used to hold a napkin (not shown). The hole  618  may be of the appropriate size so that a napkin may be threaded through the hole and the hole thus holds the napkin in place. This feature may enable the napkin to be used to wipe off your fingers without having to pick up the napkin, as it is already standing up for accessibility. The conical taper of the hole  618  facilitates insertion of the napkin and also aid in holding the napkin in place. The conical taper alleviates any sharp edges that could cut through the napkin. According to some embodiments, the hole  618  may serve as a point through which a finger or other item may be inserted. For example, the hole  618  may serve as a holder for utensils. Utensil handles may be inserted into the hole  618 . Additionally, the hole  618  may serve as an additional holding point for the tray  600 . 
         [0037]    The tray  600  may have feet as shown for the tray  100  and described above. 
         [0038]    The retaining portions  604  and  606  may be designed to receive one or more inserts. The inserts may fit into retaining portions  604  and  606 . Inserts may also grip securely to tray  600 . The inserts may provide traction for serving containers such that when tray  600  is not level the inserts may greatly reduce the chance of container slippage. In some embodiments, the inserts may be silicon based. In other embodiments, the inserts may be composed of rubber or other suitable materials or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the inserts may be permanently affixed to the bottom of retaining portions  604  and  606 . In some embodiments, the inserts  620  may be composed of non-stick materials. The inserts may be removed for cleaning to prevent the buildup of dirt underneath the inserts. The inserts may be made of substances that are dishwasher safe. The inserts may subsequently be reused after washing. The inserts also may be printed in a variety of colors, with various designs or logos so that users of tray  600  may change the appearance of the tray  600  for personal taste, marketing or other reasons by switching inserts. In some embodiments the ease of removal of the inserts may also allow for replacement of inserts in the event an insert is worn or damaged. The inserts may have differing first and second sides as shown in  FIG. 5  and described above, such that one side is smooth and the opposite side has a textured surface for maintaining a grip. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 7A ,  7 B,  8 A,  8 B,  9 A,  9 B,  10 A, and  10 B depict a tray according to exemplary embodiments with inserts that are configured to be placed in the one or more retaining portions of the tray. The inserts may be as described above. The tray may be the tray  600  as described above. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  depict inserts  702  and  704  for placement in retaining portions  604  and  606 . The inserts  702  and  704  may be shaped as depicted. The insert  702  may be generally circular in shape with a cut-out section from the circle  706  through which the stem of a beverage container may be inserted. The insert  704  may be a solid insert that is a complete planar circular shape (such as also described above in other embodiments).  FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict inserts  802  and  804  for placement in retaining portions  604  and  606 . The inserts  802  and  804  may be shaped as depicted. The insert  802  may be a solid insert that is a complete planar circular shape. The insert  804  may be circular with a hollow section in the central portion  806 .  FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict inserts  902  and  904  for placement in retaining portions  604  and  606 . The inserts  902  and  904  may be shaped as depicted. The insert  902  may shaped similar to the insert  702  and the insert  904  may be shaped similar to the insert  804 .  FIGS. 10A and 10B  depict inserts  1002  and  1004  for placement in retaining portions  604  and  606 . The inserts  1002  and  1004  may be shaped as depicted. The inserts  1002  and  1004  may be solid, planar, and circular in shape. As depicted in  FIGS. 7A through 10B  the inserts may have a variety of configurations and shapes. It should be understood that the inserts depicted in the different figures may be mixed and matched beyond the combinations shown. Furthermore, additional shapes and configurations are possible for the inserts. 
         [0041]    Some of the terminology used herein may be understood as follows: Melamine is the chemical compound (triamino-triazine—C3N6H6), comprising carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen. 
         [0042]    While the foregoing description includes details and specificities, it should be understood that such details and specificities have been included for the purposes of explanation only, and are not to be interpreted as limitations of the present invention. Many modifications to the embodiments described above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as it is intended to be encompassed by the following claims and their legal equivalents.