Multipurpose columns and trays for beverages and food

Abstract

The invention is directed to columns, trays and systems including columns and trays that enable a user to conveniently and safely transport objects, such as one or more beverage containers, by tension (hanging) as opposed to compression (supporting). Column embodiments of the invention include a substantially elongate column extending from a central portion of a primary tray. Preferably, insertable column embodiments are formed from a pulp slurry and molded into a clam-shell configuration prior to assembly and used with a tray having an aperture and preferably a collar adapted to receive the insertable column. Supporting elements of the column engage a base portion of the tray, thereby providing a distributed support interface. Features of the invention include upper retaining elements to prevent dislodgment of the column from the tray when engaged therewith; a handle at an end opposite to the supporting elements for user grasping; and mid column accessory features such as supports for a secondary tray or tall beverage containers.

1 . A column for use with a primary tray having an upper surface and a lower surface that define an aperture, the column comprising: 
 an upper end and a lower end separated by a body portion, which together defines a longitudinal axis; and    lower supporting means for engaging and supporting the primary tray when positioned at or proximate to the lower end of the column.    
   
   
       2 . The column of  claim 1  wherein the lower supporting means comprises an enlarged portion having a cross section greater than the maximum cross section of the aperture whereby the enlarged portion is incapable of passing through the aperture when the column is inserted therein.  
   
   
       3 . The column of  claim 2  wherein the enlarged portion has a primary tray lower surface contacting portion that generally conforms to contours of the lower surface in the area of contact.  
   
   
       4 . The column of  claim 2  wherein the enlarged portion is the lower end of the column and the column is characterized as tapered.  
   
   
       5 . The column of  claim 4  wherein the column is an n-sided polygon in cross section.  
   
   
       6 . The column of  claim 2  further comprising grasping means at or proximate to the upper end to facilitate a user grasping the column.  
   
   
       7 . The column of  claim 6  wherein the grasping means is one of a hole laterally extending from one side of the column to the other, a laterally oriented handle extending bi-directionally from a pair of slots formed in the column, or an integral laterally oriented handle extending bi-directionally from the column.  
   
   
       8 . The column of  claim 2  wherein the column results from a molding process.  
   
   
       9 . The column of  claim 2  wherein the column is molded in a clamshell configuration.  
   
   
       10 . The column of  claim 1  wherein the column is constructed from cellulose.  
   
   
       11 . The column of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of planar segments from a single sheet of planar material are manipulated to form an n-sided tapered column.  
   
   
       12 . The column of  claim 1  wherein the lower supporting means comprise a plurality of outwardly extendible flaps.  
   
   
       13 . The column of  claim 1  wherein the lower supporting means comprise a plurality of laterally extending slots for receiving perimeter portions of the aperture.  
   
   
       14 . The column of  claim 13  wherein the number of slots is equal to the number of sides defining the aperture of the primary tray.  
   
   
       15 . The column of  claim 13  wherein the number of slots is one half the number of sides defining the aperture of the primary tray.  
   
   
       16 . The column of  claim 15  wherein the column is inwardly collapsible in at least one direction.  
   
   
       17 . The column of  claim 16  further comprising an inwardly extendible bracing flap for expanding the column after collapse.  
   
   
       18 . The column of  claim 1  further comprising at least one slot defined by the column and located at one of the body portion or the upper portion for receiving a beverage retaining ring.  
   
   
       19 . The column of  claim 18  wherein the at least one slot is vertically oriented and the beverage retaining ring further comprises a hook portion for engaging an interior wall of the column after insertion into the at least one vertically oriented slot.  
   
   
       20 . The column of  claim 1  further comprising a sleeve for coaxial placement over the column, thereby altering its outward appearance.  
   
   
       21 . The column of  claim 1  further comprising upper retaining means located adjacent to the lower supporting means for preventing axial movement of the column in the primary tray aperture in one direction after functional insertion of the column in the aperture by contacting the upper surface of the primary tray.  
   
   
       22 . The column of  claim 21  wherein the upper retaining means comprise a radially extending element having a width greater than that of the aperture.  
   
   
       23 . The column of  claim 21  wherein the upper retaining means comprise a plurality of extendible flaps.  
   
   
       24 . The column of  claim 1  further comprising a secondary tray for positioning above the primary tray.  
   
   
       25 . The column of  claim 1  further comprising the primary tray.  
   
   
       26 . A primary tray configured for carrying food items comprising: 
 a first surface for receiving one or more items to be carried, a second surface opposed to the first surface, and a perimeter bounding the first and second surfaces wherein the first and second surface define a central aperture having a periphery and sized to receive a column.    
   
   
       27 . The primary tray of  claim 26  wherein the cellulose is a principle component of its constitution.  
   
   
       28 . The primary tray of  claim 26  wherein a cross sectional profile of the aperture is one of a closed curve or an n-sided polygon.  
   
   
       29 . The primary tray of  claim 26  further comprising a collar located at the aperture on the first surface.  
   
   
       30 . The primary tray of  claim 29  wherein the collar generally retains the geometry of the aperture.