Combination wall shelf and serving tray

Abstract

A combination wall shelf and food service tray is comprised of a breakfast-in-bed-like food serving tray adapted with mounting means for removable mounting of the tray to a wall in shelf-like orientation. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting means comprises a downwardly projecting longitudinal flange perpendicular to the serving surface of the apparatus, the flange being sized and shaped for cooperative engagement with at least one bracket which is permanently mounted to a wall. The subject apparatus is ideal for use by tray passers and other staff in hospital settings because it may be selectively stored in a convenient location within a patient room when not in use and removed for placement over a patient's lap during meal service.

1 . A combination wall shelf and serving tray apparatus comprising:
 a. an object bearing surface having at least one longitudinal edge disposed between a first side wall and a second side wall;   b. a first support member extending perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly from said first side wall;   c. a second support member extending perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly from said second side wall;   d. a downwardly projecting flange depending from at least a portion of said at least one longitudinal edge; and   e. a wall mounting bracket adapted for cooperative engagement with said flange and supporting said object bearing surface perpendicular to a vertical surface.   
   
   
       2 . A method of delivering a food tray to a chair or bed-ridden person, the method comprising the steps of: 1) placing the food tray on a wall-mounted serving tray apparatus, said serving tray apparatus comprising an object bearing surface having at least one longitudinal edge disposed between a first side wall and a second side wall, a first support member extending perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly from said first side wall, a second support member extending perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly from said second side wall, a downwardly projecting flange depending from at least a portion of said at least one longitudinal edge, and a wall mounting bracket adapted for cooperative engagement with said flange and supporting said object bearing surface perpendicular to the wall; 2) disengaging the serving tray apparatus and food tray from said bracket; and 3) placing the serving tray apparatus and food tray over the lap of the person.