Shot glass tray

Abstract

An attractive and unique tray to carry and present a plurality of drinking vessels, more specifically shot glasses, includes a holding tray comprising a base and a cap having a corresponding size and shape of the base, and mounted to the base. A plurality of holders are each rotatably mounted to at least one of the base and the cap. Each holder includes its own base and wall defining an internal chamber therein and further having one or more internal cushions mounted to at least one of the wall or base and operative to cushion an object placed in the chamber. An actuating mechanism is rotatably mounted within the holding tray, the actuating mechanism having an actuating knob accessible from an exterior of the holding tray. The actuating mechanism is operatively connected with each of the plurality of holders and operative to rotate said holders from a position substantially within the perimeter of the cap, to a position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the holding tray.

1 . A holding tray comprising:
 a base;   a cap having a corresponding size and shape of the base and mounted to the base;   a plurality of holders each rotatably mounted to at least one of the base and the cap, each holder having a base and a wall defining an internal chamber therein and further having one or more internal cushions mounted to at least one of the wall or base and operative to cushion an object placed in the chamber;   an actuating mechanism rotatably mounted to at least one of the base and the cap, wherein the actuating mechanism is operatively connected with each of the plurality of holders and operative to rotate said holders from a position substantially within a perimeter of the cap, to a position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the holder; and   an actuating knob accessible from an exterior of the cap for rotating the actuating mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . A holding tray according to  claim 1 , wherein each said holder further comprises a cutout penetrating at least one of a sidewall and a base of the holder, thereby providing access to the internal chamber. 
     
     
         3 . A holding tray according to  claim 1 , wherein said internal cushion comprises a resilient layer over substantially the entire interior surface of the internal chamber. 
     
     
         4 . A holding tray according to  claim 1 , wherein said internal cushion comprises an elongated strip of resilient material vertically oriented on the internal wall of the holder. 
     
     
         5 . A holding tray according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuating knob is centrally located on a top surface of the cap. 
     
     
         6 . A holding tray according to  claim 1 , further comprising a thrust bearing operative to support the actuating mechanism for rotary motion. 
     
     
         7 . A holding tray according to  claim 1 , further comprising a dampening means operative to dampen its motion of the actuating mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . A holding tray according to  claim 1 , wherein the cap and the base share substantially the same perimeter. 
     
     
         9 . A holding tray according to  claim 1 , wherein the internal cushion of the holders comprises a thermoplastic rubber material. 
     
     
         10 . A holding tray according to  claim 1 , wherein the holder has a low degree of thermal conductivity whereby the holder provides a thermally insulating characteristic with respect to its contents. 
     
     
         11 . A holding tray comprising:
 a support,   a plurality of holders each rotatably mounted to the support, each holder having an internal chamber cushioned to cushion an object placed in the chamber; and   an actuating mechanism operatively connected with each of the plurality of holders and operative to rotate said holders from a position substantially within the perimeter of the support to a position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the support.   
     
     
         12 . A method of serving drinking vessels, comprising:
 providing a carrying tray having   a support;   a plurality of holders each rotatably mounted to the support, each holder having an internal chamber cushioned to cushion an object placed in the chamber; and   an actuating mechanism operatively connected with each of the plurality of holders and operative to rotate said holders from a position substantially within the perimeter of the support to a position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the support;   providing one or more drinking vessels individually in a holder of the tray; and   providing the holders in said position substantially within the perimeter of the support, subsequently actuating said actuating mechanism to rotate the holders to said position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the support.   
     
     
         13 . The method of serving a plurality of drinking vessels according to  claim 12 , wherein the actuating mechanism rotates the holders in unison. 
     
     
         14 . The method of serving a plurality of drinking vessels according to  claim 12 , wherein the actuating mechanism is operable from above the carrying tray. 
     
     
         15 . The method of serving a plurality of drinking vessels according to  claim 12 , further comprising thermally insulating the object placed in the chamber from the serving environment before it is served.