Patent Publication Number: US-11641967-B2

Title: Self-serve communion containment, presentation and service device

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to service of communion for religious ceremonies. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to devices, systems and methods for making multiple, individual servings of communion hosts and wine available for a recipient to easily and sanitarily pick up and consume. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Traditionally, the Christian rite of Holy Communion is administered by a religious clergyman or Eucharistic minister handling and offering bread, in the form of a “host,” and wine, symbolizing the body and blood of Jesus Christ, to recipients or “communicants” for consumption. An individual serving of the bread, often in the form of a small, thin wafer or disk, is picked up from a group of multiple hosts held in a common container, by the Eucharistic minister and placed in the mouth or hand of the communicant (receiver of the host). Similarly, a Eucharistic minister may offer wine to a communicant by handing them a cup of wine to drink from. The cup may be a relatively large cup or chalice from which multiple communicants drink, or may be a smaller, single-serving, perhaps disposable, cup. 
     Such traditional practices risk the spread of communicable diseases amongst communicants, clergy and Eucharistic ministers. For example, viruses or bacteria may pass from the Eucharistic minister to the communicant, or vice versa, through direct human contact, or indirectly through the common container or cup containing the hosts and wine. 
     Some known inventions attempt to address this risk. For example, racks or trays for holding small open cups of individual servings of wine are known. One such example is U.S. Pat. No. 553,846 to Forbes (“Forbes”) which discloses a rack system with multiple circular openings for receiving small reusable wine cups. 
     Various devices for holding an individual serving of a host and a small amount of wine are known. Such devices comprise a liquid-containing portion for the wine, and a host-containing portion for the host, with the host typically located on top of the liquid-containing portion. Such devices may be entirely disposable, and may comprise a single sealed unit. Two such examples are U.S. Pat. No. 3,514,029 to Powell and U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,106 to Johnson 
     However, such known devices and systems are deficient in a number of ways, for the reasons described further herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, the invention is a self-serve, communion containment, presentation and serving device. The device includes a first end, second end, front side, rear side, top side and bottom side. The device also includes a frame and a platform attached to the frame, the platform including a top surface and defining a plurality of through openings or holes, such as slots, configured to receive communion hosts. The device also includes a plurality of hinged covers covering the plurality of slots, each hinged cover of the plurality of hinged covers configured to cover only one slot of the plurality of slots when the hinged cover is in a closed position. 
     In an embodiment, the through slots of the self-serve, communion containment, presentation and serving device may be sized and angled so that communion hosts are easily viewed and grasped by someone accepting communion. 
     In another embodiment, the platform of the self-serve, communion containment, presentation and serving device may define apertures configured to receive a communion cup. In one such embodiment, one aperture is positioned adjacent each through slot so that a communicant may easily accept a host and a communion cup with wine. 
     In yet another embodiment, the self-serve, communion containment, presentation and serving device includes a plurality of hinged covers that covers a single through-slot, and when present, a single communion cup aperture. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a self-serve, communion containment, presentation and service device for containing, presenting and serving a plurality of edible communion items. In this embodiment, the device comprises: a frame; and a plurality of individual communion-containment units connected to the frame. Each communion-containment unit is configured to contain a single edible communion host. Each of the plurality of individual communion-containment units includes: a platform portion having a platform surface; an opening in the platform portion, the opening configured to receive and position the edible communion item in a predetermined position; and a hinged cover moveable between a first position covering the opening and a second position exposing the opening. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is a communion service kit that includes a self-serve, communion containment, presentation and service device and a plurality of communion cups configured to fit into communion-cup apertures in the device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The invention can be understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a front, top perspective view of a communion-service device, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of the communion-service device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of the communion-service device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a right-side view, or second-end view, of the communion-service device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom, perspective view of the communion-service device of  FIG.  1   , depicting an optional bottom plate; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of two communion-service devices stacked on top of each other, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of an end of a communion-service device, depicting two hinged cover assemblies in an open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8    is a lengthwise, cross sectional view of the communion-service device of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross sectional view near an of the communion-service device depicted in  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  10    is a front perspective view of a communion-service device, according to another embodiment; and 
         FIG.  11    is a front perspective view of a communion-service device, according to yet another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , an embodiment of a self-serve, communion containment and service device  100  (referred to hereinafter as “communion-service device”  100 ) for communicant self-service of individual servings of communion is depicted. In the embodiment depicted, communion-service device  100  includes frame  102  and a plurality of individual communion-containment units  104  (labeled individually as units  104   a  to  104   g ). Each individual communion-containment unit  104  is configured to contain a single serving of the Eucharist or “communion,” which may comprise a single edible communion item, such as a host, and/or a single serving of a drinkable item or liquid, such as wine or similar, as will be described in further detail below. 
     In the depicted embodiment, individual communion-containment units  104  are arranged in a row, which may be a single row as depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 10   . In other embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  11   , which is described in further detail below, communion-service device  100  may comprise more than one row. 
     In other embodiments, the distribution or layout of the multiple individual communion-containment units  104  may be arranged in other patterns that are not, or do not resemble, linear rows. For example, the multiple individual communion-containment units  104  may be arranged in a circular, spiral or other configuration. 
     As described further below, the distribution pattern, which could be one or more rows, or other patterns, and the quantity of communion-containment units  104  in a single communion service device  100  may vary depending on the application, or particular needs of a congregation. 
     Factors determining distribution and quantity may include, but not be limited to, congregation size or number of persons expected to receive communion during a single service, number of Eucharistic ministers, or persons distributing communion (e.g., a smaller congregation, and/or a larger number of Eucharistic ministers may suggest a relatively smaller number of units  104 ), a position of the Eucharistic ministers relative to communion recipients, an approach direction(s) of communion recipients (e.g., an approach from multiple directions may suggest distributing units  104  in rows facing multiple directions, or not in rows at all, but in a circular pattern), physical attributes of the Eucharistic ministers (e.g., smaller hands may require a smaller or lighter device with fewer units  104 ), desired timing of distribution (e.g., a larger number of units  104  may facilitate faster distribution by limiting the number of times an empty device  100  must be exchanged for a refreshed or refilled device  100 ), and other such factors. 
     As such, it will be understood that while embodiments of communion service device  100  are depicted in the Figures as having the particular distribution pattern of one or more linear rows, and as having a particular number of individual communion-containment units  104 , the invention is not limited to only such embodiments. 
     As described above, the number of individual communion-containment units  104  in each row, and in total for a single-row device  100 , may vary depending on a number of factors. In the depicted embodiment, communion-service device  100  includes seven units  104 , though it will be understood that the number of individual communion-containment units  104  may be larger or smaller. In an embodiment, the number of individual communion-containment units  104  ranges from four to twenty communion-containment units in a row; in another embodiment, the number of individual communion-containment units  104  ranges from five units to ten units. If too few units  104  are included in a communion-service device  100 , a user, such as the Eucharistic minister, will too often need to be replacing empty devices  100  with “full” devices  100  as communicants wait their turn to take communion. Further, too few units  104  may result in a very small device  100  that may be difficult to hold and manage by the Eucharistic minister. On the other hand, if too many communion-containment units  104  are present in a single communion-service device  100 , the weight of the device may increase undesirably such that the user or Eucharistic minister experiences fatigue after holding device  100  for a long period of time. 
     In an embodiment of communion-service device  100  having six to ten communion-containment units  104  in a lengthwise row, both hands of the Eucharistic minister may be used to grasp device  100  along its length with sufficient space for all fingers. In one such embodiment, a length of such an embodiment is constrained to a range of eight to fourteen inches. 
     Still referring to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , in an embodiment, communion-service device  100  defines a front side  106  (which may also be a communicant-approach side), rear side  108  (which may also be a Eucharistic-minister-holding side), first end  110 , second end  112 , top side  114  and bottom side  116 . A length of communion-service device  100  extends generally from first end  110  to second end  112 ; a width of communion-service device  100  extends generally from front side  106  to rear side  108 ; and a height of communion-service device  100  extends from bottom side  116  to top side  118 . 
     In an embodiment, frame  102  comprises front frame-portion  120 , rear frame portion  122 , first frame-end portion  124  and second frame-end portion  126 . In an embodiment, each of front frame-portion  120  and rear fame-portion  122  comprises a rectangular shape that extends along a length of communion-service device  100 . First frame-end portion  124  connects to front frame portion  120  and rear frame portion  122  at first end  110  of communion-service device  100 ; second frame-end portion  126  connects to front frame portion  120  and rear frame portion  122  at second end  112  of communion-service device  100 . 
     Each of first frame-end portion  124  and second frame-end portion  126  extends generally in a widthwise direction to connect front and rear frame portions  120  and  122  respectively. In an embodiment, and as depicted, portions of each of first frame-end portion  124  and second frame-end portion  126  may also extend in a lengthwise direction at the front and rear sides  106  and  108  of communion-service device  100  so as to securely connect to front and rear frame portions  120  and  122 . In other embodiments, each of first frame-end portion  124  and second frame-end portion  126  only substantially extend in the lengthwise direction, and do not substantially extend in a widthwise direction. 
     In the embodiment depicted, second frame-end portion  126  includes end portion  130 , front side portion  132 , rear side portion  134 , first leg  136 , second leg  138 , first foot  140  and second foot  142 . 
     End portion  130  extends in a widthwise direction, and is generally flat in a plane extending from top to bottom and in a plane extending from front to rear. End portion  130  may define a recess, cut-out portion, or semi-circular void  150 , such that end portion  130  defines a lower, widthwise-extending arcuate edge  152 . In other embodiments, void  150  may comprise other shapes, such as a rectangular shape. Void  150  in end portion  130  aids in defining legs  136  and  138 , and provides a space for receiving a portion of a user&#39;s hand so as to more easily and securely grasp and hold communion-service device  100 . 
     Front side portion  132  may be connected to front frame-portion  120 , while rear side portion  134  may be connected to rear frame-portion  122 . 
     First leg  136 , in the embodiment depicted, is defined by portions of end portion  130  and front side portion  132 , which extend in a downward direction. Similarly, second leg  138 , in the embodiment depicted, is defined by portions of end portion  130  and rear side portion  134 , which also extend in a downward direction. 
     First leg  136  and second leg  138  may respectively include first foot  140  and second foot  142 . Feet  140  and  142  support and bear a portion of the weight of communion-service device  100 , and in an embodiment, may each include a non-slip pad or material that prevents communion-service device  100  from sliding on the surface onto which device  100  is placed. 
     In the embodiment depicted, first frame-end portion  124  is substantially the same as second frame-end portion  126  described above, and includes end portion  160 , front side portion  162 , rear side portion  164 , third leg  166 , fourth leg  168 , third foot  170  and fourth foot  172 . 
     End portion  160  extends in a widthwise direction, and is generally flat in a plane extending from top to bottom and from front to rear. End portion  160  may define a recess, cut-out portion, or semi-circular void  180 , such that end portion  160  defines a lower, widthwise-extending arcuate edge  182 . In other embodiments, void  180  may comprise other shapes, such as a rectangular shape. Void  180  in end portion  124  aids in defining legs  166  and  168 , and provides a space for receiving a portion of a user&#39;s hand so as to more easily and securely grasp and hold communion-service device  100 . 
     Front side portion  162  may be connected to front frame-portion  120 , while rear side portion  164  may be connected to rear frame-portion  122 . 
     Third leg  166 , in the embodiment depicted, is defined by portions of end portion  160  and front side portion  162 , which extend in a downward direction. Similarly, fourth leg  168 , in the embodiment depicted, is defined by portions of end portion  160  and rear side portion  164 , which also extend in a downward direction. 
     Third leg  166  and fourth leg  168  may respectively include third foot  170  and fourth foot  172 . Feet  170  and  172  support and bear a portion of the weight of communion-service device  100 , and in an embodiment, may each include a non-slip pad or material that prevents communion-service device  100  from sliding on the surface onto which device  100  is placed. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  5   , in an embodiment, frame  102  may also include an optional bottom cover  184 . In an embodiment, bottom cover  184  substantially extends the length and the width of communion-service device  100 , covering bottom side  116  of device  100 , and creating a cavity within device  100 . In an embodiment that includes bottom cover  184 , and spilled liquid or fragments of hosts will be contained within the cavity. In the depicted embodiment, cover  184  may be positioned below communion-containment units  104 , and above voids  150  and  180 , so as to be nearer the cup and host. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , frame  102  may comprise one or more of a variety of materials, or combination of materials, such as a polymer, wood or metal. Further, the various components of frame  102  may be held together by fasteners, such as fasteners  190 , which may comprise screws, threaded bolts with nuts, or other types of fasteners. In other embodiments, all or some of the components of frame  102  may be held together by an adhesive. 
     Further, components of frame  102 , including front frame portion  120 , rear frame portion  122 , first frame-end portion  124  and second frame-end portion  126 , and their respective components, if any, may not comprise separate and connected components, but may comprise integrated components. For example, in an embodiment where communion-service device  100  comprises a polymeric material, all components of frame  102  may be a single, molded polymeric structure. In another embodiment, and as described further below with respect to  FIG.  10   , frame  102  may comprise multiple integrated components, such that frame  102  comprises two integrated pieces that comprise the various components and features described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 5   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , in an embodiment, communion-service devices  100  may be stackable or capable of nesting, such that one communion-service device  100  can securely sit atop another communion-service devices  100 . As depicted, a first communion-service device  100   a  sits securely atop a second communion-service device  100   b . As described further below, a top communion-service device  100 , such as device  100   a , is configured to receive a portion of a communion-service device  100  on which it sits, such as device  100   b , at its four corners so as to contact top corners of the device below. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 ,  4  and  5   , frame  102  may also include a plurality of corner blocks  192  located respectively at each of the four lower, inside corners of communion-service device  100 , i.e., block  192   a  at first end  110 , front corner; block  192   b  at first end  110 , rear corner; block  192   c  at second end  112 , front corner; and block  192   d  at second end  112 , rear corner. In an embodiment, each corner block  192  forms an “L” shape in the horizontal, lengthwise-widthwise plane, though corner blocks  192  may form other shapes, such as a square or rectangle, and so on. Each corner block  192  defines a surface  194 , labeled as  194   a  to  194   d , which in an embodiment is substantially flat, and configured to contact an upper corner  196  of a communion-service device  100  located below blocks  192  and their respective surfaces  194 . Referring also to  FIGS.  2 - 3   , four upper corners  196   a  to  196   d  that abut surfaces  194   a  to  194   d , respectively, of another device  100 , are depicted. In an embodiment, and as depicted, four upper corners  196   a  to  196   d  may comprise portions of front frame-portion  120 , rear frame-portion  122 , portions of communion-containment units  104 , e.g., platform  200 , such as platform  200   a  to  200   g  (see further description below regarding platforms  200 ). These portions of frame  102  may extend further in a vertical direction (lower to upper side) than first and second frame-end portions  124  and  126  so as to fit into the lower corners of a stacked device  100  above. 
     When present, in addition to enabling a stacking feature of the device, each corner block  192  also provide structural support for its respective frame-end portion and portions thereof. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , communion-service device  100 , in an embodiment, includes multiple communion-containment units  104  arranged serially along a length of device  100 . In an embodiment, each communion-containment unit  104  includes a communion-containment unit platform  200 , and a pivoting or hinged cover assembly  202 . 
     In the embodiment depicted, communion-service device  100  includes seven individual communion-containment units  104 , labeled as  104   a  to  104   g , and therefore includes seven communion-containment unit platforms  200 , which are individually labeled  200   a  to  200   g  for the sake of illustration. In an embodiment and as depicted, platforms  200  are separately formed structures arranged side-by-side to one another. Together, individual unit  104  platforms  200  form device  100  platform  206 . In an embodiment, platform  206  substantially extends the length of communion-service device  100 . In the depicted embodiment, and as described above, platforms  200   a  to  200   g  are separate structures arranged adjacent to one another. However, it will be understood that platforms  200   a  to  200   g  may comprise a single integrated structure, such that device platform  206  is a single, unitary structure. In one such embodiment, device platform  206  comprises a polymer or polymeric material manufactured using an injection-molding process. Unit platforms  200  and device platform  206  comprising of a polymer or polymeric material may be advantageous in that the platform or platforms may withstand being washed multiple times without being damaged, such as when being washed in an automatic dishwasher that uses high-pressure, high-temperature water. 
     In an embodiment, platform  200 , including platforms  200   a  to  200   g , or platform  206 , may comprise a dark color so as to contrast with the light color of a host, making easier for a communicant to see the host. In an embodiment, a color of platform  200  or  206  will be darker than a color of a host. In one particular embodiment, a color of platform  200  or  206  is one or more of the follow colors: black, blue, green, and red, while the lighter colors of a host may be white or beige, or another color that has a color hue that is not as dark as the host. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , a partial front perspective view of communion-service device  100  depicts three communion-containment units  104 , namely, communion-containment unit  104   g  at second end  112 , communion-containment unit  104   f  located next to unit  104   g , and communion-containment unit  104   e  located next to unit  104   f . In  FIG.  7   , two pivoting covers  202 , labeled as  202   g  and  202   f , are depicted in an open position, while one pivoting cover, cover  202   e , is depicted in a closed position. Further description of pivoting covers  202  is provided below. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 - 9   , each unit platform  200  defines a top surface  201 , a host opening, hole or slot  210  (“slot”  210  hereinafter) for receiving a host  214  and a cup-receiving aperture  212  for receiving a cup  216 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS.  7 ,  8  and  9   , communion-containment unit  104   g  includes platform  200   g  that defines host slot  210   g  and cup-receiving aperture  212   g ; communion-containment unit  104   f  includes platform  200   f  that defines host slot  210   f  and cup-receiving aperture  212   f . Communion-containment unit  104   f  depicts a host  214  located in slot  210   f  and a small cup  216  that may include wine or another liquid, in cup-receiving aperture  212   f.    
     In an embodiment, host  214  is a relatively thin, disc-shaped edible item defining first circular face  221 , second circular face  223  and circumferential edge  226 . 
     In an embodiment, cup  216  comprises a generally-frustoconical shape that includes top portion  228 , bottom portion  230  and outer surface  232 . However, it will be understood that cup  216  could comprise other shapes formed to accommodate a shape of cup-receiving aperture  212 . 
     As depicted, and in an embodiment, each slot  210  is adjacent to cup-receiving aperture  212 . In an embodiment slot  210  may be a through slot or a blind slot. Similarly, cup-receiving aperture  212  may be a through aperture or a blind aperture. Further, although opening  210  is described as a slot, which generally is understood to have a length greater than a width, as depicted, in alternative embodiments, opening  210  may form shapes other than slots, such as a square, oval or other shape chosen to accommodate particular sizes or features of the communion host or item. Each slot  210  of communion-containment unit  104  defines a top opening on platform  200  that generally extends in a widthwise direction, which is also a front-side  106  to rear-side  108  direction. Slots  210  and cup-receiving apertures  212  are arranged serially as sets from a first end  110  to a second end  112 . In an embodiment, and as depicted each slot  210  and each cup-receiving aperture  212  is also arranged adjacent each other in a lengthwise direction extending between first and second ends  110  and  112 , such that host  214 , from the perspective of a communicant approaching front side  106  of communion-service device  100 , is on the right side of platform  200  (nearer second end  112 ), cup  216  is on the left side of platform  200  (near first end  110 ), and edge  226  of host  214  is facing the communicant. In another embodiment, relative positions of host slot  210  and cup aperture  212  may reversed, with host slot  210  closer to first end  110  (communicant left-hand side) as compared to its companion cup aperture  212 , which is closer to second end  112  (communicant right-hand side). 
     Although in an embodiment, a host slot  210  and a cup aperture  212  on a common platform  200  may be arranged in a front-to-back arrangement, arranging host slot  210  next to cup aperture  212  in a left-right arrangement as depicted in the Figures, as opposed to a front-back arrangement, provides a number of advantages. A primary advantage is that when a communicant approaches front side  106  and views a communion-containment unit  104  and its contained host  214  and cup  216 , the side-by-side arrangement prevents host  214  from blocking from view any portion of cup  216 , and vice versa, such that both host  214  and cup  216  may be more easily viewed, thus making it easier for a communicant to pick up host  214  and cup  216 . This can be important to communicants with impaired or poor vision, including the elderly. 
     A feature of communion-service device  100  is that the device enables a communicant to easily see and pick up both the host  214  and the cup  216 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  8   , a feature of communion-service device  100  that enables a communicant to more easily perceive a relatively small host  214  relates to the shape of slot  210 , which results in host  214  resting at a left-to-right angle on its first face  221  in a slot  210  of communion-service device  100 , so as to expose surface  224  of host  214 , rather than only host edge  226 , when viewed by a communicant from above (top to bottom direction). 
     Referring also to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , each host slot  210  is defined by first slot-wall surface  218 , second slot-wall surface  220 , third slot-wall surface  222 , and fourth slot-wall surface  224 . First slot-wall surface  218  is opposite second slot-wall surface  220 , and third slot-wall surface  222  is opposite to fourth slot-wall surface  224 . 
     In an embodiment, and as depicted, each slot  210  is a through slot, having a top opening and a bottom opening. In another embodiment, each slot  210  may be a blind slot, having only a top opening. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG.  8   , in an embodiment, first slot-wall surface  218  is “angled” and second slot-wall surface  220  is substantially vertical. More specifically, and with reference to the Cartesian coordinate system with x-y-z axes depicted, wherein the x axis is a lengthwise/first end-second end/left-right axis, the y axis is a bottom-top axis, and the z axis is a front-back axis, first slot-wall surface  218  defines an inclined plane, wherein a vector normal to surface  218  and its theoretical plane extends solely in the x-y plane, generally in a “negative” x direction (from second end  112  toward first end  110 ). Surface  218  defines an obtuse angle A 1  with the x-z plane (in other words, surface  218  angles upwardly from bottom end  116  and towards a right/second end  112  of device  100 . Second slot-wall surface  220  defines a plane that is the same as the y-z plane, in other words, surface  220  extends in a top-to-bottom direction and a front-to-back direction, with a normal vector that extends in the x direction. 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , third slot-wall surface  222  defines an inclined plane, wherein a vector normal to the surface and its associated plane extends solely in the y-z plane and generally toward front side  106  of device  100 , or in the z direction. In other words, surface  222  slopes upwardly and rearwardly away from bottom end  116  of device  100 , facing generally toward front side  106 . Fourth slot-wall surface  224  defines an inclined plane, wherein a vector normal to the surface and its plane also extends solely in the y-z plane, but in the negative z direction. In other words, surface  224  slopes upwardly and towards front side  110 , facing generally toward rear side  108 . 
     As is evident from the figures, due to angled surfaces  222  and  224 , a top side of slot  210  has a front-to-rear length Lt that is longer than a front-to-rear length Lb. In this embodiment, the diameter of host  214  determines how host  214  will be positioned within slot  210 , and more specifically, how much of host  214  will be within, below and above slot  210 . 
     At a minimum, host diameter Dh must be at least the same as, or slightly greater than, slot bottom length Lb, or host  214  would fall through slot  210  and would not be held by platform  200 . The larger the host diameter Dh, the less that host  214  will be held within slot  210 , and the more that host  214  will be outside of slot  210  and project above platform  200 . Generally, holding host  214  in slot  210  such that a significant portion of host  214  projects outside of slot  210  and above platform  200 , the more visible host  210  will be to a communicant. However, if too much of host  214  is within slot  210  and below platform  200 , the harder it will be for a communicant with poor or impaired vision to see the host. On the other hand, if host diameter Dh is too large in relation to slot  210 , only a small portion of host  214  will fit into slot  210 , and host  214  may more easily be displaced from slot  214  when communion-service device  100  is subjected to various forces during use. 
     In the embodiment depicted, host diameter Dh is larger than bottom slot diameter Lb, and is approximately the same as top slot diameter Lt, such that approximately half of host  214  is outside of slot  210  and above top surface  201  of platform  200 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, host diameter Dh is larger than both bottom slot diameter Lb and top slot diameter Lt, such that more than half of host  214  projects out of slot  210  and resides above platform  200 . Such an embodiment maximizes the amount of circular face  223  of host  214  that is visible to a communicant when viewed looking down on communion-service device  210 . In one such embodiment, host diameter Dh ranges from 105% to 150% of top length Lt of slot  210 . More particularly, host diameter Dh may range from 110% to 125% of top length Lt of slot  210 . 
     In another alternate embodiment, a certain amount of visibility is sacrificed for increased stability of host  214  in slot  210 . In such an embodiment, diameter Dh of host  214  is larger than bottom length Lb of slot  210 , but smaller than top length Lt. In such an embodiment, more than half of host  214  is recessed below top surface  201  of platform  200 , thereby increasing the stability of host  214  within slot  210 , making it less likely that host  214  may accidentally be dislodged from slot  210 , such as when being initially grasped by a communicant or when communion-service device  100  is subjected to side-to-side or up-and-down forces. In one such embodiment, host diameter Dh ranges from 75% to 99% of top length Lt of slot  210 . More particularly, host diameter Dh may range from 85% to 95% of top length Lt of slot  210 . 
     Further with respect to slot  210 , in an embodiment, a top width (first end  110  to second end  112  direction) of slot  210  is larger than a bottom width of slot  210 , and a bottom width of slot  210  is at least as large as a thickness of host  214 , so that at least portion of host  214  may be inserted into slot  210 . In an embodiment, a vertical or minimum height or depth of slot  210  is determined by, and therefore equal to, a thickness T of platform  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 ,  8  and  9   , in an embodiment that assists a communicant in perceiving cup  216  and easily grasping the cup, cup aperture  212  is sized to have a diameter that is smaller than a top, maximum diameter of cup  216 . As such, an outer surface of cup  216  contacts platform  200  below a very top, or a lip, of cup  216 , causing a portion of cup  216  to project above top surface  201  of platform  200 . In one embodiment, and as depicted, approximately 25% of a height of cup  216  projects above top surface  201 ; in other embodiments, 10% to 50% of a height of cup  216  projects above top surface  201 . The more height projecting above surface  201 , the easier it is for a communicant to see and grasp cup  216 . However, if too much of cup  216  projects above platform  200 , the cup may become unstable in platform  200 , and/or may be prone to spilling. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 4  and  7   , as described briefly above, each communion-containment unit  104 , in addition to including a platform  200 , also includes a hinged-cover assembly  202 , labeled as hinged-cover assemblies  202   a  to  202   g .  FIGS.  1 - 4    depict each communion-containment unit  104  and hinged cover assembly  202  in a closed position. Each hinged-cover assembly  202  includes containment shell  240  (labeled as  240   a  to  240   g ), each defining a communion cavity  241 , finger-contact portion  242  and hinge mechanism  244 . In an embodiment, containment shell  240 , finger-contact portion  242  and portions of hinge mechanism  244  may comprise an integrated structure, such as that depicted in the Figures, and may comprise a variety of materials, including a polymer or polymeric material. 
     Referring also to  FIG.  7   , which depicts two communion-containment units  104  with their hinged cover assemblies  202  in their open positions, containment shell  240  forms a cap or cover configured to be placed over host  214  and cup  216 , thereby, in conjunction with platform  200 , “containing” host  214  and cup  216 . In an embodiment, containment shell  240  includes top portion  246  and wall portion  248 . In the depicted embodiment, top portion  246  is generally flat, though in alternate embodiments, top portion  246  may define other shapes, such as a dome shape, or other shapes. Wall portion  248  is a vertically extending wall portion that extends around the circumference of containment shell  240 , and defines a front, rear and sidewall portions. Wall portion  248  is coupled to top portion  246 , and may be an integrated structure with top portion  246 . Wall portion  248  of containment shell  240  includes edge  250 , including  250   f  and  250   g  depicted that is configured to contact top surface  201  of platform  200 . In an embodiment, edge  250  is a continuous flat edge that extends around the entire periphery of containment shell  240 , with all portions of edge  250  contacting top surface  201  so as to form a sealed enclosure within containment shell  240  when communion-containment unit  104  and hinged cover assembly  202  are in the closed position. 
     Finger-contact portion  242  may be integral with containment shell  240 , and in an embodiment, forms a projection, tab or protrusion extending outwardly and away from an outer surface of shell  240 , and intended to be in contact with a digit, i.e., finger or thumb, of a communicant intent on moving hinged cover assembly  202  into an open or closed position. Finger-contact portion  242 , in an embodiment, defines top surface  252  and front surface  254 , both of which are intended to be in contact with the hand or digit of the communicant. In an embodiment, finger-contact portion  242  may also be integral with top portion  246 , such that top surface  250  of top portion  246  is in the same plane as top surface  252  of finger-contact portion  242 . In an embodiment, front surface  254  forms an inclined plane that angles in front-to-rear direction, as depicted. 
     Hinge mechanism  244  may comprise any of a variety of known hinge joints, including the hinge joint and mechanism depicted, which may be understood to be a barrel hinge. In the depicted embodiment, hinge mechanism  244  includes shell portion or shell leaf  260 , hinge knuckles  262  and hinge pin  264 . Shell portion  260  is connected to, and projects outwardly and away from, containment shell  240  and may be integrated with containment shell  240 . In an embodiment, containment shell  240 , finger-contact portion  242 , and shell portion  260  of hinge mechanism  244  may be a single integrated structure, such as a single molded polymer or polymeric structure. Hinge knuckles  262  are secured to top surface  201  of platform  200 , and in some embodiments, may be integral with platform  200 . 
     Hinge pin  264  is inserted through openings in hinge knuckles  262  and shell portion  260 , such that containment shell  240  is pivotally connected to platform  200 , and therefore can be pivoted between an open position and a closed containment position, or positions therebetween. 
     In an embodiment, hinge mechanism  244  does not impart a bias on containment shell  240 , such that when containment shell  240  is pivoted to an open position wherein host  214  and cup  216  are exposed and available, containment shell  240  stays in the open position after a communicant ceases to contact finger-contact portion  242 , or in general, when a communicant releases hinged cover assembly  202 . The use of a hinge mechanism that is not biased makes it easier for a communicant to take host  214  and cup  216  from device  100  because hinged cover assembly  202  stays in the open position, and does not require being held open while removing host  214  and  216 . 
     However, in alternate embodiments, hinge mechanism  244  may include a spring or other biasing member that imparts a closing force on containment shell  240 , causing, or allowing, containment shell  240  to move to a closed position without the need of a communicant or other user to apply a separate closing force to hinged cover assembly  202 . 
     In the closed position, with edge  250  in contact with top surface  201  of platform  200 , containment shell  240  covers host slot  210  and cup aperture  212 , as well as host  214  and cup  216  when present. In the open position, whereby containment shell  240  is pivoted upwardly and away from surface  201 , such as depicted in  FIG.  7   , a communicant may easily perceive and grasp host  214  and cup  216 . 
     In addition to improving visibility of host  214  and cup  216 , and making host  214  and cup  216  easier to grasp, the containment structures and features of communion-service device  100  described above improve the safety and sanitation of the process of distributing and serving communion. For example, rather than grouping hosts  214  together, or drinking from a common cup, communion-service device  100  contains or separates individual servings, making only one host  214  and one cup  216  available for each individual communion-containment unit  104 . As such, a communicant properly taking communion touches only one communion-containment unit  104 , which ideally means touching only hinged cover assembly  202 , and perhaps platform  200 , of a particular communion-containment unit  104 , thereby minimizing potential spread of disease via human contact with device  100 . 
     The features and benefits of communion-service device  100  extend and apply to various embodiments of the invention, such as those depicted in  FIGS.  10  and  11   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  10   , communion-service device  100  having an alternate embodiment of frame  102  and platform  206  is depicted. This alternate embodiment of device  100  is substantially the same as the embodiment described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 9   , except that frame  102  is a simplified structure comprising frame portion  102   a  and frame portion  102   b . Further, multiple individual communion-containment units  104  may share a common platform  200 . 
     In this embodiment, frame  102  comprises a two-piece structure comprising frame portions  102   a  and  102   b . Rather than having structurally separate frame-end portions with their own separate end and side portions, and separate front and rear frame portions, frame  102  primarily comprises only two frame portions,  102   a  and  102   b , which in an embodiment are substantially the same for ease of manufacturing and assembly. 
     Further, in some embodiments, platforms  200  may extend to multiple communion-containment units  104 . In the embodiment depicted, platform  200   a  is used with two hinged cover assemblies  202 , i.e.,  202   a  and  202   b , platform  200   b  is used with three hinged cover assemblies  202   c ,  202   d , and  202   e , and platform  200   c  is used with two hinged cover assemblies  202   f  and  202   g.    
     Referring to  FIG.  11   , in another alternate embodiment, device  100  may include multiple rows of individual communion-containment units  104 . In the embodiment depicted, device  100  includes two rows of communion containment units  104 , including a first row  270  and a second row  272 . The number of rows of communion-containment units  104  may include more than two rows, and may contain three or more rows, as also described above. 
     In this particular embodiment of communion-service device  100 , rows  270  and  272  are at different elevations, one higher than the other. By having one row being higher than another, a communicant may more easily move hinged cover assembly  202  in a first row  270  from a closed position to an open position, without contacting a hinged cover assembly  202  from the second row. 
     In addition to the inventive devices described above, unique methods of safely and efficiently making hosts  214  and cups  216  available to communicants, and methods of using device  100  to take communion, i.e., take a single host  214  and a single cup  216  are included herein. 
     In an embodiment, and referring to  FIGS.  1 - 11    above, a method of making multiple, single servings of a host  214  and/or a cup  216  available to a recipient or communicant, includes providing a communion-service device  100  having multiple communion-containment units  104 ; opening each of the communion-containment units  104  by applying pressure to a finger-contact portion of a hinged cover assembly  202  of each unit  104 ; inserting a single host  214  into an angled single slot  210 , thereby causing the host to cant at a non-acute angle relative to a top surface  201  of device  100 ; inserting a single cup  216  having a top diameter into a single cup aperture  212  having a diameter smaller than the top diameter, thereby causing the cup to project above the top surface  201 ; moving a position of the hinged cover assembly  202  to a closed position, thereby containing an individual serving of a host  214  and a cup  216 ; and presenting the communion-service device  100  to a plurality of persons. 
     In an embodiment, a method of taking an individual communion serving comprises approaching a communion-service device  100  at a front side  106  of the device  100 ; moving a containment shell  240  of a hinged cover assembly to an open position, thereby exposing a single host  214  in a slot  210 ; grasping the host  214  and removing the host from the slot. In other embodiments, such a method may also comprise grasping a cup  216  and removing the cup  216  from a cup aperture. 
     The embodiments above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Additional embodiments are within the claims. In addition, although aspects of the present invention have been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the invention may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the invention may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the invention may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein. 
     For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.