초록 ▼

A serving tray system includes a serving tray and handle. The handle includes a holding end portion dimensioned to be carried by a user and a coupling end portion that selectively releasably secures to the tray. The handle supports a magnetic member that provides a magnetic force. The handle include

A serving tray system includes a serving tray and handle. The handle includes a holding end portion dimensioned to be carried by a user and a coupling end portion that selectively releasably secures to the tray. The handle supports a magnetic member that provides a magnetic force. The handle includes a movable member that is selectively movable relative to the holding end portion between first and second states. A movement of the movable member to the first state enables the magnetic force of the magnetic member to secure the coupling end portion of the handle to the tray. When the coupling end portion is secured to the tray, the coupling end portion is dimensioned to carry the tray. A movement of the movable member to the second state prevents the coupling end portion of the handle from securing to the tray.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A serving tray system, comprising: a serving tray; anda handle including a holding end portion configured to be carried by a user and a coupling end portion that selectively releasably secures to the serving tray, the handle supporting at least one magnetic member that provides a magnetic force,

1. A serving tray system, comprising: a serving tray; anda handle including a holding end portion configured to be carried by a user and a coupling end portion that selectively releasably secures to the serving tray, the handle supporting at least one magnetic member that provides a magnetic force, the handle including at least one movable member that is selectively movable relative to the holding end portion between a first state and a second state, wherein the at least one movable member is spring-biased to one of the first and second states, wherein a movement of the at least one movable member to the first state enables the magnetic force of the at least one magnetic member to secure the coupling end portion of the handle to the serving tray, wherein when the coupling end portion is secured to the serving tray, the coupling end portion is configured to carry the serving tray, and wherein a movement of the at least one movable member to the second state prevents the coupling end portion of the handle from securing to the serving tray. 2. The serving tray system of claim 1, wherein the at least one movable member includes an insert adapted to contain the magnetic force when the at least one movable member is in the second state. 3. The serving tray system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic member is axially movable relative to the holding end portion, rotatably movable relative to the holding end portion, or axially and rotatably movable relative to the holding end portion. 4. The serving tray system of claim 1, wherein a movement of the magnetic member relative to the serving tray changes an amount of the magnetic force that the magnetic member imparts on the serving tray. 5. The serving tray system of claim 1, wherein the holding end portion includes at least one leg member extending therefrom, the at least one leg member configured to support the handle together with the serving tray on a surface when the coupling portion of the handle is secured to the serving tray. 6. The serving tray system of claim 1, further comprising a protective cover supported over the magnetic member of the handle and adapted to protect the magnetic member. 7. The serving tray system of claim 1, wherein the serving tray further includes at least one ferromagnetic insert to facilitate securement of the handle to the serving tray. 8. The serving tray system of claim 1, wherein the at least one moveable member rotates between the first and second states, the at least one magnetic member being exposed in the first state and covered in the second state. 9. A serving tray system, comprising: a serving tray;a handle including a holding end portion configured to be carried by a user and a coupling end portion that selectively releasably secures to the serving tray, the handle supporting at least one magnetic member that provides a magnetic force, the handle including at least one movable member that is selectively movable relative to the holding end portion between a first state and a second state, wherein a movement of the at least one movable member to the first state enables the magnetic force of the at least one magnetic member to secure the coupling end portion of the handle to the serving tray, wherein when the coupling end portion is secured to the serving tray, the coupling end portion is configured to carry the serving tray, and wherein a movement of the at least one movable member to the second state prevents the coupling end portion of the handle from securing to the serving tray; andan actuator that is actuatable to move one or both of:1) the at least one magnetic member; and2) the at least one movable member. 10. The serving tray system of claim 9, wherein the at least one movable member is spring-biased to one of the first and second states. 11. The serving tray system of claim 9, wherein the serving tray is formed of a magnetically attractive material and the at least one magnetic member is magnetically attracted to the serving tray. 12. The serving tray system of claim 9, wherein the at least one movable member is axially movable relative to the holding end portion, rotatably movable relative to the holding end portion, or axially and rotatably movable relative to the holding end portion. 13. A serving tray system, comprising: a serving tray formed of a magnetically attractive material;a handle including a holding end portion configured to be carried by a user and a coupling end portion that selectively releasably secures to the serving tray, the handle supporting at least one magnetic member that provides a magnetic force, the at least one magnetic member being magnetically attracted to the serving tray, the handle including at least one movable member that is selectively movable relative to the holding end portion between a first state and a second state, wherein a movement of the at least one movable member to the first state enables the magnetic force of the at least one magnetic member to secure the coupling end portion of the handle to the serving tray, wherein when the coupling end portion is secured to the serving tray, the coupling end portion is configured to carry the serving tray, and wherein a movement of the at least one movable member to the second state prevents the coupling end portion of the handle from securing to the serving tray. 14. The serving tray system of claim 1, wherein the serving tray includes a receiver plate, the receiver plate being formed of the magnetically attractive material so that the at least one magnetic member is magnetically attracted to the receiver plate of the serving tray. 15. The serving tray system of claim 14, wherein the serving tray further includes a bearing plate and a fastener, the fastener securing the bearing plate and the receiver plate to the serving tray. 16. The serving tray system of claim 13, wherein the at least one movable member is spring-biased to one of the first and second states. 17. The serving tray system of claim 13, further comprising an actuator that is actuatable to move one or both of: 1) the at least one magnetic member; and2) the at least one movable member. 18. The serving tray system of claim 13, wherein the at least one movable member is axially movable relative to the holding end portion, rotatably movable relative to the holding end portion, or axially and rotatably movable relative to the holding end portion. 19. The serving tray system of claim 13, wherein a movement of the magnetic member relative to the serving tray changes an amount of the magnetic force that the magnetic member imparts on the serving tray. 20. The serving tray system of claim 13, wherein the at least one movable member includes an insert adapted to contain the magnetic force when the at least one movable member is in the second state.