Abstract:
The present invention provides a tray device in a sports action pose. The device includes a body, a tray, and a base. The body includes a front, a back, and a head. The device&#39;s sports action pose contributes to a more stable tray than conventional trays, which is beneficial when multiple objects are unevenly placed on the tray or when the tray is bumped. In additional to a food/beverage tray, the device may also include a cup holder, which is especially useful for tailgating parties. The tray can be disassembled or folded which makes it easier to transport and store the device.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/900,201, filed Nov. 5, 2013, and entitled “Tray device in a sports action pose,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to food and/or beverage trays, and more specifically, to a food and/or beverage tray comprising a sports figure in action holding a tray. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    A tray is a platform configured to hold or carry things. Trays are most commonly known for carrying food and beverages, although technically can be used for storage, organizing, and carrying non-food/beverage objects such as mail, plants, and medical devices. A tray typically has raised edges and/or an anti-slip material to stop objects from sliding off the tray. Exemplary types of trays include a butler&#39;s tray, a cafeteria tray, a surgical tray, a seed tray, a darkroom tray, and a dental tray. 
         [0006]    An issue with conventional trays is the stability of the tray. Typically, the tray will have an object, such as a glass full of liquid, that should not fall regardless whether the tray is stationary, being moved, bumped, loaded unevenly, etc. 
         [0007]    Another issue with conventional trays is the mobility of the tray. A heavier tray may or may not be more stable, but it is more difficult to move such as through shipping or in the trunk of a user&#39;s car, which is critical if the tray is supposed to travel over large distances. 
         [0008]    A further issue with conventional trays is the storage of the tray. If the tray is configured to carry objects from one location to another, then the tray will typically be stored away when not in use and storage size is important. Alternatively, if the tray is mostly configured to be used in a stationary position, where the tray functions as an organizer, the size of the tray is more dependent on the practical application and cosmetic concerns than storage. 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional butler device  100  which is known in the prior art. The device  100  includes a base  105 , a body  110 , a tray  115 , and one or more objects  120 . The device  100  (e.g., figurine, tray holder, statute, etc.) resembles a butler holding the tray  115 , and the tray  115  is configured to hold one or more objects  120 , such as bottle of wine. 
         [0010]    The base  105  provides some stability such that the objects  120  do not tip over the device  100 . The base  105  is typically limited in size for mobility and aesthetic reasons. The body  110  provides the proper height for the tray  115  and provides aesthetics for the device  100 . The device  100  is often very small, as the term figurine implies, though can also stand 2-3 feet tall. Although a butler is illustrated, and is a very common theme, other themes exist. Other themes include a maid, a chef, a holiday character, and an animal such as a Dalmatian. Most themes are related somehow to food. 
         [0011]    The tray  115  is a conventional tray. Conventional trays often have an outer lip to prevent the objects  120  from sliding off the tray  115 . The objects  120  include one or more small items, typically related to the butler theme, such as a bottle or glass of wine. The objects are limited in size by the size of the tray  115  and the stability of the base  105  and body  110 . 
         [0012]    However, the conventional devices fall short because they still contain issues regarding stability, mobility, and storage. Specifically, the conventional devices are typically not balanced well, such that if a user puts too much uneven weight on the tray, the tray will tilt the device over. This is partly due to the location and pose of the device&#39;s body on the base and the device&#39;s leg and hand positions not being configured for a good balance. Regarding mobility, the devices are configured as a small single structure and are not intended for regular transport. Regarding storage, the devices are mostly configured either small or for stationary use, such that putting a large tray in the trunk of the user&#39;s car is not an issue of concern. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention provides a tray device in a sports action pose. The device includes a body, a tray, and a base. The body includes a front, a back, and a head. The device&#39;s sports action pose contributes to a more stable tray than conventional trays, which is beneficial when multiple objects are unevenly placed on the tray or when the tray is bumped. In additional to a food/beverage tray, the device may also include a cup holder, which is especially useful for tailgating parties. The tray can be disassembled or folded which makes it easier to transport and store the device. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, a device comprises: a body, wherein the body is configured in a sports action pose, wherein the sports action pose comprises an action relating to a sport; a tray attached to the body, wherein the tray is configured to hold objects; and a base attached to the body, wherein the base and the sports action pose of the body are configured to provide stability to the body. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, a device comprises: a body, wherein the body is configured in a sports action pose, wherein the sports action pose comprises an action relating to a sport; wherein the body is configured to attach to a tray, wherein the tray is configured to hold objects; and wherein the body is configured to attach to a base, wherein the base and the sports action pose of the body are configured to provide stability to the body. 
         [0016]    An advantage is that the device is more stable and thus harder to knock over. The increased stability is due to the base and the body, where the body is in a sports action pose. Many sports action poses are inherently stable, as stability is a key factor to success in many sports. For example, in football, stability helps the players remain on their feet or perform an action better. Often times this stability is referred to in the sports world by other terms, such as a strong base or good balance. The stability lessens the chances that the tray will be knocked over when loaded with too many objects, when loaded unevenly, or when bumped into. The cup holder combined with the tray provides an additional advantage, as the cup holder&#39;s high walls significantly lessen the chances that a drink will spill. 
         [0017]    Another advantage is that the device is more mobile due to the disassembly, folding, and/or basically flat body structural features. The mobility can lead to easier shipping to the user and easier fitting into the trunk of the user&#39;s car. Thus, the device is ideal for tailgating, unlike conventional devices. Additionally, by having a tray together with a cup holder, the device is ideal for a watching a sport event, typically accompanied by both food and beverages. For similar reasons to the increased mobility, a further advantage is that the device is easier to store. 
         [0018]    The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional butler which is known in the prior art; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates a device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates the device in use holding one or more objects according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  illustrates a close-up of a tray of the device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  illustrates a close-up of a cup holder of the device and optional assembly features according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 6-8  illustrate devices with optional folding features according to embodiments of the invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrates a process of using the device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0027]    Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying  FIGS. 2-9 , wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
         [0028]    Although the present invention is illustrated and described as having the objects on the tray being food and beverages, one of ordinary skill in the art readily appreciates that the present invention is applicable outside the food and beverage context, without departing from the scope of the invention (e.g., the objects may instead by a radio, a television, or a cell phone, etc.). Also, although the present invention is illustrated and described in the context of tailgating and football, one of ordinary skill in the art readily appreciates that the present invention is also applicable to other uses, sports, and mascots, without departing from the scope of the invention, such as a use as a stationary furniture piece. Further, although the invention is illustrated as a sports action pose for a quarterback, other sports and other positions could be used instead, such as a running back pivoting to change his direction, a defensive lineman in a three point stance, a cornerback high stepping into the end zone after an interception, etc. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, the device is the ultimate fan accessory for tailgating, fan caves, homes, offices, and college dorms. The device serves as a fun, visible symbol of fan support for their team, while also providing utility as a multi-function holder for food, beverages, and grill utensils. 
         [0030]    The sports merchandising market, an 18 billion dollar per year business, has seen nothing like this device. For example, one particular business lists 845 different tailgating products associating with a particular college football team, and not one product even remotely resembles this device. Also, none of the devices existing outside the sporting world making up for the deficiencies, as the device is unlike any conventional tray. 
         [0031]    The device is a sports figure in action. The device has a strong structural configuration enabling it to hold heavy objects in a stable manner. The device is also capable of holding multiple objects simultaneously. Additionally, the device is capable of being disassembled after use at a temporary function such as tailgating. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  illustrates a device  200  according to an embodiment of the invention. The device  200  includes a base  205 , a body  210 , a tray  215 , and a cup holder  225 . The device  200  (e.g., tray device, sports figure, mascot, etc.) is in a sports action pose. Unlike the conventional device  100 , the device  200  provides improved stability, mobility, and storage. 
         [0033]    The base  205  provides stability such that the objects do not tip over the device  200 . The base  205  may resemble a sports theme and be painted like green AstroTurf with white hash marks. In one embodiment, the base  205  may include a handle (not shown), where the handle may comprise a hole near the middle of one edge of the base  205  which allows the user to insert four fingers and carry the base  205  or the device  200 . 
         [0034]    The body  210  illustrates a team player in a “sports action pose.” The sports action pose is a sporty position that provides both functional and aesthetic benefits. A functional benefit is the increased stability of the sporty position. Many sports action poses are inherently stable, as stability is a key factor to success in many sports. The body  210  has stability through the legs and arms being spread apart out wide for balance. An aesthetic benefit of the sports action pose is that it brings more life into body  210 . In one embodiment, the body  210  is positioned to show the front view of the jersey and the profile view of the head (face and helmet). In one embodiment, the feet of the body  210  snap into the base  205 . In another embodiment, a pin is used to secure each foot to the base  210 . 
         [0035]    The tray  215  is configured to hold objects (not shown). The tray  215  may have sporty curves. In one embodiment, the tray  215  represents the same theme as that of the body  210 . In one embodiment, the theme is football. The tray  215  may have a color and shape, which when viewed from above, resembles a football. The tray  215  may be on a raised arm and at shoulder level, such that it looks like the quarterback is throwing the football and the tray  215  may connect with the shoulder of the body  210  for additional stability. 
         [0036]    The cup holder  225  provides a structure for holding additional objects. The cup holder can be configured to hold a  12  ounce alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink. The cup holder also further lessens the chances that an object falls or spills, as the cup holder  225  has higher edges than a tray and the walls of the cup holder  225  are configured to fit a beverage, which makes spillage less likely than when the beverage is placed on a tray. This lessened chance of spillage is more important in the sports context, where the user is more likely to be watching television, and less focused on spilling than in the conventional butler context, which likely has less distractions and emotions than that of a sports fanatic during a sporting event. In another embodiment, the device  200  has a bottle opener in the hand which is not holding the tray  215 , as opposed to the cup holder  225 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  illustrates the device  200  in use holding one or more objects  320  according to an embodiment of the invention. The objects  320  can include a larger quantity of items and larger sized items due to the increased stability of the device  200 . Exemplary objects include foods, beverages, grilling utensils, etc. 
         [0038]    The device  200  is shown in the context of tailgating  330 , where the user is at a sporting event. The user may have his vehicle&#39;s tailgate down and a barbeque out for grilling food. The foldable and disassembly features of the device  200  lead to increased mobility such that the device  200  can be more easily transported to a sporting event. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the device  200  is 3 feet tall, with a 2 foot wide base, and the non-head portion of the body is 6 inches thick. The height can be configured based on a tailgating height or a coffee table height. The height may be adjustable based on a rod within the body  210 . 
         [0040]    With a 6 inch thickness, the non-head portion of the body  210  is basically flat. Although all devices are technically 3-D, for the purposes of this application, the term 2-dimensional or 2-D refers to this basically flat embodiment, where the flat 2-D embodiments are illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5  and  FIG. 7 . Also, for the purposes of this application, the term 3-dimensional or 3-D refers to a more rounded and thicker embodiment, where the 3-D embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrates a close-up of the tray  215  of the device  200  according to an embodiment of the invention. The close-up illustrates the large size of the tray  215 , the top back side of the body  210  being a team player in a sports pose, and the device  200  with the cup holder  225  (not shown) being disassembled. 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  illustrates a close-up of the cup holder  225  of the device  200  and optional assembly features according to an embodiment of the invention. The close-up illustrates the top front side of the body  210  being a team player in a sports pose. The head (face and helmet) are 3-D, and can be made from molded resin and painted. The head can be painted using techniques such as shadows to bring further life to the body  210 . 
         [0043]    The close-up also illustrates the cup holder  225  just prior to being assembled onto the device  200 . The cup holder  225  can slide onto the arm of the body  210  or can be screw mounted on. In one embodiment, the device  200  uses the same mounting screws for the base  205 , the tray  215 , and the cup holder  225 . 
         [0044]    In one embodiment, the device  200  is considered to have three main parts: the base  205 , the body  210 , and the tray  215 . In this embodiment, each part can be disassembled from each other and reassembled back together for improved mobility and storage. In another embodiment, the device  200  is considered to have five main parts: the base  205 , the tray  215 , a front body plane of the body  210 , a back body plane of the body  210 , and a head of the body  210 . 
         [0045]    In a preferred embodiment, for transportation, the device  200  is disassembled into four pieces: the base  205 , the body  210 , the tray  215 , and the cup holder  225 . In another embodiment, the device is folded instead of disassembled. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 6-8  illustrate devices  600 ,  700 , and  800  with optional folding features according to embodiments of the invention. The bodies of devices  600  and  800  are illustrated as being 3-dimensional, whereas the body of the device  700  is illustrated as being 2-dimensional. As mentioned above, for the purposes of this application, the term 2-D refers to this basically flat non-head portion of the body embodiment and the term 3-D refers to a more rounded and thicker body embodiment. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6  illustrates the device  600  in a folded position. The device  600  includes a base  605 , a body  610 , with each arm  611  of the body  610  having a slot  613 . The base  605  is rotated, rolled up towards the head of the body  610 , and folded against the body  610 . The body  610  is 3-D. The arms  611  are also folded against the body  610 , and a tray (not shown) which is disassembled from the slots  613 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  illustrates the device  700  in a folded position. The device  700  includes a base  705 , a body  710 , and a tray  715 . The base  705  and tray  715  are folded against the body  710 . The non-head portion of the body  710  is 2-D. The head (not shown) is 3-D. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates the device  800  in a folded position. The device  800  includes a base  805 , a body  810 , and a tray  815 . The body  810  is folded and the base  805  is rotated against the body  810 . The body  810  is 3-D. The tray  815  is configured to be removed from the body  810 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  illustrates a process of using the device  200  according to an embodiment of the invention. The process starts at step  900 . At step  910 , a user takes the device  200  to a destination. The destination can be a tailgating party, a position next to a television during a sports event, a fixed location such as stationary furniture piece in a house or restaurant, etc. At step  920 , the user assembles or unfolds the device  200 . The device  200  provides mobility, with the 2-D body, the folding, and/or disassembly allowing it to be easily carried to a sporty location, shipped, or put into the trunk and transported to a sporting event. 
         [0051]    At step  930 , the user places the objects  320  on the tray  215  of the device  200 . The objects  320  can include food, drinks, or anything else configured to be placed on a tray. The device  200  provides increased stability due to the action pose that the body  210  is positioned in. At step  940 , the user disassembles or folds the device  200  and stores the device  200  away. The ability to either fold or dissemble the device  200  allows for easier storage. The process may be repeated recursively a number of times and ends at step  950 . 
         [0052]    It is to be recognized that depending on the embodiment, certain acts or events of any of the methods described herein can be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (for example, not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the method). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events may be performed concurrently, rather than sequentially. 
         [0053]    The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.