US3685687A - Horizontally stackable tray - Google Patents

Horizontally stackable tray Download PDF

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Publication number
US3685687A
US3685687A US63184A US3685687DA US3685687A US 3685687 A US3685687 A US 3685687A US 63184 A US63184 A US 63184A US 3685687D A US3685687D A US 3685687DA US 3685687 A US3685687 A US 3685687A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
tray
trays
rim
flanges
overlying
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US63184A
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English (en)
Inventor
Thomas Harold Eckdahl
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Plastics Inc
Original Assignee
Plastics Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Plastics Inc filed Critical Plastics Inc
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3685687A publication Critical patent/US3685687A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G23/00—Other table equipment
    • A47G23/06—Serving trays

Definitions

  • trays can be used than currently employed but with no extra space necessary.
  • a given storage container can hold more trays even though larger in size than those currently used with a given size storage container.
  • the trays are releasably engaged one with the other and a tray may be easily pulled from the storage container shelf by pulling on an overlying tray. This further aids in removing a tray which is innermost in the container.
  • the trays embodying the invention may be stacked in a vertical resting relationship when not in use.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical container in which food trays are stored for use in an airplane with trays embodying the invention illustrated on a shelf thereof.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of trays in horizontally stacked relation.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tray from the underside thereof.
  • FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a tray.
  • FIG. 7 is a rear end view of a tray.
  • FIG. 8 is a front end view of a tray.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a pair of trays in stacked position for storing when not in use.
  • the tray A includes the substantially flat bottom portion 12 which is trapezoidal in form. Formed on the rear or outermost edge of the bottom 12 is the depending flange 14 which forms a shoulder. Formed on one side edge of the bottom 12 is the first depending side flange 16.
  • the numetal 18 designates a second depending side flange formed on the opposite side edge of the bottom.
  • the side flanges l6 and 18 are substantially identical in formation and each is formed at the lower edge with a recess 20 and 22, respectively, substantially centrally of the length thereof the purpose of which will be hereinafter set forth.
  • each of the side flanges 16 and 18 tapers from a maximum width at the rear or outermost end to a minimal width at the front or innermost end.
  • the side edges of the bottom 12 together with the side flanges l6 and 18 converge from the rear edge to the front edge thereby forming the trapezoidal formation referred to and particularly seen in FIG. 6.
  • Extending upwardly from the juncture of the side flange 16 and the bottom 12 is the upstanding side rim portion 21, and extending upwardly from the juncture of the side flange 18 and the bottom 12 is the upstanding side rim portion 23.
  • the side rim portions 21 and 23 join a rear transverse upstanding rim portion 24 formed on the rear edge of the tray bottom 12, the rim portion 24 substantially in alignment with the flange 14.
  • the side rim portions 21 and 23 also join a front transverse rim portion 26.
  • the numeral 30 designates a notch forming shoulder means formed in the upper edge of the rim portion 21 intermediate the ends thereof
  • the numeral 32 designates a notch forming shoulder means formed in the upper edge of the rim portion 23.
  • FIG. 9 is illustrated how the trays may be horizontally stacked with a minimum of vertical dimension.
  • the uppermost tray of FIG. 2 is rotated 360 and placed upon the lowermost tray as in FIG. 9 with the top edges of theflanges l6 and 18 received in the recesses 20 and 22 of an uppermost tray. This allows extremely compact vertical stacking and resting of the trays.
  • a rear or outermost portion of one tray is positioned on a front or innermost portion of another tray with the shoulder 14 in engagement with the notches 30 and 32 of the underlying tray.
  • a further tray may be positioned similarly on the first mentioned tray, see particularly FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.
  • the rear portion of the tray may include depressions for holding a salad dish, a dessert dish, condiments, etc. but the front portion of the tray is stored with nothing on it and is overlapped in storing as above set forth and as seen in the drawings.
  • the front portion of the tray is used when the trays are removed singly from the container C by placing on the front portion a hot casserole dish, for example, taken from a heated container.
  • the trays are stacked when not in use as heretofore disclosed.
  • a tray adapted to be stacked partially horizontally and interlocked with another similar tray in the stacked position, each of said trays comprising:
  • each of the side edges includes a raised upstanding rim
  • the companion engaging means is b. a depending flange
  • the engaging means is c. the rim on opposite sides, each rim having a notch providing upstanding shoulders engageable with d. said depending flange.
  • a tray according to claim 1 in which a. the bottom of the tray is trapezoidal in form with,
  • flanges projecting downwardly from the lateral edges and coplanar with the lateral portions of the rim to fit within the lateral portions of the rim of an underlying tray when the trays are disposed in partially overlying position.
  • a tray according to claim 3 in which a. the last named flanges taper from their innermost end toward their outermost ends.
  • a tray according to claim 3 in which a. the last named flanges have 5 and interlocked with a similar tray, each of said trays comprising a. a flat bottom having a trapezoidal form in outline,
  • each of said rims having a notch formed therein substantially centrally of the length thereof and engageable with said flange of an overlying tray e. a flange projecting downwardly from the bottom in alignment with each of said rims,
  • each of said flanges having a recess at the locality of the notch in the rim to receive oppositely facing flanges when the trays are vertically stacked in fully overlying positions.

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  • Stackable Containers (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
  • Table Equipment (AREA)
US63184A 1970-08-12 1970-08-12 Horizontally stackable tray Expired - Lifetime US3685687A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US6318470A 1970-08-12 1970-08-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3685687A true US3685687A (en) 1972-08-22

Family

ID=22047509

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US63184A Expired - Lifetime US3685687A (en) 1970-08-12 1970-08-12 Horizontally stackable tray

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US3685687A (index.php)
JP (1) JPS511195B1 (index.php)
CA (1) CA943882A (index.php)
DK (1) DK129215B (index.php)
FR (1) FR2102197B1 (index.php)
GB (1) GB1309355A (index.php)
NL (1) NL148792B (index.php)
NO (1) NO132021C (index.php)
SE (1) SE372700B (index.php)

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3811566A (en) * 1972-01-24 1974-05-21 Plastics Inc Tray
US4293071A (en) * 1976-07-12 1981-10-06 Aladdin Industries, Incorporated Slant stacking tray system
WO1981002847A1 (en) * 1980-04-03 1981-10-15 E Kershaw Nesting air filters
US4971200A (en) * 1989-10-10 1990-11-20 Huang Chen Hsien Packaging system for string lights
US5029715A (en) * 1989-08-09 1991-07-09 Strada Design Associates, Inc. Modular multi-configurable display system for retail merchandise
US5096074A (en) * 1990-02-07 1992-03-17 Marlboro Marketing, Inc. Expandable base shelf assembly for display gondolas
USD418909S (en) * 1998-07-21 2000-01-11 Mockett Douglas A J Under sink liner
USD492884S1 (en) 2003-02-28 2004-07-13 Karl T. Swope Serving tray with cutting board inserts
USD553011S1 (en) * 2006-02-09 2007-10-16 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Confectionery container and tray assembly
US20130075349A1 (en) * 2011-09-26 2013-03-28 Eric A. MacDonald Organizer
USD696541S1 (en) * 2011-09-26 2013-12-31 Crown Point Cabinetry Corp. Slat-wall shelf cover
US20150091430A1 (en) * 2013-09-30 2015-04-02 Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc Removable storage basket and associated methods for storing items within a freezer
US20150230630A1 (en) * 2014-02-19 2015-08-20 Nestec Sa Shelf wedge
RU2585259C2 (ru) * 2008-08-28 2016-05-27 Дестер Холдинг Б.В. Поднос, в частности, для организации питания на борту самолета
US20170311712A1 (en) * 2016-07-14 2017-11-02 Kimberly Renee Walker Convertible led table tray
US20210298503A1 (en) * 2020-03-31 2021-09-30 Foley Engineering, Llc Serving tray apparatus and method of using same
USD986762S1 (en) * 2019-01-18 2023-05-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Indoor plant cultivator

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1542115A (en) * 1924-10-25 1925-06-16 Adolph O Weis Food-storing dishes
US2684766A (en) * 1950-12-29 1954-07-27 American Can Co Stackable trays and holder for same
FR1292340A (fr) * 1961-03-22 1962-05-04 Caissette de magasinage
US3203573A (en) * 1963-04-26 1965-08-31 Donald C Rowe Food containers

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1542115A (en) * 1924-10-25 1925-06-16 Adolph O Weis Food-storing dishes
US2684766A (en) * 1950-12-29 1954-07-27 American Can Co Stackable trays and holder for same
FR1292340A (fr) * 1961-03-22 1962-05-04 Caissette de magasinage
US3203573A (en) * 1963-04-26 1965-08-31 Donald C Rowe Food containers

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3811566A (en) * 1972-01-24 1974-05-21 Plastics Inc Tray
US4293071A (en) * 1976-07-12 1981-10-06 Aladdin Industries, Incorporated Slant stacking tray system
WO1981002847A1 (en) * 1980-04-03 1981-10-15 E Kershaw Nesting air filters
US4420315A (en) * 1980-04-03 1983-12-13 Kershaw Eli J Nesting air filters
US5029715A (en) * 1989-08-09 1991-07-09 Strada Design Associates, Inc. Modular multi-configurable display system for retail merchandise
US4971200A (en) * 1989-10-10 1990-11-20 Huang Chen Hsien Packaging system for string lights
US5096074A (en) * 1990-02-07 1992-03-17 Marlboro Marketing, Inc. Expandable base shelf assembly for display gondolas
USD418909S (en) * 1998-07-21 2000-01-11 Mockett Douglas A J Under sink liner
USD492884S1 (en) 2003-02-28 2004-07-13 Karl T. Swope Serving tray with cutting board inserts
USD553011S1 (en) * 2006-02-09 2007-10-16 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Confectionery container and tray assembly
RU2585259C2 (ru) * 2008-08-28 2016-05-27 Дестер Холдинг Б.В. Поднос, в частности, для организации питания на борту самолета
USD696541S1 (en) * 2011-09-26 2013-12-31 Crown Point Cabinetry Corp. Slat-wall shelf cover
US20130075349A1 (en) * 2011-09-26 2013-03-28 Eric A. MacDonald Organizer
US20150091430A1 (en) * 2013-09-30 2015-04-02 Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc Removable storage basket and associated methods for storing items within a freezer
US9140482B2 (en) * 2013-09-30 2015-09-22 Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) Llc Removable storage basket and associated methods for storing items within a freezer
US20150230630A1 (en) * 2014-02-19 2015-08-20 Nestec Sa Shelf wedge
US9420902B2 (en) * 2014-02-19 2016-08-23 Nestec S.A. Shelf wedge for displaying products on an existing shelf system
US20170311712A1 (en) * 2016-07-14 2017-11-02 Kimberly Renee Walker Convertible led table tray
US10362864B2 (en) * 2016-07-14 2019-07-30 Kimberly Renee Walker Convertible LED table tray
USD986762S1 (en) * 2019-01-18 2023-05-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Indoor plant cultivator
USD986763S1 (en) * 2019-01-18 2023-05-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Indoor plant cultivator
US20210298503A1 (en) * 2020-03-31 2021-09-30 Foley Engineering, Llc Serving tray apparatus and method of using same
US11589697B2 (en) * 2020-03-31 2023-02-28 Foley Engineering, Llc Serving tray apparatus and method of using same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2135257A1 (de) 1972-02-17
SE372700B (index.php) 1975-01-13
GB1309355A (en) 1973-03-07
NL7110794A (index.php) 1972-02-15
FR2102197A1 (index.php) 1972-04-07
NL148792B (nl) 1976-03-15
DK129215C (index.php) 1975-02-03
DK129215B (da) 1974-09-16
CA943882A (en) 1974-03-19
JPS511195B1 (index.php) 1976-01-14
FR2102197B1 (index.php) 1974-04-26
NO132021C (index.php) 1975-09-10
NO132021B (index.php) 1975-06-02
DE2135257B2 (de) 1975-05-07

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