GB2613872A - Tableware carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

A tableware carrier 10 allowing a person to carry multiple tableware items to a table at the same time. The carrier is formed of a base 12; an elongate support 16 extending upwards from the base; at least one handle for 32 carrying the tableware carrier; and a multiple support arms 18 on the elongate support for supporting tableware. The support arms are vertically spaced apart and comprise a left portion 18a and a right portion 18b which meet each other at the elongate support. The support arms are arranged substantially parallel to each other and to a plane of the base. Also provided is a tableware carrier stand for attachment to an edge of a table. The stand has a jaw with an upper jaw and a lower jaw for positioning above and below the edge of the table respectively, and a at least one dock for docking a tableware carrier to the stand.

Description

TABLEWARE CARRIER

The present invention relates to a tableware carrier for a person to carry to or from a table and a tableware carrier stand for attachment about an edge of a table.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In a social venue such as a restaurant or bar, a person can order food whilst seated at a table. The food in the order is typically delivered from a kitchen by a waiter or waitress (henceforth waiter for brevity) via a number of plates and/or bowls, or other tableware items for serving the food or eating directly therefrom.

VVhere a number of people in a group have ordered food, it may require more than one journey to and from the table(s) to deliver all of the order. Skilled waiters are able to carry multiple plates of food by carefully balancing them on their arms. However, for some larger groups of customers, it is impractical for a waiter to carry all of the plates on their arms in one journey. The waiter may need to make multiple trips to deliver the food and/or enlist one or more other waiters to assist them. If delivery is too slow, customers in the group who were served first may end up with cold food as they wait for their companions to receive another part of the order. Slow delivery can also lead to complaints from customers and negative reviews.

Balancing multiple plates on an arm is a skill that waiters are generally required to learn. This skill can take some time to develop and comes with experience.

Inexperienced waiters are less efficient, typically carrying only two plates on their arm.

This can make it harder to ensure all customers in a restaurant are served in a timely manner, particularly at peak times. This can affect overall customer satisfaction and operation of the restaurant.

Waiters must take care when carrying plates so that they do not drop them and also to prevent food from being spilled whilst manoeuvring between tables, chairs, customers, and other staff at the venue. The waiter may fire as a shift progresses and this can make it harder to correctly balance the weights of multiple plates of food later in the shift.

Furthermore, the waiter may find it tricky and potentially unsafe to balance the plates or bowls on their arms if the dishes are very hot, for example if the food is served in the vessel it was cooked in or in crockery or stoneware that has been pre-heated. In some instances, the plates or bowls are too hot to handle without using safety equipment such as gloves. In such instances, it may be easier and safer to deliver the order using a tray or a trolley.

If using a tray for delivery, then the waiter carries it in two hands to more easily balance the weight. When the waiter arrives at the table, there may not be space to place the tray down on the table and so they may need to hold the tray whilst passing the food to the customers at the same time. Space on a tray is in any case relatively limited, so it is often the case that they must still make multiple trips or receive assistance from other waiters to deliver the order to all of the customers in the shortest time practicable.

If using a trolley for delivering the order, the number of available routes to navigate to the table(s) is restricted by the size of the trolley and the size of the gaps between other tables, chairs, and people in the restaurant. Whilst a trolley does provide a stable way of transporting food on plates and may be less tiresome compared to carrying the plates, using a trolley in a crowded restaurant is not an ideal solution to the above problems.

In addition, space is valuable in a restaurant and tables are usually packed closely together to allow the restaurant to serve more customers at a given time. Moving multiple trolleys in tight spaces would make it difficult for customers and staff to manoeuvre around the restaurant as the trolleys occupy space between the tables and may restrict movement of the customers and staff in an emergency situation. There is also the issue of where to store the trolleys when not in use.

At the end of a meal, the plates, bowls and other items on the table must be cleared in a timely manner to allow the table to be cleaned for the next group to use, or when closing the restaurant for the day. Whilst empty plates or bowls may be stacked together for this reason, some plates or bowls may not be empty and so the contents need to be grouped onto one of the dishes to facilitate stacking. It may in some cases be easier to use a tray or trolley to carry the tableware to the kitchen for cleaning. Nonetheless, multiple trips are often still required which slows down the process of preparing the table for subsequent use.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a tableware carrier for a person to carry plates and other tableware to or from a table is provided, the tableware carrier comprising a base for standing the tableware carrier upright; at least one elongate support or upright support (or spine) extending upwards from the base; at least one handle for carrying the tableware carrier; and a plurality of support arms on the elongate support for supporting tableware items, in which the support arms are spaced apart on (or along) the elongate support, each support arm comprises a left portion and a right portion which provide a tableware receiving area between the portions, the left and right portions of each support arm meet each other at least in a location at or adjacent to the elongate support, and the support arms are arranged substantially parallel to each other and also substantially parallel to a plane of the base.

The tableware carrier allows a waiter to carry multiple plates (and/or other tableware items) from a kitchen to a table without requiring the waiter to balance the plates on their arm(s). As a result, a waiter is able to safely carry a higher number of plates in one trip, minimising the number of journeys they make to and from tables when delivering food across the course of a particular shift. By using the tableware carrier, the waiter can also carry hot plates more safely as plates are not held directly by the user. The use of the tableware carrier may mitigate the need for waiters to quickly learn how to balance multiple plates on their arm, and also mitigate accidents such as dropping plates whether or not the waiter is experienced in balancing plates on their arms. The tableware carrier requires less space than a trolley, which would otherwise restrict movement of staff and customers in the restaurant.

By providing the support arms vertically spaced apart along the elongate support, plates may be inserted between the support arms, usually with enough space between adjacent plates to accommodate food on those plates (unless plates are to be delivered separately to the food dishes). The support arms help to support the tableware in a substantially horizontal plane to mitigate food sliding off during transit to the table.

Optional features are set out in the dependent claims 2 to 17.

The tableware carrier may be provided in flatpack form or as part of a kit.

The left and right portions may be substantially similar in shape to each other, such as being substantially mirror images of each other. The left and right portions of the support arms may be shaped to support left and right portions of a given tableware item.

At least one tray may be provided for insertion (e.g. sliding) into the carrier to hold or support one or more items of tableware. A plurality of trays may be provided, for fitting to some or all of the support arms in the carrier. The tray(s) can be large enough to accommodate or support two or more items of tableware, such as plates and/or bowls.

The or each tray also allows the tableware carrier to support tableware which might otherwise not be supported by the left and right portions of the support arms. This may include but is not limited to one or more of: small plates (such as side plates), bowls, glasses or other drink vessels, cutlery, serviettes and condiments.

The or each tray may be releasably supported by a pair of the support arms when the tray is disposed in the tableware carrier. Releasably supporting the tray allows the tray to be easily removed from the carrier and left at a particular table, if needed. It also facilitates easier cleaning of the carrier and tray(s).

Any of the at least one tray, the elongate support and/or the support arms may comprise tray connection means for more securely positioning the tray(s) on the left and/or right portions of at least one of the support arms. This can allow the tray(s) to be held more securely whilst the tableware carrier is manoeuvred. That is, the tray(s) are less likely to inadvertently slide out of or off the carrier when it is being carried.

Any suitable tray-to-carrier engagement means may be used. The tray engagement means is preferably releasable to allow the tray(s) to be slid out or removed from the carrier.

The at least one tray may comprise one or more apertures or recesses. The or each aperture may be in a top surface of the tray. The or each aperture may be a through bore. The width of the at least one aperture may be at least 60 mm. The width may be at least 100 mm. Preferably the width may be at least 140 mm.

The aperture(s) / recess(es) can allow a portion of tableware to protrude into or through the aperture. That is, a plate or bowl may sit partially within or through the tray. This retains the tableware item more securely in the tray.

The tableware carrier may comprise a folding mechanism for allowing at least part of the tableware carrier to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration (and vice versa). By folding the tableware carrier so that it is closed, the tableware carrier can occupy less space for storage. Folding the carrier may also facilitate cleaning, e.g. to minimise its volume for fitting into a dishwasher or sink.

At least two portions of the tableware carrier may be folded or movable independently from each other. For example, the support arms may be movable between open and closed positions, and the base may also be movable between open and closed positions. First and second sets of the support arms may be independently moveable between their open/closed positions.

The vertical distance between each support arm may be at least 40 mm. The vertical distance between each support arm may be at least 60 mm. The vertical distance between each support arm may be at least 80 mm. The vertical distance between a neighbouring pair of support arms (at different heights on the elongate support) may be a maximum of about 150 mm to 200 mm.

The handle may be disposed on the elongate support. The handle may be disposed above some or all of the plurality of support arms.

The term handle is intended to mean a part of the carrier which is designed for the primary purpose of being grasped or gripped by a person's hand for carrying the carrier.

If only a single handle is provided, it will be appreciated that the handle may be positioned substantially above a centre of gravity of the carrier. However, it will also be appreciated that the handle may be offset from the centre of gravity if another part of the carrier may be suitable for the secondary purpose of being grasped or gripped, or otherwise serving as a handhold, for carrying purposes. For example, the uppermost support arm may be suitable for this purpose.

The tableware carrier may comprise a second handle. The second handle may be disposed on the elongate support, below the first handle. The second handle may be disposed on the elongate support, at substantially the same height as the first handle.

A rubber grip may be provided on one or both of the first and second handle. A rubber grip may be attachable to one or both of the first and second handle.

Each support arm in the plurality of support arms may comprise an upper surface. The upper surface(s) may comprise a material or structure that provides a high coefficient of friction with tableware. That is, a grippy material such as rubber or another material, and/or ridges or knurling, that mitigates tableware or a tray slipping off the support arms whilst being carried to a table.

The upper surface of at least one support arm may comprise one or more ridges or notches.

Distal ends of some or all of the support arms may curve upwards or include an end stop (or detent).

The ridges, notches and/or end stops may prevent tableware from slipping off the support arms whilst being carried to the table.

The elongate support may be releasably connected to the base. This allows the rest of the tableware carrier, without the base, to be inserted into or mounted to a tableware carrier dock or stand on a table or in the kitchen.

The base may comprise one or more feet which protrude from the elongate support.

The feet may be in a plane which is parallel to the support arms The feet may be engageable with a tableware carrier stand. The tableware carrier stand may be as described in the second aspect of the invention.

The lateral spacing between the left portion and the right portion of the support arms may be at least 100 mm, or at least 150 mm, or at least 200 mm. This is preferably considered at distal ends of the arm portions, or around middle regions of each arm portion, when the portions are spaced apart such as in the open configuration. The spacing may be about 500 mm at most.

The left and right portions of each support arm may be disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane through the elongate support.

The unloaded weight of the tableware carrier may be a maximum of 5 kg. This allows a waiter to carry the tableware carrier when it is loaded with tableware without overexerting themselves.

The carrier may be made of any one or more of: cardboard, wood, metal (such as aluminium or tin), plastic, or a composite material.

The tableware carrier may be made from a lightweight material. The lightweight material may be wood or a material derived from wood, such as MEW or plyboard. The lightweight material may be a plastic. The lightweight material may be a metal such as aluminium.

A combination of materials may be used to provide a lightweight carrier that has sufficient strength to carry tableware without buckling. For example, the elongate support may be made of a different material to the support arms.

The tableware carrier may comprise a second plurality of support arms. The second plurality of support arms may allow a greater number of items of tableware to be carried on a single tableware carrier.

The first and second pluralities of arms may be disposed on opposing sides of the carrier. The first and second plurality of support arms are symmetric about a plane passing through the elongate support. This may keep the centre of gravity centred on the elongate support.

The carrier may comprise docking means for docking the carrier to a corresponding stand. The docking means may be included in the base, for example where one or more feet or other releasable connectors are provided as part of the base. The docking means may be part of the elongate support, including for example one or more elongate rods or connectors for insertion into the stand, and/or a recess for receiving part of the stand into the carrier.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a tableware carrier stand for attachment about an edge of a table, the tableware carrier stand comprising: a jaw comprising an upper jaw portion for positioning above the edge of the table, and a lower jaw portion for positioning below the edge of the table, the upper and lower jaw portions being provided in a substantially rigid arrangement and spaced apart for an interior of the jaw to snugly fit about the edge of the table; at least one dock on an exterior of the jaw for receiving a tableware carrier; wherein, during use, the upper jaw portion extends over a top surface of the table by a first length and the second portion extends under a bottom surface of the table by a second length such that when a tableware carrier is mounted or docked to the tableware carrier stand, the weight of the tableware carrier does not cause the tableware carrier stand to detach from the edge of the table.

The tableware carrier stand is designed to be mounted about the edge of the table. It is retrofittable to a table or other suitable structure without damaging the table or needing to drill holes in the table to receive the stand. It is small enough to be unobtrusive to people sat at the table. The stand may be left attached to the table as a semi-permanent dock for a tableware carrier.

The substantially rigid arrangement may be a fixed arrangement (where the jaws are in substantially fixed positions) or it may be adjustable to customise the bite of the jaw to a particular table edge.

The jaw should fit snugly and the rigid arrangement should be sufficiently rigid that when the load of a tableware carrier (and tableware therein) is applied, the stand remains in substantially the same position on the edge of the table as it was prior to the tableware carrier being docked to the stand.

The stand may be made of metal, cardboard, wood, plastic, or a composite material,

for example.

The tableware carrier stand can releasably receive a tableware carrier. The tableware carrier may be as described in the first aspect of the invention.

The tableware carrier may be releasably engaged to the tableware carrier stand either for storing the device when not being used, or for delivering tableware to or from a

table.

Wien the tableware carrier is engaged with the tableware carrier stand at a table, the waiter does not need to hold the tableware carrier. This allows the waiter to distribute and/or collect tableware without balancing tableware on their arm or holding the

tableware carrier.

At least one of the first and second length may be at least 20 mm long. The length preferably does not exceed 250 mm, so that it doesn't cover too much of the table during use.

At least one of the first and second jaw portion may have a width of at least 5 mm. The width preferably does not exceed 150 mm or 200 mm, so that it doesn't cover too much of the table during use.

The vertical distance between a bottom surface of the top jaw portion and a top surface of the lower jaw portion (that is, opposing interior surfaces of the jaw) may correspond to the thickness of the edge of the table.

A bottom face of the upper jaw portion may have a minimum surface area of 50 mm 2. 5 A top face of the lower jaw portion may have a minimum surface area of 50 mm2.

The vertical distance between the bottom surface of the top jaw portion and the top surface of the lower jaw portion may be adjustable. By adjusting the vertical distance between a bottom surface of the top jaw portion and the top surface of the lower jaw portion, the tableware carrier stand may be customised for mounting to any one of multiple tables that may have different table thicknesses. It also facilitates easy attachment and removal of a stand from a table.

The jaw may comprise a clamping mechanism for clamping the jaw portions about the edge of the table. The clamping mechanism may be used to apply a clamping force to the table. This can reduce a minimum surface area required to maintain engagement of the stand about the table edge, compared to an unclamped stand.

The at least one dock may be disposed on a top surface of the upper jaw portion. For example, one or more apertures or ports (which may be laterally oriented) may be provided for receiving one or more feet or other docking portions of the tableware carrier.

The at least one dock may be a base of the tableware carrier stand, or correspond to the base. That is, the tableware carrier may include a base which includes features of the stand in this aspect of the embodiment. This is suitable where the dock is provided on top of the stand.

The at least one dock may be disposed on a bottom surface of the lower jaw portion.

For example, one or more apertures or ports (which may be laterally oriented) may be provided for receiving one or more feet or other docking portions of the tableware carrier.

The at least one dock may be disposed in a lateral side (or a rear half! rear portion) of the tableware carrier stand. That is, part of the stand which is adjacent to the edge of the table during use. The dock may be positioned above the top surface of the table edge or below the bottom surface of the table edge when the stand is connected about the table edge.

The lower portion of the tableware carrier may include the one or more feet described in the first aspect of the invention.

A handle may be provided on the tableware carrier stand. The handle may facilitate disconnection of the tableware carrier stand and the table if the tableware carrier stand needs to be removed from the table.

A storage area may be provided on the upper jaw portion of the stand. For example, one or more recesses may be provided for receiving one or more condiment containers.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a tableware carrier is provided.

The tableware carrier may comprise a base for standing the tableware carrier upright.

The tableware carrier may comprise an elongate support extending upwards from the base The tableware carrier may comprise at least one handle for carrying the tableware carrier.

The tableware carrier may comprise a plurality of support arms on the elongate support for supporting tableware.

The support arms may be vertically spaced apart along the elongate support. The support arms may comprise a left portion and a right portion.

The left and right portion may be disposed on opposite sides of a vertical plane through the elongate support.

The left and right portions of each support arm may meet each other at the elongate support.

The support arms may be arranged substantially parallel to each other. The support arms may be substantially parallel to a plane of the base.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit comprising the tableware carrier of the first or third aspects of the invention and/or a tableware carrier stand according to the second aspect of the invention.

The tableware carrier may be in flatpack form. The base, elongate support(s) and support arms may be assembled to provide the tableware carrier. The handle may be part of the elongate support(s) or attachable to the tableware carrier.

One or more trays may be provided in the kit.

One or more aperture inserts may be provided for fitting to the tray apertures.

Appropriate fixings may be provided for assembling the tableware carrier. One or more rubber grips may be provided for attaching to the handle(s).

The tableware carrier may have any combination of any of the features presented with respect to the first aspect of the invention and/or the second aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tableware carrier and a tray for the carrier; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the tray in Figure 1; Figure 2A shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a tray for the carrier of Figure 1; Figure 2B shows a plan view of a third embodiment of a tray for the carrier of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tableware carrier; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a tableware carrier stand; and Figure 5 shows a perspective view of part of the tableware carrier of Figure 1 adjacent to the tableware carrier stand of Figure 4.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figure 1, an exploded perspective view of a tableware carrier according to the first aspect of the invention is shown at 10.

The tableware carrier includes a base 12. The base comprises a first foot 14a and a second foot 14b. The feet 14a, 14b ensure the tableware carrier 10 stands upright when the tableware carrier 10 rests on the surface of a table (partly shown at 36).

The feet 14a, 14b protrude from an elongate support 16 (which may be considered as an upright support). The feet 14a, 14b can form an angle at the elongate support 16 of between about 0° to about 120°. The feet 14a, 14b have a proximal edge connected to the elongate support 16. The feet 14a, 14b have a length of 25 cm to 35 cm from the proximal ends to their respective distal ends.

In other embodiments, the feet 14a, 14b may be releasably connected to the elongate support 16.

The elongate support 16 extends upwards from the feet 14a, 14b. The elongate support 16 extends substantially perpendicular from the feet 14a, 14b in this embodiment. The elongate support 16 is about 50 to 80 cm in height above the feet.

A plurality of support arms (some of which are indicated at 18) protrude from the elongate support 16. The plurality of support arms 18 has a plurality of left portions indicated at 18a. The plurality of support arms 18 has a plurality of right portions indicated at 18b. The left portions 18a and right portions 18b have substantially similar features.

In this embodiment, the left and right portions 18a, 18b of the plurality of support arms 18 comprise a left rack 20a and a right rack 20b protruding from the elongate support 16. The left and right rack 20a, 20b each contain four support arms 22. The racks are suitable for together supporting tableware such as plates and/or trays in the tableware (or tray) receiving region in between the left and right portions.

The left and right rack 20a, 20b have a proximal edge connected to the elongate support 16. The left and right racks 20a, 20b protrude 25 cm to 35 cm from the elongate support 16 towards distal edges.

In other embodiments distal edges of the left and right portions 18a, 18b of the plurality of support arms 18 may be connected.

The tableware carrier 10 includes one or more hinges (not shown) at a point at which the left rack and right rack 20a, 20b join the elongate support 16. The hinge(s) allow the left and right racks 20a, 20b to be folded together.

The feet 14a, 14b are flexibly or hingedly connected to the elongate support for allowing the feet to be moved in the angular range of up to 120 degrees apart, as considered relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate support.

The feet 14a, 14b are connected together by a spring 24. In this case, the spring connection is provided approximately a third of the distance along the length of the feet in a direction towards the distal ends. The spring 24 allows the feet 14a, 14b to be configured in an open or expanded configuration. The spring 24 further allows the feet 14a, 14b to be configured in a closed configuration. In this embodiment, the spring 24 is biased towards the open or expanded configuration.

The support arms 22 in the plurality of support arms 18 each have upper surfaces 26.

The upper surface 26 of each of support arms 22 has a rubber coating 28 or rubber top. The rubber coating 28 increases the coefficient of friction between the tableware and the plurality of support arms 18, mitigating tableware slipping off the plurality of support arms 18.

The tableware carrier has an open face 30, opposite the elongate support 16 and between the distal edges of the left and right rack 20a, 20b. The open face 30 allows a user to place and take tableware on/off the support arms 22.

A first handle 32 is disposed on the elongate support 16. The first handle 32 is disposed above the plurality of support arms 18. The first handle 32 facilitates carrying of the tableware carrier 10 by hand. In this particular embodiment, the first handle 32 is a T-bar handle.

A second handle 34 is shown disposed on the elongate support 16. The second handle 34 is disposed between the first handle 32 and the feet 14a, 14b. The second handle 34 allows the waiter to carry the tableware carrier 10 with both hands. In other embodiments the handle(s) may be provided in other positions which are suitable for carrying the tableware carrier with the required degree of control.

In this embodiment, the tableware carrier 10 is constructed from aluminium. In this embodiment, the mass of the tableware carrier 10 is about 2 kg to 3 kg, although it will be appreciated that up to 5kg is contemplated.

A tray is provided as shown at 40. Whilst one tray is described below, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of trays may be provided for the carrier. In this case, up to four trays can be mounted on the carrier, but additional trays with different configurations of apertures/recesses for receiving different tableware items may be provided. This is to ensure the most suitable set of trays for the items of tableware that need to be carried in a particular instance are available.

A profile of the tray 40 is generally shown in Figure 2. The tray 40 has a substantially planar body 42 in this embodiment. The tray 40 may be used to support tableware that might otherwise be unsupported by the plurality of support arms 18, i.e. tableware that may be too small to fit across the arms and sit in the tableware receiving region.

When mounted in the carrier, the tray 40 is supported by the support arms 22 of the tableware carrier 10. It will be appreciated that the tray may sit on top of the arms, or may engage sides of the arms if the support arms include rails.

In this embodiment, the tray 40 is substantially triangular, having a first edge 44, a second edge 46 and a third edge 48. The first edge 44 of the tray 40 is shaped to engage a left portion 18a of a support arm 22 in the plurality of support arms 18. The second edge 46 is shaped to engage a right portion 18b of a support arm 22 in the plurality of support arms 18. The third edge 48 faces the open face 30 of the tableware carrier 10 allowing a user to place and take tableware on/off the tray 40 when the tray 40 is engaged with the support arms 22 of the tableware carrier 10.

In this embodiment, the tray 40 provides a plurality of hooks 50 comprising individual hooks 51. The hooks help to secure the lateral position of the tray 40 on the support arms, for stopping it sliding too far left or right during carrying. The plurality of hooks protrude from edges of the tray 40. Hooks 51 protrude from the first edge 44 of the tray 40. Hooks 51 protrude from the second edge 46 of the tray 40.

The plurality of hooks 50 engage the support arms 22 of the tableware carrier 10. The plurality of hooks 50 can be considered to provide a releasable connection means.

The plurality of hooks 50 protruding from the first edge 44 of the tray 40 engage the left portion 18a of the plurality of support arms 18. The plurality of hooks 50 protruding from the second edge 46 of the tray 40 engage the right portion 18b of the plurality of support arms 18.

In other embodiments, other releasable connection means may be used. In particular, it will be appreciated that other means of releasably supporting the tray in the carrier may be provided which preferably allow the tray to be individually removed from the carrier whilst remaining substantially horizontal.

The tray 40 has a circular aperture 52 through the substantially planar body 42. The aperture 52 is disposed substantially in a centre of the planar body 42.

In this embodiment, the aperture 52 has a diameter of 10 cm to 15 cm. During use, the aperture 52 may receive a tableware item such as a bowl. The diameter of the tableware at its widest point should be greater than the diameter of the aperture 52.

This allows at least a portion of the tableware to pass through the aperture 52 allowing it to be retained in the tableware carrier 10.

Another embodiment of a tray is shown in Figure 2A, indicated at 40a. It is generally similar to the previous tray 40 except as follows. In this embodiment the tray comprises a plurality of apertures 52a for supporting a plurality of tableware. The apertures may be the same size or different sizes in various embodiments, and spaced on the tray 40a for receiving correspondingly sized tableware.

Another embodiment of a tray is shown in Figure 2B, indicated at 40b. It is generally similar to the previous tray 40 except as follows. In this embodiment, the tray comprises apertures which are glassware apertures 53 (or drink vessel holders), preferably for retaining glassware. An imaginary chord of each generally circular aperture is connected to or parallel to the third edge 48. The aperture comprises grip elements 55 protruding inwards from edges of the aperture. In this embodiment there are three grip elements 55 spaced around an inner wall of the aperture. The grip elements 55 comprise rubber.

In other embodiments of the tray 40, the apertures 52 may feature grip elements 55.

It will be appreciated that other embodiments of trays may combine any number of glassware holders and any number of tableware holders, subject to there being at least one holder, and space in the tray for the holders not to overlap. It will be appreciated that a given tray may have more apertures/holders than are usable at any one time, if it makes the tray more versatile (i.e. the right sized holder can be selected for a particular tableware/glassware item).

A second embodiment of the tableware carrier according to the first aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 3, indicated generally at 60. The tableware carrier has an elongate support (or upright support) in the form of a first substantially planar body 62.

The first substantially planar body 62 is intersected along a longitudinal axis at its centre by another elongate support (or upright support) which is a second substantially planar body 64. The second substantially planar body 64 is arranged to be perpendicular to the first substantially planar body 62. It will be appreciated that the axis of the intersection corresponds to a substantially elongate region of the support 62.

The tableware carrier 60 comprises a base 66 formed from bottom edges of the first and second planar bodies 62, 64. The base 66 has a substantially cross-shaped profile. The base 66 keeps the tableware carrier upright when it is placed on a substantially level surface such as a table.

The tableware carrier 60 comprises a first plurality of support arms 68 and a second plurality of support arms 70. The first plurality of support arms 68 faces in a direction opposite to the second plurality of support arms 70. Each plurality of support arms 68,70 comprises three support arms 72.

It will be appreciated that adjacent pairs of support arms 72 may be considered as left and right portions depending on which pairs are used to support tableware items or trays.

The first substantially planar body 62 provides a right portion of a first plurality of support arms 68b and a right portion of the second plurality of support arms 70b. The second substantially planar body provides a left portion of a first plurality of support arms 68a and a left portion of the second plurality of support arms 70a.

Slots 74 are provided in the first substantially planar body 62. Slots 74 are provided in the second substantially planar body 64. The slots 74 are disposed between the support arms 72. In this embodiment, the height of a slot 74 is about 1 cm to about 3 cm. The slots 74 extend into the substantially planar bodies 62, 64 by 15 cm to 20 cm, terminating adjacent to a central region of the elongate support. These provide spaces for edges of tableware to be inserted. Appropriately shaped trays may be inserted into the slots 74 to support tableware which may not be suitably sized to be supported by the slots 74 in the tableware carrier 60.

The first substantially planar body 62 is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

The second substantially planar body 64 is substantially trapezoidal in shape.

By being substantially trapezoidal in shape, tableware can be stacked in the plurality of support arms 68, 70 with tableware protruding away from the centre of the tableware carrier 60 by different distances on different support arms 72. This allows the tableware to be identified without requiring removal of the tableware from the tableware carrier 60.

The first substantially planar body 62 features a slit 76, forming a handle 78. The second substantially planar body 64 extends partway along the height of the first substantially planar body 62. This leaves the handle 78 of the first substantially planar body 62 unobstructed and easier to for a user to hold.

Now referring to Figure 4, a tableware carrier stand according to a second aspect of the present invention is generally shown at 80. The tableware carrier stand can be mounted about an edge of a table (82, see Figure 5).

The tableware carrier stand 80 has an upper jaw portion 84. The upper jaw portion 84 is rectangular in shape in this embodiment, but may be other shapes in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the upper jaw portion 84 has a first length which extends from the edge of the table 82 towards the centre of the table by around 20 cm to 25 cm.

The tableware carrier stand has a lower jaw portion 86. The lower jaw portion is rectangular in shape in this embodiment, but may be other shapes in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the lower jaw portion has a second length which extends from the edge of the table 82 towards the centre of the table by around 15 cm to 20 cm.

Note that the stand 80 is shown in Figure 4 in a closed configuration, with a small or negligible gap between the upper and lower jaw portions. The gap is adjustable in this embodiment to accommodate a range of table edge thicknesses.

In other embodiments, the first length of the upper jaw portion 84 and the second length of the lower jaw portion 86 are substantially identical.

The tableware carrier stand has a jaw height (88, see Figure 5). The jaw height (88, see Figure 5) is measured from the top surface 90 of the lower jaw portion to the bottom surface 92 of the upper jaw portion 84. In use, this distance is substantially equal to the thickness of the edge of the table (82, see Figure 5).

A tableware carrier dock 94 is provided on a top surface of the tableware carrier stand 96. During use, the tableware carrier dock 94 receives a lower portion of a tableware carrier. This is illustrated in Figure 5. In Figure 5, the tableware carrier dock 94 receives the feet 14a, 14b of the tableware carrier 10 described in the first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. It will be appreciated that the form of the dock is designed to co-operate with or complement the tableware carrier (particularly the base or the lower portion of the elongate support), and may take any suitable form. For example, for the carrier of Figure 3, the dock or docking area may be sized and shaped to receive some or all of the base 66.

Referring again to Figure 4, in this embodiment, the tableware carrier dock 94 includes two hoop members 98a, 98b (or shoes). The two hoop members 98a, 98b protrude from the top surface of the upper jaw portion 96. The hoop members 98a, 98b are rectangular in shape. Each of the hoop members 98a, 98b has two parallel walls perpendicular to the top surface of the upper jaw portion 96. The parallel walls are connected by a third wall, parallel to the top surface of the upper jaw portion 96. The shape of the hooped members 98a, 98b corresponds to a cross-section of the lower portion of the tableware carrier. That is, they are shaped to receive the feet of the carrier 10. The biasing open of the feet can assist in retaining the feet in engagement with the shoes In other embodiments, the dock 94 comprises apertures through the upper and/or lower jaw portion 84, 86. The lower portion of the tableware carrier is inserted into the apertures.

A clamping mechanism 100 is provided on the tableware carrier stand. Any suitable clamp may be used for securing the jaw about a table edge, but an exemplary clamp is described below.

The clamping mechanism 100 is disposed below the upper jaw portion 84, adjacent to the lower jaw portion 86. The clamping mechanism 100 includes a screw connected to the lower jaw portion 86. The clamping mechanism 100 includes a handle 102 connected to the screw. As the handle 102 is rotated clockwise or anticlockwise, the screw is tightened or loosened. As the screw is tightened or loosened the lower jaw portion 86 moves higher or lower relative to the upper jaw portion 84. This allows the jaw height (88, see Figure 5) to be configured to correspond to the thickness of the edge of the table (82, see Figure 5).

It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the stand may provide a jaw with a fixed spacing for fitting to a particular thickness of table edge.

The tableware carrier stand has a handle 104. The handle 104 is disposed on a bottom surface of the lower jaw portion 106. The handle 104 facilitates the removal of the tableware carrier stand 80 from the edge of the table 82.

In other embodiments, the tableware carrier stand may be arranged wherein the upper jaw portion 84 is disposed below the edge of the table 82 and the lower jaw portion 86 is disposed above the edge of the table 82. In this embodiment the hoop members 98a, 98b are disposed below the edge of the table 82.

In use, the tableware carrier 10 is used to carry tableware (particularly plates) loaded with food from a kitchen (or bar) to a table 36. The tableware carrier 10 is initially loaded with tableware at the kitchen (or bar). The tableware carrier 10 is opened if originally folded in the closed configuration and plates of food are placed onto the support arms 18. The left portions 18a of the support arms support the left sides of the plates. The right portions 18b of the support arms support the right sides of the plates.

Some items of tableware such as bowls may not be wide enough to be supported by the support arms 18. To carry these items, at least one tray 40 is inserted onto the support arms 18. The tableware is inserted into a suitable aperture 52 in the tray 40 and retained as described above.

At least one tray 40a with a plurality of apertures 52a can be inserted onto the support arms 18 to carry multiple smaller bowls. At least one tray 40b with glassware apertures 53 can be inserted onto the support arms 18 to carry glassware. The glassware is inserted into the glassware apertures 53.

The tableware carrier 10 is then carried by a waiter to the table 36. The waiter carries the tableware carrier 10 by holding the handle(s). The waiter may carry the tableware carrier beside or in front of them, e.g. holding the tableware carrier 10 with the first handle 32 and keeping the tableware carrier 10 level (i.e. the plates substantially parallel with the ground) with the second handle 34.

Once the waiter arrives at the table 36, the tableware carrier 10 is docked in the tableware carrier stand 80, which may have previously been secured to the edge of

the table.

The process of attaching the tableware carrier stand 80 to the edge of a table 82 is as follows. If the jaw height 88 is too big or too small compared to the thickness of the edge of the table 82 prior to attachment, the clamp handle 102 is rotated to loosen/tighten the screw and cause the jaw height 88 to substantially match or slightly exceed the table edge thickness as described above, and so allow the stand to be engaged about the edge of the table. The tableware carrier stand 80 is arranged about the edge of the table 82 such that the upper jaw portion 84 rests above the top surface of the table and the lower jaw portion 86 is disposed below the table 36.

The clamping mechanism 100 can then be tightened to decrease the jaw height 88 slightly to more exactly correspond to the thickness of the edge of the table 82 and to provide a clamping force.

To remove the tableware carrier stand 80 from the edge of the table 82, the clamping mechanism 100 is loosened to increase the jaw height 88. The tableware carrier stand 80 is then pulled off the edge of the table 82. That is, the reverse operation is carried out to various of the initial clamping steps.

To dock the tableware carrier 10 into the tableware carrier stand 80, the waiter may insert the feet 14a, 14b of the tableware carrier 10 into the hoop members 94 of the tableware carrier stand 80.

The waiter can then remove tableware, such as plates of food, from the tableware carrier 10 to serve the customers at the table 36.

The waiter may leave the tableware carrier 10 docked in the tableware carrier stand 80 for receiving empty plates. Preferably, the waiter removes the tableware carrier 10 from the tableware carrier stand 80 after serving the customers at the table 36 to provide more space on the table 36. Wien the empty tableware is ready to be collected the waiter may repeat the docking process. The empty tableware is reinserted into the tableware carrier 10 to efficiently clear the table 36.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. CLAIMS1 A tableware carrier for a person to carry to or from a table, the tableware carrier comprising: a base for standing the tableware carrier upright; at least one elongate support or upright support extending upwards from the base; at least one handle for carrying the tableware carrier; and a plurality of support arms on the elongate support for supporting a plurality of tableware items, in which the support arms are spaced apart on the elongate support, each support arm comprises a left portion and a right portion which provide a tableware receiving area between the portions, the left and right portions of a given support arm meet each other at or adjacent to the elongate support, and the support arms are arranged substantially parallel to each other and also substantially parallel to a plane of the base.
2. 2. A tableware carrier as claimed in claim 1, in which at least one tray is provided for holding one or more items of tableware, the tray being releasably engageable with the carrier, the tray being supported by the support arms when the tray is disposed in the tableware carrier.
3. 3. A tableware carrier as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one tray comprises releasable connection means for releasably engaging the left and/or right portions of one of the support arms.
4. 4. A tableware carrier as claimed in claims 2 or 3, wherein the at least one tray comprises at least one tableware-receiving aperture or recess with a width of at least about 60 mm.
5. 5. A tableware carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tableware carrier comprises a folding mechanism for folding the tableware carrier from an open configuration to a closed configuration and from a closed configuration to an open configuration.
6. 6. A tableware carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the vertical distance between a neighbouring pair of support arms is at least 40 mm.
7. 7. A tableware carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the handle is disposed on the elongate support.
8. 8. A tableware carrier as claimed in claim 7, in which the handle is disposed above the plurality of support arms.
9. 9. A tableware carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tableware carrier comprises at least two handles.
10. 10. A tableware carrier as claimed in claim 9, in which the at least two handles are disposed either on the elongate support or respectively on left and right sides of the tableware carrier.
11. 11.A tableware carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an upper surface of at least one support arm in the plurality support arms comprises a grippy material for minimising tray or tableware slippage on the support arms whilst the carrier is being carried to a table.
12. 12. A tableware carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the elongate support is releasably connected to the base.
13. 13.A tableware carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the base comprises one or more feet which extend substantially parallel to the plurality of support arms.
14. 14. A tableware carrier as claimed in claim 13, in which the one or more feet provide docking means for engaging the tableware carrier with a tableware carrier stand.
15. 15. A tableware carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the unloaded weight of the tableware carrier is a maximum of 5 kg.
16. 16. A tableware carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tableware carrier comprises a second plurality of support arms, wherein the first and second pluralities of support arms provide a substantially symmetric arrangement of support arms on the elongate support for keeping the centre of gravity substantially centred on the elongate support.
17. 17. A tableware carrier as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the base includes a tableware carrier stand having a jaw for attachment about an edge of a table.
18. 18. A tableware carrier stand for attachment about an edge of a table, the tableware carrier stand comprising: a) a jaw comprising an upper jaw portion for positioning above the edge of the table, and a lower jaw portion for positioning below the edge of the table, the upper and lower jaw portions being provided in a substantially rigid arrangement and spaced apart for an interior of the jaw to snugly fit about the edge of the table; b) at least one dock on an exterior of the jaw for docking a tableware carrier with the stand; wherein, during use, the upper jaw portion extends across a top surface of the table by a first length and the second portion extends across a bottom surface of the table by a second length such that when a tableware carrier is mounted or docked to the tableware carrier stand the weight of the tableware carrier is insufficient for detaching the tableware carrier stand from the edge of the table.
19. 19. A tableware carrier stand as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and the second length is in the range of at least 20 mm to about 250 mm.
20. 20. A tableware carrier stand as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein at least one of the first and second jaw portions has a width in the range of at least 5 mm to about 150 mm.
21. 21. A tableware carrier stand as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20, in which the jaw comprises a clamping mechanism for clamping the jaw portions about the edgeof the table.
22. 22. A tableware carrier stand as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21, in which the at least one dock is disposed on a top surface of the upper jaw portion.
23. 23. A tableware carrier stand as claimed in any of claims 18 to 22, in which the at least one dock is disposed on a bottom surface of the lower jaw portion.
24. 24. A tableware carrier stand as claimed in any of claims 18 to 23, in which the at least one dock is disposed on a lateral side of the jaw for positioning the dock above or below the edge of the table during use.
25. 25. A tableware carrier stand as claimed in any of claims 18 to 24, in which a handle is provided on the tableware carrier stand.