US20050155889A1 - Modular and stackable tray assembly - Google Patents
Modular and stackable tray assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050155889A1 US20050155889A1 US10/760,608 US76060804A US2005155889A1 US 20050155889 A1 US20050155889 A1 US 20050155889A1 US 76060804 A US76060804 A US 76060804A US 2005155889 A1 US2005155889 A1 US 2005155889A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- trays
- transverse
- latch
- walls
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
- B25H3/00—Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
- B25H3/02—Boxes
- B25H3/021—Boxes comprising a number of connected storage elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K97/00—Accessories for angling
- A01K97/06—Containers or holders for hooks, lines, sinkers, flies or the like
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an assembly of individual trays of different heights which can be releasably locked together and carried as a single unit.
- Boxes, and particularly compartmentalized boxes, for storing craft, fishing hardware and other small items are generally configured as single units with lids. Each unit is generally carried separately or stacked in an unsecured arrangement. Picking up and transporting a pile of such boxes can easily cause an unexpected separation of the piled boxes spilling the contents thereof.
- Stackable storage containers which can be releasably locked together are known as illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,339,725 (“'725 patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,363 (“'363 patent”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,258 (“'258 patent”).
- the '725 patent employs a flat sheet ( 1 ) of cardboard or the like with the central section extending over the top container and the end sections extending along the sides of the single or stacked container(s) and secured to the beaded rim(s) surrounding the openings(s) of the lower container(s).
- the sheet ( 1 ) which holds the containers together, constitutes an extra component and does not provide a particularly reliable/reusable locking system.
- the '363 patent discloses a storage unit in which two trays of different heights and apparently vertically aligned side walls may be stacked and carried as a unit.
- a separate connecting element ( 13 ) is releasably secured between the sides of each pair of stacked trays. While the connecting elements would apparently provide a secure locking arrangement between the several trays, they would be cumbersome to use.
- the patent refers to the possible use of a hinged connecting element, as an alternative. However, no specifics are given as to its construction.
- the '258 patent discloses a stackable container system for storing foodstuffs in which identical containers are secured together by flexible flaps ( 18 ). Such a flexible flap arrangement is not particularly robust. Also, absent the presence of the lid 22 , there is no convenient handle with which to carry the stacked containers.
- trays and other containers for storing small items are often injection molded of a plastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene or copolymers.
- a split two-part mold can be employed to form straight peripheral or side walls in such trays. While the use of a single non-split mold will result in a simpler and less expensive molding process, the peripheral walls must be outwardly inclined (i.e., draft angle) in order to remove the molded tray from the mold.
- the releasable locking arrangement of my invention accommodates stacked trays of different heights and the use of a single mold for each tray height.
- a system for open top trays of variable heights arranged to be stacked together in any arrangement comprises a group of trays with each tray having a bottom and longitudinal and perimeter walls which terminate in an upper edge or rim defining an opening through which articles may be placed in and removed from the tray.
- a plurality of dividers are mounted in the tray to form individual compartments.
- the peripheral walls have an inwardly stepped or undercut section joined to the bottom which undercut section nests on the rim of the lower tray in a complementary manner to substantially align the peripheral walls of the nested trays with the rim of each tray having the same dimensions regardless of the tray height.
- the trays in a stacked position define a common interface datum plane coincident with the rim of the lower tray.
- a latch handle is rotatably mounted on the exterior of each transverse perimeter wall about a rotational axis located at a distance d 1 below the datum plane and a latch hook protrudes outwardly from each transverse wall at a distance d 2 above the datum plane.
- the latch handle includes a locking tab arranged to engage the latch hook of an above positioned tray (or lid) when the latch handle is rotated to a closed position.
- each latch handle is rotatably mounted on an axle molded integrally with the transverse walls and spaced outwardly from a recessed central section thereof
- the latch handles may be provided stub axles positioned in an axle receiving openings in the transverse walls adjacent a recessed central section thereof.
- the rotational axis of the latch handles and the latch hooks are separated by distances d 3 and d 4 , respectively, regardless of the height of the tray.
- the underside of the latch handle (in the locked position) has a generally semicylindrical shape to provide a user friendly handle portion for lifting and transporting stacked trays.
- the trays are provided with integrally molded or removable dividers to form compartments within the individual trays.
- the assembly includes a lid with a top wall, longitudinal and transverse side walls with a latch hook extending outwardly from each transverse wall and above the datum plane by the distance d 2 for engagement by the locking tab of an associated latch handle on the underlying tray.
- the lid further includes a pivotal handle in the center section of the lid top wall to accommodate the hand of a user desiring to lift and transport the stacked assembly.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stackable tray assembly including a cover or lid in the stacked and locked position in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the assembled trays of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the assembled trays of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is an exploded disassembled perspective view of the trays of FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the lower and assembled lower and intermediate trays shown in FIG. 1 , respectively.
- FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view, partially broken away, taken along lines 7 - 7 , of FIG. 2 , showing the releasable locking arrangement for the individual trays with the dividers illustrated in FIG. 4 not shown for clarity.
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the releasable locking arrangement between two of the trays of FIG. 7 illustrating various dimensions.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the releasable locking arrangement between the cover or lid and one of the trays of FIG. 7 illustrating various dimensions.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of the front and rear sides of the latch handle, respectively.
- FIGS. 12 and 13 are top and bottom plan views of the cover or lid, respectively.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the handle for the cover.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative latch handle.
- FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of a transverse peripheral wall of a tray showing an opening therein for receiving the stub axles of the alternative latch handle.
- a tray system or assembly designated generally at 10 of the present invention includes a plurality of open top trays with a bottom tray 12 , an intermediate tray 14 , an uppermost tray 16 and a cover or lid 18 .
- the trays are injection molded, preferably with a one piece mold, of a suitable rigid thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene or a copolymer.
- a suitable rigid thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene or a copolymer.
- the trays i.e., at least two, have different heights, h.
- a set of four trays may have heights of 4′′, 3′′, 2′′ and 11 ⁇ 4′′ and have suitable lengths and widths such as 16′′ and 8′′, respectively. It is to be understood that the specific dimensions given are by way of example only.
- each tray includes a bottom wall 20 , longitudinal peripheral walls 22 , and transverse peripheral walls 24 (collectively “peripheral walls”) with the peripheral walls being inclined outwardly to the vertical (at an angle designated as ⁇ in FIG. 3 ) to accommodate removal from the mold.
- the peripheral walls terminate in a an upper edge or rim 25 through which articles may be placed in and removed from the open trays.
- the angle ⁇ of the inclination may be in the range of 0.5° to 2° with the angle dependent upon the height h of the tray so that the rim of the trays have substantially the same dimensions for nesting purposes as will be explained.
- the peripheral walls are joined to the bottom via an inwardly stepped or undercut section 23 ( FIG.
- a horizontally oriented shelf 23 a of the undercut section rests on the rim 25 of the lower tray.
- the longitudinal and transverse peripheral walls are joined at a radiused corner sections 26 ( FIG. 5 ) with the center sections 22 a of the longitudinal walls recessed slightly, as illustrated, for decorative purposes.
- a central section 24 a of the transverse walls is also recessed with axle 28 integrally molded into the side sections 24 b and spaced outwardly from the central section ( FIG. 1 ) to accommodate an axle receiving groove 30 a in a latch handle 30 ( FIG. 14 ) rotatably mounted on the axle as will be explained in more detail (the side sections 24 b extending perpendicularly outwardly from the central section 24 a ).
- the center of the axle is supported via a stub support member 28 a which extends outwardly from the recessed center portion 24 a . See FIG. 8 .
- the peripheral walls include circumscribing outwardly protruding ribs 3 1 , adjacent the rim, for decorative purposes. See FIG. 5 .
- a protruding latch hook member 32 (extending upwardly from two spaced horizontal ribs 32 a ) is also integrally molded in the bottom of the center section 24 a of each transverse peripheral wall for receiving a locking tab 30 b on the latch handle when in its closed position to lock the several trays together. See FIGS. 1, 8 and 9 .
- the latch handle is formed with a tab 30 c which may be rotated by a user's finger to engage or disengage the locking tab from the latch hook 32 to lock or unlock the trays.
- the underside 30 d of the bottom of the latch handle is semicircular in shape and serves as a handle for lifting one or a stack of trays.
- the center section of the bottom of the latch handle is notched at 30 e to accommodate the stub support member 28 a . See FIGS. 10 and 11 .
- the trays in a stacked position, with the undercut shelf 23 a of the upper shelf resting on the rim 25 of the lower shelf, define a datum plane coincident with the lower tray rim as is illustrated in FIG. 8 .
- the axle 28 is spaced below the datum plane by a distance d 1 with the latch hook 32 spaced above the datum plane by a distance d 2 in each tray regardless of the tray height.
- the distance between the center of the latch handle groove 30 a and the locking tab equals d 1 +d 2 .
- the distances d 3 and d 4 between the axles 28 and latch hooks 32 , respectively, on each tray, regardless of tray height, are the same so that the axles and latch hooks will be aligned vertically (although in different planes as illustrated) with the trays in a stacked position as is illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- the cover or lid 18 includes longitudinal and transverse perimeter walls 18 a and 18 b , respectively, with a center section 18 c of each transverse wall being recessed for alignment with the recessed center sections 24 a of the trays in the stacked position.
- the sections 18 c are molded with protruding latch hooks 32 ′, aligned with the latch hooks 32 , of the lower stacked trays.
- the locking tab 30 b of the lower tray latch handle engages the latch hook 32 ′ to lock the cover to the underlying tray(s).
- the distances d 5 and d 6 represent the distances between the axles 28 and latch hooks 30 b , respectively, from the recessed wall sections 28 a.
- the lower end of the cover perimeter sections are formed with an overcut section 18 d defining a horizontally extending shelf 18 e and an overhanging vertically oriented skirt 18 f.
- the shelf 18 e rests on the rim of the underlying tray and defines the datum plane for determining the distance d 2 as is best illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- the skirt 18 f fits over the outside of the rim and upper portion of the perimeter walls of the lower tray.
- the upper side of the cover includes a depressed center section 18 g, merged between side sections 18 h via vertically oriented stub walls 18 i.
- the stub walls have openings 18 j for receiving stub axles 36 a of a handle 36 . See FIGS. 1 and 14 .
- the longitudinal and peripheral sections of the cover include decorative curved sections 18 k merged with the overcut section 18 d.
- the underside of the center section of the cover is designated 18 g.
- Strengthening ribs 18 l are also included on the underside of the cover.
- divider receiving guides 38 are integrally molded to the interior surfaces of the longitudinal perimeter walls of trays 12 and 14 with removable dividers 40 mounted in some of the guides.
- Each guide is formed by a pair of elongated opposed generally semicylindrical sections 38 a defining a narrow slot therebetween for receiving and releasably retaining a divider 40 .
- the removable dividers are formed with semicylindrical end sections 40 a which are complementary with the elongated cavities formed by the sections 38 a . See FIG. 5 .
- One or more dividers 42 may be integrally molded with the trays as illustrated in tray 16 of FIG. 4 .
- vertically oriented spool receiving posts 42 may be integrally molded in a section of a tray.
- the posts 42 may be molded to a removable plate (not shown) for placement in a section of the tray as in FIG. 4 .
- the dividers may have a height, such as is illustrated in the tray 14 , so that the bottom of a overlying tray will be positioned closely above the dividers to inhibit any articles from spilling from one compartment to another in the event that the locked assembly is tipped upside down.
- the latch handle (designated 40 ) may be in the form shown in FIG. 15 and 16 with stub axles extending into openings 42 in the transverse wall side sections 24 b ′. With either arrangement the latch handle rotates about an axis of rotation located at distance d 1 below the datum plane.
- the trays and cover may be molded of any suitable plastic, they are preferably made of polypropylene. I have found that the nominal wall thickness t of 0.080′′ for the trays is suitable while a somewhat greater thickness may be preferable for the skirt sections of the top since the top must carry the weight of the stacked assembly when the handle 36 is used to transport the underlying trays. It is to be noted that the semicylindrical latch handle portions 30 d may be used to carry the assembled trays with or without the cover in place.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to an assembly of individual trays of different heights which can be releasably locked together and carried as a single unit.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- Boxes, and particularly compartmentalized boxes, for storing craft, fishing hardware and other small items (e.g., beads, lures, screw, etc.) are generally configured as single units with lids. Each unit is generally carried separately or stacked in an unsecured arrangement. Picking up and transporting a pile of such boxes can easily cause an unexpected separation of the piled boxes spilling the contents thereof.
- Stackable storage containers which can be releasably locked together are known as illustrated, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,339,725 (“'725 patent”); U.S. Pat. No. 4,619,363 (“'363 patent”); and U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,258 (“'258 patent”).
- The '725 patent employs a flat sheet (1) of cardboard or the like with the central section extending over the top container and the end sections extending along the sides of the single or stacked container(s) and secured to the beaded rim(s) surrounding the openings(s) of the lower container(s). The sheet (1), which holds the containers together, constitutes an extra component and does not provide a particularly reliable/reusable locking system.
- The '363 patent discloses a storage unit in which two trays of different heights and apparently vertically aligned side walls may be stacked and carried as a unit. A separate connecting element (13) is releasably secured between the sides of each pair of stacked trays. While the connecting elements would apparently provide a secure locking arrangement between the several trays, they would be cumbersome to use. The patent refers to the possible use of a hinged connecting element, as an alternative. However, no specifics are given as to its construction.
- The '258 patent discloses a stackable container system for storing foodstuffs in which identical containers are secured together by flexible flaps (18). Such a flexible flap arrangement is not particularly robust. Also, absent the presence of the
lid 22, there is no convenient handle with which to carry the stacked containers. - There is a need for a economical and stackable tray assembly with a robust locking mechanism, particularly for a stackable tray system in which the trays have different heights with optional dividers to form individual compartments within the trays. For economic reasons trays and other containers for storing small items are often injection molded of a plastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene or copolymers. A split two-part mold can be employed to form straight peripheral or side walls in such trays. While the use of a single non-split mold will result in a simpler and less expensive molding process, the peripheral walls must be outwardly inclined (i.e., draft angle) in order to remove the molded tray from the mold. The releasable locking arrangement of my invention accommodates stacked trays of different heights and the use of a single mold for each tray height.
- A system for open top trays of variable heights arranged to be stacked together in any arrangement, in accordance with the present invention, comprises a group of trays with each tray having a bottom and longitudinal and perimeter walls which terminate in an upper edge or rim defining an opening through which articles may be placed in and removed from the tray. Preferably a plurality of dividers are mounted in the tray to form individual compartments. The peripheral walls have an inwardly stepped or undercut section joined to the bottom which undercut section nests on the rim of the lower tray in a complementary manner to substantially align the peripheral walls of the nested trays with the rim of each tray having the same dimensions regardless of the tray height. The trays in a stacked position define a common interface datum plane coincident with the rim of the lower tray. A latch handle is rotatably mounted on the exterior of each transverse perimeter wall about a rotational axis located at a distance d1 below the datum plane and a latch hook protrudes outwardly from each transverse wall at a distance d2 above the datum plane. The latch handle includes a locking tab arranged to engage the latch hook of an above positioned tray (or lid) when the latch handle is rotated to a closed position.
- Preferably each latch handle is rotatably mounted on an axle molded integrally with the transverse walls and spaced outwardly from a recessed central section thereof Alternatively the latch handles may be provided stub axles positioned in an axle receiving openings in the transverse walls adjacent a recessed central section thereof.
- Preferably the rotational axis of the latch handles and the latch hooks are separated by distances d3 and d4, respectively, regardless of the height of the tray. The underside of the latch handle (in the locked position) has a generally semicylindrical shape to provide a user friendly handle portion for lifting and transporting stacked trays. Preferably the trays are provided with integrally molded or removable dividers to form compartments within the individual trays.
- In addition the assembly includes a lid with a top wall, longitudinal and transverse side walls with a latch hook extending outwardly from each transverse wall and above the datum plane by the distance d2 for engagement by the locking tab of an associated latch handle on the underlying tray. The lid further includes a pivotal handle in the center section of the lid top wall to accommodate the hand of a user desiring to lift and transport the stacked assembly.
- The modular and stackable tray assembly of the present invention may best be understood in reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stackable tray assembly including a cover or lid in the stacked and locked position in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the assembled trays ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the assembled trays ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an exploded disassembled perspective view of the trays ofFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the lower and assembled lower and intermediate trays shown inFIG. 1 , respectively. -
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view, partially broken away, taken along lines 7-7, ofFIG. 2 , showing the releasable locking arrangement for the individual trays with the dividers illustrated inFIG. 4 not shown for clarity. -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the releasable locking arrangement between two of the trays ofFIG. 7 illustrating various dimensions. -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the releasable locking arrangement between the cover or lid and one of the trays ofFIG. 7 illustrating various dimensions. -
FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of the front and rear sides of the latch handle, respectively. -
FIGS. 12 and 13 are top and bottom plan views of the cover or lid, respectively. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the handle for the cover. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative latch handle. -
FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of a transverse peripheral wall of a tray showing an opening therein for receiving the stub axles of the alternative latch handle. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1-5 a tray system or assembly designated generally at 10 of the present invention includes a plurality of open top trays with abottom tray 12, anintermediate tray 14, anuppermost tray 16 and a cover orlid 18. - The trays are injection molded, preferably with a one piece mold, of a suitable rigid thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene or a copolymer. Preferably, the trays, i.e., at least two, have different heights, h. As an example, a set of four trays may have heights of 4″, 3″, 2″ and 1¼″ and have suitable lengths and widths such as 16″ and 8″, respectively. It is to be understood that the specific dimensions given are by way of example only.
- As is illustrated more particularly in
FIGS. 5 and 7 , each tray includes abottom wall 20, longitudinalperipheral walls 22, and transverse peripheral walls 24 (collectively “peripheral walls”) with the peripheral walls being inclined outwardly to the vertical (at an angle designated as θ inFIG. 3 ) to accommodate removal from the mold. The peripheral walls terminate in a an upper edge or rim 25 through which articles may be placed in and removed from the open trays. The angle θ of the inclination may be in the range of 0.5° to 2° with the angle dependent upon the height h of the tray so that the rim of the trays have substantially the same dimensions for nesting purposes as will be explained. The peripheral walls are joined to the bottom via an inwardly stepped or undercut section 23 (FIG. 7 ) which mates with the rim of the lower tray to align the peripheral walls and maintain the trays in a nested arrangement. As is illustrated inFIG. 8 a horizontally orientedshelf 23 a of the undercut section rests on therim 25 of the lower tray. - The longitudinal and transverse peripheral walls are joined at a radiused corner sections 26 (
FIG. 5 ) with thecenter sections 22 a of the longitudinal walls recessed slightly, as illustrated, for decorative purposes. Acentral section 24 a of the transverse walls is also recessed withaxle 28 integrally molded into theside sections 24 b and spaced outwardly from the central section (FIG. 1 ) to accommodate anaxle receiving groove 30 a in a latch handle 30 (FIG. 14 ) rotatably mounted on the axle as will be explained in more detail (theside sections 24 b extending perpendicularly outwardly from thecentral section 24 a). The center of the axle is supported via astub support member 28 a which extends outwardly from the recessedcenter portion 24 a. SeeFIG. 8 . The peripheral walls include circumscribing outwardly protruding ribs 3 1, adjacent the rim, for decorative purposes. SeeFIG. 5 . - A protruding latch hook member 32 (extending upwardly from two spaced
horizontal ribs 32 a) is also integrally molded in the bottom of thecenter section 24 a of each transverse peripheral wall for receiving alocking tab 30 b on the latch handle when in its closed position to lock the several trays together. SeeFIGS. 1, 8 and 9. The latch handle is formed with atab 30 c which may be rotated by a user's finger to engage or disengage the locking tab from thelatch hook 32 to lock or unlock the trays. Theunderside 30 d of the bottom of the latch handle is semicircular in shape and serves as a handle for lifting one or a stack of trays. The center section of the bottom of the latch handle is notched at 30 e to accommodate thestub support member 28 a. SeeFIGS. 10 and 11 . - As discussed earlier the trays, in a stacked position, with the undercut
shelf 23 a of the upper shelf resting on therim 25 of the lower shelf, define a datum plane coincident with the lower tray rim as is illustrated inFIG. 8 . - The
axle 28 is spaced below the datum plane by a distance d1 with thelatch hook 32 spaced above the datum plane by a distance d2 in each tray regardless of the tray height. The distance between the center of thelatch handle groove 30 a and the locking tab equals d1+d2. Preferably the distances d3 and d4 between theaxles 28 and latch hooks 32, respectively, on each tray, regardless of tray height, are the same so that the axles and latch hooks will be aligned vertically (although in different planes as illustrated) with the trays in a stacked position as is illustrated inFIG. 7 . - Referring now to
FIGS. 1, 12 and 13 the cover orlid 18 includes longitudinal andtransverse perimeter walls center section 18c of each transverse wall being recessed for alignment with the recessedcenter sections 24 a of the trays in the stacked position. Thesections 18 c are molded with protruding latch hooks 32′, aligned with the latch hooks 32, of the lower stacked trays. As is illustrated inFIG. 9 thelocking tab 30 b of the lower tray latch handle engages thelatch hook 32′ to lock the cover to the underlying tray(s). As is illustrated inFIG. 9 , the distances d5 and d6 represent the distances between theaxles 28 and latch hooks 30 b, respectively, from the recessedwall sections 28 a. - The lower end of the cover perimeter sections are formed with an
overcut section 18 d defining a horizontally extendingshelf 18 e and an overhanging vertically orientedskirt 18 f. Theshelf 18 e rests on the rim of the underlying tray and defines the datum plane for determining the distance d2 as is best illustrated inFIG. 9 . Theskirt 18 f fits over the outside of the rim and upper portion of the perimeter walls of the lower tray. - The upper side of the cover includes a
depressed center section 18g, merged betweenside sections 18 h via vertically orientedstub walls 18 i. The stub walls haveopenings 18 j for receivingstub axles 36 a of ahandle 36. SeeFIGS. 1 and 14 . The longitudinal and peripheral sections of the cover include decorativecurved sections 18 k merged with theovercut section 18 d. - As is best illustrated in
FIG. 13 the underside of the center section of the cover is designated 18 g. Strengthening ribs 18 l are also included on the underside of the cover. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 and 5 divider receiving guides 38 are integrally molded to the interior surfaces of the longitudinal perimeter walls oftrays removable dividers 40 mounted in some of the guides. Each guide is formed by a pair of elongated opposed generallysemicylindrical sections 38 a defining a narrow slot therebetween for receiving and releasably retaining adivider 40. Preferably the removable dividers are formed with semicylindrical end sections 40 a which are complementary with the elongated cavities formed by thesections 38 a. SeeFIG. 5 . - One or
more dividers 42 may be integrally molded with the trays as illustrated intray 16 ofFIG. 4 . In addition vertically orientedspool receiving posts 42 may be integrally molded in a section of a tray. Alternatively, theposts 42 may be molded to a removable plate (not shown) for placement in a section of the tray as inFIG. 4 . - The dividers may have a height, such as is illustrated in the
tray 14, so that the bottom of a overlying tray will be positioned closely above the dividers to inhibit any articles from spilling from one compartment to another in the event that the locked assembly is tipped upside down. - As an alternative to the latch handle and fixed axle arrangement shown in
FIGS. 1 and 9 -11, the latch handle (designated 40) may be in the form shown inFIG. 15 and 16 with stub axles extending intoopenings 42 in the transversewall side sections 24 b′. With either arrangement the latch handle rotates about an axis of rotation located at distance d1 below the datum plane. - While the trays and cover may be molded of any suitable plastic, they are preferably made of polypropylene. I have found that the nominal wall thickness t of 0.080″ for the trays is suitable while a somewhat greater thickness may be preferable for the skirt sections of the top since the top must carry the weight of the stacked assembly when the
handle 36 is used to transport the underlying trays. It is to be noted that the semicylindrical latch handleportions 30 d may be used to carry the assembled trays with or without the cover in place. - There has thus been described a novel modular and stackable tray assembly with the individual tray arranged to accommodate removable or stationary dividers to form compartments and a reliable locking system to allow a stacked tray assembly to be conveniently carried with or without a cover. Various modifications to the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without involving any departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/760,608 US20050155889A1 (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2004-01-20 | Modular and stackable tray assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/760,608 US20050155889A1 (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2004-01-20 | Modular and stackable tray assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050155889A1 true US20050155889A1 (en) | 2005-07-21 |
Family
ID=34750029
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/760,608 Abandoned US20050155889A1 (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2004-01-20 | Modular and stackable tray assembly |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050155889A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102005040397B3 (en) * | 2005-08-25 | 2007-03-01 | Wolfsburg Ag | Container arrangement for use as first aid box or emergency use suitcase, has flexible bindings, each with fasteners aligned and coupled individually to fasteners of container modules stacked together |
US20070281531A1 (en) * | 2006-06-06 | 2007-12-06 | Aopen Inc. | Stackable modular computer housing, and computer device including the same |
DE202007010828U1 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2008-12-18 | Zarges Gmbh | container |
US20090071072A1 (en) * | 2003-06-27 | 2009-03-19 | Ultracell Corporation | Planar micro fuel processor |
US20090168342A1 (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2009-07-02 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Housing of foldable electronic device |
WO2010084309A1 (en) * | 2009-01-20 | 2010-07-29 | Kevin Brown | Container interlocking system |
US8046961B1 (en) * | 2008-05-27 | 2011-11-01 | Solarcraft, Inc. | Tactical solar power system |
JP2017518612A (en) * | 2014-06-03 | 2017-07-06 | サムスン エスディアイ カンパニー, リミテッドSamsung Sdi Co., Ltd. | Battery tray |
WO2018009515A3 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-02-15 | Edgeworks Innovations Llc | Multifunction unit including a power module |
CN111843961A (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2020-10-30 | 安徽机电职业技术学院 | Electronic and electrical detection apparatus storage device |
US11497203B2 (en) * | 2017-09-14 | 2022-11-15 | Pure Fishing, Inc. | Spill-proof tackle box |
US11884456B2 (en) | 2020-09-25 | 2024-01-30 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Tool storage system |
US11912477B2 (en) | 2022-06-08 | 2024-02-27 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container with handle and latching system |
Citations (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2440541A (en) * | 1948-04-27 | Box having a drawer and a cover and interconnected | ||
US3330608A (en) * | 1965-10-21 | 1967-07-11 | Jr Fred J Druger | Fishing tackle box |
US3339725A (en) * | 1965-02-25 | 1967-09-05 | Hamilton Joseph Portola | Connector for containers and package |
US3384259A (en) * | 1966-06-23 | 1968-05-21 | Howard F Weitecamp | Dual thermal carrier |
US3811559A (en) * | 1972-08-17 | 1974-05-21 | J Carter | Picnic accessories |
US4372444A (en) * | 1981-05-21 | 1983-02-08 | Menasha Corporation | Stackable/nestable/dividable storage bin |
US4517231A (en) * | 1982-09-13 | 1985-05-14 | Allied Corporation | Hollow enclosed seamless polymeric article containing a baffle |
US4619363A (en) * | 1984-02-27 | 1986-10-28 | Gregor Hofbauer Gmbh | Multiple tray-shaped packing and storage unit |
US4760921A (en) * | 1986-10-30 | 1988-08-02 | Vito Licari | Stackable storage receptacle and modular storage system made therefrom |
US4871217A (en) * | 1988-03-28 | 1989-10-03 | Myers Industries | Plastic carrier box |
US4915913A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1990-04-10 | Genesis Medical Corporation | Medical sterilizer device with improved latch mechanism |
US5022546A (en) * | 1987-07-10 | 1991-06-11 | Edelhoff M.S.T.S. Gmbh | Container for the storage and transport of, in particular, bulk materials such as construction debris, rubbish, industrial waste and the like |
US5123537A (en) * | 1991-04-03 | 1992-06-23 | Fellowes Manufacturing Company | Tray stacking system |
US5193706A (en) * | 1990-01-26 | 1993-03-16 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Toolbox |
US5474184A (en) * | 1992-02-14 | 1995-12-12 | Ecosan Hygiene Gmbh. | Process for producing detergent and the like in reusable and recyclable receptacles, recyclable and reusable receptacles and apparatus for use of filled receptacles |
US5738238A (en) * | 1996-10-09 | 1998-04-14 | Yang; Hsiu-Jen | Container for preserving food |
US6131760A (en) * | 2000-02-03 | 2000-10-17 | Huang; Cheng-Ho | Storage box |
US6142330A (en) * | 1999-08-24 | 2000-11-07 | Lunt Investments Corporation | Locking ring for containers |
US6273258B1 (en) * | 2000-02-01 | 2001-08-14 | Snips S.R.L. | System of identical modular containers which can be piled up on top of one another, in particular for foodstuffs |
US6415947B1 (en) * | 2000-07-15 | 2002-07-09 | Hana Cobi Co., Ltd. | Plastic made rectangular airtight container for food |
US20030010783A1 (en) * | 2001-07-13 | 2003-01-16 | Prezelin Louis M. | Container latch valve |
US20040144670A1 (en) * | 2003-01-29 | 2004-07-29 | Riley Edward D. | Variably stackable sterilization tray system |
-
2004
- 2004-01-20 US US10/760,608 patent/US20050155889A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2440541A (en) * | 1948-04-27 | Box having a drawer and a cover and interconnected | ||
US3339725A (en) * | 1965-02-25 | 1967-09-05 | Hamilton Joseph Portola | Connector for containers and package |
US3330608A (en) * | 1965-10-21 | 1967-07-11 | Jr Fred J Druger | Fishing tackle box |
US3384259A (en) * | 1966-06-23 | 1968-05-21 | Howard F Weitecamp | Dual thermal carrier |
US3811559A (en) * | 1972-08-17 | 1974-05-21 | J Carter | Picnic accessories |
US4372444A (en) * | 1981-05-21 | 1983-02-08 | Menasha Corporation | Stackable/nestable/dividable storage bin |
US4517231A (en) * | 1982-09-13 | 1985-05-14 | Allied Corporation | Hollow enclosed seamless polymeric article containing a baffle |
US4619363A (en) * | 1984-02-27 | 1986-10-28 | Gregor Hofbauer Gmbh | Multiple tray-shaped packing and storage unit |
US4915913A (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1990-04-10 | Genesis Medical Corporation | Medical sterilizer device with improved latch mechanism |
US4760921A (en) * | 1986-10-30 | 1988-08-02 | Vito Licari | Stackable storage receptacle and modular storage system made therefrom |
US5022546A (en) * | 1987-07-10 | 1991-06-11 | Edelhoff M.S.T.S. Gmbh | Container for the storage and transport of, in particular, bulk materials such as construction debris, rubbish, industrial waste and the like |
US4871217A (en) * | 1988-03-28 | 1989-10-03 | Myers Industries | Plastic carrier box |
US5193706B1 (en) * | 1990-01-26 | 1995-03-28 | Rubbermaid Inc | Tool box |
US5193706A (en) * | 1990-01-26 | 1993-03-16 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Toolbox |
US5123537A (en) * | 1991-04-03 | 1992-06-23 | Fellowes Manufacturing Company | Tray stacking system |
US5474184A (en) * | 1992-02-14 | 1995-12-12 | Ecosan Hygiene Gmbh. | Process for producing detergent and the like in reusable and recyclable receptacles, recyclable and reusable receptacles and apparatus for use of filled receptacles |
US5738238A (en) * | 1996-10-09 | 1998-04-14 | Yang; Hsiu-Jen | Container for preserving food |
US6142330A (en) * | 1999-08-24 | 2000-11-07 | Lunt Investments Corporation | Locking ring for containers |
US6273258B1 (en) * | 2000-02-01 | 2001-08-14 | Snips S.R.L. | System of identical modular containers which can be piled up on top of one another, in particular for foodstuffs |
US6131760A (en) * | 2000-02-03 | 2000-10-17 | Huang; Cheng-Ho | Storage box |
US6415947B1 (en) * | 2000-07-15 | 2002-07-09 | Hana Cobi Co., Ltd. | Plastic made rectangular airtight container for food |
US20030010783A1 (en) * | 2001-07-13 | 2003-01-16 | Prezelin Louis M. | Container latch valve |
US6789692B2 (en) * | 2001-07-13 | 2004-09-14 | Louis M. Prezelin | Container latch valve |
US20040144670A1 (en) * | 2003-01-29 | 2004-07-29 | Riley Edward D. | Variably stackable sterilization tray system |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090071072A1 (en) * | 2003-06-27 | 2009-03-19 | Ultracell Corporation | Planar micro fuel processor |
DE102005040397B3 (en) * | 2005-08-25 | 2007-03-01 | Wolfsburg Ag | Container arrangement for use as first aid box or emergency use suitcase, has flexible bindings, each with fasteners aligned and coupled individually to fasteners of container modules stacked together |
US20070281531A1 (en) * | 2006-06-06 | 2007-12-06 | Aopen Inc. | Stackable modular computer housing, and computer device including the same |
US7602603B2 (en) * | 2006-06-06 | 2009-10-13 | Aopen Inc. | Stackable modular computer housing, and computer device including the same |
DE202007010828U1 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2008-12-18 | Zarges Gmbh | container |
US20090168342A1 (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2009-07-02 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Housing of foldable electronic device |
US7586740B2 (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2009-09-08 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Housing of foldable electronic device |
US8046961B1 (en) * | 2008-05-27 | 2011-11-01 | Solarcraft, Inc. | Tactical solar power system |
WO2010084309A1 (en) * | 2009-01-20 | 2010-07-29 | Kevin Brown | Container interlocking system |
GB2467016B (en) * | 2009-01-20 | 2013-07-10 | Kevin Brown | Container interlocking system |
JP2017518612A (en) * | 2014-06-03 | 2017-07-06 | サムスン エスディアイ カンパニー, リミテッドSamsung Sdi Co., Ltd. | Battery tray |
US10727459B2 (en) | 2014-06-03 | 2020-07-28 | Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd. | Battery tray |
WO2018009515A3 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-02-15 | Edgeworks Innovations Llc | Multifunction unit including a power module |
US11497203B2 (en) * | 2017-09-14 | 2022-11-15 | Pure Fishing, Inc. | Spill-proof tackle box |
CN111843961A (en) * | 2020-07-16 | 2020-10-30 | 安徽机电职业技术学院 | Electronic and electrical detection apparatus storage device |
US11884456B2 (en) | 2020-09-25 | 2024-01-30 | Techtronic Cordless Gp | Tool storage system |
US11912477B2 (en) | 2022-06-08 | 2024-02-27 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container with handle and latching system |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5117979A (en) | Toolbox and tray assembly | |
US20050155889A1 (en) | Modular and stackable tray assembly | |
US6338181B1 (en) | Reusable produce crate | |
US4470518A (en) | Security box having a sliding lid | |
US7219969B2 (en) | Storage container and storage system including a stack of the same | |
US4619363A (en) | Multiple tray-shaped packing and storage unit | |
US3933296A (en) | Packaging containers | |
US7048133B2 (en) | Storage container | |
CA2033986C (en) | Folding crate for holding packages | |
US5915581A (en) | Compartmental container for serving food products | |
JPH1077053A (en) | Housing container | |
GB2171980A (en) | Stacking/nesting containers | |
US8342329B2 (en) | Stackable storage bin | |
US7017745B2 (en) | Multi-level stacking container | |
US6179156B1 (en) | Multi-purpose container | |
GB2129401A (en) | Stacking/nesting containers | |
US3942707A (en) | Shoe box construction | |
US20100326871A1 (en) | Tray | |
US5147044A (en) | Stackable storage container | |
GB2060566A (en) | Stackable container | |
US5738241A (en) | Multi-purpose compartmentalized craft box | |
US5823550A (en) | Portable case for trade show materials | |
US5489063A (en) | Food container | |
US4003611A (en) | Containers | |
GB1574117A (en) | Bin |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SNAPWARE CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LOWN, JOHN M.;REEL/FRAME:014921/0411 Effective date: 20040116 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF THE WEST, A CALIFORNIA BANKING CORPORATION Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:SNAPWARE CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:016237/0039 Effective date: 20050408 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SNAPWARE CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF THE WEST, A CALIFORNIA BANKING CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:019407/0854 Effective date: 20070612 |