Foldable serving tray stand

Abstract

A serving tray stand includes two frames pivotably coupled at a pivot point located on a common axis. The frames may be substantially the same size and coupled offset from each other, or differently sized and coupled one inside the other. Also included are two cross bars, each attached to one of the frames below its pivot point. The cross bars are connected to each other by at least one restraining strap.

1 . A serving tray stand, comprising: 
 first and second U-shaped frames, each frame having first and second spaced parallel legs connected by a transverse portion;    the frames pivotably coupled at a pivot point located on a common axis directed through each leg;    a first cross bar attached to the legs of the first U-shaped frame below the pivot point;    a second cross bar attached to the legs of the second U-shaped frame below the pivot point; and    at least one restraining member coupled between the first and second cross bars configured to prevent pivoting movement of the frames away from each other by greater than a predetermined amount.    
   
   
       2 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second U-shaped frames are substantially the same size, and are coupled to each another at the pivot point in an offset manner.  
   
   
       3 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein a distance between the parallel legs of the first and second U-shaped frames is not equal, such that one of the first and second frames is pivotably coupled at a location inside the other of the first and second frames.  
   
   
       4 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second U-shaped frames are made of material selected from the group consisting of metal, wood, and plastic.  
   
   
       5 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein each of the legs includes a foot member.  
   
   
       6 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein the transverse portions of the first and second U-shaped frames include at least one bumper or ring configured to provide a frictional surface  
   
   
       7 . The serving tray stand of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one bumper or ring is made of rubber.  
   
   
       8 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein the transverse portions of the first and second U-shaped frames include at least two bumpers or rings spaced from each another.  
   
   
       9 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one restraining member is a strap connecting the cross bars.  
   
   
       10 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one restraining member is made of material selected from the group consisting of webbed material, fabric strap, and metal or plastic chain.  
   
   
       11 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein the cross bars and the at least one restraining member are configured to hold service items.  
   
   
       12 . The serving tray stand of  claim 11 , wherein the service items include bus tubs and/or serving trays.  
   
   
       13 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein the legs are integrally formed with the transverse portion.  
   
   
       14 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein the legs are connected to the upper transverse portion by a chemical adhesive or mechanical fastener.  
   
   
       15 . A serving tray stand, comprising: 
 first and second U-shaped frames, each frame having first and second legs connected by an integrally formed transverse portion;    the frames pivotably coupled at a pivot point located on a common axis directed through each leg;    a first cross bar attached to the legs of the first U-shaped frame below the pivot point;    a second cross bar attached to the legs of the second U-shaped frame below the pivot point; and    wherein the cross bars are connected to each other by at least one restraining member configured to prevent pivoting movement of the frames away from each other by greater than a predetermined amount.    
   
   
       16 . The serving tray stand of  claim 15 , wherein the legs are not parallel and diverge away from each other.  
   
   
       17 . The serving tray stand of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one restraining member is a strap connecting the cross bars.  
   
   
       18 . The serving tray stand of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one restraining member is made of material selected from the group consisting of webbed material, fabric strap, and metal or plastic chain.  
   
   
       19 . The serving tray stand of  claim 1 , wherein the cross bars and the at least one restraining member are configured to hold service items.