Cold Buffet Food Tray

Abstract

This invention relates generally to a food tray designed to keep food cold while being served. More specifically, but without limitation, the invention is directed toward a raised buffet food tray with a refrigeration compartment capable of receiving at least one cooling pack and accessible without lifting or removing the food tray.

1 . A food tray for chilling food placed thereon for service from a table comprising:
 a substantially horizontal platter for holding food;   a refrigeration compartment coupled to the underside of said platter, said refrigeration compartment having an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein said open configuration is adapted to allow access to said compartment for inserting into or removing therefrom a cold pack and said closed configuration is adapted to maintain a cold pack in substantial contact with the underside of said platter; and,   a support fixed to the underside of the platter elevating said refrigeration compartment sufficiently above said table to allow access thereto when in said open configuration without having to lift said tray from said table.   
   
   
       2 . The food tray of  claim 1 , where the support is a plurality of feet. 
   
   
       3 . The food tray of  claim 1 , where the support is a stand. 
   
   
       4 . The food tray of  claim 1 , where the compartment comprises a hinged door that may be moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration, and a latch to controllably maintain said door in said open or closed configuration. 
   
   
       5 . The food tray of  claim 1 , where the compartment comprises a drawer that may be moved from the open configuration to the closed configuration. 
   
   
       6 . A serving tray for chilling food placed thereon for service from a table comprising:
 a substantially horizontal platter for holding food;   a refrigeration compartment coupled to the underside of said platter, said refrigeration compartment having closable access means adapted to allow access to said compartment for inserting into or removing therefrom a cold pack and to maintain a cold pack in substantial contact with the underside of said platter; and,   support means fixed to the underside of the platter elevating said refrigeration compartment sufficiently above said table to allow access thereto without having to lift said tray from said table.   
   
   
       7 . The serving tray of  claim 6 , where said support means is a plurality of feet. 
   
   
       8 . The serving tray of  claim 6 , where said support means is a stand. 
   
   
       9 . The serving tray of  claim 6 , where said closable access means comprises a hinged door that may be moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration, and a latch to controllably maintain said door in said open or closed configuration. 
   
   
       10 . The serving tray of  claim 6 , where said closable access means comprises a drawer that may be moved from an open configuration to a closed configuration, and a latch to controllably maintain said door in said open or closed configuration.