Spill Resistant Tray

Abstract

A beverage carrying tray that reduces the effects of momentum caused by changes in motion by providing a tray that swings freely on a flexible handle assembly such that as changes in momentum occur, the tray surface swings to minimize beverage movement due to momentum. The carrying surface of the tray swings under control of the tray's momentum such that open containers resting on the tray move in concert and prevents the beverages inside of the beverage containers from surging, thereby preventing spillage from the individual beverage containers. In addition, the surface of the beverage tray is provided with a frictional surface that discourages sliding of individual beverage containers that are resting on the tray's surface. Optional ridges may be provided for further reducing the possibility of sliding by individual or beverage containers. A further optional feature provides a quick disconnect feature that allows the tray support brackets to be disconnected or folded out of the way to load or remove individual beverage containers.

I Claim: 
     
         1 . A beverage carrying tray for carrying a plurality of beverage containers, comprising:
 a substantially flat tray surface;   at least two support brackets, the support brackets securely attached to opposite sides of the tray surface, and further extending upward from the tray surface such that the support brackets do not interfere with beverage containers placed on the tray surface; and   a flexible line secured to the support brackets at its proximal end and further secured to a handle at its distal end;   whereby the momentum created by moving the beverage carrying tray will cause the tray surface to swing on the flexible line such that the beverages within beverage containers will be prevented from spilling do to the change in orientation of the tray surface.   
     
     
         2 . A beverage carrying tray, as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the tray has two support brackets.   
     
     
         3 . A beverage carrying tray, as in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the tray has four support brackets.   
     
     
         4 . A beverage carrying tray, as in  claim 3 , wherein:
 the tray surface has a frictional surface to reduce movement of beverage containers placed on the tray surface.   
     
     
         5 . A beverage carrying tray, as in  claim 3 , wherein:
 the tray surface has ridges to reduce movement of beverage containers placed on the tray surface.   
     
     
         6 . A beverage carrying tray, as in  claim 3 , wherein:
 the tray surface has a frictional surface and ridges to reduce movement of beverage containers placed on the tray surface.   
     
     
         7 . A beverage carrying tray, as in  claim 3 , wherein:
 the support brackets are partially detachable from the tray surface such that the support brackets can be folded away from the tray service during loading and unloading of beverage containers.