Abstract:
An apparatus for containing a food and beverage includes a substantially flat stock, for example, cardboard or fiberboard that includes a plurality of perimeter panels that are folded into a three-dimensional apparatus. When formed, the apparatus includes a compartment for holding a food and a beverage. A beverage retaining member attaches in any of a variety of ways where desired to any of the panels to secure various sizes of beverage containers in an upright position on top of a center panel. The outer perimeter panels are each attached on one edge thereof to the center panel and interlock with each other during assembly to prevent accidental opening of the apparatus. A notch is provided to accept a thumb of a user and a semi-spherical opening is provided to receive a napkin or utensil.

Description:
This application is related to a prior patent application, filed by the same inventor on Dec. 30, 2003, entitled “Folding Serving Tray”, Ser. No. 10/749,058. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention, in general relates to paper plates and, more particularly, a serving tray that is shipped flat and folded open into a three-dimensional tray. 
   Paper plates are well known. Variations include serving trays that are folded from a flat sheet into a substantially three-dimensional structure. These are often used in the food service industry to contain food that is to be consumed. They are typically discarded after a single use. 
   For example, these prior devices often form a simple tray with vertical sides and open top when folded open. They are used for a variety of purposes, some of which include holding French Fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, and other typical fast food items but not a drink cup or can. They are used in ball parks and by various food vendors. 
   While useful, there are needs that all known prior types of devices fail to satisfy. For example, the prior known folding serving trays either cannot or have great difficulty simultaneously holding a beverage. This is because a beverage is heavy and the thin cardboard (i.e., fiberboard) used for such construction fails to support the beverage which can tilt and spill as the support fails. A hot beverage that is spilled on a person can cause injury which is a liability risk. 
   Also, beverages typically come in a variety of differently sized cylindrical containers, for example, soda cans, individual cups, coffee cups, etc. Some of these include a tapered diameter and therefore are substantially frusta-conical in shape. There has been no reliable, safe, and convenient way to securely house a great many of the different sizes and styles of beverage containers. 
   Another need is to provide a way to hold the serving tray at a balance point, proximate a center of gravity when it is loaded. 
   There is also a need to be able to store a napkin or eating utensils, for example a plastic fork or spoon, most typically being used, simultaneously while the food is contained in the tray. 
   An especially important need is for the container to retain its “folded-open” position. The sides of previous trays tend to be easily displaced, especially so when the weight of contents in the tray bears upon the sides of the tray. This can cause food items placed therein to spill out of the tray. Food spilled on a person can ruin clothes which is another liability risk. There is a need to ensure that a folding serving tray, once folded into the open position adapted for use, stays in that position. 
   Accordingly, there exists today a need for a folding serving tray that helps ameliorate the above-mentioned difficulties. 
   Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable device. 
   2. Description of Prior Art 
   Paper plates and trays are, in general, known. For example, the following patent describes a similar type of device: 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,217 to Edmond Lim, Jan. 1, 1991. 
   While the structural arrangement of the above described device, at first appearance, has similarities with the present invention, it differs in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior device. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a folding serving tray that is formed out of a flat stock. 
   It is also an important object of the invention to provide a folding serving tray that is formed from a cardboard. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that is formed from a fiberboard. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that can be shipped flat and folded open for use. 
   Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that can be quickly folded open for use. 
   Yet another important object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes panels that can be locked into position once the tray has been opened. 
   Still yet another important object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes panels that resist dislodging after assembly has occurred. 
   A first continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes a compartment for holding a beverage that includes a restraining member. 
   A second continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes a compartment for holding a beverage that includes a restraining member that is adapted to secure different diameter beverage containers. 
   A third continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes a beverage compartment with a bottom panel of the tray under the beverage. 
   A fourth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes a notch adapted for placement of a thumb therein that is located proximate a center of gravity of the tray when the tray is loaded with a typical assortment of food-related, consumable items. 
   A fifth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes three substantially upright sides with respect to a bottom panel and one remaining side that is disposed at an angle other than normal with respect to the bottom panel. 
   A sixth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes an opening that is adapted to receive a napkin therein. 
   A seventh continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that is adapted to retain a fork, spoon, or knife. 
   An eighth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that is a one-piece contiguous device, wherein no additional parts or pieces are required for assembly. 
   A ninth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that is economical to manufacture. 
   A tenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that is economical to transport. 
   An eleventh continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that takes up little room when flat and therefore is economical to store. 
   A twelfth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that can be stamped in one operation. 
   A thirteenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that allows placement of a beverage in the same compartment as other food items are placed. 
   A fourteenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes a retaining member that is adapted to wrap around a portion of a beverage sufficient to retain the beverage in an upright position and which includes a first end that is attached to the tray and a second end that is adapted for placement into an opening provided in the tray. 
   A fifteenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes a retaining member that is adapted to wrap around a portion of a beverage sufficient to retain the beverage in an upright position and which includes a first end that is attached to the tray and a second end that is adapted for placement into one of a plurality of openings that are provided in the tray. 
   A sixteenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a folding serving tray that includes a retaining member that is adapted to wrap around a portion of a beverage sufficient to retain the beverage in an upright position and which includes a first end that is attached to the tray and a second end that is adapted for placement into an opening provided in the tray and which can be locked in the opening sufficient to resist removal by an attempted pulling of the second end out of the opening. 
   Briefly, a folding serving tray that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is formed from a substantially flat stock, for example, cardboard or fiberboard. When formed, the flat stock includes a variety of sections that include either cuts or perforations to aid in creasing (i.e., bending) portions thereof. The sections fold to produce a three dimensional tray that includes a compartment for holding a food and a beverage. Certain of the sections form panels that interlock together. A retaining member includes a first end that is attached to the tray and a second end that is adapted for placement into an opening provided in the tray. The retaining member extends around a portion of a beverage container. An opening is provided that is adapted to receive a napkin or utensil therein. A notch is adapted to receive a portion of a thumb. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a view in perspective of a folding serving tray, assembled and ready for use. 
       FIG. 2  is a view as shown in  FIG. 1  as seen along the lines  2 — 2  therein. 
       FIG. 3  is the folding serving tray of  FIG. 1  in a flat state, after manufacturing, prior to assembly for use. 
       FIG. 4  is a partial view in perspective of the folding serving tray of  FIG. 1 , with a modified beverage retaining member. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring on occasion to all of the drawings and now, in particular, alternately to both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  is shown, a folding serving tray, identified in general by the reference numeral  10 . 
   The folding serving tray  10  includes a bottom center panel  12 , an upright first panel  14 , an upright second panel  16 , an upright third panel  18 , and an upright fourth panel  20 . The first, second, third, and fourth panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 , are disposed at an angle with respect to the center panel  12  when the folding serving tray  10  is assembled for use. 
   The preferred angle for the first, second, and third panels  14 ,  16 ,  18  is ninety degrees and for the fourth panel  20  is less than ninety degrees, measuring up to it from an extended plane  12   a  of the center panel  12  (see  FIG. 1 ). Of course, if desired, any of the angles could be modified. Those as shown provide a preferred aesthetic appearance and are well suited to carry a beverage and other food stuffs, as described in greater detail hereinafter. 
   The center panel  12  is attached to each of the first, second, third, and fourth panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 . 
   The first panel  14  includes a push-in cutout  22  that includes a semi-circular portion on an upper end of the first panel  14  (when the tray  10  is assembled) and a crease line  24  across the bottom. The crease line  24  forms a secant. To use the cutout  22 , the top is pushed in causing the bottom to bend around the crease line  24 . A semi-circular opening is thereby provided through the side of the first panel  14 . An eating utensil  25  can be inserted through the semi-circular opening or a napkin  26  or both. 
   The second panel  16  includes a beverage retaining member, identified in general by the reference numeral  28 . The beverage retaining member  28  is attached to the second panel  16  at a first end  28   a  thereof and includes a main section  28   b  that extends for a predetermined length. An opposite second end  28   c  thereof includes an extension  28   d . The opposite second end  28   c , including the extension  28   d , is larger than the main section  28   b.    
   The third panel  18  includes a first beverage retaining member locking opening  30 . The first beverage retaining member locking opening  30  includes a longer angled portion  30   a  (see  FIG. 3 ) that is disposed generally closer toward the fourth panel  20  at the bottom of thereof and generally closer toward the second panel  16  at the top thereof, when the tray  10  is assembled. 
   The first beverage retaining member locking opening  30  includes a retaining portion  30   b  (see  FIG. 3 ) that is attached to a top of the longer angled portion  30   a . The retaining portion  30   b  provides an opening that is shorter than the longer angled portion  30   a . It is also shorter than the combined length of the opposite second end  28   c  and the extension  28   d  of the beverage retaining member  28 . 
   In use the opposite second end  28   c , including the extension  28   d  of the beverage retaining member  28 , is inserted through the first beverage retaining member locking opening  30  at an angle that corresponds with that of the longer angled portion  30   a  of the first beverage retaining member locking opening  30 . 
   The opposite second end  28   c  of the beverage retaining member  28  is then urged toward the retaining portion  30   b , as shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 . 
   Accordingly, the beverage retaining member  28  is now locked in position in the first beverage retaining member locking opening  30 . 
   Any pressure exerted on the beverage retaining member  28  attempting to pull it our of the first beverage retaining member locking opening  30  is prevented by the extension  28   d  of the opposite second end  28   c  contacting the retaining portion  30   b.    
   The beverage retaining member  28  is held in this position because it must be twisted to align with the longer angled portion  30   a . After insertion, it naturally straightens into a more vertical position and therefore cannot again pass out of the longer angled portion  30   a.    
   Any tension attempting to urge it out only tends to force it even more into a vertical position thereby preventing the beverage retaining member  28  from being accidentally withdrawn out of the first beverage retaining member locking opening  30 . 
   A space, identified in general by the reference numeral  32 , is provided for placing a beverage container  34  (dashed lines,  FIG. 3 ). The beverage retaining member  28  secures the beverage container  34  in an upright position with its bottom disposed on the center panel  12 . The beverage retaining member  28  prevents the beverage container  34  from tilting and falling. 
   A second beverage retaining member locking opening  36  is provided in the second panel  16  to accommodate a smaller diameter of the beverage container  34 . As many additional beverage retaining member locking openings as desired can be provided where desired. 
   The second beverage retaining member locking opening  36  is constructed identical to the first beverage retaining member locking opening  30  except that a bottom of the longer portion is closer toward the first panel  14  than the third panel  18 . 
   This is to ensure that if the smaller diameter beverage container  34  exerts a force on the beverage retaining member  28  attempting to pull it out of the second beverage retaining member locking opening  36 , the force exerted will tend to urge the opposite second end  28   c  toward the retaining portion of the second beverage retaining member locking opening  36 . 
   Accordingly, a fail-safe mechanism is provided by the first and second beverage retaining member locking openings  30 ,  36  that ensure retention of the beverage retaining member  28 , once it has been inserted therein. 
   A semi-circular notch  38  is provided in the top of the second panel  16  under the beverage retaining member  28 . When the beverage retaining member  28  is urged away from the second panel  16  (i.e., for attachment to the first or second beverage retaining member locking openings  30 ,  36 ) the top of the notch  38  becomes accessible for use. 
   In use, a left hand of a user grasps the second panel  16  placing a portion of the thumb across the notch  38  and a portion of the remaining fingers under the center panel  12 . A normal grip tends to align at least a portion of the remaining fingers under the space  32  which automatically provides support for the center panel  12  under the beverage container  34 . 
   Because the beverage container  34  is usually quite heavy, optimum support for the tray  10  is provided under a typical center-of-gravity location. This makes balancing, control, and holding of the tray  10  easy to accomplish. 
   Of course, the notch  38  can be moved along the second panel  16  (or any other panel) to optimize this position depending upon the size of the tray  10  and the contents it is expected to carry. Similarly, the beverage retaining member  28  can also be moved to any other panel, as desired, or if desired, a multiple may be included, for example, if the tray  10  is used primarily to carry a plurality of the beverage containers  34 . 
   It is noted that the folding serving tray  10  may be formed of any desired material that is substantially planar. Cardboard and fiberboard are preferred materials because they are strong, lightweight, and inexpensive. A material having the stiffness of a good quality paper plate or better is preferred. 
   If desired, plastics and other materials could be used. For certain applications, the folding serving tray  10  may be cleaned and reused. A higher quality material, for example a durable plastic, may then be used. One such possible application is for home party use. Another is for use aboard a boat. Several of the folding serving trays  10  are used for picnics, birthday parties, and the like. Afterwards, they are washed and disassembled so that they are again flat. Then they are stored flat, ready for the next party or picnic. 
   Referring now also with regularity to  FIG. 3 , the first panel  14  includes a first locking tab  40 . The third panel  18  includes a second locking tab  42 . The fourth panel  20  includes a third locking tab  44  and a fourth locking tab  46 . 
   The second panel  16  includes a first locking opening  48  near the first locking tab  40  and a second locking opening  50  near the second locking tab  42 . The third panel  18  includes a third locking opening  52  near the third locking tab  44 . The first panel  14  includes a fourth locking opening  54  near the fourth locking tab  46 . 
   Each of the locking tabs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  cooperates with one of the locking openings  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 , respectively. The first locking tab  40  cooperates only with the first locking opening  48 . The second locking tab  42  cooperates only with the second locking opening  50 . The third locking tab  44  cooperates only with the third locking opening  52 . The fourth locking tab  46  cooperates only with the fourth locking opening  54 . 
   The following detailed description for assembly of one of the locking tabs  40  as it cooperates with one of the locking openings  48  applies to each of the locking tabs  40 – 46  and to each of the corresponding locking openings  48 – 54 . 
   Each of the locking openings  48 – 54  includes an important shape that is a scaled version (i.e. typically larger) of the first and second beverage retaining member locking openings  30 ,  36 . Each locking opening  48 – 54  includes a first elongated portion  48   a  and a second shorter portion  48   b  that are joined together in the middle. The elongated portion  48   a  is long enough to accept entry of an outer portion  40   a  of the corresponding locking tab ( 40 ). The outer portion  40   a  is attached to one end of an intermediate member  40   b  that is shorter than the outer portion  40   a . The remaining end of the intermediate member  40   b  is attached to an edge of one of the panels ( 14 ). 
   The locking tab  40  is pushed in through the first elongated portion  48   a  of the corresponding locking opening  48  until the outer portion  40   a  of the locking tab  40  is disposed beyond (i.e., past) the outside surface of the second panel  16 . Then the locking tab  40  is urged in a direction that is away from the first elongated portion  48   a  and toward the second shorter portion  48   b  of the locking opening  48 . A nose portion  40   c  of the outer portion  40   a  of the locking tab  40  is then disposed on an exterior (i.e., past) the second panel  16  and proximate the second shorter portion  48   b  of the locking opening  48 . This prevents an outward force from dislodging the locking tab  40  out of the locking opening  48 . 
   To release the locking tab  40  from a position of cooperation with the corresponding locking opening  48 , the locking tab  40  must first be urged toward the first elongated portion  48   a  and then it can be separated (i.e., pulled away) from the second panel  16  that includes the locking opening  48 . This procedure, for locking and unlocking, applies to any of the locking tabs  40 – 46  and the openings  48 – 54 . Accordingly, means are provided to ensure that the folding serving tray  10 , once assembled, cannot unintentionally be opened. 
   It is important to note that each elongated portion  48   a  is generally disposed toward the inside of the panel to which it is included. This is not by accident. Once assembled, items such as any foodstuff, beverage containers  34 , French fries (not shown) hot dogs (not shown), hamburgers (not shown) or any other desired object(s) is placed in the tray  10 . These objects can exert a force tending to urge each panel  14 – 20  generally outward, away from the center panel  12 . If this were to occur, that particular side of the tray  10  would then open, and its contents (i.e., the objects) could spill. This is undesirable. 
   Accordingly, the design of the locking tabs  40 – 46  and the locking openings  48 – 54  is such that any such outward force exerted by any or all of the panels  14 – 20  only tends to urge each of the locking tabs  40 – 46  even more securely into (i.e., toward) the second shorter portion (as in  48   b  of the first locking opening  48 ) of each of the locking openings  48 – 54 . Therefore, any attempted outward displacement of any of the panels  14 – 20  only further secures the panels  14 – 20  to each other. This virtually ensures accidental opening of the tray  10  during use, thereby preventing spills from occurring and eliminating virtually all such liability. 
   It is important to note that in  FIG. 3 , a way to differentiate between cuts in the folding serving tray  10  and fold lines (or creases) needs to be provided. Cuts are shown in solid lines. Fold lines are shown in dashed lines. 
   The folding serving tray  10  includes a first fold line  56 , a second fold line  58 , a third fold line  60 , and a fourth fold line  62 . 
   The fold lines  56 – 62  may include a crease that is added during manufacture to assist folding and help influence the direction that folding occurs. The fold lines  56 – 62  may alternately include a series of perforations for that same purpose or a score line, or any combination of the above or any other known method to assist in causing the folding serving tray  10  to fold where desired and how desired. 
   Any enhancement method for folding the members of the folding serving tray  10  is best chosen to optimally work with the material that the folding serving tray  10  is formed of. For certain materials, merely including a visible fold line may be enough. For commercial applications where the folding is repetitive and becomes second nature, even the visible fold lines may be omitted. 
   To assemble the folding serving tray  10  for use, there is latitude as to which panel or panels are first assembled. What follows is one suggested procedure. 
   The folding serving tray  10 , after manufacture, is flat as shown in  FIG. 3 . To begin assembly, the first panel  14  is raised upward along the first fold line  56  until it is nearly perpendicular with respect to the center panel  12 . The second panel  16  is similarly raised along the second fold line  58  until it is also perpendicular with respect to the center panel  12 . 
   The first locking tab  40  is then inserted into the first elongated portion  48   a  of the first locking opening  48  and is generally urged toward the first panel  14  so as to displace the intermediate portion  40   b  of the locking tab  40  inside the second shorter portion  48   b . This position ensures that the nose portion  40   c  will be disposed beyond the second panel  16  and proximate the second shorter portion  48   b  of the first locking opening  48 . 
   The second locking tab  42  is then locked in a position of cooperation with respect to the second locking opening  50  of the second panel  16 . 
   The third panel  18  is similarly raised along the third fold line  60  until it is nearly perpendicular with respect to the center panel  12 . The second locking tab  42  is then inserted into the elongated portion of the second locking opening  50  and is generally urged in a direction that is away from the first panel  14  to lock it in place, in a similar manner to that as previously described. 
   At this time, the second panel  16 , being supported at both ends, is especially secure. 
   The fourth panel  20  is then raised along the fourth fold line  62  to an angle (preferably less than 90 degrees) that allows the third locking tab  44  to enter into the elongated portion of the third locking opening  52  and the fourth locking tab  46  to enter into the elongated portion of the fourth locking opening  54 . The fourth panel  20  is then urged in a direction that is generally away from the second panel  16  sufficient to lock the third locking tab  44  and the fourth locking tab  46  in place. 
   As can be seen, any foodstuff placed on the center panel  12  is surrounded by the four raised panels  14 – 20 . Any force exerted on the fourth panel  20  (by the weight of the foodstuff) tending to urge it away from the center panel  12  only further tends to secure the fourth panel  20  in the locked position, thereby ensuring that the fourth panel  20  cannot separate during use. 
   Similarly, a force tending to urge the second panel  16  (or any other panel  14 ,  18 ,  20 ) away from the center panel  12  is prevented from doing so at an end of the second panel  16  where the first (or corresponding) locking tab  40  is located because such a force only tends to further secure the first (or corresponding) locking tab  40  in place. 
   In the preferred version of the folding serving tray  10 , the angle that the fourth panel  20  is raised is less than ninety degrees but, if desired, it could be at ninety degrees thereby resulting in all four panels  14 – 20  being perpendicular with respect to the center panel  12 . This is a matter of preference. 
   The folding serving tray  10  can be used to hold various foodstuffs as it is presently assembled. 
   If the folding serving tray  10  is to be disassembled, the process is reversed until disassembly is complete. 
   It is also noted that the folding serving tray  10  can be easily manufactured by stamping out its pattern onto the stock (i.e., material) that is used for its construction. All of the cuts occur automatically as do any desired perforations, score lines, or creases. It is further noted that very little of the stock is wasted as most of the area contains material that is used. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , is shown a partial view in perspective of the folding serving tray  10  with a modified beverage retaining member  64 . 
   The modified beverage retaining member  64  includes a flat upper edge  64   a . An opposite bottom edge  64   b  includes at least two substantially rectangular recesses  66 ,  68  that are spaced apart from each other and which have been removed from the modified beverage retaining member  64 . Additional spaced apart recesses (not shown) can also be included in the bottom edge  64   b.    
   The third panel  18  includes a modified beverage retaining member locking opening  70 . The modified beverage retaining member locking opening  70  includes a substantially rectangular recess that is open on the top edge of the third panel  18  and which extends down into the third panel  18  a predetermined distance. The modified beverage retaining member locking opening  70  is adapted to receive any of the substantially rectangular recesses  66 ,  68  that are provided in the bottom edge  64   b  of the modified beverage retaining member  64 . 
   When a first substantially rectangular recess  66  is inserted into the modified beverage retaining member locking opening  70 , the upper edge  64   a  of the modified beverage retaining member  64  is generally even with the top edge of the third panel  18 . The modified beverage retaining member  64  is locked in position (as shown in dashed lines) and resists pulling in an outward direction, thereby securing the beverage container  34  in an upright position. 
   The first substantially rectangular recess  66  provides maximum length for the modified beverage retaining member  64  to extend around the beverage container  34  and is therefore suited for use with larger versions of the beverage container  34 . 
   If the beverage container  34  includes a smaller diameter, then the second substantially rectangular recess  68  is instead placed over and inserted into the modified beverage retaining member locking opening  70 , thereby providing a shorter remaining overall length for the modified beverage retaining member  64  to extend around the beverage container  34 . 
   Clearly, additional recesses can located where desired in the modified beverage retaining member  64  to shorten the modified beverage retaining member  64  as desired for any size of the beverage container  34 . 
   The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.