GB2457659A — Foldable meal tray

USPTO Abstract

A foldable meal tray, for use on e.g. aircraft, comprises a base tray 19 and a raised shelf 12. The raised shelf is connected to the base tray by support means 14 which are foldably connected to each such that the meal tray may be folded between an erected configuration for use and a flattened configuration for stowage between meals. The foldable meal tray is formed from a single sheet of inexpensive material, such as cardboard. The base tray 19 and shelf 12 are integrally connected by a back panel with finger apertures for gripping of the whole tray. Struts 14 extend from the shelf for engagement of end tabs thereof 24 with slots in side walls 20 of the base tray. The shelf (and base) may have apertures 26, 28 to receive items such as cups and utensils. Aligned slots 30, 34 in the base and shelf may temporarily receive a smaller emptied tray provided by aircraft cabin crew. The base 19 may have slits (36, Figure 1) to receive a strap for securing the meal tray to a structure beneath, or other securing means such as suckers may be provided.