Device for carrying a container

Abstract

A device and method are provided for supporting a food container and the like. The device includes a base member, a central container receiving portion and a plurality of support legs. The plurality of support legs are positioned on a side of the base member opposite the central container receiving portion. In one embodiment, the device is formed of a unitary body made of a microwave transparent material.

1 . A carrying device, comprising: 
 a base member having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;    a central container receiving portion positioned on the first side; and    a plurality of support legs positioned on the second side.    
   
   
       2 . The carrying device of  claim 1  and further comprising a plurality of support legs positioned on the first side.  
   
   
       3 . The carrying device of  claim 1  wherein the base member is round.  
   
   
       4 . The carrying device of  claim 1  wherein the central container receiving portion includes a raised step portion.  
   
   
       5 . The carrying device of  claim 4  wherein the central container receiving portion includes a second raised step portion.  
   
   
       6 . The carrying device of  claim 1  wherein the central container receiving portion includes a recessed step portion.  
   
   
       7 . The carrying device of  claim 6  wherein the central container receiving portion includes a second recessed step portion.  
   
   
       8 . The carrying device of  claim 1  wherein the central container receiving portion includes a central aperture.  
   
   
       9 . The carrying device of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of support legs include three legs positioned in a circular configuration and spaced apart from an edge of the base member.  
   
   
       10 . The carrying device of  claim 9  and further comprising a second plurality of support legs positioned on the first side in a second circular configuration having a smaller diameter than the first mentioned circular configuration.  
   
   
       11 . The carrying device of  claim 1  wherein the base member, central container receiving portion and plurality of support legs are formed of a unitary body made of a microwave transparent material.  
   
   
       12 . The carrying device of  claim 10  wherein the microwave transparent material is one of polypropylene, polycarbonate, polysulfone, and a styrene copolymer.  
   
   
       13 . The carrying device of  claim 1  and further comprising a plurality of spaced apart apertures positioned on the base member.  
   
   
       14 . A combination, comprising: 
 a carrying device including: 
 a base member having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;  
 a central container receiving portion positioned on the first side; and  
 a plurality of support legs positioned on the second side; and  
   a container positioned on the central container receiving portion.    
   
   
       15 . The combination of  claim 14  wherein the container is one of a bowl, a plate and a cup.  
   
   
       16 . A method of heating food in a microwave oven, comprising: 
 providing in a body a base member having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;    providing in the body a central container receiving portion on the first side; and    providing in the body a plurality of support legs on the second side.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  and further comprising positioning a container in the container receiving portion.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  and further comprising placing the plurality of support legs on an interior surface of the microwave oven.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the body is made of a microwave transparent material.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the central containers receiving portion includes a surface that is at an angle with respect to the base member.