CA2481251A1 - Serving tray - Google Patents
Serving tray Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2481251A1 CA2481251A1 CA002481251A CA2481251A CA2481251A1 CA 2481251 A1 CA2481251 A1 CA 2481251A1 CA 002481251 A CA002481251 A CA 002481251A CA 2481251 A CA2481251 A CA 2481251A CA 2481251 A1 CA2481251 A1 CA 2481251A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- user
- dimensioned
- load
- planar member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 53
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 51
- 210000000245 forearm Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 43
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000003467 diminishing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002040 relaxant effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 10
- 210000000707 wrist Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 210000004247 hand Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 206010073713 Musculoskeletal injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004642 Polyimide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000007799 cork Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003292 diminished effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004890 malting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001721 polyimide Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000379 polypropylene carbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G23/00—Other table equipment
- A47G23/06—Serving trays
- A47G23/0625—Serving trays with thumb holes, handles or the like positioned below the tray facilitating carrying the tray with one hand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B13/00—Details of tables or desks
- A47B13/08—Table tops; Rims therefor
- A47B13/16—Holders for glasses, ashtrays, lamps, candles or the like forming part of tables
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B23/00—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else
- A47B23/002—Bed-tables; Trays; Reading-racks; Book-rests, i.e. items used in combination with something else supported only by a person
Landscapes
- Prostheses (AREA)
- Table Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a serving tray comprising a planar member having a peripheral edge, a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of items and a bottom surface having a bearing portion adjacent to the edge. The bearing portion is dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm and the peripheral edge has a portion with a form permitting the load to be positioned in close proximity to the user's body. The invention further relates to methods for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading, or unloading items on the tray as well as to methods for a user to carry items on a serving tray and unload the items therefrom.
Description
SERVING TRAY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to improvements in the field of biomechanics. More particularly, the invention relates to serving trays and to methods for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading or unloading items on the tray.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditionally, servers tend to carry heavy loads of items such as plates and/or glasses or the like in their hands or by using a conventional serving tray generally held by a single hand. Such activities cause an important solicitation of the muscles which permit flexion of the wrist and fingers, and the muscles responsible for the radial deviation of the wrist. Moreover, important stresses are exerted on the articulations of the wrist, elbow and shoulder of the arm carrying the load. These stresses are also considerably accentuated since the load of items is substantially far from the body of the user.
The use of a conventional tray also necessitates a certain deal of experience for a person prior to be able of balancing or stabilizing the tray and use it adequately thereby avoiding accidental spillages. Other important stresses are exerted on the wrist and forearm by the constant supination and pronation efforts expended by the user to stabilize the tray in order to maintain the equilibrium of the load on the toh surface of the tray. Such efforts are expended when loading, unloading or carrying the tray.
Over extended periods of time, these types of stresses can cause serious injuries to the servers or users and more particularly musculoskeletal injuries.
_1_ Several alternatives to the conventional tray have been proposed in the prior art in order to avoid the above drawbacks. for instance, U.S. Pat. No.
3,504,832 describes a serving tray having a conc;~ve semi-cylindrical channel integrally formed therein and adapted to receive the user's forearm. This channel also includes a handle formed in a midsection of the channel. A
portion of the channel thus rests on the user's forearm. The hand of the user, when grasping the handle, is in a supinated position. Considerable supination and pronation efforts are needed to maintain the load equilibrium of this tray.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,941,286 also describes a. tray comprising a support having a semi-circular shape and adapted to rest on the user's forearm and/or wrist. This tray further has an opening for inserting the hand so that fingers and a portion of the suhinated palm contact the bottom face of the tray and serve as support. The stresses exerted on the user's elbow and shoulder articulations by the weight of the load are even greater than with the conventional tray since the load is disposed farther of the user's body because of the opening which is disposed at one end of the tray.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,438 describes a tray having an underside molded to the contour of the user's supinated hand. This document does not propose solutions to efficiently stabilize the tray, thereby eliminating the supination and pronation efforts expended to balance the tray.
Suggestions have been made in U.S. Pat. Nos. x,323,910 and 5,769,264 of handles which can be grasped by the user's hand in a non-supinated position. These trays are supported by the user's hand and forearm since a portion of the tray rests on the forearm. However, by utilizing such trays a user still has to make considerable supination or pronation efforts to maintain load equilibrium on the top surface, especially since beverage container supports are disposed in an asymmetrical manner which complicates the task _2_ of stabilizing the tray. These trays permit the user to stand and move in social gatherings while eating and drinking, but are riot designed to carry heavy loads of items comprising several plates and; or glasses.
Servers usually tend to hold the tray with one hand and unload the tray and serve the clients with the other hand. Such a technique sometimes lead to accidental spillages since the server must continually maintain the equilibrium of the load of items on the tray while distributing items to clients. Thus, by stretching the serving arm and bending over a table to serve clients, the server cannot easily maintain equilibrium of the load of items on the tray which may cause spillages. This technique is also tiring for the holding arm. In order to eliminate such tedious tasks, the servers sometimes use a conventional tray stand which is disposed adjacent to clients' table and the tray is placed on the stand so as to permit the server to use both hands to unload the tray and serve clients. Such tray stands are generally foldable and are adapted to be disposed on the ground. However, such a technique is often performed in several steps.
A fii°st step required to take the tray stand from a particular place in the restaurant or the bar and to bring it to a position adjacent to the table, and a second step wherein the tray is brought to the stand and deposited on it. In a third step, the server must put back the tray st;~nd at this particular place.
Moreover, these tray stands are substantially curribersome and may block the passage in an aisle of a restaurant or a bar. These tray stands can also be accidentally hit and tipped over by a client or a server.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a serving tray and method which overcome the above drawl:>aclcs.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a serving tray comprising a planar member having a peripheral edge, a top surface _3_ dimensioned to receive a load of items and a botl:om surface having a bearing portion adjacent to the edge, wherein the bearing portion is dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm and the peripheral edge has a portion with a form permitting the load to be positioned in close proximity to the user's body.
Applicant has found that by using a tray as. defined above, it is possible to diminish the stress exerted by the weight of the load on the user's elbow and/or shoulder articulations. This stress diminution is in a certain manner possible in view of the form of the peripheral edge. Since the form permits to position the load in close proximity to the body, the stress exerted on the elbow and/or shoulder is diminished. Such a form, thus permits to a user to have the load considerably more closely disposed to his body than when using a conventional tray. This form also preferably permits a user to maintain the load in close proximity when walking and carrying the load.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a serving tray comprising a planar member having a peripheral edge, a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of items arid a bottom surface having a bearing portion adjacent to the edge, wherein the bearing portion is dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm and the peripheral edge has a portion with a form permitting the planar member to contact the user's body.
Applicant has found that by using the latter tray, it is possible to stabilize the planar member and reduce supinatior~ and pronation efforts of the user to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface. Since the planar member of the tray is in contact with the user's body, the tray is considerably more stabilized than when using a conventional tray. In fact, the form flf the portion of the peripheral edge permits to contact the tray with the body, thereby providing a further support and considerably facilitating the task of stabilizing the tray when a server is walking when carrying the load. The tray can thus be stabilized by the hand of the user, his forearm which is contacting the bearing portion, and his body which is contacting the planar member. The supination and pronation efforts are thus considerably reduced. Moreover, it also has been found that such a stabilization and weight distribution of the load on many points of support or different part of the body permits to diminish the stress exerted by the weight of the Load on the user's elbow and/or shoulder articulations. In fact, by using such a tray the stress exerted on those articulations is considerably reduced as compared to using a conventional tray.
According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a serving tray system comprising:
- a serving tray including a planar member having a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of items and a bottom surface having a bearing portion dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm; and - a stabilizing member dimensioned to be secured to the user's body at a position lower than user's elbows and to contact the bottom surface so as to support the planar member, thereby stabilizing the planar member.
Applicant has found that by using a tray system as defined above, it is possible to reduce supination and pronation efforts of the user to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading, or unloading items on the tray, the user having a body, a hand and a forearm, the method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting the planar member to contact the body, a bottom surface and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of the items;
b) supporting the planar member by holding a predeter~rnined portion of the bottom surface with the hand and resting another predetermined portion of the bottom surface on the forearm; and c) contacting the peripheral edge portion with the body.
Applicant has found that by using a method as defined above, it is possible to stabilize the planar member at three points of support and reduce supination and pronation effous to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading, or unloading items on the tray, the user having a body, an elbow, a hand and a forearm. Such a method comprises the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a bottom surface and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of the items;
b) supporting the planar member by holding a first predetermined portion of the bottom surface with the hand and resting a second predetermined portion of the bottom surface on the forearm;
c) providing a stabilizing member and securing the stabilizing member to the body at a position lower than the elbow; and d) contacting a third predetermined portion of the bottom surface with the stabilizing member.
_6_ Applicant has found that by using the latter method; it is possible to stabilize the planar member at three points of support and reduce supination and pronation efforts to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface.
The planar member can further include a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting the planar member to contact the body, preferably the torso. The peripheral edge portion is preferably formed with a recess. Such a recess permits to obtain a contact between the user's body and the planar member such that the tray is further stabilized by the body of the latter which is in fact a further point of support. The peripheral edge portion can also permit the Load to be positioned in close proximity to the user's body.
According to still a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for a user to carry items on a serving; tray and unload the items therefrom, the user having a body, a hand and a forearm. Such a method comprises the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a top surface having a load of the items thereon, a bottom surface and a supporting member connected to a first predetermined portion of the bottom surface, the supporting member being dimensioned for being grasped by the hand in a neutral position;
b) supporting the planar member by grasping the supporting member with the hand and resting a second predetermined portion of the bottom surface the a forearm;
c) carrying the tray from a first location to a second location whereat is disposed a table having a base member comprising an aperture dimensioned to receive the supporting member;
d) placing the supporting member into the aperture to thereby hold the tray; and _7_ e) unload the top surface.
Applicant has found that by using the latter method, it is possible to serve clients and unload the top surface without efforts of maintaining load equilibrium on the top surface and by optionally using both hands.
According to still another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading, or unloading items on the tray, the user having a body, a first arm including a first forearm and a first hand, and a second arm. including a second forearm and a second hand, the method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting the planar member to contact the body so as to stabilize the planar member; a bottom surface having a handle connected thereto, the bottom surface defining a first and a second bearing portion; and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of the items;
b) supporting the planar member by holding the handle with the first hand and resting the first bearing portion on the first forearm;
c) contacting the peripheral edge portion with the body, thereby stabilizing the planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface; and d ) transferring the tray from the first arm to the second arm by holding the handle with the second hand and resting the second bearing portion on the second forearm, thereby relaxing the first arm.
In the latter method, it will be understood that after step (d), the user can perform a further step (e) (which is the same than step (c)) by contacting _g_ the peripheral edge portion with his body, thereby stabilizing the planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface. Moreover, after step (e), the sequence comprising steps (b) to (c) can be repeated at least once or as many times as required by the user in order to use both arms as the supporting arm and thus relaxing the other arm or the non-supporting arm.
The supporting arm is thus alternating between the left and the right arm.
Such a method is thus interesting since it permits to a user to diminish the stress exerted on one arm i.e. the "natural supporting arm" by using the other arm as supporting arm or in other words, using the tray in an ambidextrous manner.
The expression "neutral position" as used herein refers to a position whereat the hand is not significantly supinated or pronated.
The term "table" as used herein is not limited to a diner table but also includes a coffee table, a side table, a bar, a credence, a du~nbserver, a kitchen counter, a kitchen island, a service-hatch or the like.
The serving trays of the invention preferably further includes a supporting member connected to the bottom surface and dimensioned for being grasped by a hand of the user in a neutral position. The load is preferably positioned in close proximity with the user's torso.
In the trays of the invention, the planar member can have a substantially triangular configuration. Preferably, the triangular configuration has rounded corners. The planar member can have a front portion comprising one corner, and a rear portion comprising two corners. Preferably, the planar member further includes a peripheral lip. The planar member can comprise a polymeric material or can be constituted of such a polymeric material.
Preferably, the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of _9_ polyurethane, polyethylene, polyamide, polyimide, polypropylene, and polycarbonate.
The top surface of the trays of the invention is preferably a non-slip surface. More particularly, such a non-slip surface can be provided by a coating or a layer of a non-slip material applied to the planar member. The coating or layer of the non-slip material is preiEerably applied to the whole area of the top surface. Alternatively, a peripheral band of the non-slip material can be applied to the top surface, thereby leaving the central portion of the top surface without coating or layer of the non-slip material.
Preferably, the non-slip material comprises a cork material or a polymer.
In the trays of the invention, the supporting member can be a handle extending substantially at right angle from the bottom surface. Preferably, the handle is adjustably connected to the bottom surface so as to be displaced for positioning at a selected position. The position can be selected according to the length of the user's foreaun. The neutral posiition is preferably a position whereat the palm of the user's hand is oriented substantially vertically.
Alternatively, the supporting member can be permanently fixed to the bottom surface. The supporting member and the planar member can be moulded in a single piece. The supporting member is preferably connected to the bottom surface in a manner such that at least 60 % of the area of the bottom surface is comprised between the supporting member arid the rear portion. More preferably, 60 to 85 % and even more preferably 65 to 75 % of the area of the bottom surface is comprised between the supporting member and the rear portion.
In the trays of the invention, the bearing portion rests on the user's forearm, preferably between the elbow and the wrist. The bearing portion of .
the trays of the invention can be provided with a cushion member fixed thereto. Alternatively, the bearing portion can be provided with another supporting member fixed thereto. The other supporting member is preferably a U-shaped cradle. Moreover, the trays can also be provided with two bearing portions. Preferably, each bearing portion comprises a cushion member or a supporting member such as a U-shaped cradle. The bearing portions can be disposed in such a manner that a server will be able to use a tray in an ambidextrous manner. In particular, the trays can be provided with two cushion members (or two U-shaped cradles) disposed in such a manner that one of the members will be adapted the right arm and the other member will be adapted to receive the left arm.
The trays of the invention can have a substantially symmetric configuration. The trays can have two bearing portions, each portion comprising a cushion member or another supporting member. Such a substantially symmetric configuration thus facilitates the use of the trays in an ambidextrous manner. Moreover, such confil;uration renders the trays versatile since they can be used by right-handed and left-handed servers.
According to a preferred embodiment, the trays are preferably adapted to be stackable. The trays preferably have two U-shaped cradles and they can comprise a leg connected the bottom surface and disposed at the front portion.
This leg can be disposed adjacently to the front corner. Preferably, the leg has substantially the same length than the U-shaped cradles and the supporting member, preferably a handle, has a length which is equal or inferior to the length of the cradles and the leg so that the trays can be stacked. This feature is particularly useful since the space is sometirr~es limited in restaurants or bars. Since the position of the handle on the bottom surface can be adjusted according to the length of the server"s arm, each tray can have a particular configuration. Therefore in a restaurant or a bar, each server can have a personal tray. The above mentioned preferred embodiment or configuration can thus permit to stack the tray and it also permits to the server to easily recognize his personal tray within a stack of trays and rapidly take his own tray.
The trays of the invention can also be provided with a rigidifying member connected to the bottom face and disposed adjacently to the peripheral edge of the tray. This member can also be substantially parallel to the peripheral edge. This member can also permit to easily deposit a potion of the tray on a surface and stabilize the tray when loading or unloading it.
The peripheral edge portion of the trays of the invention can be formed with a recess. Such a recess permits to obtain a contact between the user's body and the planar member such that the tray is further stabilized by the boby of the latter which is in fact a further point of support. Moreover, this recess can permit a constant contact between the user's body, preferably the torso, and the planar member, thereby considerably stabilizing the load on the tray. In fact, the recess is preferably dimensioned in such a manner that the user can have a constant contact between his body and the planar member even when walking and carrying the load. Such a recess is thus preferably dimensioned so as to receive the torso of a user. Preferably, the recess is disposed between the corners of the rear portion. Such a configuration thus provides two considerable advantages over the trays of the prior art. First, the major part of the load is closer to the user's body than with the other proposed trays. In particular, the load is mainly disposed .at few centimetres from the user body. Moreover, such a configuration permits to have a constant contact between the user's body and the planar member The recess can also be provided with a deformable polymeric material fixed thereto and the polymeric material is contacting the user's body. The polymeric material can be in the form of a band fixed to the recess.
In the trays of the invention, the items carried ~n the top surface of the tray can be plates and/o~° glasses. The trays can be adapted or dimensioned to receive at least two plates and preferably at least three plates. More preferably, the trays are dimensioned to receive three plates. A preferred configuration includes one plate in each of the rear corners and one in the front corner. This particular configuration permil;s to easily stabilize the load since the major part of it in close proximity with the body of the user and is substantially symmetrically distributed or disposed on the top surface because the tray has preferably such a substantially symmetrical configuration or shape.The plates preferably have a diameter ranging from about 10 to about 40 cm. A diameter ranging from about 20 to about 30 cm is preferred.
Preferably, the glasses are disposed in the ce:r~tral portion of the planar member and the plates are disposed at the periphery of the glasses. More preferably, three plates having a diameter of about 20 to about 30 cm are disposed on the planar member, one on each corner, and up to five and preferably three or less glasses are disposed in the central portion of the planar member. Preferably, the top surface has an area ranging from about 800 to about 4000 cm2 and more preferably from about 1400 to about 2600 cm2. The area is preferably dimensioned according to the standard size of the plates and/or glasses which are carried on the latter.
The trays of the present invention can be used in combination with a base member dimensioned to be fixed to a table: and the tray system of the present invention can also further comprise such a base member. The base member can alternatively be formed integrally with the table. The base member can have an aperture dimensioned to receive the supporting member to thereby hold the tray and permit the user to load and unload the top surface without efforts maintaining load equilibrium on the top surface.
The preferred embodiments described above in respect of the trays according to the invention can also be applied to t:he tray of the tray system of the invention as well as to the trays used in l:he various methods of the invention.
In the tray system of the invention, the stabilizing member can comprise a brace member contacting at one end the bottom surface and connected at another end to a bracket member, the bracket member being dimensioned to be secured to the user's body. The bracket member can have a slot dimensioned to receive a user's waist belt. The brace member is preferably pivotally connected to the bracket mE;mber. More preferably, the brace member is provided at the one end with a gripping member dimensioned to contact the bottom surface. The brace member can be a rod.
The gripping member can have a non-slip contact surface. The gripping member is preferably made of a polymeric material. The polymeric material preferably permits absorption of shocks and/or vibrations generated when carrying the tray.
The planar member of the tray system of the invention can further includes a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting the load to be positioned in close proximity to the user's body, thereby diminishing stress exerted by the weight of the load on the user's elbow and/or shoulder articulations. The peripheral edge portion is preferably formed with a recess.
Alternatively, the planar member can further includes a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting the planar member to contact the user's body, thereby stabilizing the planar member and reducing supination and pronation efforts of the user to maintain thE; load in equilibrium on the top surface. Preferably, the peripheral edge portion is formed with a recess disposed between the corners of the rear portion. More preferably, the recess is provided with a deformable polymeric material fixed thereto and the polymeric material is contacting the user's body.
The preferred embodiments described above in respect of the stabilizing member of the tray system according to the invention can also be applied to the stabilizing member used in the various methods of the iimention.
In the methods of the invention for a user to stabilize a serving tray, the predetermined portion of the bottom surface is preferably provided with a supporting member connected thereto. The supporting member is preferably dimensioned for being grasped by the hand i:r~ a neutral position. The supporting member is preferably a handle extending substantially at right angle from the bottom surface.
The method for a user to carry items on a serving tray and unload the items therefrom can further comprise the steps of:
c') providing a stabilizing member and securing the stabilizing member to the body at a position lower than elbows; and c") contacting a third predetermined portion of the bottom surface with the stabilizing member, thereby stabilizing the planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surE'ace.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments as illustrated by way of examples in the appended drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a tray according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, held by a user;
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the tray shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a tray system according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 4 is a right side view of a stabilizing member as shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a base memher according to still another preferred embodiment of the invention, fixed to a table;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the bast; member shown in Fig. 5 wherein the tray shown in Fig. 1 has been insertedl;
Fig. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a tray according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, held by a user;
Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a tray according to still a further preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a tray according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, held by a user;
Fig. 10 is a side view of two trays as shown in Fig. 9, wherein the trays are stacked together; and Fig. 11 is a bottom view of a tray according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to Fig. 1, there is shown a serving tray 10 held by a user 11. The tray 10 comprises a planar member 12 having a top surface 14 (shown in Fig. 2) dimensioned to receive a load o:f items 15 (shown in Fig.
6), and a bottom surface 16 having a supporting member such as a handle 17 fixed thereto. The handle 17 has a lower end 18 dimensioned to be placed in an aperture 19 of a base member 20 (shown in Fig. 5). The handle 17 is also dimensioned to be grasped by the user's hand 21 in a neutral position. The tray 10 has a peripheral edge 22 with a recess 23 dimensioned to receive the user's torso 24, and a peripheral lip 25. The bottom surface 16 also has a cushion 26 fixed thereto and dimensioned to rest an the user's forearm 2'7.
As shown in Fig. 2, the planar member 12 has a triangular configuration with rounded corners 28. The planar member 12 has a longitudinal slot 29 dimensioned to receive a scr~;w 30 which is screwed into the handle 17. This permits the handle 17 to be adjustably displaced for positioning at a selected position by loosening the screw 30, moving the handle 17 and retightening the screw 30. Thus, the position of handle 17 can be adjusted according to the size of the user's forearm 27.
Fig. 3 shows a serving tray system 31 comprising the tray 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, and a stabilizing member 32 having a bracket member 34:
The stabilizing member 32 also has a rod 36 pivol.ally connected at one end to the bracket member 34 by means of a pin pivot 38. The rod 36 is provided at the other end with a gripping member 40 dimensioned to contact the bottom surface 16 of the tray 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the bracket member 34 has a slot 42 dimensioned to receive the user's belt 44.
Figs. 5 and 6 show the base member 20 fixed to a table 46. The tray 10 is held by the base member 20, the lower end 18 of the handle 17 being inserted in the aperture 19 formed in tile base member 20. The load of items 15 includes plates 48 and glasses 50.
Fig. 7 shows a tray 10' which is identical to the tray 10 shown in hig. 1, with the exception that the cushion 26 has been replaced with a U-shaped cradle 26' which acts as a further supporting meml7er.
Fig. 8 shows a tray 10" which is identical to the tray 10 shown in Fig.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to improvements in the field of biomechanics. More particularly, the invention relates to serving trays and to methods for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading or unloading items on the tray.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditionally, servers tend to carry heavy loads of items such as plates and/or glasses or the like in their hands or by using a conventional serving tray generally held by a single hand. Such activities cause an important solicitation of the muscles which permit flexion of the wrist and fingers, and the muscles responsible for the radial deviation of the wrist. Moreover, important stresses are exerted on the articulations of the wrist, elbow and shoulder of the arm carrying the load. These stresses are also considerably accentuated since the load of items is substantially far from the body of the user.
The use of a conventional tray also necessitates a certain deal of experience for a person prior to be able of balancing or stabilizing the tray and use it adequately thereby avoiding accidental spillages. Other important stresses are exerted on the wrist and forearm by the constant supination and pronation efforts expended by the user to stabilize the tray in order to maintain the equilibrium of the load on the toh surface of the tray. Such efforts are expended when loading, unloading or carrying the tray.
Over extended periods of time, these types of stresses can cause serious injuries to the servers or users and more particularly musculoskeletal injuries.
_1_ Several alternatives to the conventional tray have been proposed in the prior art in order to avoid the above drawbacks. for instance, U.S. Pat. No.
3,504,832 describes a serving tray having a conc;~ve semi-cylindrical channel integrally formed therein and adapted to receive the user's forearm. This channel also includes a handle formed in a midsection of the channel. A
portion of the channel thus rests on the user's forearm. The hand of the user, when grasping the handle, is in a supinated position. Considerable supination and pronation efforts are needed to maintain the load equilibrium of this tray.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,941,286 also describes a. tray comprising a support having a semi-circular shape and adapted to rest on the user's forearm and/or wrist. This tray further has an opening for inserting the hand so that fingers and a portion of the suhinated palm contact the bottom face of the tray and serve as support. The stresses exerted on the user's elbow and shoulder articulations by the weight of the load are even greater than with the conventional tray since the load is disposed farther of the user's body because of the opening which is disposed at one end of the tray.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,438 describes a tray having an underside molded to the contour of the user's supinated hand. This document does not propose solutions to efficiently stabilize the tray, thereby eliminating the supination and pronation efforts expended to balance the tray.
Suggestions have been made in U.S. Pat. Nos. x,323,910 and 5,769,264 of handles which can be grasped by the user's hand in a non-supinated position. These trays are supported by the user's hand and forearm since a portion of the tray rests on the forearm. However, by utilizing such trays a user still has to make considerable supination or pronation efforts to maintain load equilibrium on the top surface, especially since beverage container supports are disposed in an asymmetrical manner which complicates the task _2_ of stabilizing the tray. These trays permit the user to stand and move in social gatherings while eating and drinking, but are riot designed to carry heavy loads of items comprising several plates and; or glasses.
Servers usually tend to hold the tray with one hand and unload the tray and serve the clients with the other hand. Such a technique sometimes lead to accidental spillages since the server must continually maintain the equilibrium of the load of items on the tray while distributing items to clients. Thus, by stretching the serving arm and bending over a table to serve clients, the server cannot easily maintain equilibrium of the load of items on the tray which may cause spillages. This technique is also tiring for the holding arm. In order to eliminate such tedious tasks, the servers sometimes use a conventional tray stand which is disposed adjacent to clients' table and the tray is placed on the stand so as to permit the server to use both hands to unload the tray and serve clients. Such tray stands are generally foldable and are adapted to be disposed on the ground. However, such a technique is often performed in several steps.
A fii°st step required to take the tray stand from a particular place in the restaurant or the bar and to bring it to a position adjacent to the table, and a second step wherein the tray is brought to the stand and deposited on it. In a third step, the server must put back the tray st;~nd at this particular place.
Moreover, these tray stands are substantially curribersome and may block the passage in an aisle of a restaurant or a bar. These tray stands can also be accidentally hit and tipped over by a client or a server.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a serving tray and method which overcome the above drawl:>aclcs.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a serving tray comprising a planar member having a peripheral edge, a top surface _3_ dimensioned to receive a load of items and a botl:om surface having a bearing portion adjacent to the edge, wherein the bearing portion is dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm and the peripheral edge has a portion with a form permitting the load to be positioned in close proximity to the user's body.
Applicant has found that by using a tray as. defined above, it is possible to diminish the stress exerted by the weight of the load on the user's elbow and/or shoulder articulations. This stress diminution is in a certain manner possible in view of the form of the peripheral edge. Since the form permits to position the load in close proximity to the body, the stress exerted on the elbow and/or shoulder is diminished. Such a form, thus permits to a user to have the load considerably more closely disposed to his body than when using a conventional tray. This form also preferably permits a user to maintain the load in close proximity when walking and carrying the load.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a serving tray comprising a planar member having a peripheral edge, a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of items arid a bottom surface having a bearing portion adjacent to the edge, wherein the bearing portion is dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm and the peripheral edge has a portion with a form permitting the planar member to contact the user's body.
Applicant has found that by using the latter tray, it is possible to stabilize the planar member and reduce supinatior~ and pronation efforts of the user to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface. Since the planar member of the tray is in contact with the user's body, the tray is considerably more stabilized than when using a conventional tray. In fact, the form flf the portion of the peripheral edge permits to contact the tray with the body, thereby providing a further support and considerably facilitating the task of stabilizing the tray when a server is walking when carrying the load. The tray can thus be stabilized by the hand of the user, his forearm which is contacting the bearing portion, and his body which is contacting the planar member. The supination and pronation efforts are thus considerably reduced. Moreover, it also has been found that such a stabilization and weight distribution of the load on many points of support or different part of the body permits to diminish the stress exerted by the weight of the Load on the user's elbow and/or shoulder articulations. In fact, by using such a tray the stress exerted on those articulations is considerably reduced as compared to using a conventional tray.
According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a serving tray system comprising:
- a serving tray including a planar member having a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of items and a bottom surface having a bearing portion dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm; and - a stabilizing member dimensioned to be secured to the user's body at a position lower than user's elbows and to contact the bottom surface so as to support the planar member, thereby stabilizing the planar member.
Applicant has found that by using a tray system as defined above, it is possible to reduce supination and pronation efforts of the user to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading, or unloading items on the tray, the user having a body, a hand and a forearm, the method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting the planar member to contact the body, a bottom surface and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of the items;
b) supporting the planar member by holding a predeter~rnined portion of the bottom surface with the hand and resting another predetermined portion of the bottom surface on the forearm; and c) contacting the peripheral edge portion with the body.
Applicant has found that by using a method as defined above, it is possible to stabilize the planar member at three points of support and reduce supination and pronation effous to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading, or unloading items on the tray, the user having a body, an elbow, a hand and a forearm. Such a method comprises the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a bottom surface and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of the items;
b) supporting the planar member by holding a first predetermined portion of the bottom surface with the hand and resting a second predetermined portion of the bottom surface on the forearm;
c) providing a stabilizing member and securing the stabilizing member to the body at a position lower than the elbow; and d) contacting a third predetermined portion of the bottom surface with the stabilizing member.
_6_ Applicant has found that by using the latter method; it is possible to stabilize the planar member at three points of support and reduce supination and pronation efforts to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface.
The planar member can further include a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting the planar member to contact the body, preferably the torso. The peripheral edge portion is preferably formed with a recess. Such a recess permits to obtain a contact between the user's body and the planar member such that the tray is further stabilized by the body of the latter which is in fact a further point of support. The peripheral edge portion can also permit the Load to be positioned in close proximity to the user's body.
According to still a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for a user to carry items on a serving; tray and unload the items therefrom, the user having a body, a hand and a forearm. Such a method comprises the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a top surface having a load of the items thereon, a bottom surface and a supporting member connected to a first predetermined portion of the bottom surface, the supporting member being dimensioned for being grasped by the hand in a neutral position;
b) supporting the planar member by grasping the supporting member with the hand and resting a second predetermined portion of the bottom surface the a forearm;
c) carrying the tray from a first location to a second location whereat is disposed a table having a base member comprising an aperture dimensioned to receive the supporting member;
d) placing the supporting member into the aperture to thereby hold the tray; and _7_ e) unload the top surface.
Applicant has found that by using the latter method, it is possible to serve clients and unload the top surface without efforts of maintaining load equilibrium on the top surface and by optionally using both hands.
According to still another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading, or unloading items on the tray, the user having a body, a first arm including a first forearm and a first hand, and a second arm. including a second forearm and a second hand, the method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting the planar member to contact the body so as to stabilize the planar member; a bottom surface having a handle connected thereto, the bottom surface defining a first and a second bearing portion; and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of the items;
b) supporting the planar member by holding the handle with the first hand and resting the first bearing portion on the first forearm;
c) contacting the peripheral edge portion with the body, thereby stabilizing the planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface; and d ) transferring the tray from the first arm to the second arm by holding the handle with the second hand and resting the second bearing portion on the second forearm, thereby relaxing the first arm.
In the latter method, it will be understood that after step (d), the user can perform a further step (e) (which is the same than step (c)) by contacting _g_ the peripheral edge portion with his body, thereby stabilizing the planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surface. Moreover, after step (e), the sequence comprising steps (b) to (c) can be repeated at least once or as many times as required by the user in order to use both arms as the supporting arm and thus relaxing the other arm or the non-supporting arm.
The supporting arm is thus alternating between the left and the right arm.
Such a method is thus interesting since it permits to a user to diminish the stress exerted on one arm i.e. the "natural supporting arm" by using the other arm as supporting arm or in other words, using the tray in an ambidextrous manner.
The expression "neutral position" as used herein refers to a position whereat the hand is not significantly supinated or pronated.
The term "table" as used herein is not limited to a diner table but also includes a coffee table, a side table, a bar, a credence, a du~nbserver, a kitchen counter, a kitchen island, a service-hatch or the like.
The serving trays of the invention preferably further includes a supporting member connected to the bottom surface and dimensioned for being grasped by a hand of the user in a neutral position. The load is preferably positioned in close proximity with the user's torso.
In the trays of the invention, the planar member can have a substantially triangular configuration. Preferably, the triangular configuration has rounded corners. The planar member can have a front portion comprising one corner, and a rear portion comprising two corners. Preferably, the planar member further includes a peripheral lip. The planar member can comprise a polymeric material or can be constituted of such a polymeric material.
Preferably, the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of _9_ polyurethane, polyethylene, polyamide, polyimide, polypropylene, and polycarbonate.
The top surface of the trays of the invention is preferably a non-slip surface. More particularly, such a non-slip surface can be provided by a coating or a layer of a non-slip material applied to the planar member. The coating or layer of the non-slip material is preiEerably applied to the whole area of the top surface. Alternatively, a peripheral band of the non-slip material can be applied to the top surface, thereby leaving the central portion of the top surface without coating or layer of the non-slip material.
Preferably, the non-slip material comprises a cork material or a polymer.
In the trays of the invention, the supporting member can be a handle extending substantially at right angle from the bottom surface. Preferably, the handle is adjustably connected to the bottom surface so as to be displaced for positioning at a selected position. The position can be selected according to the length of the user's foreaun. The neutral posiition is preferably a position whereat the palm of the user's hand is oriented substantially vertically.
Alternatively, the supporting member can be permanently fixed to the bottom surface. The supporting member and the planar member can be moulded in a single piece. The supporting member is preferably connected to the bottom surface in a manner such that at least 60 % of the area of the bottom surface is comprised between the supporting member arid the rear portion. More preferably, 60 to 85 % and even more preferably 65 to 75 % of the area of the bottom surface is comprised between the supporting member and the rear portion.
In the trays of the invention, the bearing portion rests on the user's forearm, preferably between the elbow and the wrist. The bearing portion of .
the trays of the invention can be provided with a cushion member fixed thereto. Alternatively, the bearing portion can be provided with another supporting member fixed thereto. The other supporting member is preferably a U-shaped cradle. Moreover, the trays can also be provided with two bearing portions. Preferably, each bearing portion comprises a cushion member or a supporting member such as a U-shaped cradle. The bearing portions can be disposed in such a manner that a server will be able to use a tray in an ambidextrous manner. In particular, the trays can be provided with two cushion members (or two U-shaped cradles) disposed in such a manner that one of the members will be adapted the right arm and the other member will be adapted to receive the left arm.
The trays of the invention can have a substantially symmetric configuration. The trays can have two bearing portions, each portion comprising a cushion member or another supporting member. Such a substantially symmetric configuration thus facilitates the use of the trays in an ambidextrous manner. Moreover, such confil;uration renders the trays versatile since they can be used by right-handed and left-handed servers.
According to a preferred embodiment, the trays are preferably adapted to be stackable. The trays preferably have two U-shaped cradles and they can comprise a leg connected the bottom surface and disposed at the front portion.
This leg can be disposed adjacently to the front corner. Preferably, the leg has substantially the same length than the U-shaped cradles and the supporting member, preferably a handle, has a length which is equal or inferior to the length of the cradles and the leg so that the trays can be stacked. This feature is particularly useful since the space is sometirr~es limited in restaurants or bars. Since the position of the handle on the bottom surface can be adjusted according to the length of the server"s arm, each tray can have a particular configuration. Therefore in a restaurant or a bar, each server can have a personal tray. The above mentioned preferred embodiment or configuration can thus permit to stack the tray and it also permits to the server to easily recognize his personal tray within a stack of trays and rapidly take his own tray.
The trays of the invention can also be provided with a rigidifying member connected to the bottom face and disposed adjacently to the peripheral edge of the tray. This member can also be substantially parallel to the peripheral edge. This member can also permit to easily deposit a potion of the tray on a surface and stabilize the tray when loading or unloading it.
The peripheral edge portion of the trays of the invention can be formed with a recess. Such a recess permits to obtain a contact between the user's body and the planar member such that the tray is further stabilized by the boby of the latter which is in fact a further point of support. Moreover, this recess can permit a constant contact between the user's body, preferably the torso, and the planar member, thereby considerably stabilizing the load on the tray. In fact, the recess is preferably dimensioned in such a manner that the user can have a constant contact between his body and the planar member even when walking and carrying the load. Such a recess is thus preferably dimensioned so as to receive the torso of a user. Preferably, the recess is disposed between the corners of the rear portion. Such a configuration thus provides two considerable advantages over the trays of the prior art. First, the major part of the load is closer to the user's body than with the other proposed trays. In particular, the load is mainly disposed .at few centimetres from the user body. Moreover, such a configuration permits to have a constant contact between the user's body and the planar member The recess can also be provided with a deformable polymeric material fixed thereto and the polymeric material is contacting the user's body. The polymeric material can be in the form of a band fixed to the recess.
In the trays of the invention, the items carried ~n the top surface of the tray can be plates and/o~° glasses. The trays can be adapted or dimensioned to receive at least two plates and preferably at least three plates. More preferably, the trays are dimensioned to receive three plates. A preferred configuration includes one plate in each of the rear corners and one in the front corner. This particular configuration permil;s to easily stabilize the load since the major part of it in close proximity with the body of the user and is substantially symmetrically distributed or disposed on the top surface because the tray has preferably such a substantially symmetrical configuration or shape.The plates preferably have a diameter ranging from about 10 to about 40 cm. A diameter ranging from about 20 to about 30 cm is preferred.
Preferably, the glasses are disposed in the ce:r~tral portion of the planar member and the plates are disposed at the periphery of the glasses. More preferably, three plates having a diameter of about 20 to about 30 cm are disposed on the planar member, one on each corner, and up to five and preferably three or less glasses are disposed in the central portion of the planar member. Preferably, the top surface has an area ranging from about 800 to about 4000 cm2 and more preferably from about 1400 to about 2600 cm2. The area is preferably dimensioned according to the standard size of the plates and/or glasses which are carried on the latter.
The trays of the present invention can be used in combination with a base member dimensioned to be fixed to a table: and the tray system of the present invention can also further comprise such a base member. The base member can alternatively be formed integrally with the table. The base member can have an aperture dimensioned to receive the supporting member to thereby hold the tray and permit the user to load and unload the top surface without efforts maintaining load equilibrium on the top surface.
The preferred embodiments described above in respect of the trays according to the invention can also be applied to t:he tray of the tray system of the invention as well as to the trays used in l:he various methods of the invention.
In the tray system of the invention, the stabilizing member can comprise a brace member contacting at one end the bottom surface and connected at another end to a bracket member, the bracket member being dimensioned to be secured to the user's body. The bracket member can have a slot dimensioned to receive a user's waist belt. The brace member is preferably pivotally connected to the bracket mE;mber. More preferably, the brace member is provided at the one end with a gripping member dimensioned to contact the bottom surface. The brace member can be a rod.
The gripping member can have a non-slip contact surface. The gripping member is preferably made of a polymeric material. The polymeric material preferably permits absorption of shocks and/or vibrations generated when carrying the tray.
The planar member of the tray system of the invention can further includes a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting the load to be positioned in close proximity to the user's body, thereby diminishing stress exerted by the weight of the load on the user's elbow and/or shoulder articulations. The peripheral edge portion is preferably formed with a recess.
Alternatively, the planar member can further includes a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting the planar member to contact the user's body, thereby stabilizing the planar member and reducing supination and pronation efforts of the user to maintain thE; load in equilibrium on the top surface. Preferably, the peripheral edge portion is formed with a recess disposed between the corners of the rear portion. More preferably, the recess is provided with a deformable polymeric material fixed thereto and the polymeric material is contacting the user's body.
The preferred embodiments described above in respect of the stabilizing member of the tray system according to the invention can also be applied to the stabilizing member used in the various methods of the iimention.
In the methods of the invention for a user to stabilize a serving tray, the predetermined portion of the bottom surface is preferably provided with a supporting member connected thereto. The supporting member is preferably dimensioned for being grasped by the hand i:r~ a neutral position. The supporting member is preferably a handle extending substantially at right angle from the bottom surface.
The method for a user to carry items on a serving tray and unload the items therefrom can further comprise the steps of:
c') providing a stabilizing member and securing the stabilizing member to the body at a position lower than elbows; and c") contacting a third predetermined portion of the bottom surface with the stabilizing member, thereby stabilizing the planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain the load in equilibrium on the top surE'ace.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments as illustrated by way of examples in the appended drawings wherein:
Fig. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a tray according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, held by a user;
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the tray shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a tray system according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 4 is a right side view of a stabilizing member as shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a base memher according to still another preferred embodiment of the invention, fixed to a table;
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the bast; member shown in Fig. 5 wherein the tray shown in Fig. 1 has been insertedl;
Fig. 7 is a bottom perspective view of a tray according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, held by a user;
Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a tray according to still a further preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a tray according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, held by a user;
Fig. 10 is a side view of two trays as shown in Fig. 9, wherein the trays are stacked together; and Fig. 11 is a bottom view of a tray according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to Fig. 1, there is shown a serving tray 10 held by a user 11. The tray 10 comprises a planar member 12 having a top surface 14 (shown in Fig. 2) dimensioned to receive a load o:f items 15 (shown in Fig.
6), and a bottom surface 16 having a supporting member such as a handle 17 fixed thereto. The handle 17 has a lower end 18 dimensioned to be placed in an aperture 19 of a base member 20 (shown in Fig. 5). The handle 17 is also dimensioned to be grasped by the user's hand 21 in a neutral position. The tray 10 has a peripheral edge 22 with a recess 23 dimensioned to receive the user's torso 24, and a peripheral lip 25. The bottom surface 16 also has a cushion 26 fixed thereto and dimensioned to rest an the user's forearm 2'7.
As shown in Fig. 2, the planar member 12 has a triangular configuration with rounded corners 28. The planar member 12 has a longitudinal slot 29 dimensioned to receive a scr~;w 30 which is screwed into the handle 17. This permits the handle 17 to be adjustably displaced for positioning at a selected position by loosening the screw 30, moving the handle 17 and retightening the screw 30. Thus, the position of handle 17 can be adjusted according to the size of the user's forearm 27.
Fig. 3 shows a serving tray system 31 comprising the tray 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, and a stabilizing member 32 having a bracket member 34:
The stabilizing member 32 also has a rod 36 pivol.ally connected at one end to the bracket member 34 by means of a pin pivot 38. The rod 36 is provided at the other end with a gripping member 40 dimensioned to contact the bottom surface 16 of the tray 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the bracket member 34 has a slot 42 dimensioned to receive the user's belt 44.
Figs. 5 and 6 show the base member 20 fixed to a table 46. The tray 10 is held by the base member 20, the lower end 18 of the handle 17 being inserted in the aperture 19 formed in tile base member 20. The load of items 15 includes plates 48 and glasses 50.
Fig. 7 shows a tray 10' which is identical to the tray 10 shown in hig. 1, with the exception that the cushion 26 has been replaced with a U-shaped cradle 26' which acts as a further supporting meml7er.
Fig. 8 shows a tray 10" which is identical to the tray 10 shown in Fig.
2, with the exception that a band of a defonnable polymeric material ~2 has been fixed to the recess 23.
Fig. 9 shows a tray 10"' which is similar to the tray 10' shown in Fig.
7. However, the tray 10"' of Fig. 9 comprises tvvo U-shaped cradles 26" so that the tray 10"' can he used in an ambidextrous manner by a server or by both right-handed and left-handed servers. Moreover, the tray 10"' also comprises a leg 33 which is connected to the bottom surface of the tray, at the front portion of the tray. The handle 17' is also shorter than handle 17 shown in Fig. 7, and it does not include a lower end 18. The configuration of handle 17' together with the Ieg 33 permits to stack the trays 10"' together as shown in Fig. 10.
Fig. 11 shows a tray 10"" which is similar to the tray 10' shown in Fig. 7. However, the tray of Fig. 11 further comprises a rigidifying member 54. This member can also permit to easily deposit a potion of the tray on a surface and stabilize the tray when loading or unloading it. Moreover, in the tray of Fig. 11, there is no U-shaped cradle or cushion members.
Alternatively, the tray 10"'' could be provided with one or two U-shaped cradle or with one or two cushion members (see Figs. 1, 7 and 9). A preferred configuration of the tray 10"" is when havin=~ two U-shaped cradles as shown in Fig. 9.
The handle 17 extends substantially at right angle from the bottom surface 16 of the tray 10, thereby extending vertically and permitting the user's hand 21 to be in a neutral position. Since tlhe user 11 grasps the handle 17 with his hand 21 in a neutral position, he is less exposed to wrist fatigue and/or injuries which may be caused over extended periods of time by repeated rotation of the forearm 27 in a supinated or pronated position. The cushion 26 rests on the user's forearm 27 and the recess 23 formed in the peripheral edge 22 contacts the user's torso 24 so as to stabilize the planar member 12 at three points of support, thereby reducing supination and/or pronatian efforts to maintain the load of items 15 in equilibrium on the top surface 14. The recess also permits the load of items, preferably the tvvo plates adjacent to the recess 23 (shown in Fig. Vii), to be positioned in close proximity to the torso 24.
Thus, the user 11 can carry, load or unload the tray 10 without constantly malting supination and/or pronation efforts to maintain the equilibrium of the load of items 15 on the top surface 14. Moreover, the user 11 does not have to constantly worry about the relative position of the items on the top surface 14 since the planar member 12 thus stabilized has less tendency to tip over even if the load on the top surface 14 is unbalanced. The recess 23 also permits the load of items 15 to be positioned in close proximity 15 to the torso 24, thereby diminishing the stress exerted by the weight of the load of items on the user's supporting arm and more particularly, on the user's elbow and/or shoulder articulations.
As shown on Figs. 3 and 4, the stabilizing member 32 can be used as an additional support means. The belt 44 of the user 11 is inserted into the slot 42 of the bracket member 34 and the rod 36 is positioned in such a manner that the gripping member 40 contacts the bottom surface 16 of the planar member 12, so that the latter is stabilized at four points of support. The use of the stabilizing member 32 further increase the stability of the planar member 12 and thus further facilitates the carrying, loading or unloading of the items 15 on the top surface 14 of the tray 10. Since the rod 36 is pivotally connected to the bracket member 34, the rod can be lifted upwardly so as to abut the bracket member 34 and thereby stand in a non-supporting position.
Such a position can be advantageously selected by the user when he is not carrying the tray 10.
As shown on Figs. 5 and 6, the user of the: tray L 0 can place the lower end 18 of the handle 17 in the aperture 19 of the tease member 20 in a manner such that the tray 10 is held by the base member 20. This optional feature is very useful when unloading the load of items 15 and, more particularly, when unloading plates 48 and/or glasses 50 from the top surface 14 so as to serve clients. The user 11 can thus use both hands to unload plates 48 and/or glasses SO and, when removing the items from the table 46, to reload them on the tray 10. By using the tray 10 and the base member 20., the user can unload or load the tray without worrying about the equilibrium of the load of items 15 on the top surface 14. The base member 20 can be fixed to the table by means of adhesive nails, screws, clamps etc. Alternatively, the base member 20 can be formed integrally with the table 46. The top surface of the trays (see Figs. 2 and 8) can be provided with a sheet of a non-slip material (not shown).
Although Figs. 1 to 6 show a tray adapted for a user which utilizes his left arm as supporting arm, the same features as described above can be applied to a tray adapted for a user which utilizes his right arm as supporting arm .
In summary, the trays, tray system and methods of the invention have been found to be very useful and easy to use for servers. It has been observed that servers having a limited experience can more rapidly become efficient when using the present invention. In fact, since l:hese trays, tray system and methods permit to better and more easily stabilize the load, the risks of accidental spillages are considerably reduced. Thus the training period required to adequately train the novice servers is considerably reduced.
Moreover, these risks are also considerably reduced since the invention permits to reduce the fatigue of the server by reducing the stresses exerted on the elbow and/or shoulder articulations, and the supination and pronation efforts. Thus, by using the trays, tray system and methods of the invention, the servers have less tendency to make mistakes or spillages since they are less exposed to fatigue.
In the trays of the present invention, the m;~jor part of the load is closer to the user's body than with the other proposed trays. In particular, the load is mainly disposed in close proximity with the user's body. Thus, in accordance with the lever principle less stress is exerted on the elbow and/or shoulder articulations. Moreover, the configuration of these trays permits to have a constant contact between the user's body and the planar member.
It also has been observed that the trays, tray system and methods of the present invention are so easy to use that a person. can eventually use them in an ambidextrous manner. In fact, it has been shown that some servers will alternate their serving and supporting (or holding,i arms in order to reduce the stress on the supporting arm. As example, a person holding the tray on his left arm and serving with his right arm can eventually transfer the tray on his right arm and use the latter as supporting arm. This ca:n be done since the trays of the invention provides a lot of stability and permit to a person to use "the other,hand" or the hand which is not usually used for stabilizing or holding the tray. It thus represents another considerable advantage of the present invention over the prior art. Such an ambidextrous use of a tray is very difficult or almost impossible with a conventional tray, since it requires a considerable amount of experience to balance or stabilize it, and usually, even the experienced servers are not used to stabilize the tray with "the other hand"
or the hand which is usually the serving hand.
While the invention has been described with particular reference to the illustrated embodiment, it will be understood that numerous modifications thereto will appear to those skilled in the art. Accordingly; the above description and accompanying drawings should be taken as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.
Fig. 9 shows a tray 10"' which is similar to the tray 10' shown in Fig.
7. However, the tray 10"' of Fig. 9 comprises tvvo U-shaped cradles 26" so that the tray 10"' can he used in an ambidextrous manner by a server or by both right-handed and left-handed servers. Moreover, the tray 10"' also comprises a leg 33 which is connected to the bottom surface of the tray, at the front portion of the tray. The handle 17' is also shorter than handle 17 shown in Fig. 7, and it does not include a lower end 18. The configuration of handle 17' together with the Ieg 33 permits to stack the trays 10"' together as shown in Fig. 10.
Fig. 11 shows a tray 10"" which is similar to the tray 10' shown in Fig. 7. However, the tray of Fig. 11 further comprises a rigidifying member 54. This member can also permit to easily deposit a potion of the tray on a surface and stabilize the tray when loading or unloading it. Moreover, in the tray of Fig. 11, there is no U-shaped cradle or cushion members.
Alternatively, the tray 10"'' could be provided with one or two U-shaped cradle or with one or two cushion members (see Figs. 1, 7 and 9). A preferred configuration of the tray 10"" is when havin=~ two U-shaped cradles as shown in Fig. 9.
The handle 17 extends substantially at right angle from the bottom surface 16 of the tray 10, thereby extending vertically and permitting the user's hand 21 to be in a neutral position. Since tlhe user 11 grasps the handle 17 with his hand 21 in a neutral position, he is less exposed to wrist fatigue and/or injuries which may be caused over extended periods of time by repeated rotation of the forearm 27 in a supinated or pronated position. The cushion 26 rests on the user's forearm 27 and the recess 23 formed in the peripheral edge 22 contacts the user's torso 24 so as to stabilize the planar member 12 at three points of support, thereby reducing supination and/or pronatian efforts to maintain the load of items 15 in equilibrium on the top surface 14. The recess also permits the load of items, preferably the tvvo plates adjacent to the recess 23 (shown in Fig. Vii), to be positioned in close proximity to the torso 24.
Thus, the user 11 can carry, load or unload the tray 10 without constantly malting supination and/or pronation efforts to maintain the equilibrium of the load of items 15 on the top surface 14. Moreover, the user 11 does not have to constantly worry about the relative position of the items on the top surface 14 since the planar member 12 thus stabilized has less tendency to tip over even if the load on the top surface 14 is unbalanced. The recess 23 also permits the load of items 15 to be positioned in close proximity 15 to the torso 24, thereby diminishing the stress exerted by the weight of the load of items on the user's supporting arm and more particularly, on the user's elbow and/or shoulder articulations.
As shown on Figs. 3 and 4, the stabilizing member 32 can be used as an additional support means. The belt 44 of the user 11 is inserted into the slot 42 of the bracket member 34 and the rod 36 is positioned in such a manner that the gripping member 40 contacts the bottom surface 16 of the planar member 12, so that the latter is stabilized at four points of support. The use of the stabilizing member 32 further increase the stability of the planar member 12 and thus further facilitates the carrying, loading or unloading of the items 15 on the top surface 14 of the tray 10. Since the rod 36 is pivotally connected to the bracket member 34, the rod can be lifted upwardly so as to abut the bracket member 34 and thereby stand in a non-supporting position.
Such a position can be advantageously selected by the user when he is not carrying the tray 10.
As shown on Figs. 5 and 6, the user of the: tray L 0 can place the lower end 18 of the handle 17 in the aperture 19 of the tease member 20 in a manner such that the tray 10 is held by the base member 20. This optional feature is very useful when unloading the load of items 15 and, more particularly, when unloading plates 48 and/or glasses 50 from the top surface 14 so as to serve clients. The user 11 can thus use both hands to unload plates 48 and/or glasses SO and, when removing the items from the table 46, to reload them on the tray 10. By using the tray 10 and the base member 20., the user can unload or load the tray without worrying about the equilibrium of the load of items 15 on the top surface 14. The base member 20 can be fixed to the table by means of adhesive nails, screws, clamps etc. Alternatively, the base member 20 can be formed integrally with the table 46. The top surface of the trays (see Figs. 2 and 8) can be provided with a sheet of a non-slip material (not shown).
Although Figs. 1 to 6 show a tray adapted for a user which utilizes his left arm as supporting arm, the same features as described above can be applied to a tray adapted for a user which utilizes his right arm as supporting arm .
In summary, the trays, tray system and methods of the invention have been found to be very useful and easy to use for servers. It has been observed that servers having a limited experience can more rapidly become efficient when using the present invention. In fact, since l:hese trays, tray system and methods permit to better and more easily stabilize the load, the risks of accidental spillages are considerably reduced. Thus the training period required to adequately train the novice servers is considerably reduced.
Moreover, these risks are also considerably reduced since the invention permits to reduce the fatigue of the server by reducing the stresses exerted on the elbow and/or shoulder articulations, and the supination and pronation efforts. Thus, by using the trays, tray system and methods of the invention, the servers have less tendency to make mistakes or spillages since they are less exposed to fatigue.
In the trays of the present invention, the m;~jor part of the load is closer to the user's body than with the other proposed trays. In particular, the load is mainly disposed in close proximity with the user's body. Thus, in accordance with the lever principle less stress is exerted on the elbow and/or shoulder articulations. Moreover, the configuration of these trays permits to have a constant contact between the user's body and the planar member.
It also has been observed that the trays, tray system and methods of the present invention are so easy to use that a person. can eventually use them in an ambidextrous manner. In fact, it has been shown that some servers will alternate their serving and supporting (or holding,i arms in order to reduce the stress on the supporting arm. As example, a person holding the tray on his left arm and serving with his right arm can eventually transfer the tray on his right arm and use the latter as supporting arm. This ca:n be done since the trays of the invention provides a lot of stability and permit to a person to use "the other,hand" or the hand which is not usually used for stabilizing or holding the tray. It thus represents another considerable advantage of the present invention over the prior art. Such an ambidextrous use of a tray is very difficult or almost impossible with a conventional tray, since it requires a considerable amount of experience to balance or stabilize it, and usually, even the experienced servers are not used to stabilize the tray with "the other hand"
or the hand which is usually the serving hand.
While the invention has been described with particular reference to the illustrated embodiment, it will be understood that numerous modifications thereto will appear to those skilled in the art. Accordingly; the above description and accompanying drawings should be taken as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (77)
1. A serving tray comprising a planar member having a peripheral edge, a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of items and a bottom surface having a bearing portion adjacent to said edge, wherein said bearing portion is dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm and. said peripheral edge has a portion with a form permitting said load to be positioned in close proximity to the user's body, thereby diminishing stress exerted by the weight of the load on the user's elbow and/or shoulder articulations.
2. The tray of claim 1, further including a supporting member connected to said bottom surface and dimensioned for being grasped by a hand of the user in a neutral position.
3. The tray of claim 1 or 2, wherein said planar member has a substantially triangular configuration.
4. The tray of claim 3, wherein said triangular configuration has rounded corners.
5. The tray of claim 3, wherein said planar member has a front portion comprising one corner, and a rear portion comprising two corners.
6. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said planar member further includes a peripheral lip.
7. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said bearing portion has a cushion member or another supporting member fixed thereto.
8. The tray of claim 2, wherein said neutral position is a position whereat the palm of the user's hand is oriented substantially vertically.
9. The tray of claim 2 or 8, wherein said supporting member is a handle extending substantially at right angle from said bottom surface.
10. The tray of claim 2 or 8, wherein said supporting member is a handle extending substantially at right angle from said bottom surface and wherein said handle is adjustably connected to said bottom surface so as to be displaced for positioning at a selected position.
11. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said peripheral edge portion is formed with a recess.
12. The tray of claim 5, wherein said peripheral edge portion is formed with a recess disposed between said corners of the rear portion.
13. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 12 in combination with a base member dimensioned to be fixed to a table or formed integrally with a table, said base member having an aperture dimensioned to receive said supporting member to thereby hold the tray and permit the user to load and unload said top surface without efforts maintaining load equilibrium on said top surface.
14. A serving tray comprising a planar member having a peripheral edge; a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of items and a bottom surface having a bearing portion adjacent to said edge, wherein said bearing portion is dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm and said peripheral edge has a portion with a form permitting said planar member to contact the user's body so as to stabilize said planar member and reduce supination and pronation efforts of the user to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface.
15. The tray of claim 14, further including a supporting member connected to said bottom surface and dimensioned for being grasped by a hand of the user in a neutral position.
16. The tray of claim 14 or 15, wherein said planar member has a substantially triangular configuration.
17. The tray of claim 16, wherein said triangular configuration has rounded corners.
18. The tray of claim 16 or 17, wherein said planar member has a front portion comprising one corner, and a rear portion comprising two corners.
19. The tray of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said planar member further includes a peripheral lip.
20. The tray of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein said bearing portion has a cushion member or another supporting member fixed thereto.
21. The tray of claim 15, wherein said neutral position is a position whereat the palm of the user's hand is oriented substantially vertically.
22. The tray of any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein said supporting member is a handle extending substantially at right angle from said bottom surface.
23. The tray of any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein said supporting member is a handle extending substantially at right angle from said bottom surface and wherein said handle is adjustably connected to said bottom surface so as to be displaced for positioning at a selected position.
24. The tray of any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein said peripheral edge portion is formed with a recess.
25. The tray of claim 17, wherein said peripheral edge portion is formed with a recess disposed between the corners of the rear portion.
26. The tray of claim 24 or 25, wherein said recess is provided with a deformable polymeric material fixed thereto, said polymeric material is contacting the user's body.
27. The tray of any one of claims 14 to 26 in combination with a base member dimensioned to be fixed to a table or formed integrally with a table, said base member having an aperture dimensioned to receive said supporting member to thereby hold the tray and permit the user to load and unload said top surface without efforts maintaining load equilibrium on said top surface.
28. The tray of claim 7 or 20, wherein said another supporting member is a U-shaped cradle.
29. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the serving tray comprises two bearing portions, each portion having a cushion member or a U-shaped cradle fixed thereto.
30. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the serving tray comprises two bearing portions, each portion having a cushion member or a U-shaped cradle fixed thereto, wherein each of said cushion members or a U-shaped cradles is disposed in such a manner so as to permit to a user to use the tray in an ambidextrous manner, by holding the tray with his left arm of his right arm.
31. The tray of claim 1 or 14, wherein said tray has a substantially triangular and symmetric configuration with rounded corners, one corner forming a front portion of the tray and the other two corners defining a rear portion of the tray, said tray having two bearing portions disposed adjacent to each corner in the rear portion, said bearing portions having a cushion member or a U-shaped cradle fixed thereto, wherein each of said cushion members or a U-shaped cradles is disposed in such a manner so as to permit to a user to use the tray in an ambidextrous manner, by holding the tray with his left arm of his right arm.
32. The tray of claim 1 or 14, wherein said tray further comprises a handle connected to said bottom surface and extending substantially at right angle from said bottom surface; two bearing portions disposed at a rear portion of the tray and having each a U-shaped cradle fixed thereto; and a leg connected to said bottom surface and disposed at a front portion of the tray, the length of the leg is substantially the same than the length of the cradles and the handle has a length which is equal or less than the length of the leg and cradles, thereby permitting to stack the tray with other trays of same configuration.
33. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the serving tray comprises a rigidifying member connected to said bottom surface and disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge.
34. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the top surface is dimensioned to receive at least two plates having a diameter ranging from about 20 to about 30 cm.
35. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the top surface is dimensioned to receive at least three plates having a diameter ranging from about 20 to about 30 cm.
36. A serving tray system comprising:
- a serving tray including a planar member having a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of items and a bottom surface having a bearing portion dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm; and - a stabilizing member dimensioned to be secured to the user's body at a position lower than user's elbows and to contact said bottom surface so as to support said planar member, thereby stabilizing said planar member.
- a serving tray including a planar member having a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of items and a bottom surface having a bearing portion dimensioned to rest on a user's forearm; and - a stabilizing member dimensioned to be secured to the user's body at a position lower than user's elbows and to contact said bottom surface so as to support said planar member, thereby stabilizing said planar member.
37. The tray of claim 36, further including a supporting member connected to said bottom surface and dimensioned for being grasped by a hand of the user in a neutral position.
38. The tray system of claim 36 or 37, wherein said planar member has a substantially triangular configuration.
39. The tray system of claim 38, wherein said triangular configuration has rounded corners.
40. The tray system of claim 38 or 39, wherein said planar member has a front portion comprising one corner, and a rear portion comprising two corners.
41. The tray system of any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein said planar member further includes a peripheral lip.
42. The tray system of any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein said bearing portion has a cushion member or another supporting member fixed thereto.
43. The tray system of claim 37, wherein said neutral position is a position whereat the palm of the user's hand is oriented substantially vertically.
44. The tray system of any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein said supporting member is a handle extending substantially at right angle from said bottom surface.
45. The tray system of any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein said supporting member is a handle extending substantially at right angle from said bottom surface and wherein said handle is adjustably connected to said bottom surface so as to be displaced for positioning at a selected position.
46. The tray system of any one of claims 36 to 45, further including a base member dimensioned to be fixed to a table or formed integrally with a table, said base member having an aperture dimensioned to receive said supporting member to thereby hold the tray and permit the user to load and unload said top surface without efforts maintaining load equilibrium on said top surface.
47. The tray system of any one of claims 36 to 46, wherein said stabilizing member comprises a brace member contacting at one end said bottom surface and connected at another end to a bracket member, said bracket member being dimensioned to be secured to the user's body.
48. The tray system of claim 47, wherein said bracket member has a slot dimensioned to receive a user's waist belt.
49. The tray system of claim 47 or 48, wherein said brace member is pivotally connected to said bracket member.
50. The tray system of any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein said brace member is a rod.
51. The tray system of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein said brace member is provided at said one end with a gripping member dimensioned to contact said bottom surface.
52. The tray system of any one of claims 36 to 51, wherein said planar member further includes a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting said load to be positioned in close proximity to the user's body, thereby diminishing stress exerted by the weight of the load on the user's elbow and/or shoulder articulations.
53. The tray system of claim 52, wherein said peripheral edge portion is formed with a recess.
54. The tray system of any one of claims 36 to 51, wherein said planar member further includes a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting said planar member to contact the user's body, thereby stabilizing said planar member and reducing supination and pronation efforts of the user to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface.
55. The tray system of claim 40, wherein said planar member further includes a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting said planar member to contact the user's body, thereby stabilizing said planar member and reducing supination and pronation efforts of the user to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface and wherein said peripheral edge portion is formed with a recess disposed between the corners of the rear portion.
56. The tray system of claim 55, wherein said recess is provided with a deformable polymeric material fixed thereto, said polymeric material is contacting the user's body.
57. A method for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading, or unloading items on said tray, the user having a body, a hand and a forearm, said method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting said planar member to contact the body, a bottom surface and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of said items;
b) supporting said planar member by holding a predetermined portion of said bottom surface with the hand and resting another predetermined portion of said bottom surface on the forearm; and c) contacting the peripheral edge portion with the body, thereby stabilizing said planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface.
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting said planar member to contact the body, a bottom surface and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of said items;
b) supporting said planar member by holding a predetermined portion of said bottom surface with the hand and resting another predetermined portion of said bottom surface on the forearm; and c) contacting the peripheral edge portion with the body, thereby stabilizing said planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface.
58. The method of claim 57, wherein said peripheral edge portion is formed with a recess.
59. The method of claim 57 or 58, wherein said predetermined portion of said bottom surface is provided with a supporting member connected thereto, said supporting member being dimensioned for being grasped by the hand in a neutral position.
60. The method of claim 59, wherein said supporting member is a handle extending substantially at right angle from said bottom surface.
61. A method for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading, or unloading items on said tray, the user having a body, an elbow, a hand and a forearm, said method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a bottom surface and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of said items;
b) supporting said planar member by holding a first predetermined portion of said bottom surface with the hand and resting a second predetermined portion of said bottom surface on the forearm;
c) providing a stabilizing member and securing said stabilizing member to the body at a position lower than the elbow; and d) contacting a third predetermined portion of said bottom surface with said stabilizing member, thereby stabilizing said planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface.
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a bottom surface and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of said items;
b) supporting said planar member by holding a first predetermined portion of said bottom surface with the hand and resting a second predetermined portion of said bottom surface on the forearm;
c) providing a stabilizing member and securing said stabilizing member to the body at a position lower than the elbow; and d) contacting a third predetermined portion of said bottom surface with said stabilizing member, thereby stabilizing said planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein said first predetermined portion of said bottom surface is provided with a supporting member connected thereto, said supporting member being dimensioned for being grasped by the hand in a neutral position.
63. The method of claim 62, wherein said supporting member is a handle extending substantially at right angle from said bottom surface.
64. The method of any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein said stabilizing member comprises a brace member contacting at one end said bottom surface and connected at another end to a bracket member, said bracket member being dimensioned to be secured to the user's body.
65. The method of claim 64, wherein said bracket member has a slot dimensioned to receive a waist belt.
66. The method of claim 64 or 65, wherein said brace member is pivotally connected to said bracket member.
67. The method of any one of claims 64 to 66 , wherein said brace member is provided at said one end with a gripping member dimensioned to contact said bottom surface.
68. A method for a user to carry items on a serving tray and unload said items therefrom, the user having a body, a hand and a forearm, said method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a top surface having a load of said items thereon, a bottom surface and a supporting member connected to a first predetermined portion of said bottom surface, said supporting member being dimensioned for being grasped by the hand in a neutral position;
b) supporting said planar member by grasping said supporting member with the hand and resting a second predetermined portion of said bottom surface the a forearm;
c) carrying said tray from a first location to a second location whereat is disposed a table having a base member comprising an aperture dimensioned to receive said supporting member;
d) placing said supporting member into said aperture to thereby hold the tray; and e) unload said top surface without efforts of maintaining load equilibrium on said top surface.
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a top surface having a load of said items thereon, a bottom surface and a supporting member connected to a first predetermined portion of said bottom surface, said supporting member being dimensioned for being grasped by the hand in a neutral position;
b) supporting said planar member by grasping said supporting member with the hand and resting a second predetermined portion of said bottom surface the a forearm;
c) carrying said tray from a first location to a second location whereat is disposed a table having a base member comprising an aperture dimensioned to receive said supporting member;
d) placing said supporting member into said aperture to thereby hold the tray; and e) unload said top surface without efforts of maintaining load equilibrium on said top surface.
69. The method of claim 68 further comprising the steps of:
c') providing a stabilizing member and securing said stabilizing member to the body at a position lower than elbows; and c") contacting a third predetermined portion of said bottom surface with said stabilizing member, thereby stabilizing said planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface.
c') providing a stabilizing member and securing said stabilizing member to the body at a position lower than elbows; and c") contacting a third predetermined portion of said bottom surface with said stabilizing member, thereby stabilizing said planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface.
70. The method of claim 68 or 69, wherein said stabilizing member comprises a brace member contacting at one end said bottom surface and connected at another end to a bracket member, said bracket member being dimensioned to be secured to the user's body.
71. The method of claim 70, wherein said bracket member has a slot dimensioned to receive a waist belt.
72. The method of claim 70 or 71, wherein said brace member is pivotally connected to said bracket member.
73. The method of claim any one of claims 70 to 72, wherein said brace member is provided at said one end with a gripping member dimensioned to contact said bottom surface.
74. The method of any one of claims 68 to 73, wherein said supporting member is a handle extending substantially at right angle from said bottom surface.
75. A method for a user to stabilize a serving tray when carrying, loading, or unloading items on said tray, the user having a body, a first arm including a first forearm and a first hand, and a second arm including a second forearm and a second hand, said method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting said planar member to contact the body so as to stabilize said planar member; a bottom surface having a handle connected thereto, said bottom surface defining a first and a second bearing portion; and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of said items;
b) supporting said planar member by holding said handle with the first hand and resting the first bearing portion on the first forearm;
c) contacting the peripheral edge portion with the body, thereby stabilizing said planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface; and d) transferring said tray from said first arm to said second arm by holding the handle with said second hand and resting said second bearing portion on said second forearm, thereby relaxing the first arm.
a) providing a serving tray comprising a planar member including a peripheral edge having a portion with a form permitting said planar member to contact the body so as to stabilize said planar member; a bottom surface having a handle connected thereto, said bottom surface defining a first and a second bearing portion; and a top surface dimensioned to receive a load of said items;
b) supporting said planar member by holding said handle with the first hand and resting the first bearing portion on the first forearm;
c) contacting the peripheral edge portion with the body, thereby stabilizing said planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface; and d) transferring said tray from said first arm to said second arm by holding the handle with said second hand and resting said second bearing portion on said second forearm, thereby relaxing the first arm.
76. The method of claim 75, further comprising e) contacting the peripheral edge portion with the body, thereby stabilizing said planar member at three points of support and reducing supination and pronation efforts to maintain said load in equilibrium on said top surface.
77. The method of claim 76, wherein after step (e), the sequence from step (c) to (e) is repeated at least once.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/661,091 | 2003-09-12 | ||
| US10/661,091 US20050056192A1 (en) | 2003-09-12 | 2003-09-12 | Serving tray |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2481251A1 true CA2481251A1 (en) | 2005-03-12 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| CA002481251A Abandoned CA2481251A1 (en) | 2003-09-12 | 2004-09-13 | Serving tray |
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| US (1) | US20050056192A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2481251A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9687098B1 (en) * | 2016-08-03 | 2017-06-27 | Patrick L. Liles, Sr. | Server tray support |
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| CN1923092A (en) * | 2005-09-01 | 2007-03-07 | 本·麦克温 | Food or beverage tray |
| US20090065391A1 (en) * | 2005-09-01 | 2009-03-12 | Mcewin Ben L | Food or drink tray |
| NL1030259C2 (en) | 2005-10-25 | 2007-04-26 | Bobergo B V | Ergonomic tray; Ergo Tray. |
| WO2007126196A1 (en) | 2006-04-29 | 2007-11-08 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data |
| US7975623B1 (en) * | 2007-06-14 | 2011-07-12 | Gassick Robert | Serving tray systems |
| US8272512B2 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2012-09-25 | Silfred Joseph | Food and drink tray |
| US20110215096A1 (en) * | 2010-03-04 | 2011-09-08 | Carol Blais | Lap caddy |
| CN102366292A (en) * | 2011-10-21 | 2012-03-07 | 卢巧玲 | Tray |
| CA2867347A1 (en) | 2012-04-13 | 2013-10-17 | Gregory Mcdermott | Tray handling systems |
| US9386872B2 (en) | 2012-04-13 | 2016-07-12 | Gregory McDermott | Tray handling systems |
| GB201313099D0 (en) | 2013-07-23 | 2013-09-04 | Bourget Briditte | Serving tray assembly |
| USD883046S1 (en) * | 2020-01-15 | 2020-05-05 | Yaqiong Chen | Cocktail trays |
| USD1025714S1 (en) | 2022-06-27 | 2024-05-07 | Michael Thomas Van Zutphen | Beverage serving tray with arm and hand supports |
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| US3013818A (en) * | 1961-12-19 | Braceable clip board | ||
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| US2881009A (en) * | 1956-05-31 | 1959-04-07 | John R Delaney | Writing board |
| US3315858A (en) * | 1965-03-16 | 1967-04-25 | Joel P Horner | Service tray |
| US3504832A (en) * | 1968-04-22 | 1970-04-07 | Patrick Corvetti | Food and drink serving tray |
| US3541976A (en) * | 1968-06-27 | 1970-11-24 | Luis A Rozas | Portable body-mounted desk |
| US3941286A (en) * | 1974-10-08 | 1976-03-02 | Perkinson John W | One-handed serving tray |
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| US5076438A (en) * | 1990-04-11 | 1991-12-31 | Aronson Michael D | Serving tray with an underside molded to the contour of the hand of the server |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9687098B1 (en) * | 2016-08-03 | 2017-06-27 | Patrick L. Liles, Sr. | Server tray support |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20050056192A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |