US20040159572A1

US20040159572A1 - Tortilla and taco transport apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20040159572A1
Application number: US10/369,224
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonathan Nash; Aaron Easley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-02-14
Filing date: 2003-02-14
Publication date: 2004-08-19

Abstract

The present invention provides a taco tray transportation device for housing a plurality of taco trays. The device includes a plurality of side walls, and a top and bottom surface. The plurality of side walls and the top and bottom surfaces are attached together in such a manner to provide access to the interior space of the transportation device. Each of the taco trays positioned inside of the interior of the transportation device are configured in such a manner so that when a first taco tray is stacked on top of a second taco tray there is a clearance between the bottom of the first taco tray and the top wall of the second taco tray sufficient to prevent tortillas positioned in tortilla receiving areas of the second taco tray from touching the bottom of the first taco tray.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application generally relates to a support apparatus for transporting and supporting tortillas such as tacos, tortillas, fajitas, wraps, gorditas, challupas, burritos, enchiladas and the like, more particularly this application relates to taco trays capable of supporting other taco trays and apparatus and methods for transporting said taco trays.

BACKGROUND

The Mexican foods market, including the fast food, dine-in/sit down restaurant, the home production and consumption segments and even the various cafeteria segments (e.g., those implemented at a school or work site), has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. Many individuals enjoy the fast food and restaurant version of Mexican taco and tortilla-based dishes, while many others prefer to construct their taco and tortilla-based dishes at home using fresh ingredients. However, the nature of many popular taco and tortilla dishes present several problems for taco and tortilla preparers and consumers. One particular concern is often the efficient and reliable transportation of multiple taco and tortilla dishes from a preparation site to the end consumer for purchase and pick-up or to the actual consumption site.

Since taco shells have a rounded base and tortillas revert to a flat disc shape when not held in hand, it is very difficult to support taco shells and tortillas in an upright or manageably stable position. Once the issue of taco and tortilla filling is resolved, there still remains the challenge of transporting a large amount a these prepared taco and tortilla dishes from a first location to a second remote location. Unfortunately, the taco and tortilla builder's transportation effort often results in a mess wherein many of the taco ingredients end up outside the taco shell or many taco shells are broken in route to a final destination. Moreover, a taco shell's fragility and a tortilla shell's malleability make it difficult to transport large quantities at one time without destroying the shell while in transit. As a result, there is a need for apparatus and methods for efficiently and reliably transporting a large number of taco and tortilla shells, maintained in a desired orientation, and simplify the taco and tortilla transportation process.

Currently, there are several taco and tortilla support and transportation devices, but many have undesirable characteristics. For example, currently many taco and tortilla transport and support devices are comprised of thin paper. The use of devices made of thin paper as transportation or support devices has short comings. For example, the paper devices are generally limited to supporting small numbers and transporting very little weight. Accordingly, the number of prepared taco and tortilla dishes that can be transported is significantly limited.

Other taco and tortilla transportation solutions provide for a device that can hold multiple tacos. However, the support surface of these devices are limited to a single horizontal plane. There are currently general food transportation devices that attempt to utilize multi-level, horizontally oriented food support surfaces. However, these solutions are not adapted for taco or tortilla dishes and would produce undesirable effects if applied to tacos or tortillas. One problem that would result is that tacos and tortillas would be crushed under the weight of the food support device positioned one level above them. In other words, these devices are not configured for stacking one device on top of the other. The presentation of broken tacos and smashed tortillas on a support device is not the most aesthetically pleasing and could subtract from the entire eating experience. The presentation is likely to be a significant issue in venues where a large number of tacos are to be served to a group of individuals, such as at a party, a restaurant or a cafeteria.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved tortilla and taco tray transportation apparatus and method. The present invention provides a solution to many problems, such as those discussed above, currently faced in the industry.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a taco tray configured to support a second taco tray. The taco tray provides opposing first and second side walls, opposing third and fourth side walls and a top wall connected to the first, second, third and fourth side walls, wherein the top wall has at least one taco receiving area formed therein for supporting a taco. The top wall is configured to provide vertical clearance between the bottom of a second taco tray stacked on top of the taco tray and the taco receiving area formed within the top wall of the taco tray, such that a taco positioned within the taco receiving area does not touch the bottom of the second taco tray when stacked on top of the taco tray.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a taco tray transportation device for housing a plurality of taco trays. The device provides a plurality of sidewalls, and a top surface opposite a bottom surface. The first plurality of sidewalls and the top surface and bottom surface are attached together to provide an accessible interior space for receiving at least a first taco tray. The first taco tray includes a plurality of sidewalls connected to a top wall that is configured to support a second taco tray when it is on top of the first taco tray.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a device for transporting a plurality of taco trays. The device provides a first sidewall, a second sidewall disposed opposite the first sidewall, a first plurality of taco tray support members formed into the first sidewall and a second plurality of taco tray support members formed into the second sidewall. The device further comprises a first taco tray configured with at least one taco receptacle area, wherein the first and the second plurality of taco tray support members are configured to receive at least the first taco tray. Each of the first and second plurality of taco tray support members are vertically spaced to create clearance between the first taco tray supported by the first and second plurality of taco tray support members and a second taco tray supported by the first and second plurality of taco tray support members. The clearance prevents a taco positioned in the first taco tray from making contact with an under surface of the second taco tray.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of transporting at least one taco. The method provides placing a first taco within a first taco support area which is formed in a first taco support surface of a first taco tray, wherein the first taco tray further provides a first plurality of first vertical members attached to the first taco support surface and placing the first taco tray in a first position in a taco tray housing. The method further provides placing a second taco within a second taco support area which is formed in a second taco support surface of a second taco tray. The second taco tray further provides a second plurality of second vertical members attached to the second taco support surface. The method also provides for the placement of the second taco tray in a second position in the taco tray housing above the first position, wherein the first plurality of vertical members of the first taco tray extend a distance above the plane of the first taco support surface so that a taco positioned in a taco support area does not touch the second taco tray positioned above the first taco tray.

These and various other features as well as advantages which characterize the present invention will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a perspective view of a taco tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0012]
FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a taco tray transportation device, according to the present invention, housing one embodiment of a plurality of taco trays; [0013]
FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a taco tray transportation device housing one embodiment of a plurality of taco trays; [0014]
FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a device for transporting a plurality of taco trays according to the present invention; [0015]
FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a taco tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0016]
FIG. 6 illustrates an operational flowchart corresponding to a process for transporting at least one tray according to one embodiment of the present invention. [0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides apparatus and methods for efficiently and reliably transporting a large number of taco and tortilla shells, maintained in a desired orientation. As used herein, the definition of the term “tortilla” refers to and comprises hard U-shaped shells, soft taco shells, fajita wraps, gorditas, challupas, burritos, enchiladas and any other edible soft or hard shell food support device resembling hard and soft shell tacos, fajitas, gorditas, challupas, burritos, enchiladas and wraps. [0018]
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a taco tray configured to support a second taco tray stack thereon. The taco tray provides opposing first and second sidewalls, opposing third and fourth sidewalls and a top wall connected to the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls, wherein the top wall has at least one taco receiving area formed therein for supporting a tortilla shell. The top wall is configured so that portions thereof extend above the horizontal plane of the top wall to provide vertical clearance between the bottom of a second taco tray, stacked on top of the taco tray and the taco receiving area formed within the top wall of the taco tray. The vertical clearance permits a tortilla positioned within the taco receiving area to not touch the bottom of the second taco tray when the second tray is stacked on top of the taco tray. Alternatively, the first, second, third and fourth side walls or portions thereof extend above the horizontal plane of the top wall to provide vertical clearance between the bottom of a second taco tray stacked on top of the taco tray and the taco receiving area formed within the top wall of the taco tray. [0019]
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a [0020] taco tray 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the taco tray 100 is configured to support and maintain a plurality of tortillas and is further configured to support a second taco tray (not shown) in a stacked position above it. The taco tray 100 provides a first sidewall 110 that opposes a second sidewall 130, and further provides a third sidewall 120 that opposes a fourth sidewall 140. Also shown is a top wall 150 that is connected to the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls 110, 130, 120 and 140, respectively, wherein the top wall provides a plurality of tortilla receiving areas 160. The plurality of taco receiving areas 160 are formed within the top wall 150 for the purpose of supporting tortillas positioned therein. The side walls 110, 130, 120, 160 extend above the horizontal plane of the top wall 150 to provide a vertical clearance between the bottom of a second taco tray (not shown) when it is stacked on top of the taco tray 100. Alternatively, the top wall 150 may be configured to provide a vertical clearance between the bottom of a second tray when it is stacked on top of the taco tray 100. Further, the plurality of taco receiving areas 160 are formed within the top wall 150 of the taco tray 100 so that when a tortilla is positioned within one of the plurality of taco receiving areas 160, the tortilla does not touch the bottom of the second taco tray stacked on top of the taco tray.
Further, notwithstanding, it is contemplated that the [0021] taco receiving areas 160 and sidewalls 110, 130, 120 and 140 could be of varying sizes and still be within the scope of the invention. Further, although the taco tray 100 shown in FIG. 1 is rectangular in shape, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to being rectangular in shape. For example, it is contemplated that a taco tray according to the present invention may be a circle, a triangle or even a polygon and still be within the spirit of this invention.
It is further contemplated that the present embodiment of the invention may be implemented with metal, wood, heavy paper, ceramic or any other material having the composition necessary to support a plurality of trays having tortillas positioned on the respective taco receiving areas. In some embodiments of the present invention, a material that comprises the [0022] taco tray 100 is heat resistant up to a point that would allow the taco tray 100 to be cleaned in a dishwasher. In other embodiments, the material of which the taco tray 100 is comprised may be heat resistant up to a temperature that would allow the taco tray 100 to be used in an oven.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a taco tray transportation device [0023] 200, according to the present invention, housing one embodiment of a plurality of taco trays 250 ₁, 250 ₂-250 _n. The taco tray transportation device 200 provides a plurality of sidewalls 210, 230 (the other two sidewalls are not shown) and a top surface 240 opposite a bottom surface (not shown). The plurality of sidewalls and the top surface 240 and the bottom surface are attached together to provide an accessible interior space for receiving at least one taco tray. The taco trays received in this interior space are configured according to one aspect of the present invention (e.g., the taco tray 100 shown in FIG. 1). In other words, the taco trays 250 ₁, 250 ₂-250-n include a plurality of sidewalls configured to support at least one other taco tray positioned above the first taco tray. The sidewall 210 is hingedly attached 212 to the top surface 240 so that the sidewall 210 may rotate in an outward direction from its original plane. As a result the sidewall 210 provides access to the interior space of the taco tray transportation device 200. In other words, a portion of the sidewall 210 is removably attached to the taco tray transportation device 200. The sidewall 210 is attached by the way of a dovetail interlock. FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the dovetail interlock device that detachably engages the bottom surface (not shown), and keeps the sidewall 210 attached to the device 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the dovetail interlock device is comprised of a male 220 and a female (not shown) interlock. The male portion 220 of the dovetail interlock device is attached to the sidewall 210 of the device 200. The female portion of the dovetail interlock device is attached to the bottom surface of the device 200.
FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a taco [0024] tray transportation device 300, according to the present invention, housing one embodiment of a plurality of taco trays 350 ₁, 350 ₂-350 _n. The taco tray transportation device 300 provides a plurality of sidewalls, 310, 330 (the other two sidewalls are not shown) and a top surface 340 opposite a bottom surface (not shown). The plurality of sidewalls and the top surface 340 and the bottom surface are attached together to provide an accessible interior space for receiving a plurality of taco trays 350 ₁, 350 ₂-350 _n. The taco trays 350 ₁, 350 ₂-350 _nreceived in this interior space are configured according to one aspect of the present invention (e.g., the taco tray 100 shown in FIG. 1). In other words, the taco trays 350 ₁, 350 ₂-350 _ninclude a plurality of sidewalls configured to support at least one other taco tray positioned above the first taco tray. The top surface 340 of the transportation device 300 is hingedly attached 342 to the sidewall 310 so that the top surface 340 may rotate in an upward direction away from its original plane, thus providing access to the interior space of the taco tray transportation device 300. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the top surface 340 is removably attached to the taco tray transportation device 300. The top surface 340 of the transportation device 300 is securedly attached thereto by the way of a dovetail interlock. FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the dovetail interlock device that helps stabilize the taco tray transportation device 300, by detachably engaging the back sidewall (not shown) and keeps the top surface 340 attached to the device 300. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the dovetail stabilization apparatus is comprised of a male 320 and a female (not shown) interlock. The male portion 320 of the dovetail interlock device is attached to the top surface 340 of the device 300. The female portion of the dovetail interlock device is attached to the back sidewall of the device 300.
It is to be understood that the present invention can comprise but is not limited to being comprised of plastic. It is contemplated that the present embodiment of the invention may be implemented with sturdy paper, metal, wood, ceramic or any other material having the composition necessary to reliably house a plurality of taco trays and maintain sufficient structural integrity to transport the plurality of taco trays. It is also contemplated in some embodiments, that material of which the taco [0025] tray transportation device 300 is comprised is heat resistant and conductive up to a point that would allow the taco transportation device 300 to help maintain the heat of tortillas housed within the interior space, thus maintaining warm and desirable taco and tortilla dishes. It is to be further understood that the taco tray transportation device may be comprised of a flexible material having the capability to retain heat.
FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a [0026] device 400 for transporting a plurality of taco trays according to the present invention. The device 400 shown in FIG. 4 is configured to transport a plurality of taco trays 450 ₁, 450 ₂-450 _n. The device 400 provides a first sidewall 430, a second sidewall 420 disposed opposite the first sidewall 430, and a first plurality of taco tray support members 460 ₁, 460 ₂-460 _nformed into the first sidewall 430. The device 400 further provides a second plurality of taco tray support members 440 ₁, 440 ₂, -440 _nformed into the second sidewall 420. Also shown is a top wall 410 attached between the first sidewall 430 and the second sidewall 420.
In another embodiment, the [0027] device 400 further provides a bottom wall 470. The bottom wall provides additional structural support to the device 400. It is also contemplated that the device 400 can be equipped with wheel support assemblies 480, 481 as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 further shows a device 400 with a plurality of taco trays 450 ₁, 450 ₂-450 _nthat each provides at least one taco receiving area (not shown) supported within the device 400. The first and second plurality of taco tray support members 460 ₁, 460 ₂-460 _nand 440 ₁, 440 ₂-440 _n, are configured to receive one taco tray per first and second taco tray support member pair. Each of the first and second plurality of taco tray support members 460 ₁, 460 ₂-460 _nand 440 ₁, 440 ₂-440 _n, respectively, are vertically spaced to create clearance between a taco tray (e.g., 450 ₁) supported by a first and second taco tray support member pair (e.g., 460 ₁and 440 ₁) and a second taco tray (e.g., 450 ₂) disposed above a taco tray (e.g., 450 ₁) supported by a second first and second taco tray support member pair (e.g., 460 ₂and 440 ₂). The clearance prevents a taco positioned in the first taco tray 450 ₁for making contact with an undersurface of the second taco tray 450 ₂.
Alternatively, the first and second plurality of taco tray support members are comprised of a plurality of U-shaped cavities (not shown) extending horizontally along the interior of [0028] side walls 420 and 430. Side walls 420 and 430 would each include a plurality of U-shaped cavities wherein each U-shaped cavity extends horizontally along the length of side walls 420 and 430, in a manner similar to the taco tray support members 460 ₁, 460 ₂-460 _nand 440 ₁, 440 ₂-440 _n. Each U-shaped cavity extending along the interior of side walls 420 and 430 is equally spaced apart to create a clearance between taco trays that engage the plurality of U-shaped cavities. The taco trays that engage the plurality of U-shaped taco tray support cavities would each include a flange on opposing side walls of the taco tray. The flange would engage and slide along and within the U-shaped cavity until the taco tray is fully inside the device 400 for transporting a plurality of taco trays.
FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a [0029] taco tray 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The taco tray 500 is configured to support and maintain a plurality of tacos. In another embodiment the taco tray 500 is further configured to support a second taco tray in a position above it, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG.(S) 1-3. The taco tray 500 provides a first sidewall 510 that opposes a second sidewall 530, and further provides a third sidewall 520 that opposes a fourth sidewall 540. Also shown is a surface 550 that is connected to the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls 510, 530, 520 and 540, respectively. The surface 550 is constructed with a plurality of taco receiving areas 560. The plurality of taco receiving areas 560 are formed within the surface 550 for the purpose of supporting a tortilla therein.
Notwithstanding, it is contemplated that the tortilla supporting chambers and tortilla supporting cavities could be of varying sizes and still be within the scope of the invention. It is also contemplated and it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to being shaped in a rectangular manner. For example, it is contemplated that a taco tray according to the present invention may be a circle, a triangle or even a polygon and still be within the spirit of this invention. [0030]
It is contemplated that the present embodiment of the invention may be implemented with metal, wood, thick paper or ceramic. It is also contemplated in some embodiments, that material of which the [0031] taco tray 500 is comprised is heat resistant up to a point that would allow the taco tray 500 to be cleaned in a dishwasher. In other embodiments the material of which the taco tray 500 is comprised may be heat resistant up to a temperature that would allow the taco tray 500 to be used in an oven.
FIG. 6 illustrates an [0032] operational flowchart 600 corresponding to a process for transporting at least one tray according to one embodiment of the present invention. The process begins with the access taco tray housing interior step 610, which can include accessing the housing by moving a hingedly connected sidewall, for example. In the first taco placement step 620 a first taco is placed within a first taco support area that is formed in a first taco support surface of a first taco tray. The first taco tray further comprises a first plurality of first vertical members attached to the first taco support surface.
The first taco [0033] tray placement step 630 includes placing the first taco tray in a first position in a taco tray housing. The second taco placement step 640 includes placing a second taco within a second taco support area that is formed in a second taco support surface of a second taco tray. The second taco tray further comprises a second plurality of second vertical members attached to the second taco support surface. In the second taco tray placement step 650 the second taco tray is placed in a second position in the taco tray housing above the first position, wherein the first plurality of vertical members extend a distance at least equal to the height of the first taco to support the second taco tray.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not with this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. [0034]

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A taco tray configured to support a second taco tray, comprising:

opposing first and second side walls, opposing third and fourth side walls and a top wall connected to the first, second, third and fourth side walls, wherein the top wall has at least one taco receiving area formed therein for supporting a taco; and

wherein the top wall is configured to provide vertical clearance between the bottom of a second taco tray stacked on top of the taco tray and the taco receiving area formed within the top wall of the taco tray, such that a taco positioned within the taco receiving area does not touch the bottom of the second taco tray when stacked on top of the taco tray.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the top wall configuration that provides vertical clearance between the bottom of the second taco tray stacked on top of the taco tray and the taco receiving area formed within the taco tray, comprises a plurality of vertical members extending horizontally along the outer perimeter of the top wall of the taco tray.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of vertical members form a polygon.

4. The device of clam 1, wherein the top wall configuration that provides vertical clearance between the bottom of a second taco tray stacked on top of the taco tray and the taco receiving area formed within the taco tray, comprises a plurality of vertical members disposed proximate the corners of the top wall.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of vertical members are cylindrical.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of vertical members are not attached to each other.

7. The device of claim 2, wherein the taco support surface is a first material and the plurality of vertical members are a second material.

8. A taco tray, comprising:

a plurality of sidewalls; and

a taco support wall, extending between the plurality of sidewalls, configured with at least one taco receiving area for supporting a taco;

wherein when the taco is positioned in the at least one taco receiving area and the taco tray is supporting a second taco tray, the plurality of sidewalls having extensions that extend above the plane of the taco support wall and thereby provide a taco clearance distance between the surface of the taco support wall and the bottom of a second taco tray when the second taco tray is stacked on top of the taco tray.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the device is made of a metal alloy.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of sidewalls are not attached to each other.

11. The device of claim 8, wherein the taco support wall is a first material and the plurality of sidewalls are a second material.

12. The device of claim 8, wherein the taco support wall forms a polygon.

13. A taco tray transportation device for housing a plurality of taco trays, comprising:

a plurality of sidewalls; and

a top surface opposite a bottom surface;

wherein the first plurality of sidewalls and the top surface and bottom surface are attached together to provide an accessible interior space for receiving at least a first taco tray;

wherein when the first taco tray includes a plurality of sidewalls configured to support a second taco tray positioned above the first taco tray.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of sidewalls of the second taco tray are attached to a taco support wall which is configured with at least one taco receiving area for supporting a taco.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of sidewalls of the first taco tray vertically extends above the plane of the surface of the first taco tray.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first plurality of sidewalls is hingedly attached to the top surface to provide access to the interior space of the taco tray transportation device.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein the at least one of the first plurality of sidewalls is configured with a re-engagement portion to releaseably engage the bottom surface.

18. The device of claims 13, wherein the top surface is hingedly attached to a first plurality of sidewalls to provide access to the interior space of the of the taco tray transportation device.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the top surface is configured with a reengagement portion to releaseably engage a second one of the first plurality of sidewalls.

20. The device of claim 13 wherein the device is constructed from a flexible material for allowing the device to be configured into a compact state when taco trays are not present in the interior space.

21. The device of claim 13, wherein the device is plastic.

22. A device for transporting a plurality of taco trays, comprising:

a first sidewall;

a second sidewall disposed opposite the first sidewall;

a first plurality of taco tray support members formed into the first sidewall;

a second plurality of taco tray support members formed into the second sidewall; and

a first taco tray configured with at least one taco receptacle area, wherein the first and the second plurality of taco tray support members are configured to receive at least the first taco tray;

wherein each of the first and second plurality of taco tray support members are vertically spaced to create clearance between the first taco tray supported by the first and second plurality of taco tray support members and a second taco tray supported by the first and second plurality of taco tray support members, wherein the clearance prevents a taco positioned in the first taco tray from making contact with an under surface of the second taco tray.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the first and second plurality of taco tray support members are vertically spaced apart and each horizontally extends along an inner portion of the first sidewall.

24. The device of claim 22, wherein each of the first and second plurality of taco tray support members are a plurality of vertically spaced apart grooves formed in an inner portion of the first and second walls, respectively, whereby a portion of the taco tray is releaseably retained.

25. The device of claim 22, further comprises a bottom wall, attached to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a plurality of wheels attached thereto.

26. The device of claim 22, further comprises a third sidewall extendings between the first and second walls.

27. The device of claim 22, wherein each of the first and second plurality of taco tray support members are a first and second plurality of shafts extending horizontally and attached to the first and second sidewalls.

28. The device of claim 22, wherein each of the first and second plurality of taco tray support members are a first and second plurality of pegs which form a M column by N row matrix, whereby N taco trays are supported.

29. A method of transporting at least one taco, comprising:

placing a first taco within a first taco support area which is formed in a first taco support surface of a first taco tray, wherein the first taco tray further comprises a first plurality of first vertical members attached to the first taco support surface;

placing the first taco tray in a first position in a taco tray housing;

placing a second taco within a second taco support area which is formed in a second taco support surface of a second taco tray, wherein the second taco tray further comprises a second plurality of second vertical members attached to the second taco support surface; and

placing the second taco tray in a second position in the taco tray housing above the first position, wherein the first plurality of vertical members extend a distance at least equal to the height of the first taco to support the second taco tray;