WO2010151151A1

WO2010151151A1 - A serving tray with removable handle

Info

Publication number: WO2010151151A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2010/000120
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bryan Parsons
Original assignee: Bryan Parsons
Priority date: 2009-06-22
Filing date: 2010-06-22
Publication date: 2010-12-29
Also published as: AU2010263377A1; US20120097574A1

Abstract

A serving tray (10) comprising a substantially planar tray (12) having a top surface (12a), and a bottom surface (12b) with a removable elongate handle (14) extending from the bottom surface of the tray. The tray (12) includes a handle coupling that is accessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the tray for receiving a complimentary engagement member of the handle (14) in a slidably releasable friction-fit hold.

Description

A SERVING TRAY WITH REMOVABLE HANDLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a serving tray. In particular, although not exclusively, the serving tray is suited for use in the hospitality industry.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In the hospitality industry it is well known for waitstaff to use serving trays to transport drinks and food from the kitchen or bar to customers. Serving trays are also commonly used by waitstaff to transport empty glasses and dishes cleared from tables back to the kitchen for cleaning. Serving trays come in a variety of different sizes and shapes and are often carried by one hand of the waiter or waitress. For example, when loading a tray the waiter or waitress typically places their hand centrally underneath the tray with fingers and thumbs spread thereby balancing the tray upon their hand. A portion of the tray may also rest on the forearm of the waiter or waitress.

Loading of a serving tray with drinks and food or empty dishes is carefully managed to evenly spread the tray load about the surface of the tray to assist the waiter or waitress to stabilise balance the tray on their hand. Unloading of the contents of the tray must also be managed in a similar way to prevent unbalancing of the tray, which can result in the tray tilting or being dropped resulting in spilling of the tray's contents onto the floor below. Use of this conventional serving tray technique requires training for most new waitstaff as misuse of trays can result in costly spillages and breakages of glasses and dishes. Additionally, accidental collisions of waitstaff with each other or objects such as tables and chairs or other patrons in the restaurant or bar can also result in an entire tray being spilt on the floor.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved serving tray, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a serving tray comprising: a substantially planar tray having a top surface and bottom surface, and being provided with a coupling comprising an internal cavity that is accessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the tray; and an elongate handle being coupled to the coupling so as to extend from the bottom surface of the tray, the internal cavity of the coupling being adapted to receive and retain a complementary engagement member or engagement portion of the handle in a slidably releasable friction-fit hold.

Preferably, the handle may be slidably releasable from the tray in a direction coincident or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Preferably, the elongate handle may extend longitudinally between a top-end and a bottom-end, and wherein the engagement member or engagement portion extends from the top-end of the handle.

Preferably, the internal cavity of the coupling may have a frustoconical shape and the engagement member or engagement portion of the handle may have a complementary frustoconical shape.

Preferably, the coupling may be centrally located with respect to the peripheral edge of the tray.

In one form, the coupling may be integrally formed with the tray.

In another form, the coupling may be releasably mounted to the tray.

Preferably, the coupling may be in the form of a coupling assembly having a first part and a second part that are securable to each other from opposite surfaces of the tray via a central aperture extending through the tray. More preferably, the first and second parts of the coupling assembly may be securable together via a screw-thread arrangement. Preferably, the elongate handle may be arranged to extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the bottom surface of the tray.

In one form, the handle may be provided with an upper flange at or ^■ toward its top-end that extends outwardly from the peripheral surface of the handle.

In another form, the handle may be provided with an upper flange at or toward its top- end and a lower flange at or toward its bottom-end, the flanges extending outwardly from the peripheral surface of the handle and defining between them a handgrip region of the handle for the user's hand.

In one form, the handle may have a circular cross-sectional shape along its length. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter of the handle may be uniform along a substantial portion of its length. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional diameter of the handle is non-uniform along its length. Preferably, the cross-sectional diameter of the handle at or toward its top-end is reduced relative to the cross-sectional diameter at or toward its bottom-end. Additionally or alternatively, the cross-sectional diameter of the handle in a middle portion between the top-end and bottom-end of the handle may be reduced relative to the remainder of the handle.

In another form, the cross-sectional circumference of the handle may be non-uniform along its length. Preferably, the cross-sectional circumference of the handle at or toward its top-end may be reduced relative to the cross-sectional circumference at or toward its bottom-end. More preferably, the cross-sectional circumference of the handle in a middle portion between the top-end and bottom-end of the handle may be reduced relative to the remainder of the handle.

Preferably, the tray is provided with a rim that protrudes upwardly from the peripheral edge of the tray relative to the top surface of the tray.

Preferably, the serving tray may further comprise a display stand that is removably mounted to the top surface of the tray. More preferably, the display stand comprises a frame onto which display material is securable. Preferably, the display stand further comprises a mounting component attached to the frame that is arranged to mount onto a complimentary protrusion provided centrally on the top surface of the tray.

In a second aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a kit of parts for assembling into a serving tray comprising: a substantially planar tray having a top surface and a bottom surface; a coupling integral with the tray or securable to the tray, the coupling comprising an internal cavity that is accessible via an opening in the bottom surface of the tray; and an elongate handle with an engagement member or engagement portion that is releaseably securable to the coupling of the tray such that the handle extends from the bottom surface of the tray when installed, the internal cavity of the coupling being adapted to receive and retain the engagement member or engagement portion of the handle in a slidably releasable friction-fit hold.

In a third aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a substantially planar serving tray having a top surface and a bottom surface and which has a coupling with an internal cavity that is accessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the tray and which is shaped to receive an retain a complementary shaped engagement member or engagement portion of an elongate handle such that the handle extends from the bottom surface of the tray when installed.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in an elongate handle for coupling to a serving tray, the handle extending between a top-end and a bottom-end, and having an engagement member or engagement portion extending from the top-end of the handle that is shaped to be received and retained in a complementary shaped internal cavity of a coupling of the serving tray.

Preferably, the engagement member or engagement portion of the handle has a frustoconical shape.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a handle coupling assembly for releasbly coupling a handle to a serving tray serving tray having a top surface and a bottom surface, the coupling assembly comprising a first part and a second part that are securable to each other from opposite surfaces of the tray via a central aperture extending trough the tray and together providing an internal cavity that is accessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the tray and which is shaped to receive an retain a complementary shaped engagement member of an elongate handle such that the handle extends from the bottom surface of the tray when installed.

The second-fifth aspects of the invention may further comprise any one or more features mentioned in respect of the first aspect of the invention.

The term "coupling" as used in this specification and claims, unless the context suggests otherwise, is intended to cover any form of coupling that is capable of releaseably securing the handle to the tray, whether the coupling is an integral part, formation, or aperture of the tray or a separate part or multi-part coupling assembly that is secured to the tray.

The term "tray" as used in this specification and claims, unless the context suggests otherwise, is intended to cover any size or shaped tray of the type that is substantially planar, including, by way of example, but not limited to, circular, square, rectangular, or any arbitrary shaped trays.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of. When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an assembled serving tray in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, and which includes a tray having an integral handle coupling;

Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the components of the serving tray of

Figure 1;

Figure 3A shows a top-side perspective view of the top surface of a preferred form of tray of serving tray of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3B shows an underside perspective view of the bottom surface of a preferred form of tray of the serving tray of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows an underside perspective view of the bottom surface of another form of tray of the serving tray of Figure 1 ; Figure 5 shows a top-side perspective view of a preferred form handle of the serving tray of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a top-side perspective view of a preferred form display stand of the serving tray of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7A shows an exploded view of the components of a serving tray in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention, and which includes a tray with a removable handle coupling assembly;

Figure 7B shows an underside perspective view of a partially assembled serving tray of

Figure 7A in which the upper part of the coupling assembly is inserted into a central aperture of the tray; Figure 7C shows an underside perspective view of a further partially assembled serving tray of Figure 7A in which the handle coupling assembly is fully installed in the tray; Figure 7D shows an underside perspective view of a fully assembled serving tray of Figure 7A in which the handle is fully inserted into the handle coupling assembly installed in the tray; and

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional elevation view of the assembled serving tray taken through line CC from direction D of Figure 7D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Overview

The present invention broadly relates to a serving tray assembly for use by waitstaff in the hospitality industry for transporting drinks, food, or empty glasses and dishes or other articles between patrons and the kitchen, bar, or other food or drink preparation area. The serving tray comprises two main parts, namely a removable substantially planar tray and a substantially elongate handle that is releaseably coupled to the tray. In operation, drinks, food or any other tray contents can be loaded upon the top-side of the tray by the user and the tray may then be carried around by the user gripping the handle that is releaseably coupled to extend from the underside of the tray. The handle is releaseably coupled to the tray by a coupling that is integrally formed with or otherwise attached or fixed to the tray. Typically, the coupling is provided centrally in the tray with respect to the peripheral edge of the tray, such that the handle extends from the center of the tray. However, in other embodiments the handle may be non-centrally mounted at other locations of the tray if desired. Optionally, a display stand is removably mounted to the top surface of the tray via a mounting assembly. The display stand is configured or arranged to mount or retain advertising or other material, provided in written text or graphical form upon a medium such as paper, cardboard or any other suitable material. By way of example, two preferred embodiments of the serving tray will now be explained in more detail.

First preferred embodiment- serving tray with integral handle coupling Referring to Figures 1-6, a first preferred embodiment of the serving tray 10 will be described. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the serving tray 10 comprises a substantially planar tray 12. In this embodiment, the tray 12 is substantially circular, although any other shaped or sized tray could be used in alternative embodiments including but not limited to, square, rectangular, oval, or any other arbitrary shaped tray. The tray 12 has a top surface 12a upon which food, drink and other tray contents are placed by the user, and a bottom surface 12b on the opposite side of the tray. The boundary of the tray 12 is defined by a peripheral edge 12c. Optionally, an integral rim 12d may extend upwardly (for example substantially perpendicularly or angularly) from the peripheral edge 12c relative to the top surface 12a of the tray. The peripheral rim 12d assists in preventing articles supported on the tray from rolling or slipping off the tray and onto the floor in use. It will be appreciated that any other form of peripheral ridge or projection could alternatively be used. Additionally, the top surface 12a of the tray may be provided with a grip surface for preventing carried articles from slipping off the tray.

The serving tray 10 also comprises a removable handle 14 that is configured for releaseably coupling into the bottom surface 12b of the tray 12. In this embodiment, the handle 14 is configured to be releaseably coupled with a coupling 16 that is integrally formed with the tray and located at the centre of the tray.

The longitudinal axis of the elongate handle extends in an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the planar tray surface, although it will be appreciated that the serving tray may be adapted or configured to mount the handle at any other angular orientation with respect to the tray's surface in alternative forms if desired.

Optionally, the serving tray 10 is provided with a removable display stand 18. Advertising or other graphical and/or written material may be mounted or otherwise attached to the display stand 18 that is mounted to the top surface 12a of the tray 12. In this embodiment, the display stand 18 is configured for removable mounting to the top surface 12a of the tray 12 via a mounting assembly or component 20. Referring to Figures 3 A and 3B, the integral handle coupling 16 will be described in further detail. The coupling 16 is preferably in the form of a substantially hollow body 16a that protrudes upwardly from the top surface 12a of the tray 12. In this embodiment, the hollow body 16a has a frustoconical shape, but it will be appreciated that any other shape of hollow body could alternatively be used. The hollow body 16a provides an internal cavity for slidably receiving and retaining an engagement member of the handle. Referring to Figure 3B, access to the cavity provided in the hollow body 16a is provided via an opening or cavity access aperture 16b in the bottom surface 12b of the tray 12. In this embodiment, a spacing formation generally indicated by 22 surrounds the cavity access aperture 16b and protrudes from the bottom surface 12b of the tray 12. In this embodiment, the spacing formation 22 comprises an annular wall 22a protruding perpendicularly from the bottom surface 12b of the tray and having a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the cavity access aperture 16b of the coupling. A plurality of sloped leg formations 22b extend radially outwardly from the periphery of the annular wall 22a and terminate prior to the peripheral edge 12c of the tray. In this embodiment, the legs 22b are wedge-like components in that they taper in thickness as they extend radially outward from the annular wall 22a. For example, the thickness of each leg 22b is substantially equal to the height of the annular wall 22a and progressively the thickness reduces to nothing as the legs 22b terminate flush with remainder of the bottom surface 12b. Annular wall 22a and the associated annular portion of the bottom surface 12b of the tray between the annular wall 22a and edge of the cavity access aperture 16b provide an annular recess generally indicated by 22c that is configured to receive and abut with a complimentary upper flange provided on the removable handle to be described in further detail later.

It will be appreciated that the spacing formation 22 is not necessarily essential. For example, and with reference to Figure 4, the bottom surface 12b of the tray may simply comprise the cavity access aperture 16b to the retaining cavity formed by the hollow body 16a protruding from the top surface 12a of the tray 12. The cavity access aperture 16b may be provided with a small protruding annular rim 24, or alternatively in other embodiments the aperture 16b may be completely flush with the remaining bottom surface 12b of the tray. A tray having a substantially flat bottom surface 12b without any central or other protrusions may be advantageous in situations where the serving tray is removed from the handle and needs to be placed on a table or other flat surface with full abutting contact. It will be appreciated that protrusions or projections from the bottom surface 12b of the tray may cause the tray to tilt or tip if only supported by the surface if it is placed there without the handle.

Referring to Figure 5, a preferred form handle 14 will be described in further detail. The handle 14 is substantially elongate and extends between a top-end 26 and a bottom- end 28. The cross-sectional shape of the handle may be substantially uniform or alternatively non-uniform along the length of the handle. The handle may be substantially hollow, substantially solid, or a combination of these in different areas. The size of the handle may also be substantially uniform or alternatively non-uniform along the length of the handle. In the preferred form shown, the cross-sectional (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) shape of the handle is circular along its length thereby providing a tube-like peripheral surface that is suited for comfortable and natural gripping by the hand of a user. It will be appreciated that the cross-sectional shape of the handle along its length need not necessarily be circular and any other shapes, such as square, rectangular, oval or arbitrary shapes could alternatively be employed, including any combination of these, to provide a desired ergonomic peripheral gripping surface along the length of the handle.

In this preferred form, the cross-sectional diameter of the handle progressively reduces from its top-end 26 to its bottom-end 28 to provide a cone-like or tapered tubular gripping member. However, it will be appreciated that the cross-sectional diameter may be uniform along the length of the handle in other embodiments.

As referred to earlier, the handle 14 is provided with an engagement member or protrusion 30 or an engagement portion that protrudes from the top-end 26 of the handle. In the embodiment shown, the engagement member is integrally formed with the remainder of the handle, although it will be appreciated that the engagement member may be separately formed and attached to the handle in alternative embodiments. The engagement member 30 is shaped and sized to compliment the cavity of the hollow body 16a of the coupling 16 of the tray 12 such that the engagement member is slidably insertable and engageable into the cavity with a friction-fit. As shown, the preferred form engagement member 30 has a frustoconical shape that compliments the frustoconical shape of the cavity of the body 16a of the coupling. In operation, the handle 14 is inserted such that the narrower end 30a of the engagement member 30 is inserted into the cavity access aperture 16b provided on the bottom surface 12b of the tray. The handle is inserted further until full engagement of the engagement member 30 within the cavity formed by the hollow body 16a is achieved. In this embodiment, the tray is configured such that the handle 14 is slidably insertable or engageable into the internal cavity of the body 16a of the handle coupling 16 of the tray in the direction that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the handle 14. Likewise, the handle 14 may be slidably released or disengaged from the handle coupling 16 of the tray 12 by pulling the handle from the coupling in the opposite direction to that of the installation direction.

In the preferred form, the engagement member 30 and cavity of the hollow body 16a of the coupling are arranged to securely couple together via a friction-fit hold to prevent the tray from spinning about the central longitudinal axis AA of the handle when in use. However, it will be appreciated that the friction-fit need not necessarily be employed in other embodiments. For example, the engagement member 30 of the handle may be inserted into larger cavity formed in the tray with a loose-fit arrangement. In this embodiment, the tray remains coupled to the handle under gravity in use, and to prevent significant movement of the tray, such as spinning or rotation of the tray relative to the handle, an operable locking mechanism may be provided to lock the tray to the handle. Any locking mechanism could be employed, including, for example but not limited to, a locking pin that extends from the handle and into an aperture in the tray, or vice versa.

In the preferred form, the coupling between the tray and removable handle is such that a receiving cavity is provided on the tray into which an engagement member of the handle can be inserted. It will be appreciated that an opposite coupling arrangement could be employed in alternative forms of the serving tray. For example, the top-end of the handle may be provided with a cavity into which an engagement member provided on the bottom surface of the tray may be inserted into with a friction-fit hold.

In the preferred form, the handle 14 is provided with an upper flange 32 located at or toward the top-end 26 of the handle and a lower flange 34 located at or toward the bottom-end 28 of the handle. The upper 32 and lower 34 flange preferably extend radially outward from the peripheral surface of the handle in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis AA of the handle. However, it will be appreciated that the flanges 32,34 may be disposed at any other angle relative to the handle longitudinal axis as desired. The purpose of the flanges 32,34 is two-fold. In use, the flanges 32,34 define a hard grip region there between and assist the user to maintain their hand on the handle between the flanges without slipping. Additionally, the top flange 32 may act to distribute the load of the tray about the user's thumb, index and upper hand in use as a user's hand will tend to slip up the handle under the weight of the tray and its contents. In this preferred form, the upper flange 32 is also arranged to engage with the spacing formation 22 on the bottom surface 12b of the tray 12 in the vicinity of the coupling formation. In particular, on full engagement of the handle 14 with the tray handle coupling, the top flange 32 is received and fits snugly in the complimentary annular recess 22c of the spacing formation 22.

Referring to Figure 6, a preferred form of display stand 18 for optionally mounting to the top surface 12a of the tray 12 will be described. As previously mentioned, the display stand 18 may be removably mounted to the tray, and preferably is centrally mountable to the tray in the vicinity of the handle coupling 16. In brief, the preferred form display stand 18 comprises a frame 36 and a mounting assembly or component 38 located at or toward the bottom of the frame 36. In this preferred form, the frame 36 is in the form of an enclosed rectangle formed by two parallel upright members 36a,36b that are joined together at their top and bottom ends by upper 36c and lower 36d lateral members.

In use, advertising material, for example printed matter, including text or graphical works or any combination thereof, provided on any suitable medium, such as paper, cardboard, textile or the like can mounted or fixed to the frame 36. The frame 36 essentially defines a display area 40 upon which the advertising material will be mounted. The display area 40 is delineated by the periphery of the frame 36. It will be appreciated that various coupling mechanisms or mounting mechanisms may be used to mount advertising material to the frame 36, including fixing devices, adhesives or the like. In one possible form, the lateral members 36a,36b are provided with guide side slots along their length that each opens towards the display area and the upper lateral member 36c is provided with a slot along its length extending from the upper surface of the lateral member to its lower surface adjacent to the display area 40. With this side slot and top-slot aperture arrangement, rigid or semi-rigid advertising material of a size that compliments the display area or slightly larger may be slid down and inserted through the slot aperture in the upper lateral member 36c and retained at its sides by the guide slots of the upright members 36a,36b. In this arrangement, the advertising material can be removed from the frame and replaced as desired.

In the preferred form, the mounting assembly 38 comprises moulded plastic polymer mounting component 38. The mounting component 38 comprises a substantially hollow body formed by an upper frustoconical protrusion or formation 38a that is fixed or attached at its top-end to the middle of the lower lateral member 36d of the frame 36. An annular skirt extends radially downward from the bottom edge of the frustoconical shaped protrusion 38a. In operation, the frustoconical upper portion 38a creates an internal hollow cavity that is shaped to secure and engage with the complimentary shaped protrusion 16a formed on the top surface 12a of the tray by the handle coupling 16 as shown in Figure 3 A. Preferably, the mounting component 38 fits with a friction- fit hold securely onto the hollow body 16a of the handle coupling 16 of the tray 12 in a slidable fashion. The annular skirt 38b of the mounting component 38 provides additional support for the display stand 18 by abutting an annular surface portion of the top surface 12a of the tray 12 immediately adjacent to the hollow body 16a of the handle coupling 16 to prevent the stand from being easily dislodged or falling off the tray during use. It will be appreciated that other mounting arrangements could be used if desired. For example, complimentary screw-threads could be provided on interior wall of the cavity within frustoconical upper portion 38a and the external periphery of the hollow body 16a to enable secure screw-thread attachment, or a locking mechanism such that a locking pin may be arranged to extend through the mounting component 38 and into the coupling 16 or another part of the tray to thereby secure the display stand to the tray.

Various materials can be used to form the tray 12, handle 14, handle coupling 16 and display stand 18 components of the serving tray. By way of example, the materials may include, but are not limited to, polymer plastic, aluminium, metal, rubber, or wood. In this preferred form, the tray 12 and integral handle coupling 16 are integrally moulded from a polymer plastic or rubber material. Likewise, the handle 14 is integrally moulded from polymer plastic. The display stand frame 36 may be formed from a polymer plastic or metal with the mounting component 38 being moulded from polymer plastic or rubber.

Second preferred embodiment - serving tray with removable handle coupling assembly

With reference to Figures 7A-8, a second preferred embodiment of the serving tray 50 will be described in further detail. Various dimensions of the components are provided by way of example only and may be varied as desired. The functionality of the second preferred embodiment serving tray 50 is similar to that of the first preferred embodiment serving tray 10. The significant difference between the embodiments is that serving tray 50 employs a removable handle coupling assembly that is securable to the tray whereas the serving tray 10 employs an integral handle coupling formation as previously described. For clarity, a display stand is not shown for the serving tray 50, although it will be appreciated that this additional component may if desired also be secured to the serving tray in a manner previously described with reference to serving tray 10.

Serving tray 50 comprises a tray 52 that is substantially similar in shape to that of tray 12, although this is not essential. In particular, the tray is substantially planar and circular having a top surface 52a and a bottom surface 52b. An optional rim 52d may extend upwardly from the circumferential edge 52c of the tray in a similar configuration to tray 12 of the first preferred embodiment. The tray may be metal spun and by way of example may be approximately 400mm in diameter, although the diameter size and shape may vary as desired. It will be appreciated that the tray may also be formed plastic polymer or rubber if desired. The tray 52 is preferably provided with a central aperture or hole 54 that extends through the entire thickness of the tray from the top surface 52a to the bottom surface 52b. In the preferred form, the aperture 54 is circular and by way of example may be approximately 40mm in diameter. The serving try 50 comprises a two-part coupling assembly having a first part 56a and second part 56b. When installed, the first part 56a of the coupling assembly is located on the top surface 52a of the tray 52 while the second part 56b is located underneath the tray on the bottom surface 52b. The first 56a and second 56b parts of the coupling assembly are securable together via the central aperture 54 of the tray to thereby mount the coupling assembly for the handle to the tray 52. When the first 56a and second 56b parts of the coupling assembly are fitted together, they are approximately 30mm high in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface of the tray.

In the preferred form, the first part 56a comprises an upper portion 58 that is a substantially hollow body that provides an internal cavity that is shaped to receive and retain, via a friction-fit hold, a complimentary engagement member or engagement portion 72 of the handle 70 of the serving tray 50, which will be described in further detail later. In this preferred embodiment, the external peripheral surface of the upper portion 58 of the upper part 56a of the coupling assembly has a dome-like appearance.

The lower portion 60 of the first part 56a of the coupling assembly comprises an annular protrusion or wall extending from the bottom surface of the dome 58. The annular wall 60 provides a cavity access or opening 62 through which the engagement member 72 of the handle may be inserted once the coupling assembly has been installed onto the serving tray 52. The diameter of the annular wall 60 is preferably smaller than the diameter of the tray's central aperture 54 such that the annular wall can extend through the tray and protrude from the bottom surface of the tray 52b as shown in Figure 7B. The diameter of lower surface of the dome 58 is larger than the annular wall 60 thereby providing an annular shoulder 64 that abuts with an annular portion of the top surface 52a of the tray immediately adjacent to the circumference of central aperture 54 of the tray 52 when the first part 56a of the coupling assembly is installed.

As shown, the external peripheral surface of the annular wall 60 of the first part 56a of the coupling assembly is provided with a screw threaded surface. The screw threaded surface is arranged to cooperate with the internal screw thread of the second part 56b of the coupling assembly. The second part 56b is preferably in the form of an annular component having a screw-thread on its inner annular wall for attaching to the upper part 56a via a screwing action. As shown in Figure 7B, when installing the coupling assembly to the tray 52, the first part 56a is inserted through the central aperture 54. The second part 56b is then secured via screwing tightly to the screw threaded annular wall 60 of the first part 56a to mount the coupling assembly to the tray as shown in Figure 7C.

Once installed, the handle coupling assembly and tray 52 are ready to releasably couple to the handle 70 in a similar manner as that described with reference to the first embodiment serving tray 10. For example, the handle 70 is provided with an engagement portion 72 at its top-end that preferably is received and retained in the cavity of the first part 56a of the coupling assembly by slidable insertion or engagement in direction of arrow B (i.e. movement in a direction corresponding, parallel, or coincident to the longitudinal axis of the handle) through the cavity access 62 of the first part 56a. Upon full engagement, the handle 70 is held in place by a friction-fit of the engagement member 72 with the surrounding internal peripheral surface of the cavity formed within the upper part 56a of the coupling assembly in a manner previously described. As before, the handle 70 is releasably coupled to the tray 52 in that it is slidably disengagable or releasable by pulling the handle away from the tray in direction E with sufficient force to release the friction-fit hold. Direction E is in the opposite direction to the installation direction B and is movement in a direction corresponding, parallel, or coincident with the longitudinal axis of the handle. In this embodiment, the handle 70 is arranged to be mounted such that it extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 52b of the tray 52, and the slidable installation and removal directions of the handle are also substantially perpendicular to the planar surface of the tray.

With reference to Figure 7D and Figure 8, an external perspective and a cross-sectional view from direction D through central line CC (which corresponds to the central longitudinal axis of the handle 70) of the assembled serving tray 52 is shown. In this preferred form, the handle 70 has an ergonomic peripheral shape for gripping by the hand of a user. The cross-sectional shape along the length of the handle is preferably circular but with varying diameter along its length, although a uniform diameter may be employed in alternative embodiments. In this preferred form, the diameter of the handle at or toward the top-end 80 of the handle is reduced or smaller relative to the diameter of the handle toward bottom-end 82 of the handle. The handle between its top-end 80 and bottom-end 82 can be defined as a handgrip region or portion. A middle portion 84 of the handle may also have a reduced cross-sectional diameter relative to the remainder of the handle. This middle portion 84 of reduced diameter provides an ergonomic peripheral gripping surface for the hand of the user. It will be appreciated that alternative embodiments of the handle having a non-circular cross-section may employ varying peripheral cross-sectional (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) circumference profiles along their length that are substantially equivalent to the varying diameter profiles described. For example, the handles may have a progressively reducing peripheral circumference along their length from top-end to bottom-end, or a middle portion of reduced circumference relative to the remaining circumference of the handle at or toward the top and bottom ends, or any other profile.

The handle may be formed from plastic, rubber or any other suitable rigid material. In this preferred form, the handle may be approximately 140mm long with a largest cross- sectional diameter of approximately 30mm, although the dimension can be varied to provide different size handles as desired.

As mentioned, a display stand 18 as described with reference to Figure 6 may be mounted to the serving tray 50 if desired. The attachment of the display stand to the serving tray may be in a similar manner to that described with respect to the first embodiment serving tray 10. Alternatively or additionally, the dome-like upper portion 60 of the first part of the coupling assembly of the tray may be provided with a small elongate hole, for example approximately 7mm deep, into which a complimentary locking or mounting part extending downwardly from the display stand or the mounting component 38 of the display stand may engage to secure the display stand in place on the tray. By way of example only, the rectangular frame 36 of the display stand may have a width of approximately 100mm and a height of approximately 200mm.

Typical use of the serving tray

Typical use of the serving tray of either of the first and second embodiments will now be described by way of example. With reference to the second embodiment serving tray 50, it will be assumed that the coupling assembly is fully installed onto the tray 52.

Typically, waitstaff will provided with a supply of trays and removably securable handles. During initial loading of the tray, the handle may be removed so that the tray is fully supported on the table or other support surface. Once the tray is loaded, the waitstaff slides the tray toward an edge of the table and supports it with their hand until the handle coupling access aperture is exposed at which point they may insert and install the removable handle into the coupling of the tray. Once the handle has been inserted, the tray may be carried by one hand of the user by holding the handle. Unloading the tray may be a reverse of this process whereby the waitstaff support an edge portion of the tray on a surface, remove or disengage the handle and then slide the tray fully onto the surface for unloading. Alternatively, unloading may occur directly from the tray onto the patron's table by the user holding the handle of the serving tray without resting it on any other surface.

The display stand 18 may optionally be mounted on the tray during use and may have mounted thereon any desired advertising or other display material as previously described.

Other features and alternatives embodiments The features of the first and second embodiments of the serving tray may be interchanged or combined as desired. The materials used to form the various serving tray components may be the same or different, and include moulded polymer plastic, metal, aluminium, or other suitable rigid materials.

The preferred embodiment serving trays 10 and 50 have been described as having a slidably removable handle that is releasably coupled to the tray via a sliding engagement with a friction-fit hold within a complimentary coupling cavity. This slidable installation and removal of the handle provides ease of use for waitstaff performing their duties.

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A serving tray comprising: a substantially planar tray having a top surface and bottom surface, and being provided with a coupling comprising an internal cavity that is accessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the tray; and an elongate handle being coupled to the coupling so as to extend from the bottom surface of the tray, the internal cavity of the coupling being adapted to receive and retain a complementary engagement member or engagement portion of the handle in a slidably releasable friction-fit hold.

2. A serving tray according to claim 1 wherein the handle is slidably releasable from the tray in a direction coincident or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

3. A serving tray according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the elongate handle extends longitudinally between a top-end and a bottom-end, and wherein the engagement member or engagement portion extends from the top-end of the handle.

4. A serving tray according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the internal cavity of the coupling has a frustoconical shape and the engagement member or engagement portion of the handle has a complementary frustoconical shape.

5. A serving tray according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the coupling is centrally located with respect to the peripheral edge of the tray.

6. A serving tray according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the coupling is integrally formed with the tray.

7. A serving tray according to any one claims 1-5 wherein the coupling is releasably mounted to the tray.

8. A serving tray according to claim 7 wherein the coupling is in the form of a coupling assembly having a first part and a second part that are securable to each other from opposite surfaces of the tray via a central aperture extending through the tray.

9. A serving tray according to claim 8 wherein the first and second parts of the coupling assembly are securable together via a screw-thread arrangement.

10. A serving tray according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate handle is arranged to extend substantially perpendicularly relative to the bottom surface of the tray.

11. A serving tray according to any one of claims 3-10 wherein the handle is provided with an upper flange at or toward its top-end that extends outwardly from the peripheral surface of the handle.

12. A serving tray according to any one of claims 3-11 wherein the handle is provided with an upper flange at or toward its top-end and a lower flange at or toward its bottom-end, the flanges extending outwardly from the peripheral surface of the handle and defining between them a handgrip region of the handle for the user's hand.

13. A serving tray according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle has a circular cross-sectional shape along its length.

14. A serving tray according to claim 13 wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the handle is uniform along a substantial portion of its length.

15. A serving tray according to claim 13 wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the handle is non-uniform along a substantial portion of its length.

16. A serving tray according to claim 15 wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the handle at or toward its top-end is reduced relative to the cross-sectional diameter at or toward its bottom-end.

17. A serving tray according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the cross-sectional diameter of the handle in a middle portion between the top-end and bottom-end of the handle is reduced relative to the remainder of the handle.

18. A serving tray according to any one of claims 1-12 wherein the cross-sectional circumference of the handle is non-uniform along its length.

19. A serving tray according to claim 18 wherein the cross-sectional circumference of the handle at or toward its top-end is reduced relative to the cross-sectional circumference at or toward its bottom-end.

20. A serving tray according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the cross-sectional circumference of the handle in a middle portion between the top-end and bottom- end of the handle is reduced relative to the remainder of the handle.

21. A serving tray according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the tray is provided with a rim that protrudes upwardly from the peripheral edge of the tray relative to the top surface of the tray.

22. A serving tray according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a display stand that is removably mounted to the top surface of the tray.

23. A serving tray according to claim 22 wherein the display stand comprises a frame onto which display material is securable.

24. A serving tray according to claim 23 wherein the display stand further comprises a mounting component attached to the frame that is arranged to mount onto a complimentary protrusion provided centrally on the top surface of the tray.

25. A kit of parts for assembling into a serving tray comprising: a substantially planar tray having a top surface and a bottom surface; a coupling integral with the tray or securable to the tray, the coupling comprising an internal cavity that is accessible via an opening in the bottom surface of the tray; and an elongate handle with an engagement member or engagement portion that is releaseably securable to the coupling of the tray such that the handle extends from the bottom surface of the tray when installed, the internal cavity of the coupling being adapted to receive and retain the engagement member or engagement portion of the handle in a slidably releasable friction- fit hold.

26. A substantially planar serving tray having a top surface and a bottom surface and which has a coupling with an internal cavity that is accessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the tray and which is shaped to receive and retain a complementary shaped engagement member or engagement portion of an elongate handle such that the handle extends from the bottom surface of the tray when installed.

27. An elongate handle for coupling to a serving tray, the handle extending between a top-end and a bottom-end, and having an engagement member or engagement portion extending from the top-end of the handle that is shaped to be received and retained in a complementary shaped internal cavity of a coupling of the serving tray.

28. An elongate handle according to claim 27 wherein the engagement member or engagement portion has a frustoconical shape.

29. A handle coupling assembly for releasbly coupling a handle to a serving tray serving tray having a top surface and a bottom surface, the coupling assembly comprising a first part and a second part that are securable to each other from opposite surfaces of the tray via a central aperture extending trough the tray and together providing an internal cavity that is accessible via an opening in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the tray and which is shaped to receive an retain a complementary shaped engagement member of an elongate handle such that the handle extends from the bottom surface of the tray when installed.

30. A serving tray according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

31. A serving tray substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

32. A kit of parts for assembling a serving tray according to claim 25 and substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

33. A kit of parts for assembling a serving tray substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

34. A substantially planar serving tray according to claim 26 and substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

35. A substantially planar serving tray substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

36. An elongate handle according to claim 27 and substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

37. A substantially elongate handle substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

38. A handle coupling assembly according to claim 29 and substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.

39. A handle coupling assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.