Stackable tray having anti-pivot stop and wash apertures
Claim Score by NHIP
Abstract
A multi-purpose tray including a front, a back, a first side, a second side, and a bottom. The tray can include beams extending from the front of the tray and slots defined in the back of the tray. When two trays are stacked in opposite directions with respect to one another, the beams are received by the slots. The tray also includes a domed bottom. The domed bottom has a convex profile with respect to the interior of the tray and can include transverse ribs or longitudinal ribs. The tray also includes drain apertures positioned along the front and back of the tray. The drain apertures can enhance cleaning of the tray by communicating fluid from channels defined by the front and back. The tray also includes a stop for projection for limiting sliding movement of a top tray relative to a bottom tray when two trays are stacked in a similar orientation with respect to one another. The tray also includes handles in the first and second side and a gripping portion on one of the first and second handles.
Term
Term ended
Expired 19 June 2022, 4.3 years ago.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Expired
- Today
33 claims: 11 independent, 22 dependent
- 1A multi-purpose tray comprising:a front wall having a front apron and a front channel defined by the front wall and the front apron;a back wall spaced from the front wall and having a back apron and a back channel defined by the back wall and the back apron;first and second sides each having an outer face and an inner face;at least one foot extending from the outer face of one of the first and second sides, the at least one foot including a surface facing forward toward the front wall and adjoining the outer face and an outward facing surface adjoining the forward facing surface, the entire outward facing surface spaced away from and outboard of the outer face;at least one pocket recessed into the inner face of a corresponding one of the first and second sides, the at least one pocket including a forward facing surface adjoining the inner surface and an inward facing surface adjoining the forward facing surface, the entire inward facing surface spaced away from and outboard of the inner face, where the at least one pocket is correspondingly shaped with respect to the at least one foot;a bottom extending between the front wall and the back wall and between the first and second sides, where the front wall, back wall, first and second sides, and the bottom are integrally formed;and a plurality of ribs disposed along the inward facing surface of the at least one pocket, the ribs engageable with the outward facing surface of the at least one foot when two like trays are stacked in opposite directions rotated 180° with respect to one another.
- 13A multi-purpose tray comprising:a front wall;a back wall spaced from the front wall;first and second sides each having an outer face and an upper edge;a recessed channel longitudinally disposed along the upper edge of one of the first and second sides;at least one foot extending from the outer face of one of the first and second sides, the at least one foot including a runner extending from a lower portion of the at least one foot, the runner slideably engageable with the recessed channel of a like tray when the two trays are stacked in the same direction with respect to one another;a bottom extending between the front wall and the back wall and between the first and second sides, where the front wall, back wall, first and second sides, and the bottom are integrally formed;and a stop disposed within the recessed channel for limiting sliding movement of a top tray relative to a bottom tray in a first direction when the top and bottom trays are stacked relative to one another.
- 15A multi-purpose tray comprising:a front having a wall, an apron and a channel defined by the wall and the apron;a back spaced from the front and having a second wall, a second apron and a second channel defined by the second wall and the second apron;first and second sides each having an outer portion and inner portion, and at least one foot extending from the outer portion and at least one pocket defined by the inner portion where the at least one foot is correspondingly shaped with respect to the at least one foot pocket , each of the first and second sides operably associated with the front and the back;a bottom extending along a first path between the front and the back and along a second path between the first and second sides, where the front, back, first and second sides, and the bottom are integrally formed;at least one beam extending from the front of the tray;and at least one slot formed in the back of the tray to receive the beam when two trays are stacked in opposite directions with respect to one another.
- 17A multi-purpose tray comprising:a front having a wall, an apron and a channel defined by the wall and the apron;a back spaced from the front and having a second wall, a second apron and a second channel defined by the second wall and the second apron;first and second sides each having an outer portion and inner portion, and at least one foot extending from the outer portion and at least one pocket defined by the inner portion where the at least one foot is correspondingly shaped with respect to the at least one pocket, each of the first and second sides operably associated with the front and the back;and a bottom extending along a first path between the front and the back and along a second path between the first and second sides, where the front, back, first and second sides, and the bottom are integrally formed, and wherein one of the first and second paths is arcuate at least in part, wherein the bottom comprises at least one transverse rib extending from the first side to the second side and aligned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the first and second sides.
- 19A multi-purpose tray comprising:a front having a wall, an apron and a channel defined by the wall and the apron;a back spaced from the front and having a second wall, a second apron and a second channel defined by the second wall and the second apron;first and second sides each having an outer portion and inner portion, and at least one foot extending from the outer portion and at least one pocket defined by the inner portion where the at least one foot is correspondingly shaped with respect to the at least one pocket, each of the first and second sides operably associated with the front and the back;and a bottom extending along a first path between the front and the back and along a second path between the first and second sides, where the front, back, first and second sides, and the bottom are integrally formed, and wherein one of the first and second paths is arcuate at least in part, wherein the bottom comprises at least one longitudinal rib extending from the front wall to the second wall and aligned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the front and second walls.
- 20A multi-purpose tray comprising:a front wall;a back wall spaced from the front wall;first and second sides each having an outer face and an inner face;at least one foot extending from the outer face of one of the first and second sides, the at least one foot including a surface facing forward toward the front wall and adjoining the outer face and an outward facing surface adjoining the forward facing surface, the entire outward facing surface spaced away from and outboard of the outer face;at least one pocket recessed into the inner face of a corresponding one of the first and second sides, the at least one pocket including a forward facing surface adjoining the inner face and an inward facing surface adjoining the forward facing surface, the entire inward facing surface spaced away from and outboard of the inner face, where the at least one pocket is correspondingly shaped with respect to the at least one foot;a bottom extending between the front wall and the back wall and between the first and second sides, where the front wall, back wall, first and second sides, and the bottom are integrally formed;and a plurality of ribs disposed along the inward facing surface of the at least one pocket, the ribs engageable with the outward facing surface of the at least one foot when two like trays are stacked in opposite directions rotated 180° with respect to one another.
- 25A multi-purpose tray comprising:a front wall: a back wall spaced from the front wall;first and second sides each having an outer face and an upper edge;a channel longitudinally disposed along the upper edge of one of the first and second sides;at least one foot extending from the outer face of one of the first and second sides, the at least one foot including a runner extending from a lower portion of the at least one foot, the runner slidably engageable with the channel of a like tray when the two trays are stacked in the same direction with respect to one another;a bottom extending between the front wall and the back wall and between the first and second sides, where the front wall, back wall, first and second sides and the bottom are integrally formed;and a stop associated with the channel for limiting sliding movement of a top tray relative to a bottom tray in a first direction when the top and bottom trays are stacked relative to one another.
- 27A multi purpose tray comprising a front, back, first and second sides, and a bottom integrally formed with the front, back and sides, each side having at least one downwardly extending foot and one upwardly opening pocket offset with respect to the foot, the pocket of the first side configured to receive the foot of the second side and the pocket of the second side configured to receive the foot of the first side, the feet and pockets being configured and relatively disposed such that with two trays stacked in the same direction the trays are vertically spaced with the feet of the upper tray supported on upper edges of the lower tray and with two trays stacked in opposite directions the trays are nested with the foot of the first side of the upper tray nested in the pocket of the second side of the lower tray and the foot of the second side of the upper tray nested in the pocket of the first side of the lower tray, characterized in that:the tray further includes at least one vertical beam extending from the front of the tray and at least one vertical slot formed in the back of the tray and configured to receive the beam;and with the two trays stacked in the same direction, the beam of the upper tray is supported on an upper edge of the lower tray and with the two trays stacked in opposite directions the beam of the upper tray is positioned in the slot of the lower tray.
- 30A multi-purpose tray comprising:a front;a back;first and second sides each defining a plurality of downwardly extending feet and each defining a plurality of upwardly opening pockets to receive the feet when two trays are stacked in opposite directions with respect to one another;a bottom integrally formed with the front, back and first and second sides;at least one beam extending from the front of the tray;and at least one slot formed in the back of the tray to receive the beam when two trays are stacked in opposite directions with respect to one another.
- 31A multi-purpose tray comprising:a front;a back;first and second sides;a bottom extending along a first path between the front and the back and along a second path between the first and second sides, where the front, back, first and second sides and the bottom are integrally formed and wherein one of the first and second paths is arcuate at least in part;and wherein the bottom comprises at least one transverse rib extending from the first side to the second side and aligned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the first and second sides.
- 33Broadest claimClaim Score 81, broad(NHIP)A multi-purpose tray comprising:a front;a back;first and second sides;and a bottom extending along a first path between the front and back and along a second path between the first and second sides, where the front, back, first and second sides and the bottom are integrally formed and wherein one of the first and second paths is arcuate at least in part;wherein the bottom comprises at least one longitudinal rib extending from the front to the back and aligned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the front and back.
Independent claims11
67 paragraphs in 6 sections, as filed
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
0001This application claims the benefit of the Provisional Patent Application No. 60/367,688 for a STACKABLE TRAY HAVING AN ANTI-PIVOT STOP AND WASH APERTURES, filed on Mar. 26, 2002. This claim is made under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and 37 C.F.R. § 1.53(c)(3).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
0002This invention generally relates to multi-purpose reusable load-bearing trays and, more specifically, to trays adapted to be nestable or stackable in three positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
0003Plastic trays that are stackable and/or nestable can be desirable to maintain cargo such as material and/or products. However, existing trays are not as efficient as desired. Specifically, existing trays can require excessive handling time and cleaning time. Also, the existing trays may not nest together as well as desired. An improved tray is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0004The present invention provides an improved tray for maintaining cargo during transport. The tray of the present invention can include one or more drain apertures disposed along a front or back of the tray. The drain aperture can improve the efficiency of the tray by improving the cleaning of the tray. In particular, the structure of the existing trays can define blind holes and pockets in which debris and/or vermin can accumulate. Positioning a drain aperture adjacent the blind holes or pockets of the tray can enhance the likelihood that the debris can be quickly removed during cleaning. The drain aperture can be disposed along any surface of the front or back of the tray and can be defined, at least in part, by ribs disposed between a wall and an apron of the front or back of the tray. The ribs can be any shape as desired, including arcuate, straight, cross-shaped, or T-shaped. A drain aperture can also be formed in a notch defined in the front or back of the tray; the notch being used for aligning two trays during stacking.
0005The present invention also provides a tray with a domed bottom. The bottom of the tray can be convex with respect to the interior of the tray. The domed shape of the bottom of the tray can enhance the strength of the tray. The bottom can also include at least one transverse and/or at least one longitudinal rib to enhance the strength of the bottom. The bottom can be formed with a convex or concave profile.
0006The present invention also provides a tray with two handles where one of the handles includes a gripping portion. By disposing a gripping portion on only one of the handles, a user of the tray can quickly identify the orientation of the tray. The efficiency of the tray is enhanced when a user can quickly identify the orientation of the tray during stacking the of trays.
0007The present invention also provides ribs disposed in a pocket of a bottom tray for receiving and engaging feet of a top tray. The ribs can enhance the alignment of two trays stacked relative to each other and support a top tray during sliding movement relative to a bottom tray. A rib closest to the center of the tray can be tapered to reduce the likelihood that a top tray will bind relative to a bottom tray when the two trays are being engaged.
0008The present invention also provides a stop having a ramp shape positionable in a channel of the tray. When a top tray is engaged with a bottom tray, the top tray is slidingly received by a channel of the bottom tray. The stop disposed in the channel can limit the movement of the top tray relative to the bottom tray when the trays are being engaged with respect to one another. A ramped portion of the stop can enhance the efficiency of the tray by ensuring that sliding movement of the trays will only be prevented in only one direction.
0009The present invention also provides a tray having beams disposed on a front of the tray and corresponding slots formed in the rear of the tray. The corresponding beams and slots can permit two trays to be stacked on top of one another when in a similar orientation. The support of the top tray relative to the bottom tray, when two trays are stacked in similar orientation, does not occur at the outermost edges of the front corners of the trays. The beams can be received by the slots when two trays are stacked in an opposite direction relative to one another.
0010Other applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
0011The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a tray according to a first embodiment of the invention;
0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a cross-sectional view of a front of the tray according to the first embodiment of the invention;
0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a top plan view of the tray according to the first embodiment of the invention;
0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a partial cross-sectional and perspective view of the tray according to the first embodiment of the invention showing the configuration of ribs between the wall and the apron;
0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a detailed partial perspective view of a front corner of the tray according to the first embodiment of the invention;
0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a partial detailed perspective view of a rear corner of the tray according to the first embodiment of the invention;
0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is partial detailed perspective view of the rear corner of the tray according to the first embodiment of the invention;
0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a detailed top plan view of a second side of the tray according to the first embodiment of the invention;
0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a detailed perspective view of a rear corner of a tray according to the first embodiment of the invention;
0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a front plan view of two trays according to the first embodiment of the invention stacked in a similar orientation with respect to one another;
0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a rear plan view of two trays according to the first embodiment of the invention stacked at an angle of 90° relative to one another;
0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a rear plan view of two trays according to the first embodiment of the invention stacked at an angle of 180° relative to one another;
0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a side plan view of two trays according to the first embodiment of the invention stacked in a similar orientation with respect to one another;
0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a side plan view of two trays according to the first embodiment of the invention stacked at an angle of 180° relative to one another;
0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a perspective view of a tray according to a second embodiment of the invention;
0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a detailed partial cross-sectional view of a front of the tray according to the second embodiment of the invention showing the ribs;
0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a top plan view of the tray according to the second embodiment of the invention;
0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a partial detailed view of the front corners of two trays according to the second embodiment of the invention;
0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a partial detailed view of a rear corner of the tray according to the second embodiment of the invention;
0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a front plan view of two trays according to the second embodiment of the invention stacked in a similar orientation with respect to one another;
0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a plan view of two trays according to the second embodiment stacked at an angle of 180° relative to one another;
0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a side plan view of two trays according to the second embodiment of the invention stacked in a similar orientation with respect to one another;
0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a side plan view of two trays according to the second embodiment of the invention stacked at an angle of 180° relative to one another;
0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a front plan view of two trays according to the second embodiment of the invention stacked at an angle of 90° relative to one another; and
0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a schematic view of a tray according to the invention having a domed bottom.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
0037Various embodiments of the present invention are shown throughout the figures. These figures include common elements in different structural configurations. Common elements are designated with a common base numeral and differentiated with a alphabetic designation.
0038Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the present invention provides a multipurpose tray <b>10</b>. The tray <b>10</b> can include a front <b>12</b>, a rear <b>14</b>, a first side <b>16</b>, a second side <b>18</b>, and a bottom <b>20</b> which can be integrally formed with respect to one another. The tray <b>10</b> can be fabricated from plastic in an injection molding process. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> shows another embodiment of the invention, a tray <b>10</b>a having a front <b>12</b>a, a rear <b>14</b>a, a first side <b>16</b>a, a second side <b>18</b>a, and a bottom <b>20</b>a which can be integrally formed with respect to one another.
0039Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the front <b>12</b> can extend from the first side <b>16</b> to the second side <b>18</b> and can include a wall <b>22</b>, a fillet <b>24</b> and an apron <b>26</b>. The wall <b>22</b>, fillet <b>24</b> and apron <b>26</b> can define a channel <b>28</b>. The front <b>12</b> can also include a right-hand portion <b>30</b> and a left-hand portion <b>32</b> which are mirror images of one another with respect to a substantially vertical center axis <b>186</b> of the front <b>12</b>, as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.
0040Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the fillet <b>24</b> can define an opening <b>34</b>. The opening <b>34</b> can be centered along the axis <b>186</b> of the front <b>12</b> with respect to the right-hand portion <b>30</b> and the left-hand portion <b>32</b>. The opening <b>34</b> can include a bottom surface <b>36</b> and side surfaces <b>38</b> and <b>40</b>. In a second embodiment of the invention, an opening <b>34</b>a is shown in perspective view in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, in partial detailed cross-sectional view in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, and in overhead plan view in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>. The opening <b>34</b>a can be defined by a fillet <b>24</b>a of a front <b>12</b>a of tray <b>10</b>a. The opening <b>34</b>a can include bottom surface <b>36</b>a, side surfaces <b>38</b>a and <b>40</b>a as well as secondary bottom surfaces <b>36</b>b and <b>36</b>c and secondary side surfaces <b>38</b>b and <b>40</b>b.
0041Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the fillet <b>24</b> can also define a boss <b>42</b>, a notch <b>44</b>, a gain <b>46</b>, and a dimple <b>48</b>. The boss <b>42</b> is positioned along the length of the front <b>12</b> between the opening <b>34</b> and the notch <b>44</b>. The boss <b>42</b> includes a support surface <b>50</b>. A projection <b>52</b> can extend from the fillet <b>24</b> between the notch <b>44</b> and the gain <b>46</b>. The dimple <b>48</b> can be positioned at an outermost edge of the front <b>12</b>. An alternative embodiment of the dimple <b>48</b>a is shown extending a height of an apron <b>26</b>a of the tray <b>10</b>a in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17</figref>, <b>18</b> and <b>20</b>.
0042Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-5</figref>, fillet <b>24</b> can be pierced by one or more apertures <b>54</b>. A plurality of apertures <b>54</b> can be evenly spaced along the length of the front <b>12</b>. The apertures <b>54</b> can be formed in the bottom surface <b>36</b> of the opening <b>34</b>, the side surfaces <b>38</b> and <b>40</b> of the opening <b>34</b>, or in the notch <b>44</b>. The apertures <b>54</b> can enhance cleaning of the tray <b>10</b> by reducing the likelihood that vermin or debris will become trapped in the channel <b>28</b>.
0043Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, ribs can be disposed in the channel <b>28</b> to define a plurality of apertures and to enhance the structural integrity of the tray <b>10</b>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, ribs <b>56</b>, <b>58</b>, <b>60</b> and <b>62</b> can be formed in various shapes and be disposed at various positions relative to the opening <b>34</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, ribs <b>64</b>, <b>66</b>, <b>68</b> and <b>70</b> can be positioned adjacent a side surface <b>38</b>a, a secondary bottom surface <b>36</b>b and a bottom surface <b>36</b>a or any combination thereof.
0044Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the front <b>12</b> also includes a wall <b>22</b>. The wall <b>22</b> can define a foot <b>72</b> and shoulder <b>74</b>. The foot <b>72</b> can be shaped to correspond to the shape of the notch <b>44</b>. Also, the foot <b>72</b> is substantially vertically aligned with the notch <b>44</b>. The shoulder <b>74</b> will be described in greater detail below. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> shows a front wall <b>12</b>a of a tray <b>10</b>a having wall <b>22</b>a that defines a foot <b>72</b>a and shoulder <b>74</b>a. The foot <b>72</b>a is shaped to correspond to the shape of the notch <b>44</b>a and is substantially vertically aligned with the notch <b>44</b>a.
0045Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, a beam <b>76</b> extends from wall <b>22</b> generally toward the apron <b>26</b>. The beam <b>76</b> does not extend past the apron <b>26</b>. The beam <b>76</b> can be tapered such that the beam <b>76</b> is narrowest immediately adjacent the foot <b>72</b>. The beam <b>76</b> is substantially vertically aligned with the support surface <b>50</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> shows a front <b>12</b>a having a beam <b>76</b>a substantially vertically aligned with the support surface <b>50</b>a of a boss <b>42</b>a.
0046Referring now to FIGS. <b>1</b> and <b>6</b>-<b>9</b>, the rear <b>14</b> of the tray <b>10</b> can be substantially similar to the front <b>12</b> of the tray <b>10</b>. The rear <b>14</b> can include a wall <b>22</b>b, a fillet <b>24</b>b, and an apron <b>26</b>b. The fillet <b>24</b>b can define an opening <b>34</b>b, including bottom surface <b>36</b>d and side surfaces <b>38</b>c and <b>40</b>c, and a boss <b>42</b>b. One or more apertures <b>54</b> can pierce the fillet <b>24</b>b along the surface <b>36</b>d, or a notch <b>44</b>b. The rear <b>14</b> also includes a slot <b>78</b>. The slot <b>78</b> extends vertically downward from the boss <b>42</b>b along the wall <b>22</b>b. The slot <b>78</b> can be tapered to be narrowest at a position furthest from the boss <b>42</b>b. The slot <b>78</b> is substantially aligned with the beam <b>76</b> of the front <b>12</b> to receive a beam <b>76</b> when two trays <b>10</b> are stacked 180° relative to another. The stacking of two trays relative to one another will be described in greater detail below. The rear <b>14</b> does not include beams extending from the wall <b>22</b>b as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. Also, the rear <b>14</b> may not include a dimple <b>28</b> as formed in the front <b>12</b>.
0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 19</figref> show the rear <b>14</b>a of alternative embodiment of the invention. The rear <b>14</b>a can be substantially similar to the front <b>12</b>a of the tray <b>10</b>a. The rear <b>14</b>a can include a wall <b>22</b>c, a fillet <b>24</b>c, and an apron <b>26</b>c. The fillet <b>24</b>c can define an opening <b>34</b>c, including bottom surfaces <b>36</b>e, <b>36</b>f and <b>36</b>g as well as side surfaces <b>38</b>d, <b>38</b>e and <b>40</b>d, <b>40</b>e and a boss <b>42</b>c. One or more apertures <b>54</b> can pierce the fillet <b>24</b>c along the surfaces <b>36</b>e, <b>36</b>f, <b>36</b>g, <b>38</b>d, <b>38</b>e, <b>40</b>d and <b>40</b>e, or a notch <b>44</b>c. The rear <b>14</b>a also includes a slot <b>78</b>a. The slot <b>78</b>a extends vertically downward from the boss <b>42</b>c along the wall <b>22</b>c. The slot <b>78</b>a can be tapered to be narrowest at a position furthest from the boss <b>42</b>c. The slot <b>78</b>a is substantially aligned with the beam <b>76</b>a of the front <b>12</b>a to receive a beam <b>76</b>a when two trays <b>10</b>a are stacked 180° relative to another. The stacking of two trays relative to one another will be described in greater detail below. The rear <b>14</b>a does not include beams extending from the wall <b>22</b>c as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>. Also, the rear <b>14</b>a may not include a dimple <b>28</b>a as formed in the front <b>12</b>a.
0048Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>3</b>, <b>5</b> and <b>8</b>, the second side <b>18</b> can include an inner face <b>80</b>, an outer face <b>82</b>, a top portion <b>84</b> and a bottom portion <b>86</b>. The inner face <b>80</b> can be defined by an innermost surface <b>88</b>, a front pocket <b>90</b> and a rear pocket <b>92</b>. The front and rear pockets <b>90</b> and <b>92</b> can be defined by inwardly facing surfaces <b>96</b> and <b>98</b>, front facing surfaces <b>100</b> and <b>102</b>, rear facing surfaces <b>104</b> and <b>106</b>, and upper facing surfaces <b>108</b> and <b>109</b>, respectively. The inwardly facing surfaces, the front facing surfaces, the rear facing surfaces and the upper facing surfaces of each pocket define openings <b>110</b> and <b>112</b> in the front and rear pockets <b>90</b> and <b>92</b>. The pockets <b>90</b> and <b>92</b> are shaped to substantially correspond to the shape of mating feet disposed on the outer face <b>82</b> of the second side <b>18</b>. The feet will be described in greater detail below.
0049Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6 and 7</figref>, one or more ribs <b>114</b> can be disposed on the inwardly facing surface <b>98</b> of the rear pocket <b>92</b>. The ribs <b>114</b> are generally arcuate or semi-circular in cross section. A rib <b>116</b> positioned closest to the center of the second side <b>18</b> can be tapered, such that a radius of the rib <b>116</b> is greater than a radius of the ribs <b>114</b>. The rib <b>116</b> and ribs <b>114</b> can project from the surface <b>98</b> the same distance. Tapering the rib <b>116</b> and enhances the sliding interaction between two trays <b>10</b> to be stacked relative to one another. Specifically, it has been found that when the rib <b>116</b> is shaped without a tapered semi-circular cross section, a top tray sliding relative to a bottom tray can bind.
0050Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5</figref>, <b>9</b> and <b>1</b>, the outer face <b>82</b> of the second side <b>18</b> can include a honeycomb section <b>118</b>, a front foot <b>120</b> and a rear foot <b>122</b>, and an outwardly facing surface <b>124</b>. The honeycomb section <b>118</b> can be disposed adjacent to the top portion <b>84</b> of the second side <b>18</b>. The honeycomb section <b>118</b> enhances the strength and rigidity of the tray <b>10</b>. Opposite of the front pocket <b>90</b> of the inner face <b>80</b> a planar surface <b>126</b> is disposed on the outer face <b>82</b>. Numerical and alphabetic information can be molded or formed on the surface <b>126</b>. Runners <b>128</b> and <b>130</b> extend downwardly toward the bottom portion <b>86</b> from the honeycomb section <b>118</b>.
0051Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 9</figref>, the front foot <b>120</b> and a rear foot <b>122</b> extend from the outwardly facing surface <b>124</b> of the outer face <b>82</b>. The feet <b>120</b> and <b>122</b> include runners <b>132</b> and <b>134</b> respectively. The feet <b>120</b> and <b>122</b> can be honeycombed. The front foot <b>120</b> is shaped to correspond to the shape of the rear pocket <b>92</b>. The rear foot <b>122</b> is shaped to correspond to the shape of the front pocket <b>90</b>. The front foot <b>120</b> can be defined in part by an outer surface or plane <b>136</b>, best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The rear foot <b>122</b> can be defined by two outer surfaces or planes <b>138</b> and <b>140</b>. The surfaces <b>138</b> and <b>140</b> are disposed at an angle of greater than 0° relative to one another.
0052Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>5</b> and <b>8</b>, the top portion <b>84</b> of the second side <b>18</b> is defined by a plurality of upper facing surfaces <b>142</b>, <b>144</b>, <b>146</b>, <b>148</b>, <b>150</b>, <b>152</b>, <b>154</b>, and <b>156</b>. Surfaces <b>144</b> and <b>148</b> are downwardly recessed with respect to surface <b>142</b>. Surfaces <b>142</b>, <b>146</b> and <b>150</b> are substantially co-planar. Surfaces <b>152</b>, <b>154</b> and <b>156</b> define the bottom surface of a discontinuous channel <b>158</b> extending along the top portion <b>84</b> of the second side <b>18</b> between the front <b>12</b> and the rear <b>14</b>. The channel <b>158</b> is longitudinally aligned with the gain <b>46</b> of the front <b>12</b> and a gain <b>46</b>a of the rear <b>14</b>. A stop <b>160</b> is disposed in the channel <b>158</b>. The stop <b>160</b> can be shaped like a ramp with a substantially vertical side facing toward the front <b>12</b> and a substantially ramped side facing the rear <b>14</b>. The stop <b>160</b> can prevent movement of a top tray relative to a bottom tray when two trays are to be stacked in a similar orientation and slidingly engaged in a first direction as will be discussed in greater detail below. The first direction is defined when the front of a top tray is engages the rear of the bottom tray at the beginning of the sliding engagement. The second direction is defined when the rear of the top tray is received by front of the bottom tray during the beginning of the sliding engagement. Surface <b>152</b> is downwardly recessed with respect to surface <b>154</b> and a rounded shoulder <b>162</b> can be defined therebetween.
0053Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the bottom portion <b>86</b> of the second side <b>18</b> includes two longitudinal rails <b>164</b> and <b>166</b> that extend between opposite edges of the foot <b>72</b> of the front <b>12</b> to a foot <b>72</b>b of the rear <b>14</b>. Transverse rails <b>168</b> can be randomly or evenly spaced between the rails <b>164</b> and <b>166</b> along the length of the second side <b>18</b>.
0054Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 3</figref>, the first side <b>16</b> and the second side <b>18</b> are substantially mirror images of one another with respect to a longitudinal axis <b>190</b>. However, the sides <b>16</b> and <b>18</b> are different in that a configuration of a handle <b>170</b> of the second section <b>18</b> is different than a configuration of a handle <b>172</b> of the first section <b>16</b>. Specifically, one of the handles <b>170</b> and <b>172</b> includes a gripping portion <b>174</b>. The gripping portion includes one or more rounded projections extending into a cavity defined by the handle. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 3</figref> illustrate a gripping portion <b>174</b> having one rounded projection extending from handle portion <b>172</b>. However, the gripping portion can extend from the handle portion <b>170</b> and can include more than one rounded projection. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> illustrates a gripping portion <b>174</b>a including a plurality of rounded projections.
0055Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>3</b> and <b>15</b>, the gripping portions <b>174</b> and <b>174</b>a generally conform to the hand of a user of the tray <b>10</b> or tray <b>10</b>a. The gripping portion <b>174</b> can be advantageous to indicate to a human handler the orientation of the tray. For example, if the trays are to be stacked at 180° relative to one another, the human handler can grasp a tray to be stacked and recognize whether the tray can be placed on top of a stack of trays or must be oriented differently before the tray is stacked by feeling the gripping portion instead of having to examine the sides of the tray to identify the location of the beam <b>76</b> of the tray being held and the slot <b>78</b> of the tray at the top of the stack of trays. Specifically, when trays are to be stacked at 180° relative to one another, the human handler will recognize that every other tray must be grasped so that the gripping portion is felt with a particular hand. When the trays are to be stacked at 0° relative to one another, the human handler will recognize that every tray must be grasped so that the gripping portion is felt with a particular hand.
0056Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15</figref>, <b>17</b> and <b>22</b>, the first side <b>16</b>a and second side <b>18</b>a of the tray <b>10</b>a according to an alternative embodiment of the invention can be substantially similar to the first side <b>16</b> and second side <b>18</b> of the tray <b>10</b>, respectively. The first side <b>16</b>a and second side <b>18</b>a can be mirror images of one another about a longitudinal axis <b>198</b>. Each side can include an inner face <b>80</b>a, an outer face <b>82</b>a, a top portion <b>84</b>a and a bottom portion <b>86</b>a. The inner face <b>80</b>a can be defined by an innermost surface <b>88</b>a, a front pocket <b>90</b>a and a rear pocket <b>92</b>a. The front and rear pockets <b>90</b>a and <b>92</b>a can be defined by inwardly facing surfaces <b>96</b>a and <b>98</b>a, front facing surfaces <b>100</b>a and <b>102</b>a, and rear facing surfaces <b>104</b>a and <b>106</b>a, respectively. The rear pocket <b>92</b>a can include an upper facing surface <b>109</b>a. The inwardly facing surfaces, the front facing surfaces, the rear facing surfaces and the upper facing surfaces of each pocket define openings <b>110</b>a and <b>112</b>a in the front and rear pockets <b>90</b>a and <b>92</b>a. The pockets <b>90</b>a and <b>92</b>a are shaped to substantially correspond to the shape of mating feet disposed on the outer face <b>82</b>a. The feet will be described in greater detail below.
0057Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, the outer face <b>82</b>a can include a honeycomb section <b>118</b>a, a front foot <b>120</b>a and a rear foot <b>122</b>a, and an outwardly facing surface <b>124</b>a. The honeycomb section <b>118</b>a can be disposed adjacent to the top portion <b>84</b>a of the second side <b>18</b>a. The honeycomb section <b>118</b>a enhances the strength and rigidity of the tray <b>10</b>a. Opposite of the front pocket <b>90</b>a of the inner face <b>80</b>a a planar surface <b>126</b>a is disposed on the outer face <b>82</b>a. Numerical and alphabetic information can be molded or formed on the surface <b>126</b>a. Runners <b>128</b>a and <b>130</b>a extend downwardly toward the bottom portion <b>86</b>a from the honeycomb section <b>118</b>a.
0058Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 and 24</figref>, the front foot <b>120</b>a and a rear foot <b>122</b>a extend from the outwardly facing surface <b>124</b>a of the outer face <b>82</b>a. The feet <b>120</b>a and <b>122</b>a include runners <b>132</b>a and <b>134</b>a respectively. The feet <b>120</b>a and <b>122</b>a can include ribs <b>200</b>. The front foot <b>120</b>a is shaped to correspond to the shape of the rear pocket <b>92</b>a. The rear foot <b>122</b>a is shaped to correspond to the shape of the front pocket <b>90</b>a. The front foot <b>120</b>a can be defined in part by an outer surface or plane <b>136</b>a. The rear foot <b>122</b>a can be defined by two outer surfaces or planes <b>138</b>a and <b>140</b>a. The surfaces <b>138</b>a and <b>140</b>a are disposed at an angle of greater than 0° relative to one another.
0059Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, the top portion <b>84</b>a is defined by a plurality of upper facing surfaces <b>142</b>a, <b>144</b>a, <b>146</b>a, <b>148</b>a, <b>150</b>a, <b>152</b>a, <b>154</b>a, and <b>156</b>a. Surfaces <b>144</b>a and <b>148</b>a are downwardly recessed with respect to surface <b>142</b>a. Surfaces <b>142</b>a, <b>146</b>a and <b>150</b>a are substantially co-planar. Surfaces <b>152</b>a, <b>154</b>a and <b>156</b>a define the bottom surface of a discontinuous channel <b>158</b>a extending along the top portion <b>84</b>a between the front <b>12</b>a and the rear <b>14</b>a. The channel <b>158</b>a is longitudinally aligned with the gain <b>46</b>b of the front <b>12</b>a and a gain <b>46</b>c of the rear <b>14</b>a. Surface <b>152</b>a is downwardly recessed with respect to surface <b>154</b>a and a shoulder <b>162</b>a can be defined therebetween.
0060Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15</figref>, <b>20</b> and <b>21</b>, the bottom portion <b>86</b>a of each side of the tray <b>10</b>a can be substantially similar to the bottom portion of each side of the tray <b>10</b>. Specifically, each bottom portion of the first and second sides <b>16</b>a and <b>18</b>a can include two longitudinal rails that extend between opposite edges of the foot <b>72</b>a of the front <b>12</b>a to a foot <b>72</b>c of the rear <b>14</b>a. Transverse rails can be randomly or evenly spaced between the longitudinal rails along the length of the first and second sides <b>16</b>a and <b>18</b>a.
0061Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, <b>3</b>, <b>8</b> and <b>25</b>, a bottom <b>20</b> of the tray <b>10</b> can define a lattice pattern. The bottom <b>20</b> can also include longitudinal ribs <b>176</b> and transverse ribs <b>178</b>. The bottom <b>20</b> can also be domed to increase the strength of the tray <b>10</b> and reduce the material required to form the bottom <b>20</b>. The bottom <b>20</b>a of tray <b>10</b>a can be domed. The shape of a domed bottom surface is shown schematically in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>. The front and sides of the tray are shown in phantom and a line <b>180</b> illustrates a profile of the bottom <b>20</b> along the transverse direction. Line <b>182</b> illustrates that the bottom can also be arched along the longitudinal direction. Line <b>188</b> illustrates a profile of a bottom that is not domed. The dome configuration of a bottom can increase the strength of the bottom by fifty percent. Tray <b>10</b>a can include a domed bottom <b>20</b>a. The enhanced strength of a domed-shaped bottom <b>20</b> can also reduce the amount of material necessary to form the bottom <b>20</b> when a predetermined strength is required.
0062Preferably, the dome is three-eights (⅜) of one inch at the center of the bottom <b>20</b>. In other words, the center of the dome extends toward the interior of the tray <b>10</b> three-eights (⅜) of one inch relative to the intersection of the bottom with the sides <b>16</b> and <b>18</b>, and the front <b>12</b> and rear <b>14</b>. However, the height of the dome can be increased or decreased as desired. The height of the dome can be varied based on the weight of the material and/or products to be maintained in the tray <b>10</b>. In particular, the dome can be completely or partially flattened relative to the intersection of the bottom <b>20</b> and with the sides <b>16</b> and <b>18</b>, and the front <b>12</b> and rear <b>14</b> in response to a weight of the cargo to be maintained by the tray <b>10</b>. The height of the dome can be determined based on the projected flattening of the dome in response to weight of the cargo to be maintained by the tray <b>10</b>.
0063Two or more trays can be stacked on top of one another in three different configurations. The height of two stacked trays in each configuration can be different. The trays can be blind stacked and unstacked. The engagement of two trays <b>10</b> and two trays <b>10</b>a is substantially similar.
0064In a first configuration, a bottom tray <b>10</b> and a top tray <b>10</b> are stacked in the same orientation, or at an angle of 0° relative to one another. In the first configuration, the second side <b>18</b> of the top tray engages the second side of the bottom tray. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a front plan view of two trays stacked in the same orientation and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a side plan view of two trays stacked in the same orientation. When two trays are stacked in a similar orientation, a foot <b>72</b>a of a rear <b>14</b> of an upper tray is received by the notch <b>44</b> of the front <b>12</b> of a lower tray. The trays are moved relative to one another and a runner <b>134</b> of the upper tray enters the gain <b>46</b> of the front <b>12</b> of the lower tray and slides along the channel <b>158</b>. An edge <b>184</b> of the rear foot <b>122</b> slidingly contacts surface <b>142</b> of the second side <b>18</b> of the lower tray. The runner <b>134</b> of the rear foot <b>122</b> engages the tapered rib <b>116</b> and moves past the rib <b>116</b> and ribs <b>114</b>. The runner <b>132</b> of the top tray enters the gain <b>46</b> of the lower tray. The sliding motion of the top tray relative to the bottom tray stops when the runner <b>134</b> contacts or abuts the stop <b>160</b> of the lower tray. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, when the upper tray is stacked relative to the lower tray in the same orientation, a beam <b>76</b> of the top tray contacts the support surface <b>50</b> of the boss <b>42</b> of the lower tray, the runner <b>132</b> of the upper tray engages the surface <b>152</b> of the lower tray, the runner <b>134</b> of the upper tray engages the surface <b>156</b> of the lower tray, and the edge <b>184</b> of the upper tray engages the surface <b>142</b> of the lower tray and the ribs <b>114</b> and <b>116</b>. Substantially the same engagement occurs between the first side <b>16</b> of the top tray and the first side <b>16</b> of the lower tray.
0065In a second configuration, a bottom tray and a top tray are stacked in the opposite orientation, or at an angle of 180° relative to one another. In the second configuration, the first side <b>18</b> of the top tray engages the second side of the bottom tray. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a front plan view of two trays stacked in the sameopposite orientation and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a side plan view of two trays stacked in the sameopposite orientation. A foot <b>72</b> of the front <b>12</b> of the top tray enters the notch <b>44</b> of a lower tray. A runner <b>132</b> enters the gain <b>46</b> of the lower tray and slidingly contacts the surfaces <b>152</b> and <b>154</b> of the channel <b>158</b>. A runner <b>134</b> enters the gain <b>46</b>. When the front and rear feet <b>120</b> and <b>122</b> of the top tray are aligned with the rear and front pockets <b>92</b> and <b>90</b>, respectively, of the bottom tray, the top tray drops into engagement with the bottom tray. The ribs <b>114</b> engage surface <b>136</b> to reduce the likelihood that the top tray will move relative to the bottom tray. When the top and bottom tray are engaged at an angle of 180° relative to one another, a beam <b>76</b> of the top tray is slidingly received in the channel <b>78</b> (shown in phantom in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>), runners <b>128</b> and <b>130</b> of the top tray contact surface <b>154</b> of the bottom tray, runner <b>132</b> of the top tray pierces the opening <b>112</b> of the bottom tray, runner <b>134</b> pierces the opening <b>110</b> of the bottom tray, and the bottom of the apron <b>26</b> of the top tray engages the top of the apron <b>26</b>b of the rear <b>14</b> of the bottom tray. Substantially the same engagement occurs between the second side <b>18</b> of the top tray and the first side <b>16</b> of the lower tray.
0066In a third configuration, a bottom tray and a top tray are stacked at an angle of 90° relative to one another. In the third configuration, the bottom <b>20</b> of the top tray engages the bottom surfaces <b>36</b> and <b>36</b>d of the bottom tray. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a rear plan view of two trays stacked at an angle of 90° relative to one another. The trays can be stacked so that a bottom edge of a wall <b>22</b> of a top tray engages the fillet <b>24</b> of the front <b>12</b> of a bottom tray and a fillet <b>24</b>b of the rear <b>14</b> of the bottom tray. The shoulder <b>74</b> and a shoulder <b>74</b>a of the front <b>12</b> of the top tray engage the aprons <b>26</b> and <b>26</b>b and limit the movement of top tray relative to the bottom tray. Like shoulders can be formed in the rear <b>14</b> to engage the aprons <b>26</b> and <b>26</b>b.
0067While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.
Contents6
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| US4600103A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US4842142A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US4905833A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US4960207A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US4982844A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5035326A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5287966A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5344022A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5372257A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5582296A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5881902A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5913424A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5960720A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5984133A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US6241096B1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US6260706B1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US6273259B1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US6386388B1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| USD264513S | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| USD401066S | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
10 priority claims, no other members on record
Priority claims10
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36768802 | United States of America | P | |
| 36768802 | United States of America | P | |
| 17469802 | United States of America | A | |
| 17469802 | United States of America | A | |
| 50811406 | United States of America | A | |
| 10174698 | – | – | – |
| 60367688 | – | – | – |
| US20020174698 | – | – | – |
| US20020367688P | – | – | – |
| US20060508114 | – | – | – |
3 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee paymentFPAY | FPAY | |
| Certificate of correctionCC | CC | |
| AssignmentAS | AS |
Numbers
- Publication
- RE044754
- Publication, DOCDB
- RE44754
- Publication, EPODOC
- USRE44754E
- Application
- 11508114
- Application, DOCDB
- 50811406
- Application, EPODOC
- US20060508114
Titles
- English
- Stackable tray having anti-pivot stop and wash apertures
Classification
- CPC, 3
- B65D21/046
- B65D21/045
- B65D81/261
- IPC, 3
- B65D21 032
- B65D21 04
- B65D81 26
- USPC, 4
- 206507000
- 206505000
- 206506000
- 206509000