SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUSPENDING A TRAY ABOVE A TABLE

Abstract

Systems and methods for operating a stand. The methods comprising: obtaining the stand comprising a stem member with a first coupler disposed at a proximal end thereof and a support member disposed at a distal end thereof; rotating a support member of the stand in a first direction relative to the stem member to transition the support member from a collapsed position in which the support member extends substantially parallel to the stem member to an extended position in which the support member extends substantially perpendicular to the stem member; attaching the stand to a first external object; suspending a second external object above the first external object using the support member in the extended position; and detaching the stand from the first external object by causing the planar portion of the first external object to slid out of the insert space of the first external object.

Description

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, serving platters and dishes have been placed in the center of tables or on countertops so that food can be easily shared among diners. Stands may be used to elevate the serving platters and dishes for display. However, this is not desirable in some scenarios where favorable diner experiences are paramount. For example, restaurant tables are often limited in size to facilitate maximized revenues. Thus, the serving platters and/or stands may occupy the limited and valuable space of the restaurant tables, whereby a crowded table is created. This can result in a poor dining experience by customers. Also, the restaurant may have a stand per each table. Given the size and number of stands, they require a relatively large amount of space in storage. This document describes methods and systems that are directed to addressing these problems and/or other issues.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure concerns a method for operating a stand. The method comprises: obtaining the stand comprising a stem member with a first coupler disposed at a proximal end thereof and a support member disposed at a distal end thereof; rotating a support member of the stand in a first direction relative to the stem member to transition the support member from a collapsed position in which the support member extends substantially parallel to the stem member to an extended position in which the support member extends substantially perpendicular to the stem member; attaching the stand to a first external object (e.g., by receiving a planar portion of the first external object in an insert space of the first coupler, causing the planar portion of the first external object to slide within the insert space, and applying a compression force to the planar portion of the first external object while located in the insert space); suspending a second external object above the first external object using the support member in the extended position; and detaching the stand from the first external object by causing the planar portion of the first external object to slid out of the insert space of the first coupler.

The first external object can include, but is not limited to, a table. The second external object can include, but is not limited to, a food serving tray, platter or plate.

The methods may also optionally comprise retaining the support member in the extended position using direct contact between a first surface of the support member and a second surface of the stem member. The direct contact may be exclusively used to achieve the retention or additionally used in conjunction with another mechanical means (e.g., a latch). The direct contact between the first surface of the support member and a second surface of the stem member may (i) prevent further rotation of the support member in the first direction when the second external object applies a force in a downward direction during said suspending and/or (ii) allow rotation of the support member in an opposite second direction when a force is applied to the support member in an upward direction for transitioning the support member back to the collapsed position.

The compression force may be applied using a resilient member disposed in the insert space of the first coupler. In this scenario, the method also comprises: allowing the resilient member to be transitioned from an uncompressed state to a compressed state during said attaching, wherein the resilient member is compressed between a sidewall of the coupler and the second external object when in the compressed state; and allowing the resilient member to return to the uncompressed state when the planar portion of the first external object no longer resides in the insert space of the coupler.

The first coupler may be interchangeable with a plurality of second couplers configured to respectively attach the stand to planar structures with different thicknesses. Thus, the methods may further comprise replacing the first coupler with one of the plurality of second couplers that is sized and shaped to removably attach the stand to a third external object with a planar portion with a thickness that is different than a thickness of the planar portion of the first external object. The support member may be used to cool or heat the second external object. The support member and/or the stem member may comprise telescoping components.

The present document also concerns a stand. The stand comprises: a stem member; a support member rotatably coupled to a distal end of the stem member such that the support member is transitionable between a collapsed position in which the support member extends substantially parallel to the stem member and an extended position in which the support member extends substantially perpendicular to the stem member, wherein the support member is configured to structurally support a first external object when in the extended position; and a mechanical coupler disposed at a proximal end of the stem member and configured to removably attach the stand to a second external object. The mechanical coupler comprises: a receiver with an insert space sized and shaped to slidingly receive a planar portion of the second external object, and a resilient member disposed in the receiver and configured to apply a compression force to the planar portion of the second external object while located in the insert space. The support member is further configured to suspend the first external object above the second external object when the support member is in the extended position and the stand is attached to the second external object.

The stand is detachable from the second external object by causing the planar portion of the second external object to slide out of the insert space of the mechanical coupler. The first external object can include, but is not limited to, a food serving tray, platter or plate. The second external object can include, but is not limited to, a table.

A retention of the support member in the extended position may be achieved using direct contact between a first surface of the support member and a second surface of the stem member. The direct contact may be exclusively used to achieve the retention or additionally used in conjunction with another mechanical means (e.g., a latch). The direct contact between the first surface of the support member and a second surface of the stem member may (i) prevent further rotation of the support member in the first direction when the second external object applies a force in a downward direction during said suspending and/or (ii) allow rotation of the support member in an opposite second direction when a force is applied to the support member in an upward direction for transitioning the support member back to the collapsed position.

The compression force may be applied using a resilient member disposed in the insert space of the first coupler. The resilient member may be; transitionable from an uncompressed state to a compressed state during said attaching, wherein the resilient member is compressed between a sidewall of the coupler and the second external object when in the compressed state; and transitionable back from the compressed state to the uncompressed state when the planar portion of the first external object no longer resides in the insert space of the coupler.

The first coupler may be interchangeable with a plurality of second couplers configured to respectively attach the stand to planar structures with different thicknesses. For example, the first coupler may be interchanged with one of the plurality of second couplers that is sized and shaped to removably attach the stand to a third external object with a planar portion with a thickness that is different than a thickness of the planar portion of the second external object. The support member may be configured to cool or heat the first external object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification.

FIG. 1 provides a bottom perspective view of an illustrative stand in an expanded or use position.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed or storage position.

FIG. 3 provides a rear view of the stand of FIG. 1 in the expanded or use position.

FIG. 4 provides a side view of the stand of FIG. 1 in the expanded or use position.

FIG. 5 provides a front view of the stand of FIG. 1 in the collapsed or storage position.

FIG. 6 provides a side view of the stand of FIG. 1 in the collapsed or storage position.

FIGS. 7-8 provide illustrations showing another stand architecture.

FIGS. 9-10 provide illustrations showing another stand with telescoping components.

FIGS. 11-17 provide illustrations showing operation the stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 provides an illustration showing a pizza tray being disposed and supported by the stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 provides an illustration of a computing device.

FIG. 20 is a top front perspective view of a stand in an open position.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a right-side view of the stand shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a left-side view of the stand shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the stand shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of the stand shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 26 is a top view of the stand shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the stand shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 28 is a top front perspective view of the stand shown in FIGS. 20-27 in a closed position.

FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the stand shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a right-side view of the stand shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 31 is a left-side view of the stand shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 32 is a front view of the stand shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 33 is a rear view of the stand shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 34 is a top view of the stand shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the stand shown in FIG. 28.

FIGS. 36-40 are illustrations showing the stand in FIGS. 20-35 transitioning between the closed and open position.

FIG. 41 provides a flow diagram of an illustrative method for operating a stand.

In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical or similar elements. Additionally, generally, the leftmost digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in this document, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” Definitions for additional terms that are relevant to this document are included at the end of this Detailed Description.

In this document, when terms such as “first” and “second” are used to modify a noun, such use is simply intended to distinguish one item from another, and is not intended to require a sequential order unless specifically stated. In addition, terms of relative position such as “vertical” and “horizontal”, or “front” and “rear”, when used, are intended to be relative to each other and need not be absolute, and only refer to one possible position of the device associated with those terms depending on the device's orientation.

Notably, the present solution is being described herein in the context of pizza trays. However, the present solution is not limited to pizza tray applications. The present solution can be used in other applications in which an object should be suspended or otherwise held over a table.

FIGS. 1-6 provide illustrations showing a stand 100. The stand 100 is generally configured to facilitate the support of a food tray, platter, plate, dish or other item above a table. An illustration of a pizza tray 1800 being structurally supported by the stand 100 at least partially above a table 1802 is provided in FIG. 18. The pizza tray 1800 is suspended above the table 1802 such that other items can be placed thereunder. These items can include, but are not limited to, napkin dispensers and condiment containers (for example, sugar, pepper, salt, mustard and ketchup containers).

The stand 100 comprises a support member 102, a stem member 104, and a coupler 106. The support member 102 is disposed at a distal end 130 of the stem member 104, and the coupler 106 is disposed at a proximal end 132 of the stem member 104. The coupler 106 is generally configured to removably attach the stand 100 to a table (for example, table 1802 of FIG. 14) or other object. Coupler 106 can include, but is not limited to, a mechanical clamp, a leaf spring-based mechanism as shown in FIG. 1, or any other mechanical mechanism suitable for coupling the stand to a generally planar structure.

The leaf spring-based mechanism comprises a U-shaped receiver 134 sized and shape to receive a tabletop (with or without a tablecloth) or other object. In some scenarios, different sized U-shaped receivers are provided which may be interchangeable with each other to allow for fitment to different sized tables. For example, a first U-shaped receiver is provided for use with tables having thicknesses between ¾ inch t-1¼ inches. A second U-shaped receiver is provided for use with tables with thicknesses between 1½ inches to 2 inches. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example. At least one leaf spring 136 is mounted in the receiver 134. The leaf spring(s) is(are) normally in an uncompressed state as shown in FIG. 1. Insertion of an object into an insertion space 138 of the receiver 134 causes compression of the leaf spring(s) between the object and the receiver's sidewall 140. The compressed leaf spring(s) applies(apply) an upward force against the object when it(they) is(are) fully inserted into the receiver. In effect, the stand 100 is attached to the object. The stand 100 can be removed from the object simply by pulling the stem member 104 in a direction away from the object such that the object slides out of the receiver's insert space 138.

The support member 102 has a generally U-shape. The present solution is not limited in this regard. For example, the support member 102 can alternatively comprise a solid plate with or without apertures formed therein. The apertures can be patterned to optimize functionality of the support member (for example, to cool or warm items proximate thereto).

The support member 102 may be formed of one or more materials that alone or collectively (i) keep food warm, (ii) prevent injury by a user due to heat, and/or (ii) to cool objects (for example, a laptop computer). For example, the support member 102 comprises a top surface 110, a bottom surface 112 and sidewalls 114. The top surface 110 is formed of a metal, glass and/or or ceramic, while the bottom surface 112 and sidewalls 114 are formed of a rubber or cloth. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

The support member 102 is pivotally coupled to the stem member 104 via coupler(s) 108. The coupler(s) 108 can include, but is(are) not limited to, hinge(s), bracket(s), plate(s), post(s), spring(s), screw(s), weld(s) and/or ball bearing(s). The coupler(s) 108 allow(s) the support member 102 to be transitioned between an expanded or use position shown in FIG. 1 and a collapsed or storage position shown in FIG. 2. In the expanded or use position, the support member 102 extends out and away from the stem member 104 such that the components 102, 104 collectively have a generally L-side side profile as shown in FIG. 4. In the collapsed or storage position, the support member 102 abuts the stem member 104 as shown in FIG. 2 so as to have a generally overall compact size to facilitate optimized storage.

The coupler(s) 108 are designed to retain the support member 102 in its expanded or use position (i) while a force is applied to the support member 102 in a downward direction 122 by an object (for example, pizza tray 1400) and (ii) until a force is applied to the support member 102 in an upward direction 120 (for example, by a hand of an individual). In this regard, the coupler(s) 108 comprise L-shaped member(s) having an engagement surface 124 that contacts an engagement surface 126 of the support member 102 when the support member 102 is in its expanded or use position. This contact between surface 124, 126 prevents the support member 102 from further rotating in the downward direction towards the stem member 104. In this way, the coupler(s) 108 act(s) as stop(s) for further movement of the support member 102, and the support member 102 can provide structural support to an object disposed on its top surface 110. As a result of the structural support, the object is held in horizontal alignment with the object to which the stand 100 is coupled.

In some scenarios, a locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided to facilitate retention of the support member 102 in the expanded or use position. The locking mechanism can include, but is not limited to, a latch. The latch can be released via actuation of a button (not shown).

The presents solution is not limited to the design shown in FIGS. 1-6. Coupler 106 can have a different location relative to the stem member 104 as shown in FIGS. 7-8. In FIGS. 7-8, a coupler 700 is attached to an end sidewall 800 of stem member 702. Coupler 700 can be the same as or different than coupler 106 of FIGS. 1-6. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the support element and stem member can be telescoping such that the overall size of the stand can be further reduced when in its compact or storage position as shown in FIGS. 9-10. FIG. 9 shows a telescoping support element 900 and a telescoping stem member 902 in their expanded positions, while FIG. 8 shows these telescoping components 900, 902 in their unexpanded positions. Mechanisms can be provided to releasably secure the telescoping components 900, 902 in their expanded positions. The mechanisms can include depressible or otherwise actuable buttons or posts that can be selectively extended through apertures formed in the elements 908-918 of the telescoping components 900, 902

In some scenarios, an electronic circuit and/or mechanical components may be disposed in the support member and/or a stem member as shown in FIGS. 9-10. These electronic and mechanical components 904, 906 can be configured to facilitate (i) food warming/cooling, (ii) automated transitions between the expanded position and the collapsed position, and/or (iii) for charging an external device (e.g., a mobile phone, iPad or other external device). The electronic circuit can include, but is not limited to, wire(s), electrode(es), fan(s), processor(s), memory, computing device(s) and/or power source(s) (for example, rechargeable batteries and/or energy harvesting circuit(s)). The mechanical component(s) can include, but is(are) not limited to, motors, gears, pulleys, spring(s) and/or tracks.

FIGS. 11-18 provide illustrations that are useful for understanding operation of the stand 100. The stand 100 is first coupled to a table 1100 as shown in FIG. 11. This coupling is achieved by sliding a tabletop 1100 (or other planar object) into the coupler 106. Next in FIG. 12, the support member 102 is rotated in away from the stem member 104. This rotation of the support member 102 is continued as shown in FIGS. 13-17 until the engagement surface 126 of the support member 102 comes in contact with the engagement surface 124 of the coupler(s) 108. When this contact is made, the coupler(s) coupler(s) 108 prevent the support member 102 from further rotating. In this way, the coupler(s) 108 act(s) as stop(s) for further movement of the support member 102, and the support member 102 can provide structural support to an object (for example, a pizza tray 1800 of FIG. 18) disposed on its top surface 110. As a result of the structural support, the object is held in horizontal alignment with the object (for example, table 1802 of FIG. 18) to which the stand 100 is coupled.

As shown in FIG. 18, the pizza tray 1800 is at least partially suspended above the table 1804 by the stand 100. A portion of the pizza tray may not be vertically aligned with or reside above the table 1804. In the suspended position, the pizza tray 1800 resides a distance D from the tabletop 1802. Consequently, the pizza tray 1800 does not occupy any valuable space on the tabletop. The portion of the tabletop that resides below the pizza tray 1800 can still be used to hold other items 1804 such as a napkin dispenser and condiment containers (for example, sugar, pepper, salt, mustard and ketchup containers).

The present solution can be at least partially implemented, for example, using one or more computer systems, such as computing device 1900 shown in FIG. 19. Computing device 1900 can be any computer capable of performing the functions described herein. The electronic circuit(s) 904, 906 of FIG. 9 may be the same as or similar to computing device 1900. As such, the discussion of computing device 1900 is sufficient for understanding electronic circuit(s) 904, 906 of FIG. 9.

Computing device 1900 may include more or less components than those shown in FIG. 19. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative solution implementing the present solution. The hardware architecture of FIG. 19 represents one implementation of a representative computing device configured to operate a vehicle, as described herein. As such, the computing device 1900 of FIG. 19 implements at least a portion of the method(s) described herein.

Some or all components of the computing device 1900 can be implemented as hardware, software and/or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electronic circuits can include, but are not limited to, passive components (for example, resistors and capacitors) and/or active components (for example, amplifiers and/or microprocessors). The passive and/or active components can be adapted to, arranged to and/or programmed to perform one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein.

Computing device 1900 includes one or more processors (also called central processing units, or CPUs), such as a processor 1906. Processor 1906 is connected to a communication infrastructure or bus 1910. Computer device 1900 also includes user input/output device(s) 1902 that communicate with other components through the system bus 1910. The input and output devices can include, but are not limited to, keyboard 1950, speaker 1952, display 1954 and light emitting diodes 1956. Computing device 1900 further includes memory 1930 in which applications 1922 and instructions 1920 are stored.

Computing device 1900 may further include a system interface 1960. System interface 1960 enables computer system 1900 to communicate and interact with any combination of remote devices, remote networks, remote entities, etc. For example, system interface 1960 may allow computing device 1900 to communicate with remote devices over a communications path, which may be wired and/or wireless, and which may include any combination of LANs, WANs, the Internet, etc. Control logic and/or data may be transmitted to and from computer system 1900 via the system interface 1960.

At least some of the hardware entities 1914 perform actions involving access to and use of memory 1930, which can be a Radom Access Memory (RAM). Hardware entities 1914 can include a computer-readable storage medium 1918 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 1920 (e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions 1920 can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory 130 and/or within the processor 1906 during execution thereof by the computing device 1900. The memory 1930 and the processor 1906 also can constitute machine-readable media. The term “machine-readable media”, as used here, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions 1920. The term “machine-readable media”, as used here, also refers to any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions 1920 for execution by the computing device 19300 and that cause the computing device 1900 to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

In some scenarios, the hardware entities 1914 include an electronic circuit (e.g., a processor) programmed for facilitating position transitions of the above-described stand(s) (for example, stand 100 of FIG. 1), the heating or cooling of items disposed on stand 100, the output of media (for example, music) from the stand, the output of notification(s) (for example, food description) from the stand, and/or communication between customer(s) and/or restaurant employee(s) (for example, waiters for ordering drink refills, etc. via wireless communication(s)). In this regard, it should be understood that the electronic circuit can access and run application(s) 1922 installed on the computing device 1900. The functions of the software application(s) 1922 are apparent from the above discussion of the present solution.

Illustrations of another stand 2000 are provided in FIGS. 20-40. This stand 2000 is that same as or similar to the stand 100 described above. Thus, the description of stand 100 is sufficient for understanding stand 2000. The support member is rotated in direction 3700 when being transitioned from its a collapsed position (e.g., shown in FIG. 36) in which the support member extends substantially parallel to the stem member to an extended position (e.g., shown in FIG. 40) in which the support member extends substantially perpendicular to the stem member. The support member is rotated in the opposite direction 4000 when being transitioned from its extend position to the collapsed position.

Referring now to FIG. 41, there is provided a flow diagram of an illustrative method 4100 for operating a stand (e.g., stand 100 of FIG. 1, 900 of FIG. 9, or 2000 of FIG. 20). Method 4100 begins with 4102 and continues with 4104 where the stand is obtained. The stand comprises a stem member (e.g., stem member 104 of FIG. 1) with a first coupler (e.g., soupler 106 of FIG. 1) disposed at a proximal end (e.g., proximal end 132 of FIG. 1) thereof and a support member (e.g., support member 102 of FIG. 1) disposed at a distal end (e.g., distal end 130 of FIG. 1) thereof. Next in 4106, the support member of the stand is rotated in a first direction (e.g., direction 3700 of FIG. 37) relative to the stem member to transition the support member from a collapsed position (e.g., shown in FIG. 36) in which the support member extends substantially parallel to the stem member to an extended position (e.g., shown in FIG. 40) in which the support member extends substantially perpendicular to the stem member.

In some scenarios, the support member and/or the stem member comprises telescoping components. Thus, block 4106 can optionally additionally involve actuating the telescoping components prior to, during or subsequent to any rotation of the support member relative to the stem member.

Block 4106 can also involve retaining the support member in the extended position. This retention can be achieved, for example, using direct contact between a first surface of the support member and a second surface of the stem member. The direct contact between the first surface of the support member and a second surface of the stem member may (i) prevent further rotation of the support member in the first direction when the second external object applies a force in a downward direction during said suspending and (ii) allow rotation of the support member in an opposite second direction when a force is applied to the support member in an upward direction for transitioning the support member back to the collapsed position.

In 4108, the stand is attached to a first external object (e.g., table 1802 of FIG. 18). This attachment can be achieved by: receiving a planar portion (e.g., a tabletop) of the first external object in an insert space (e.g., insert space 138 of FIG. 1) of the first coupler; causing the planar portion of the first external object to slide within the insert space; and applying a compression force to the planar portion of the first external object while located in the insert space. The compression force may be applied, for example, using a resilient member (e.g., resilient member 136 of FIG. 1) disposed in the insert space of the first coupler. In this case, 4108 can also involve allowing the resilient member to be transitioned from an uncompressed state to a compressed state during the attachment of the stand to the first external object. The resilient member may be compressed between a sidewall of the coupler and the second external object when in the compressed state.

A second external object (e.g., pizza tray 1800 of FIG. 18) is suspended above the first external object using the support member in the extended position, as shown by block 4110. The stand may optionally be used to heat or cool the second external object in block 4112. In this regard, the support member may include materials, patterned holes or indents, and/or electronics to facilitate the heating and cooling of the second external object. The electronics may additionally or alternatively reside in the stem member of the stand.

At a later time, the stand is detached from the first external object as shown by 4114. This detachment can be achieved by causing the planar portion of the first external object to slid out of the insert space of the first external object. Block 4114 can also involve allowing the resilient member (e.g., resilient member 136 of FIG. 1) to return to the uncompressed state when the planar portion of the first external object no longer resides in the insert space of the coupler.

The first coupler may be interchangeable with a plurality of second couplers configured to respectively attach the stand to planar structures with different thicknesses. In this regard, method 4100 may optionally involve replacing the first coupler with another second coupler in block 4116. A plurality of second couplers may be provided that are sized and shaped to removably attach the stand to third external objects with planar portions having thicknesses that are different than a thickness of the planar portion of the first external object. Subsequently, method 4100 continues with 4118 where method 4100 ends or other operations are performed (e.g., return to 4102).

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not any other section, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. Other sections can set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit this disclosure or the appended claims in any way.

While this disclosure describes exemplary embodiments for exemplary fields and applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Other embodiments and modifications thereto are possible and are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, and without limiting the generality of this paragraph, embodiments are not limited to the software, hardware, firmware, and/or entities illustrated in the figures and/or described herein. Further, embodiments (whether or not explicitly described herein) have significant utility to fields and applications beyond the examples described herein.

Embodiments have been described herein with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships (or equivalents thereof) are appropriately performed. Also, alternative embodiments can perform functional blocks, steps, operations, methods, etc. using orderings different than those described herein.

References herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” or similar phrases, indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of persons skilled in the relevant art(s) to incorporate such feature, structure, or characteristic into other embodiments whether or not explicitly mentioned or described herein. Additionally, some embodiments can be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. These terms are not necessarily intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments can be described using the terms “connected” and/or “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. The term “coupled,” however, can also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for operating a stand, comprising: obtaining the stand comprising a stem member with a first coupler disposed at a proximal end thereof and a support member disposed at a distal end thereof;rotating a support member of the stand in a first direction relative to the stem member to transition the support member from a collapsed position in which the support member extends substantially parallel to the stem member to an extended position in which the support member extends substantially perpendicular to the stem member;attaching the stand to a first external object by receiving a planar portion of the first external object in an insert space of the first coupler,causing the planar portion of the first external object to slide within the insert space, andapplying a compression force to the planar portion of the first external object while located in the insert space;suspending a second external object above the first external object using the support member in the extended position; anddetaching the stand from the first external object by causing the planar portion of the first external object to slid out of the insert space of the first coupler.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first external object is a table and the second external object is a food serving tray, platter or plate.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising retaining the support member in the extended position exclusively using direct contact between a first surface of the support member and a second surface of the stem member.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the direct contact between the first surface of the support member and a second surface of the stem member (i) prevents further rotation of the support member in the first direction when the second external object applies a force in a downward direction during said suspending and (ii) allows rotation of the support member in an opposite second direction when a force is applied to the support member in an upward direction for transitioning the support member back to the collapsed position.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the compression force is applied using a resilient member disposed in the insert space of the first coupler.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: allowing the resilient member to be transitioned from an uncompressed state to a compressed state during said attaching, wherein the resilient member is compressed between a sidewall of the coupler and the second external object when in the compressed state; andallowing the resilient member to return to the uncompressed state when the planar portion of the first external object no longer resides in the insert space of the coupler.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first coupler is interchangeable with a plurality of second couplers configured to respectively attach the stand to planar structures with different thicknesses.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising replacing the first coupler with one of the plurality of second couplers that is sized and shaped to removably attach the stand to a third external object with a planar portion with a thickness that is different than a thickness of the planar portion of the first external object.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising using the support member to cool or heat the second external object.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the support member and the stem member comprised telescoping components.

11. A stand, comprising: a stem member;a support member rotatably coupled to a distal end of the stem member such that the support member is transitionable between a collapsed position in which the support member extends substantially parallel to the stem member and an extended position in which the support member extends substantially perpendicular to the stem member, wherein the support member is configured to structurally support a first external object when in the extended position; anda mechanical coupler disposed at a proximal end of the stem member and configured to removably attach the stand to a second external object, wherein the mechanical coupler comprises: a receiver with an insert space sized and shaped to slidingly receive a planar portion of the second external object, anda resilient member disposed in the receiver and configured to apply a compression force to the planar portion of the second external object while located in the insert space;wherein the support member is further configured to suspend the first external object above the second external object when the support member is in the extended position and the stand is attached to the second external object.

12. The stand according to claim 11, wherein the stand is detachable from the second external object by causing the planar portion of the second external object to slide out of the insert space of the mechanical coupler.

13. The stand according to claim 11, wherein the second external object is a table and the first external object is a food serving tray, platter or plate.

14. The stand according to claim 11, wherein a retention of the support member in the extended position is achieved exclusively using direct contact between a first surface of the support member and a second surface of the stem member.

15. The stand according to claim 14, wherein the direct contact between the first surface of the support member and a second surface of the stem member (i) prevents further rotation of the support member in the first direction when the second external object applies a force in a downward direction during said suspending and (ii) allows rotation of the support member in an opposite second direction when a force is applied to the support member in an upward direction for transitioning the support member back to the collapsed position.

16. The stand according to claim 11, wherein the compression force is applied using a resilient member disposed in the insert space of the first coupler.

17. The stand according to claim 16, wherein: the resilient member is transitionable from an uncompressed state to a compressed state during said attaching, wherein the resilient member is compressed between a sidewall of the coupler and the second external object when in the compressed state; andthe resilient member is transitionable back from the compressed state to the uncompressed state when the planar portion of the first external object no longer resides in the insert space of the coupler.

18. The stand according to claim 11, wherein the first coupler is interchangeable with a plurality of second couplers configured to respectively attach the stand to planar structures with different thicknesses.

19. The stand according to claim 18, wherein the first coupler is interchanged with one of the plurality of second couplers that is sized and shaped to removably attach the stand to a third external object with a planar portion with a thickness that is different than a thickness of the planar portion of the second external object.

20. The stand according to claim 11, wherein the support member is configured to cool or heat the first external object.