GB2216880A - Tray assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A tray assembly comprises trays 2, preferably hinged together, which may be used for desk-top paperwork in the normal way but which converts to a briefcase for transporting papers away from the office on closing one tray 2 over the other. <IMAGE>

Description

Tray Assembly This invention relates to a tray assembly.

In order to separate incoming correspondence from executed correspondence, people in business tend to avail themselves of IN and OUT trays which are placed on their working desk.

When the businessman travels frequently, or when the pressure of business requires that work has to be taken from the office, the need arises to transport the contents of the IN and OUT trays from one place to another. It is inconvenient to transfer the contents of the trays to a briefcase, as the IN and OUT items are likely to become intermixed. Some briefcases are provided with different compartments, but papers still have to be transferred from the desk trays to the briefcase for transportation.

According to the present invention there is provided a tray assembly comprising first and second trays for use in a first position as desk-top paperwork containers, the trays having means for mutual interconnection so that in a second position they co-operate in face-to-face relationship to form a closed container.

Preferably at least one of the trays is provided with a carrying handle for easy transport of the assembly.

Preferably also at least one of the trays has a closure member which is openable for access to the tray's contents.

In this way paperwork or the like in each tray is isolated from the contents of the other tray by the closure when the trays are in their interconnected second position.

The interconnection means may comprise for example a hinge which allows the trays to lie alongside one another in their first position. They can then be used, for example, as conventional desk-top IN and OUT trays.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Fig. 1 is a top plan vie of a tray assembly of this invention; and Fig. 2 is a side part-sectional view of the assembly of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawing, the tray assembly of this embodiment of the invention has two rectangular trays 1, 2 of moulded plastics material which are interconnected along their adjacent longer sides by a hinge 3. Fixed to an upper part of one of the trays 2 near the hinge 3 is a housing 4 for a roller cover 5 which can be withdrawn from the housing 4 to extend across the tray 2 to provide a closure. The cover 5 has a pair of metal eyes 6 which fit over corresponding lugs 7 to hold the cover 5 in its in-use position. The cover 5 is spring-loaded within the housing 4 for retraction.

The tray 2 has on its outer wall opposite to the hinge 3 a detachable carrying handle 12, and a pair of spaced lock members 8 which locate with complementary lock members 9 on an opposite outer wall of the tray 1.

The tray 1 is labelled "IN" at 10 on a side wall while the tray 2 is labelled "OUT" at 11.

During office hours the tray assembly of this embodiment ofthe invention is placed on a desk top in an open position as shown in the drawing, but with the roller cover 5 retracted within the housing 4 to provide access to the tray 2. The handle 12 is folded down as shown, or detached from the tray 2.

If it is desired to transport the assembly from the office, for example to work on the paperwork contents of the trays 1, 2 elsewhere, the roller cover S may be withdrawn from the housing 4 and the eyes 6 engaged with the lugs 7 thereby securing the contents of the tray 2. The tray 2 can then be pivoted about the hinge 3 until the lock members 8, 9 engage. The assembly then forms a closed container which can be carried by means of the handle 1.2. The contents of the trays 1, 2 remain separated by the roller cover 5.

The assembly can later be re-opened for access to the trays' contents by releasing the lock members 8, 9, pivoting the tray 2 until it lies alongside the tray 1 as illustrated, and releasing the eyes 6 from the lugs 7 to retract the cover 5.

In other embodiments the trays can be made of wire, metal, leather-finish or other suitable materials.

In its illustrated form the assembly of the present invention provides a quick, easy and neat way of transporting IN and OUT trays 1, 2 and their contents from one place to another without the need to transfer the contents to a different container such as a briefcase. The cover 5 is also effective in preventing the contents of the trays 1, 2 from becoming intermingled.

Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A tray assembly comprising first and second trays for use in a first position as desk-top paperwork containers, the trays having means for mutual interconnection so that in a second position they co operate in face-to-face relationship to form a closed container.

2. A tray assembly as claimed in Claim 1, in which at least one of the trays is provided with a carrying handle.

3. A tray assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which at least one of the trays has a closure member which is openable for access.

4. A tray assembly as claimed in Claim 3, in which the closure member comprises a retractable cover.

5. A tray assembly as claimed in Claim 4, in which the retractable cover is spring-loaded.

6. A tray assembly as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, in which the interconnection means comprises a hinge arrangement.

7. A tray assembly as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the trays are of equal size.

8. A tray assembly as claimed in any of the preceding Claims which upon closure provides protection from the environment.

9. A tray assembly as claimed in any of the preceding Claims, in which complementary lock members are provided for securing the closed container.

10. A tray assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.