US20040149621A1

US20040149621A1 - Food and activity tray

Info

Publication number: US20040149621A1
Application number: US10/357,758
Authority: US
Inventors: John Sgrignoli
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-04
Filing date: 2003-02-04
Publication date: 2004-08-05

Abstract

A food and activity tray possessing the ability to accommodate different permutations and sizes of food and beverage packages or containers, wherein the tray further provides a functional work surface and/or activity surface capable of receiving a plurality of interchangeable game faces or plates for entertainment purposes.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to food trays, and more specifically to a food and activity tray. The present invention is particularly suitable for, although not strictly limited to, receiving and retaining packaged or jacketed food and beverage items placed therein and thereon, yet providing a functional work and/or activity surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of convenience and expediency, or on account of time constraints, many individuals often resort to consuming food products within and/or while operating their vehicles, wherein such food products/items are often procured via conveniently accessible fast-food restaurants, delis, cafes, grocers, or the like. This convenient accessibility of such food, however, can often be outweighed by the burdensome inconvenience associated with handling/managing the food items within and/or while operating a vehicle.

More specifically, a typical fast-food type meal, which may include a main dish, such as a sandwich, a side dish, such as French fries, and a beverage, can be cumbersome and difficult to simultaneously manage/handle and consume, and can even present a dangerous condition if conducted while operating a vehicle. However, as vehicle beverage holders and/or console compartments are limited in their capacity to receive and retain multiple packaged food products, vehicular occupants are left with little choice, but to juggle the food items between an available hand, or open lap, and a beverage holder or console compartment, all in the process of consuming the same, thus increasing the chances of food or beverage spillage, and presenting a hazardous driving condition.

As such, in attempts to remedy the aforementioned inconveniences, many individuals utilize conventionally available automobile food trays to facilitate handling and management of purchased fast-food, or the like. In general, however, most available automobile food trays possess inherent disadvantages that render their use highly inefficient, impractical and problematic.

Specifically, most available automobile food trays are limited in either their ability to effectively accommodate and retain a variety of differently sized beverage cups, food containers and/or food jacket sizes, and are thus limited in the number of permutations of food array that may be carried within the food tray.

Another significant disadvantage of most automobile food trays, however, is their inability to be utilized as anything more than food retaining devices, and are thus, often discarded after a limited, if not a first, use. That is, most available automobile food trays lack the ability to be re-used and/or provide a functional work and/or activity surface for use by the vehicle's operator or front/rear passengers.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a food and activity tray that has the ability to provide a functional work and/or activity surface, yet still accommodate a plurality of permutations of food array in differently sized packages or containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a food and activity tray possessing the ability to accommodate different permutations and sizes of food and beverage packages or containers, wherein the tray further provides a functional work surface and/or activity surface capable of receiving a plurality of interchangeable game faces or plates for entertainment purposes.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a food and activity tray having beverage holders, variable food holder, main surface, retaining trough, interchangeable game plates, tethered writing utensil, removably securable coupon holder, and logo region.

More specifically, the present invention is a food and activity tray, wherein the tray preferably possesses beverage holders dimensioned to receive a variety of differently sized beverage cups, and a variable food holder capable of receiving either a beverage cup of any size, or a food container, such as the jacket or cardboard sleeve utilized to contain French fries. The tray further possesses a main surface for the placement of food thereon, wherein the main surface also functions as a work surface onto which a pad of paper, laptop, or the like, may be placed, retained and utilized in conjunction with a tethered writing utensil attached to the main surface.

The main surface also preferably possesses a checkerboard etched thereon for purposes of playing checkers and/or chess. Additionally, the main surface possesses an outer or peripheral retaining lip, wherein the area defined therein is dimensioned to receive a plurality to interchangeable game plates that are preferably retained in place via the peripheral retaining lip. A retaining trough formed adjacent the main surface preferably functions to retain therein eating utensils, additional writing utensils, condiment packages, and/or any other desired item.

The tray further incorporates a removably securable coupon holder for securely retaining a user's coupons, discount cards, or the like, for utilization at applicable eateries or restaurants.

As an added feature, the tray also preferably possesses a frontally disposed logo panel or region for the placement or retention of logos, decals, or the like, thereon, thereby permitting fast-food restaurants, beverage manufacturers, and/or other food suppliers and/or manufacturers, to advertise their respective food products/logos thereon.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to accommodate different permutations and sizes of food and beverage packages or containers.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a food tray having a functional work surface and/or activity surface capable of receiving a plurality of interchangeable game faces or plates for entertainment purposes.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is the checkerboard etched onto the main surface of the tray, thus facilitating the playing of checkers and/or chess thereon.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to capture and maintain a child's attention via the incorporated interchangeable game plates, thus preoccupying the child after he/she has consumed his/her meal.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to facilitate the handling/management of food items within and/or while operating a vehicle.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is the novel incorporation of a food tray with interchangeable game faces.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is the novel incorporation of a food tray with a coupon holder.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is the novel incorporation of a food tray with a tethered writing utensil, thus facilitating the alternate use of the food tray as a functional work surface.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is the novel incorporation of a food tray with a variable food holder capable of receiving either a beverage cup of any size, or a food container, such as the jacket or cardboard sleeve utilized to contain French fries.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is its textured surface that effectively hides fingerprints, and further reduces slippage of the tray from a user's hands.

A feature and advantage of the present invention are the non-skid, frictional pads on the underside of the tray that reduce/eliminate movement of the tray when placed upon the user's lap, car seat, or other interior vehicular surface, such as the dashboard or console.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is the alterable logo panel that permits customization of the tray for advertisement purposes, or the like.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is its angled or wedge shape design that permits the tray to sit substantially level when placed upon a passenger's lap, or upon a car seat.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is the peripheral retaining lip of the main surface that functions to maintain food particles and/or spilled liquids therewithin, thus preventing spillage of food and/or beverage onto the vehicle's upholstery.

A feature and advantage of the present invention is its angled walls that permit the convenient and compact stacking of a plurality of the present inventive trays.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: [0030]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0031]
FIG. 2 is a top view of a food and activity tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0032]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use. [0033]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use. [0034]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use. [0035]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use. [0036]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use. [0037]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a food and activity tray according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, showing the device in use.[0038]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. [0039] 1-8, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
Referring now to FIGS. [0040] 1-3, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is a food and activity tray 10 having, in general, body 20, wherein body 20 comprises beverage holders 40 and 60, variable food holder 80, main surface 100, and retaining trough 120, and wherein tray 10 further comprises interchangeable game plates 140, tethered writing utensil 160, coupon holder 180, and logo region 200.
Preferably, [0041] body 20 is substantially wedge-shaped for purposes of maintaining tray 10 on a level plane when placed upon a user's lap, car seat, car console, or any other angled surface, as more fully described below. As tray 10 will inherently be dirtied by food particles, cooking oils, spilled condiments and/or beverages, body 20 is preferably formed from a durable, dishwasher-safe plastic to facilitate the cleansing, and thus re-use, of tray 10. Moreover, body 20 is preferably textured to assist in concealing fingerprints due to the handling of oily foods, and for purposes of reducing slippage when held.
Preferably, [0042] front wall 20A, rear wall 20B, and sidewalls 20C and 20D are outwardly angled to permit the compact stacking and storage of plurality of trays 10, as more fully described below. Furthermore, body 20, and tray 10 in general, preferably possesses rounded edges for purposes of safety.
Although, plastic is the preferred material for manufacture of [0043] body 20, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that other suitable materials could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, metal, or treated and sealed wood. Additionally, although tray 10 is preferably re-useable, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that tray 10 could be disposable and/or recyclable, wherein body 20 could be formed from any suitable material known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, durable corrugated cardboard, or expanded rigid polystyrene plastic.
Preferably, [0044] front region 22 of body 20 is the thickest portion of wedge-shaped body 20, wherein front region 22 preferably tapers off into back region 24, the thinnest portion of wedge-shaped body 20.
Preferably formed in alignment on [0045] top surface 22A of front region 22 of body 20 is variable food holder 80 and beverage holders 40 and 60. Beverage holders 40 and 60 are preferably frustoconical-shaped, and possess closed bottoms for the support of beverages placed therein, and for capture of beverage condensation and/or spillage. Preferably, the size and frustoconical shape of beverage holder 40 enables the placement and supportive retention therein of a variety of differently sized beverage cups, including those having a volumetric capacity greater than conventional large beverage cup sizes, such as those commonly referred to as SUPER-SIZED beverages. As best illustrated in FIG. 1, beverage holder 60 preferably possesses a smaller diameter than beverage holder 40, and further preferably possesses a tiered or graduated interior configuration for purposes of facilitating accommodation of a variety of smaller cup sizes, as is known within the art. Although the preferred shape of beverage holders 40 and 60 is frustoconical, it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that beverage holders 40 and 60 could be any other suitable shape or configuration to facilitate the placement and retention of a variety of beverage cups therein.
[0046] Variable food holder 80 preferably possesses truncated frustoconical-shaped mid-section 82 bisected therethrough by downwardly-tapered slot 84, wherein slot 84 is preferably substantially rectangular-shaped; although other suitable shapes could be utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, elliptical or diamond. Preferably, the size and generally frustoconical shape of mid-section 82, enables the placement and supportive retention therein of a variety of differently sized beverage cups, including those having a volumetric capacity greater than the conventional large beverage cup size, such as those commonly referred to as SUPER-SIZED beverages.
Alternatively, a user of [0047] tray 10 may opt to place a jacketed food item within variable food holder 80, instead of a beverage within mid-section 82. As such, slot 84 is preferably suitably shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a variety of differently sized food containers and/or jackets, including those having a volumetric capacity greater than the conventional large size, wherein an example of such a lager-sized food item may include SUPER-SIZED French fries.
Preferably, back [0048] region 24 of body 20 possesses main surface 100, wherein main surface 100 is preferably enclosed by raised peripheral lip 102. Preferably formed adjacent to main surface 100 is retaining trough 120, wherein raised peripheral lip 102 preferably also extends around and encloses retaining trough 120.
Separately and collectively, [0049] main surface 100 and retaining trough 120 provide a plurality of functional options for a user of tray 10. Within the scope of food consumption, however, main surface 100 is adapted to support a plurality of food items such as, for exemplary purposes only, sandwiches, wherein raised peripheral lip 102 functions to maintain food particles/crumbs or spillage within main surface 100. Retaining trough 120 functions to retain eating utensils, condiment packages, spice packages, napkins, toothpicks, or the like, thus facilitating the user's eating experience.
[0050] Main surface 100 and retaining trough 120 also preferably function as an activity or game surface. Specifically, formed preferably on main surface 100 is checkerboard 104, wherein checkerboard 104 is preferably formed thereon via any suitable means known with in the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, heat embossing, etching, painting, printing, or could alternatively be in the form of an adhesive decal, or the like. Checkerboard 104 further preferably possesses a plurality of aligned peg holes 104A for receipt and retention of pegged game pieces GP therein, thus preventing movement of same during vehicle motion and/or sudden stop. Checkerboard 104 preferably enables a user of tray 10 to play chess or checkers thereon, wherein game pieces GP, or any other game pieces, may be user-supplied or supplied by the merchandiser or distributor of tray 10. It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that main surface 100 could possess a magnetic underlay for purposes of facilitating the magnetic attraction and adherence of magnetically susceptible game pieces thereon, thus preventing movement of same during vehicle motion and/or sudden stop.
[0051] Main surface 100 is further preferably adapted to receive interchangeable game plates 140, wherein interchangeable game plates 140 are preferably any desired game plate overlay, and wherein game pieces for interchangeable game plates 140, and interchangeable game plates 140 themselves, may be user-supplied or supplied by the merchandiser or distributor of tray 10. Interchangeable game plates 140 are preferably retained in place upon main surface 100 via raised peripheral lip 102.
It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that [0052] interchangeable game plates 140 could possess a magnetic underlay for purposes of facilitating the magnetic attraction and adherence of magnetically susceptible game pieces thereon, thus preventing movement of same during vehicle motion and/or sudden stops, or for magnetically adhering magnetically susceptible interchangeable game plates 140 to a magnetic main surface 100. In yet another alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that main surface 100 could possess hook-and-loop fasteners for retention of interchangeable game plates 140 thereon, wherein interchangeable game plates 140 would possess reciprocal hook-and-loop fasteners. In still another alternate embodiment, it is contemplated that interchangeable game plates 140 could possess a plurality of aligned throughholes capable of being superimposed and aligned over peg holes 104A of main surface 100 for insertion therethrough of pegged game pieces GP, or the like. Additionally, interchangeable game plates 140 can be formed from any suitable material known within the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, laminated printed game boards for easy cleanup, disposable paper game boards/plates, re-useable and durable plastic game boards/plates having the game face etched, heat embossed, painted or printed thereon. It is contemplated that main surface 100 could also receive promotional inserts or overlays, placed thereon via a merchandiser or distributor of tray 10.
In conjunction with [0053] main surface 100, retaining trough 120 preferably functions to house game pieces, or the like. Additionally, for purposes of ready accessibility, preferably affixed at aft end 122 of retaining trough 120, proximal rear wall 20B of body 20, is tethered writing utensil 160, wherein tethered writing utensil 160 is preferably tethered thereto via resilient coiled cord 124, and wherein writing utensil 160 is preferably any suitable writing utensil known with the art, such as, for exemplary purposes only, ink pen, pencil, or marker.
[0054] Main surface 100 and retaining trough 120 also preferably provides a functional work surface, wherein main surface 100 is preferably capable of receiving and supporting paper pad P, or a laptop, thereon and within raised peripheral lip 102, and wherein retaining trough 120 preferably functions to retain additional writing utensils, erasers, paper clips, binder clips, tape, adhesive note paper, or the like, thus transforming tray 10 into a portable home office.
Similarly, [0055] main surface 100 and retaining trough 120 also preferably function as a child's activity surface, wherein main surface 100 is adapted to receive a child's activity book thereon, and wherein retaining trough 120 functions to retain a child's coloring pencils, or the like.
Preferably, sidewalls [0056] 20A, 20B, 20C or 20D of body 20 are adapted to receive rectangular-shaped, clip-like coupon holder 180, wherein coupon holder 180 is preferably removably securable thereto, thus permitting user-selected application or removal therefrom. Preferably, coupon holder 180 permits the placement and retention therein of a plurality of coupons, discount cards, or the like, for utilization at applicable eateries or restaurants.
It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that [0057] coupon holder 180 could be formed on and partially cut out from sidewalls 20A, 20B, 20C or 20D of body 20 as a rectangular-shaped flap capable of flexing outwardly to permit the placement and retention therein of coupons, or the like. It is contemplated in yet another alternate embodiment that coupon holder 180 could function to retain items other than coupons, such as, for exemplary purposes only, folded interchangeable game plates 140, business cards, adhesive note paper, maps, grocery store lists, or the like.
Preferably formed on [0058] front wall 20A of body 20 is and logo panel or logo region 200 for the placement or retention of logos, decals, or the like, thereon, thereby permitting fast-food restaurants, beverage manufacturers, and/or other food suppliers and/or manufacturers, to advertise their respective food products/logos thereon. Logo region 200 is preferably slightly recessed to promote a distinguishable surface differentiation for purposes of facilitating proper placement/centering of a logo on front wall 20A.
Preferably positioned at [0059] front edge 21 of body 20 is non-skid frictional pad 190, wherein pad 190 functions to reduce/eliminate movement of tray 10 when placed upon the user's lap, car seat, or other interior vehicular surface, such as the dashboard or console. It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that the entire underside of tray 10 could possess a non-skid, frictional overlay, or plurality of intermittently spaced non-skid, frictional pads for added stability.
Referring now more specifically to FIGS. [0060] 4-6, due to the wedge-shaped of body 20, tray 10 is able to be maintained on a level plane when placed upon a user's lap, car console, or car seat. Additionally, with reference to FIG. 7, outwardly angled walls 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D of tray 10 preferably function to permit a fast-food restaurant, or other supplier of tray 10, to compactly stack and store a plurality of trays 10 for eventual distribution to consumers. Furthermore, upon accumulating a plurality of trays 10, a user may also stack and store the plurality of trays 10 within the user's vehicle.
Referring now more specifically to FIG. 8, illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of [0061] tray 10, wherein the alternate embodiment of FIG. 8 is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 8 incorporates slots 300 and 302, formed proximal sidewalls 20C and 20D, respectively, of body 20, wherein slots 300 and 302 function to retain interchangeable game plates 340 presented herein as an alternate embodiment. Specifically, interchangeable game plates 340 possess tabs 342 and 344 dimensioned to be received by slots 300 and 302, respectively, thereby permitting the secured retention of interchangeable game plates 340 thereon. Additionally, the present alternate embodiment is illustrated without raised peripheral lip 102 formed along sidewalls 20C and 20D; however, it is contemplated that raised peripheral lip 102 could be incorporated along sidewalls 20C and 20D in the present alternate embodiment if desired. It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that advertising inserts could also be equipped with tabs for retention of the inserts within slots 300 and 302.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0062] beverage holders 40 and 60, and/or variable food holder 80, could possess absorption pads disposed therein, thus facilitating the absorption of moisture, condensation and/or spillage from the beverages.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0063] tray 10 could incorporate a sliding drawer to hold interchangeable game plates 140 or 340, additional writing utensils, eating utensils, napkins, straws, condiment packages, paper pads, and/or any other suitable article.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0064] tray 10 could possess integrally molded side slots to permit the passage therethrough of a seatbelt, thus firmly securing tray 10 to an empty passenger car seat.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that the underside of [0065] tray 10 could possess a beanbag, or other pliable/moldable/gel cushioning, for comfort on a user's lap, as well as to facilitate accommodation of tray 10 over an uneven surface.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0066] main surface 100 could possess a transparent plastic sleeve or pocket for the insertion therein of interchangeable game plates 140 or 340, advertising inserts, promotional papers, coupons, or the like.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that the entirety, or a portion, of [0067] main surface 100 could be a dry or wet-erase board for the erasable writing of notes or game play thereon.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that the underside of [0068] tray 10 could be dimensioned to sit on conventional-sized front and/or rear car consoles.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0069] front region 22 of tray 10 could possess a slot or clearing for accommodation of the gear shifter in a vehicle, thus permitting tray 10 to sit securely on the vehicle's front console.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0070] tray 10 could possess slots/holes for holding writing utensils in an upright position.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that writing [0071] utensil 160 could be removably affixed to tray 10 via hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, clips, clasps, or the like.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0072] main surface 100 could possess a drawing surface that incorporates magnetic shavings thereunder, wherein a metal-tipped drawing utensil could be utilized to draw pictures on the drawing surface by causing the magnetic shavings to adhere to the underside of the drawing surface, as is known within the art.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0073] tray 10 could possess a snap-shut lid for full coverage of the tray, and/or coverage of retaining trough 120 only, wherein full coverage of tray 10 by a snap-shut lid could permit refrigeration of unfinished food.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0074] tray 10 could incorporate a holder/slot/dispenser for tissues, dry/wet napkins, and/or other sanitizing cloths, wherein tray 10 could further incorporate a receptacle for storage of soiled tissues/napkins.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0075] tray 10 could possess hand-grips for bettering handling thereof.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0076] tray 10 could possess handles for better handling thereof.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0077] tray 10 could incorporate a plurality of individual slots/holes for the retention therein of condiment packages/cups, and/or for dipping sauce purposes.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0078] tray 10 could incorporate hooks for over-the-door seating of the tray, as is known within the art of drive-in restaurants.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0079] tray 10 could incorporate foldable legs for support of tray 10 over a user's lap.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0080] tray 10 could incorporate a reading light for use of tray 10 in a dimly lit vehicle, or at night.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0081] tray 10 could incorporate a clipboard-type clamp/clip for holding papers/pads thereon.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0082] main surface 100 and tray 10, in general, could incorporate a magnetic underlay for purposes of attracting and adhering magnetic game pieces, and the like, thereto.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0083] tray 10 could incorporate a pencil sharpener.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0084] tray 10 could incorporate a dispenser for accommodation of commonly available adhesive note paper.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that all surfaces, or any select number of surfaces, of [0085] tray 10 could be textured and slip-resistant.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0086] main surface 100 could incorporate prong-like holders or dividers for the upright accommodation of tacos, and/or similar food items, therein.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0087] tray 10 could incorporate clasps for retaining eating utensils therein.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0088] tray 10 could be manufactured with promotional coupons attached thereto and detachable therefrom.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that the underside, or any other applicable surface, of [0089] tray 10 could incorporate suction cups for attachment of tray 10 to a vehicle dashboard.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0090] tray 10 could incorporate struts, supports, hooks, straps, and/or other suitable supports that would facilitate attachment and support of tray 10 to the back of a car seat.
It is contemplated in another alternate embodiment that [0091] tray 10 could be utilized in most any type of setting and/or environment, such as, for exemplary purposes only, boats, airplanes, trains, parks, picnics, camping, hiking, tailgating, and the like.
Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. [0092]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A food and activity tray, comprising:

at least one beverage holder;

at least one surface for accommodating the placement thereon of a user-selected item; and

at least one interchangeable game plate adapted to be received by said at least one surface.

2. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising at least one variable food holder adapted to receive either a beverage cup or a food container.

3. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising at least one coupon holder.

4. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising at least one writing utensil.

5. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said at least one surface comprises a game face formed thereon.

6. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to receive and retain food items placed thereon.

7. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to function as a work surface.

8. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising at least one trough for retaining user-selected items therein.

9. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising a logo region for the placement of user-selected indicia thereon.

10. The food and activity tray of claim 1, further comprising frictional pads on the underside of said food and activity tray.

11. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said food and activity tray is substantially wedge-shaped.

12. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said at least one surface comprises at least one slot for receiving and retaining at least one tab formed on a removably securable game plate.

13. The food and activity tray of claim 1, wherein said at least one surface comprises a magnetic underlay for the magnetic attraction of magnetically susceptible interchangeable game plates and game pieces.

14. A food and activity tray, comprising:

at least one beverage holder;

at least one coupon holder.

15. The food and activity tray of claim 14, further comprising at least one variable food holder adapted to receive either a beverage cup or a food container.

16. The food and activity tray of claim 14, further comprising at least one writing utensil.

17. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least one surface comprises a game face formed thereon.

18. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to receive and retain at least one interchangeable game plate.

19. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to receive and retain food items placed thereon.

20. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to function as a work surface.

21. The food and activity tray of claim 14, further comprising at least one trough for retaining user-selected items therein.

22. The food and activity tray of claim 14, further comprising a logo region for the placement of user-selected indicia thereon.

23. The food and activity tray of claim 14, further comprising frictional pads on the underside of said food and activity tray.

24. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said food and activity tray is substantially wedge-shaped.

25. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least one surface comprises at least one slot for receiving and retaining at least one tab formed on a removably securable game plate.

26. The food and activity tray of claim 14, wherein said at least one surface comprises a magnetic underlay for the magnetic attraction of magnetically susceptible interchangeable game plates and game pieces.

27. A food and activity tray, comprising:

at least one beverage holder;

at least one writing utensil.

28. The food and activity tray of claim 27, further comprising at least one variable food holder adapted to receive either a beverage cup or a food container.

29. The food and activity tray of claim 27, further comprising at least one coupon holder.

30. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least one surface comprises a game face formed thereon.

31. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to receive and retain at least one interchangeable game plate.

32. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to receive and retain food items placed thereon.

33. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to function as a work surface.

34. The food and activity tray of claim 27, further comprising at least one trough for retaining user-selected items therein.

35. The food and activity tray of claim 27, further comprising a logo region for the placement of user-selected indicia thereon.

36. The food and activity tray of claim 27, further comprising frictional pads on the underside of said food and activity tray.

37. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said food and activity tray is substantially wedge-shaped.

38. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least one surface comprises at least one slot for receiving and retaining at least one tab formed on a removably securable game plate.

40. The food and activity tray of claim 27, wherein said at least one surface comprises a magnetic underlay for the magnetic attraction of magnetically susceptible interchangeable game plates and game pieces.

41. A food and activity tray, comprising:

at least one beverage holder;

at least one variable food holder adapted to receive a user-selected food item, said user-selected food item selected from the group consisting of contained beverages and jacketed solid foods.

42. The food and activity tray of claim 41, further comprising at least one writing utensil.

43. The food and activity tray of claim 41, further comprising at least one coupon holder.

44. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least one surface comprises a game face formed thereon.

45. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to receive and retain at least one interchangeable game plate.

46. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to receive and retain food items placed thereon.

47. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least one surface is adapted to function as a work surface.

48. The food and activity tray of claim 41, further comprising at least one trough for retaining user-selected items therein.

49. The food and activity tray of claim 41, further comprising a logo region for the placement of user-selected indicia thereon.

50. The food and activity tray of claim 41, further comprising frictional pads on the underside of said food and activity tray.

51. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said food and activity tray is substantially wedge-shaped.

52. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least one surface comprises at least one slot for receiving and retaining at least one tab formed on a removably securable game plate.

53. The food and activity tray of claim 41, wherein said at least one surface comprises a magnetic underlay for the magnetic attraction of magnetically susceptible interchangeable game plates and game pieces.