Collapsible and disposable chafing stand

Abstract

A collapsible and disposable food chafing stand may be formed of any suitable fibrous material such as corrugated cardboard or any other suitable paper product. The chafing stand may be folded flat for transportation and storage and opened for use. In use the chafing stand secures one or more heat sources below any suitable pan or other food container to heat or maintain the heat of the food within. The chafing stand may include any suitable ornamentation and or advertisement printed or otherwise secured on the chafing stand.

1 . A collapsible and disposable food chafing stand for supporting a container of food comprising:
 a sheet of disposable fibrous material precut and folded to form a heat source support for engaging one or more heat sources; and   a sheet of disposable fibrous material precut and folded to form a main food support, the main food support having a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening operable to engage a container of food, the bottom opening engaging the heat source support to keep the one or more heat sources secure within the main food support beneath the food container.   
     
     
         2 . The collapsible and disposable food chafing stand of  claim 1  further comprising:
 one or more removable handles engaging the main food support.   
     
     
         3 . The collapsible and disposable food chafing stand of  claim 1  wherein the main food support further comprises:
 one or more ventilation ports.   
     
     
         4 . The collapsible and disposable food chafing stand of  claim 1  wherein the main food support further comprises:
 a reclosable access port with a door.   
     
     
         5 . The collapsible and disposable food chafing stand of  claim 1  wherein the disposable fibrous material comprises:
 corrugated cardboard.   
     
     
         6 . The collapsible and disposable food chafing stand of  claim 1  wherein the disposable fibrous material comprises:
 paperboard.   
     
     
         7 . A method of presenting food comprising:
 providing food in a food tray;   providing a sheet of cardboard that is precut and creased to form a heat support and a main support;   separating the sheet of cardboard into a first portion and a second portion;   folding the first portion of cardboard to form a heat support;   folding the second portion of cardboard to form a main support;   engaging the heat support to the main support to form a collapsible and disposable chafing stand having an open top when the heat support is on the bottom;   orienting the collapsible and disposable chafing stand with the heat support on the bottom;   placing one or more heat sources in the heat support; and   supporting the food tray in the open top of the collapsible and disposable chafing stand to be warmed by the one or more heat sources.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising:
 opening one or more ventilation holes in the main support.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising:
 opening an access port in the main support to enable tending the one or more heat sources.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  further cardboard comprises:
 corrugated cardboard.   
     
     
         11 . A business method for a restaurant or catering company comprising:
 providing one or more collapsible and disposable food chafing stands;   affixing advertising messages to each of the one or more collapsible and disposable food chafing stands; and   providing food and at least one collapsible and disposable food chafing stand to a customer, the food to be presented in the at least one collapsible and disposable food chafing stand to permit a person desiring food to view the advertising message.   
     
     
         12 . The business method of  claim 11  wherein the collapsible and disposable food chafing stand comprises:
 a sheet of disposable cardboard precut and folded to form a heat source support for engaging one or more heat sources; and   a sheet of disposable cardboard precut and folded to form a main food support, the main food support having a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening operable to engage a container of food, the bottom opening engaging the heat source support to keep the one or more heat sources secure within the main food support beneath the food container.