Patent Publication Number: US-8985657-B1

Title: Spill proof platter apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to platters or trays for supporting and/or transporting food and beverage items, and more particularly platter/tray apparatus that is adapted for retaining dining items in a manner that minimizes the likelihood of spillage. The platter/tray apparatus of the present invention facilitates secure and efficient placement of items such as beverage containers, plates, and bowls in a relatively compact area defined within the outer perimeter of the platter. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A variety of situations arise in which food and/or beverage is served and/or transported on a portable service device. Most typically, such portable service devices are trays or platters that define a carrying surface area that is large enough to support a plurality of food and beverage items, such as beverage containers, plates, and bowls, but yet small enough to be transported by a single person. The trays may be sized and configured primarily for personal use to accommodate single serving portions of the food and beverage items. In other cases, the trays may be sized and configured to support serving portions of food and/or beverage items suitable for a plurality of people. For both situations, transport of the service trays introduces the risk of spillage of the supported food or beverage items. Such service trays are also commonly employed in situations involving uneven and/or unsteady support surfaces. For example, service trays may be used on people&#39;s laps, as well as in moving vehicles, such as automobiles and boats. Clearly, such applications also introduce the risk of spillage of the food or beverage items. 
     While it is common for conventional trays/platters to include integral or detachable dividers for defining discrete zones at the tray surface for separating different food and beverage items, there remains a need to retain food and beverage items at a tray/platter in a spill-proof manner. A beneficial improvement from conventional trays would be an apparatus which facilitates the selective engagement of items such as beverage container braces, bowls, plates, bowl braces, and plate braces into a fixed position with respect to the platter, so that the food and beverage items are restrained from displacement along the platter surface. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     By means of the present invention, items such as food and beverage items may be securely retained at a platter/tray, so as to minimize the likelihood of spillage. The apparatus of the present invention employs one or more connector fixtures at predetermined locations of the platter/tray, with the connector fixtures being adapted to securely engage a receiver thereat. The receiver may take various forms, including a beverage container brace, a bowl, a plate, a bowl brace, a plate brace, or a utensil holder. The predetermined locations of the connector fixtures may preferably be optimized to facilitate secure reception of items, such as food and beverage items, in as small of area as possible. The efficient use of space available on the platter provides further utility to this invention. 
     In one embodiment, a platter apparatus of the present invention includes a holder plate having opposed upper and lower surfaces and a perimeter, and an array of a plurality of attachment details at the upper surface. The platter apparatus further includes a connector fixture attachable to the holder plate at a respective attachment detail, wherein the connector fixture includes a first mating structure configured for engagement to the attachment detail. A receiver includes an engagement portion that is configured for removable securement to a second mating structure of the connector fixture, and the receiver includes a second portion that is configured for supporting a food or beverage item. 
     In another embodiment, the platter apparatus of the present invention includes a holder plate having opposed upper and lower surfaces and a perimeter defining a platter area. The apparatus further includes a connector fixture integrally formed with the upper surface of the holder plate, and a receiver having an engagement portion that is configured for removable securement to a mating structure of the connector fixture to retain the receiver in a fixed position relative to the holder plate. The receiver includes a second portion in the form of a beverage container brace, a bowl, a bowl brace, a plate, or a plate brace, wherein the beverage container brace includes a substantially cylindrical side wall defining a holder chamber with a height and a diameter suitable for retaining a beverage container at the receiver. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of a platter apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side elevational view of the platter apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  is an end elevational view of the platter apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1D  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the platter apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a top plan view of a portion of the platter apparatus of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side elevational view of the portion of the platter apparatus shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top plan view of a portion of a platter apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is a side elevational view of the platter apparatus portion shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of a platter apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of a platter apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of a portion of a platter apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the platter apparatus shown in  FIG. 5A ; and 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a platter apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention provides, in some embodiments, a spill-proof food and beverage serving system within a versatile family of platters/trays for a wide variety of dining situations. For the purposes hereof, the terms “platter” and “tray” may be used interchangeably, and are intended to mean a structure designed to support a collection of items, such as food and beverage items for various serving applications. The platters may be configured to maintain plates, bowls, beverage containers, and other items at the platter while transporting and/or serving the items, or simply while using the items, such as in a dining setting. Example applications in which the platters of the present invention may be found to be useful include lap dining, outdoor dining, serving in a stationary or moving vehicle, such as an automobile, boat, or aircraft, and other situations in which stable retention of items at the platter is desired. 
     The objects and advantages enumerated above together with other objects, features, and advances represented by the present invention will now be presented in terms of detailed embodiments described with reference to the attached drawing figures which are intended to be representative of various possible configurations of the invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are recognized as being within the grasp of those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Unless otherwise apparent or stated, directional references, such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “rear”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like are intended to be relative to the orientation of a particular embodiment of the invention as shown in the figures. In addition, a given reference number in the drawings indicates the same or similar structure when it appears in different figures, and like reference numerals identify similar structural elements and/or features of the subject invention. 
     With reference now to the drawing figures, and first to  FIGS. 1A-1D , a platter apparatus  10  includes a base plate  12  and a holder plate  14  for removable engagement with base plate  12 . The illustrated embodiment in  FIGS. 1A-1D  depict a combination of base plate  12  and holder plate  14 . In this embodiment, base plate  12  includes a base  16  in a base plane  18 , and a side wall  20  extending upwardly from base  16  and out from base plane  18 . In the illustrated embodiment, side wall  20  extends substantially perpendicularly to base plane  18 . Base plate  12  may further include handle elements  22  formed integrally with, or attached to side wall  20  to assist in carrying platter apparatus  10 . It is contemplated that base plate  12  may be provided in a variety of configurations deemed most useful for the intended application, and may be fabricated from a variety of materials. In most embodiments, base plate  12  may be a molded plastic structure. 
     Base  16  of base plate  12  may extend continuously or discontinuously throughout an area bounded by sidewall  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, base  16  is substantially planar at both an upper and a lower surface thereof. In other embodiments, base  16  may include protrusions, ridges, recesses, textures, patterns, or the like, as necessary or desired. 
     Holder plate  14  includes opposed upper and lower surfaces  30 ,  32  and a perimeter  34  which defines a platter area  36  of upper surface  30 . As may be seen from the illustrated embodiments, perimeter  34  may establish a regular or irregular platter area  36 , wherein less than an entirety of perimeter  34  may be congruent with side wall  20  of base plate  12 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , for example, holder plate  14  may cover only a portion of base plate  12 , wherein a portion of perimeter  34  follows the shape of side wall  20 , while another portion of perimeter  34  diverges from adjacency with side wall  20 . In other embodiments, however, perimeter  34  follows or tracks alongside wall  20  of base plate  12  so as to closely fit within a platter zone defined by side wall  20  of base plate  12 . Holder plate  114  illustrated in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  provides an example of such a regular configuration for perimeter  34  that may or may not closely fit within a platter zone of base plate  12 . 
     In some embodiment, holder plate  14  includes an array  38  of a plurality of attachment details  40  at upper surface  30 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , attachment details  40  may be in the form of receptacles in upper surface  30  of holder plate  14 . Such receptacles may be of any useful configuration, with the illustrated receptacles forming a substantially cylindrical opening into upper surface  30 . In addition to the illustrated receptacle form of attachment details  40 , it is contemplated that one or more of attachment details  40  in array  38  may instead be protrusions extending from upper surface  30  of holder plate  14 . Thus, array  38  may include a plurality of attachment details in the form of receptacles, protrusions, or combinations thereof. As will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, attachment details  40  are preferably configured for engagement with respective connector fixture  42 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4-5 , connector fixture  42  is attachable to holder plate  14 , and locatable at one or more respective attachment details  40 . To so secure to holder plate  14 , connection  FIG. 42  includes a first mating structure  44  that is configured for engagement to a respective attachment detail  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, first mating structure  44  may be in the form of a protrusion or nub that closely fits within the receptacle of attachment detail  40 . A variety of arrangements and mechanisms are envisioned by the present invention to effectuate the engagement between first mating structure  44  and attachment detail  40 . In some embodiments, first mating structure  44  may be configured for mating engagement with attachment detail  40 . Thus, first mating structure  44  may be in the form of protrusions, recesses, or combinations thereof that are configured to matingly engage with a correspondingly-configured attachment detail  40 . First mating structure  44  may be engageable with attachment detail  40  through a mechanical registration, such as a press-fit, a snap-fit, a tab and recess engagement, and the like. First mating structure  44  may also or instead be engageable with attachment detail  40  through a weld, adhesives, or other bonding mechanisms. Likewise, lower surface  45   b  of connector fixture  42  may be secured to upper surface  30  of holder plate  14  through one or more of a variety of attachment means, such as welding, including sonic welding, adhesives, mechanical mechanisms, including hook and loop fasteners, and other bonding and/or attachment mechanisms. It is contemplated that the engagement of first mating structure  44  and attachment detail  40  may primarily provide a locating function for placement of connector fixture  42  at predetermined positions of holder plate  14 , while the main attachment is found at the interface between lower surface  45   b  of connector fixture and upper surface  30  of holder plate  14 . In some embodiments, the engagement of first mating structure  44  and attachment detail  40  may restrain undesired rotation of connector fixture  42  with respect to holder plate  14 , so as to avoid undue stress on the attachment between connector fixture  42  and holder plate  14 . Connector fixture  42  may be removably or permanently attached to holder plate  14  and located at predetermined positions at holder plate  14  through a removable or permanent engagement between first mating structure  44  and attachment detail  40 , as desired. 
     One or more connector fixtures  42  may be attached to holder plate  14  at predetermined locations defined by attachment details  40 . As will be further described below, array  38  of attachment details  40  may be provided in a predetermined pattern to most efficiently locate food and beverage receivers, such as beverage containers, bowls, and plates within platter area  36 . 
     A receiver  50  includes an engagement portion  52  that is configured for removable securement to a second mating structure  46  of connection fixture  42 . It is contemplated that a variety of arrangements and/or mechanisms may be employed to accomplish the removable securement of engagement portion  52  of receiver  50  to second mating structure  46  of connection fixture  42 . Examples include mechanical registration, threadable engagement, and the like. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate an example embodiment for connector fixture  42  and receiver  50 , in which engagement portion  52  of receiver  50  is threadably engaged with second mating structure  46  of connector fixture  42 . In this embodiment, connector fixture  42  includes a base portion  43  with upper and lower surfaces  45   a ,  45   b . First mating structure  44 , in this embodiment, extends from lower surface  45   b  to engage with attachment details  40 . The engagement of connector fixture  42  with holder plate  14  may bring lower surface  45   b  into contact with upper surface  30  of holder plate  14 . Second mating structure  46  of connector fixture  42  may include an upright wall portion  47  extending from upper surface  45   a  of base portion  43 . In some embodiments, upright wall portion  47  may be substantially cylindrical and extending substantially perpendicularly from upper surface  45   a  of base portion  43 . Outer wall surface  48  of upright wall portion  47  may include threads  49  that are sized and pitched to threadably engage with receiver threads  53  at an inner surface  51  of engagement portion  52 . 
     Upright wall portion  47  may bound and define a central region  80  having a diameter X 1 . In some embodiments, diameter X 1  of central region  80  may be specifically dimensioned to accommodate particular food or beverage items. For example, a beverage container such as a bottle, can, cup, mug, or glass may be positioned at central region  80 . By providing diameter X 1  with a dimension that is similar to a diameter of such a beverage container, upright wall portion  47  may aid in retaining such beverage container at central region  80 . In particular, diameter X 1  may be only slightly larger than an outer diameter dimension of the beverage container to assist in stabilizing such beverage container at central region  80 . An example dimension for dimension X 1  may be about 2.75 inches, which corresponds to standard beverage container bottles. Other dimensions for diameter X 1 , however, are also contemplated by the present invention, including dimensions that may be suitable to aid in supporting other food or beverage items. 
     Engagement portion  52  of receiver  50  is preferably appropriately configured to coordinate with second mating structure  46  of connector fixture  42 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , engagement portion  52  includes receiver threads  53  for threadable engagement with threads  49  at outer wall surface  48  of upright wall portion  47 . Full threadable engagement of engagement portion  52  to second mating structure  46  may be achieved when end surface  56  of engagement portion  52  engages upper surface  45   a  of base portion  43  of connector fixture  42 . Thus, upper surface  45   a  acts as an engagement stop for the threadable engagement of receiver  50  to connector fixture  42 . 
     Receiver  50  further includes a second portion  54  that may be configured for supporting a food or beverage item. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-5 , second portion  54  is in the form of a beverage container brace having a substantially cylindrical side wall defining a holder chamber  58  with a height Y 1  and a diameter X 2 . Second portion  54  of receiver  50  may therefore be configured as desired to assist in retaining an item, such as a food or beverage item, at a fixed position relative to holder plate  14 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4B , diameter X 2  of holder chamber  58  may be substantially equal to diameter X 1  of central region  80  to establish a substantially continuous boundary wall from upper surface  45   a  of base portion  43  to upper end surface  57  of second portion  54 . In other embodiments, a somewhat larger dimension for diameter X 2  is desired, as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . Such a larger diameter X 2  for holder chamber  58  may be appropriate for retaining larger beverage containers, such as wine bottles and the like. In one instance, diameter X 2  may be about 3.4 inches. It may also be recognized that height Y 1  of holder chamber  58  in  FIG. 4A  may be greater than height Y 2  of holder chamber  58  in the embodiment of  FIG. 4B . Example height dimensions for heights Y 1  and Y 2  are between 2-5 inches. Various sizes and configurations for second portion  54  of receiver  50  are contemplated by the present invention, each of which are suitable to retain the food or beverage item at receiver  50 , even during transport of platter apparatus  10 . Besides the beverage container brace configurations illustrated in  FIGS. 4-5 , second portion  54  of receiver  50  may be in the form of, for example, a bowl, a plate, a bowl brace, or a plate brace. Consequently, the term food or beverage items may include containers of food or beverage, as well as food and/or beverage itself. Platter apparatus  10  of the present invention may therefore include a set of receivers  50  for selective engagement with one or more connector fixtures  42 , wherein the set of receivers includes receivers  50  with different holder chamber diameters X and/or different holder chamber heights Y, as well as with varying configurations to serve various purposes. 
     A false bottom element  70  may be utilized for establishing a flat bottom to holder chamber  58 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4A , false bottom element  70  includes a retention ring  72  for frictional securement to upright wall portion  47 . Retention ring  72  may therefore have an outer diameter that is substantially equal to diameter X 1  of central region  80 , so as to be press-fit against upright wall portion  47  of second mating structure  46 . 
     Another embodiment of connection fixture  42  and receiver  50  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , with the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 5B  taken along section line A-A in  FIG. 5A . In this embodiment, connector fixture  142  includes a first mating structure  144  configured for engagement with attachment detail  40  of holder plate  14 . Second mating structure  146  of connector fixture  142  includes a stem portion  160  and a plurality of connection spokes  162  extending radially outwardly from stem portion  160 . Connection spokes  162  may preferably be spaced from upper surface  30  of holder plate  14  to define a retention gap  164 . Connector fixture  142  may be secured to holder plate  14  as described above with reference to connector fixture  42 . 
     Engagement portion  152  of receiver  150  includes a retaining tab for engagement in retention gap  164  between a respective connection spoke  162  and upper surface  30  of holder plate  14 . Retaining tab  166  may extend radially inwardly from second portion  154  of receiver  150 . This engagement arrangement illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  may be referred to as a twist-on bayonet mount, with engagement portion  152  of receiver  150  being rotated underneath respective connection spokes  162  of second mating structure  146  to retain receiver  150  at connector fixture  142 . Connection spokes  162  may be somewhat deflectable as retaining tabs  166  are brought into engagement therewith in retention gap  164 . The deflectability of connection spokes  162  provides a spring-like hold-down force on retaining tab  166  to secure retain tab  166  between connection spoke  162  and upper surface  130  of holder plate  114 . 
     In some embodiments, retaining tabs  166  may include a sloped portion  168  at a leading edge  167 . Sloped portion  168  aids in upwardly deflecting the respective connection spoke  162  as receiver  150  is rotated to position retaining tab  166  into retention gap  164 . Sloped portion  168  results in a thinner leading edge  167  than the remainder of retaining tab  166 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2-3 , holder plate  14  may include latch elements  82  extending from upper surface  30  at perimeter  34 . Latch elements  82  may be configured for removable engagement to side wall  20  of base plate  12  to bring base plate  12  into contact with lower surface  32  of holder plate  14 . In some embodiments, holder plate  14  may include a lip  84  extending upwardly from upper surface  30  at perimeter  34 . In such embodiments, latch elements  82  may be secured to, or be integrally formed with, lip  84 . As shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1D , latch element  82  includes a latch arm  86  that defines a latch gap between latch arm  86  and lip  84 . Latch arm  86  may be deflected outwardly to permit entry of side wall  20  into latch gap  88 . A resilient restorative force acts upon latch arm  86  to engage side wall  20  in latch gap  88  between latch arm  86  and lip  84 . A variety of arrangements for latch element  82 , however, are contemplated as being useful in the present invention. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, connector fixture  42  may be integrally formed with upper surface  30  of holder plate  14 . For the purposes hereof, the term “integrally formed” is intended to mean co-molded or otherwise simultaneously formed in the manufacturing process. It is therefore contemplated that one or more connector fixtures  42  may be arranged in a predetermined pattern at holder plate  14  to permit the selective securement of a plurality of receivers  50  within platter area  36 . 
     An aspect of the present invention is a provision of attachment details  40  and/or connector fixtures  42  in a predetermined pattern to permit the selective securement of a plurality of receivers  50  within platter area  36 . Preferably, such predetermined pattern is prepared with a set of receivers  50  in mind, so as to most efficiently accommodate the selected receivers  50  within platter area  36 . Various combinations of different receivers  50  may be envisioned as receiver sets that may be most efficiently placed at an associated array  38  of attachment details  40 , or with an associated array of connector fixtures  42 . Such various receivers  50  may include, for example, small beverage container braces, large beverage container braces, bowl braces, plate braces, utensil receptacles, bowls, plates, and the like. Example arrays  38  are illustrated in the drawings. In  FIG. 1A , a large beverage container brace is illustrated as being secured at position  101 , while a small beverage container brace is secured to position  102 . Position  103  is shown unoccupied and available for securement of a connector fixture  42 /receiver  50  combination.  FIG. 3A  illustrates another example array  38  in which a variety of receivers  50  may be secured at respective positions  104 - 108 . In an example arrangement, a large bowl may be placed at position  104 , while a smaller bowl may be placed at position  105 , and any combination of beverage container braces at positions  106 - 108 . It should also be understood that separate bowls, plates, or beverage containers may be placed at holder plate  14  without a connector fixture  42 /receiver  50  combination. That is, users may wish to employ beverage container braces as receivers  50  in combination with connector fixtures at positions  106 - 108  while simply placing bowls, plates, or other objects at positions  104  and  105  without retentive securement to holding plate  14  through a connector fixture  42 /receiver  50  combination. 
     A still further example array  38  is illustrated in  FIG. 6  with positions  109 - 112  shown at holder plate  214 . In this embodiment, holder plate  214  may be utilized without a base plate, such as base plate  12 . Various modifications to holder plate  214  are contemplated by the present invention, including the incorporation of integral or detachable handles, a sidewall, or the like, so that holder plate  14 , itself, may be used as a platter, a carrying tray, or other functional carrier type. An example arrangement of receivers  50  at the array illustrated in  FIG. 6  may include a plate at position  109 , a bowl at position  110 , and either small or large beverage container braces at positions  111  and/or  112 . 
     It is contemplated that receivers  50  may be nested for compact shipping, display, and storage. A variety of molding methods may be employed to manufacture the components of the present invention. With regard to beverage container braces, a minimal draft system may be used to enable a straight core pull. However, if mold economies permit, it may be desirable to mold without a draft. 
     Base plate  12  may be configured differently than a typical carrying tray, in that it may have lower sides to enable the user to utilize the base plate  12  while dining. In some embodiments, side wall  20  of base plate  12  may have a height that is less than the height dimension of a typical plate including for paper plates. Additionally, base plate  12  and holder plate  14  may be rounded on all sides to present a “soft” and plate-like appearance when on a table or counter. The components of platter apparatus  10  may be fabricated from a transparent or translucent material, such as polycarbonate. Platter apparatus  10  may further include a grip element at a bottom surface of base  16 , and/or at lower surface  32  of holder plate  14  to minimize sliding and marking/damage to the lower surface. The grip element may include elastomeric feet, a rubber-like bottom rim, or other similar features. 
     Base plate  12  may include a relatively smooth surface to facilitate cleaning. Holder plate  14  may include drainage apertures and other apertures for connection to storage hangers or the like. Receivers  50  may similarly include drainage apertures and storage apertures. 
     Receivers  50  may be provided in matching sets, including one or more of plates, bowls, drinking cups, and the like. 
     The invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the patent statutes, and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use embodiments of the invention as required. However, it is to be understood that various modifications may be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention itself.