WO2006103420A2 - A stackable storage tray - Google Patents

A stackable storage tray Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006103420A2
WO2006103420A2 PCT/GB2006/001135 GB2006001135W WO2006103420A2 WO 2006103420 A2 WO2006103420 A2 WO 2006103420A2 GB 2006001135 W GB2006001135 W GB 2006001135W WO 2006103420 A2 WO2006103420 A2 WO 2006103420A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tray
storage
storage surface
support arrangement
underside
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2006/001135
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2006103420A3 (en
Inventor
John Abrahams
Original Assignee
Acco Uk Ltd.
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 Acco Uk Ltd. filed Critical Acco Uk Ltd.
Publication of WO2006103420A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006103420A2/en
Publication of WO2006103420A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006103420A3/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B87/00—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units
    • A47B87/001—Furniture units made of wire or tubes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B87/00—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units
    • A47B87/02—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units stackable ; stackable and linkable
    • A47B87/0207—Stackable racks, trays or shelf units
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42F—SHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
    • B42F7/00—Filing appliances without fastening means
    • B42F7/10—Trays
    • B42F7/12—Stacked trays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/06—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together with movable parts adapted to be placed in alternative positions for nesting the containers when empty and for stacking them when full
    • B65D21/066—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together with movable parts adapted to be placed in alternative positions for nesting the containers when empty and for stacking them when full the movable parts being supports or feet, e.g. retractable feet, pivotable supports

Definitions

  • THIS INVENTION relates to a stackable storage tray and in particular relates to a stackable storage tray which may be readily stored or transported.
  • each stackable tray comprises a storage surface, of sufficient size that sheets of paper may be rested thereon, and will also have upstanding side and rear walls to help retain paper or other objects placed on the storage surface.
  • Each tray is also provided with legs or other supports, which may rest on top edges of the side walls of a further tray, or possibly upon the storage surface of a further tray, so that the tray may be stacked on top of a similar or identical tray.
  • the legs or supports of the tray are appropriately dimensioned so that, when the tray is stacked on top of another tray, there is sufficient clearance between the storage surfaces of the two trays for a reasonable number of sheets of paper or other objects to be stored on the storage surface of the lower tray, and for the paper or other objects so stored to be accessed readily.
  • Stackable trays of the type described above often consume a lot of space when being stored or transported.
  • a stackable storage tray comprising: a storage surface; at least a pair of side walls which extend upwardly from edges of the storage surface; and a support arrangement which is disposed on an underside of the storage surface and which is moveable between a stacking position, in which the tray may be placed on top of an identical tray and the support arrangement will rest on the side walls of the identical tray, thus allowing the tray to be stacked on the identical tray, and a stowage position, in which the tray may be placed on top of an identical tray and the support arrangement or the storage surface of the tray may rest on the storage surface of the identical tray, thus allowing the tray and the identical tray to be nested together.
  • the side walls extend upwardly from first and second edges of the storage surface; when the support arrangement is in the stowage position and the tray is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface, the support arrangement substantially does not protrude beyond the first and second edges of the storage surface; and when the support arrangement is in the stacking position and the tray is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface, the support arrangement protrudes outwardly beyond the first and second edges of the storage surface.
  • the first and second edges are substantially opposing edges of the storage surface.
  • the support arrangement comprises a pair of legs, each of which, when the support arrangement is in the stacking position and the tray is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface, protrudes outwardly beyond one of the first and second edges of the storage surface
  • the legs are rotatable about a pivot point to move between the stowage position and the stacking position.
  • the legs are connected to one another such that they may rotate simultaneously when being moved from the stowage position to the stacking position.
  • the legs are rotatable independently of one another.
  • the legs lie substantially parallel to the plane of the storage surface when in the stowage position and in the stacking position.
  • the underside of the storage surface comprises at least one protrusion or indentation which is adapted to receive or contact at least a part of at least one of the legs, thereby to register the leg in the stowage position or the stacking position.
  • the or each protrusion or indentation is adapted to receive or contact at least a part of one of the legs to register the leg in the stowage position, and to receive or contact at least a part of the same or a different leg to register the leg in the storage position.
  • the storage tray comprises a biasing arrangement for urging the one or more legs towards the underside of the storage surface.
  • the legs when the legs are in the stowage position or the storage position and the legs contact the underside of the storage surface, the legs cannot be rotated to the other of the stowage position or the storage position, and wherein the legs may be pulled away from the underside of the storage surface while remaining attached to the storage tray, rotated between the stowage position and the storage position, and returned to being in contact with the underside of the storage surface.
  • top edges of the side walls are provided with a receiving arrangement such that, if a further tray which is identical to the storage tray is placed on top of the storage tray, with the support arrangement of the further tray in the stacking position, the receiving arrangement co-operates with the support arrangement of the further tray to retain the further tray in its stacked position on top of the storage tray.
  • the receiving arrangement comprises at least one indentation or protrusion provided on each of the top edges of the side walls.
  • the support arrangement may be placed in either of a first stacking position and a second stacking position, wherein: when the support arrangement is in the first stacking position and the tray is stacked on top of an identical tray, the storage surface of the tray is a first height above the storage surface of the identical tray; and when the support arrangement is placed in the second stacking position and the tray is stacked on top of an identical tray, the storage surface of the tray is a second height above the storage surface of the identical tray, the second height being greater than the first height.
  • the support arrangement comprises a plurality of feet which are disposed on the underside of the storage surface, and are movable between a first position, in which the support arrangement is in the stowage position, a second position, in which the support arrangement is in the first stacking position, and a third position, in which the support arrangement is in the second stacking position.
  • each foot has a length and wherein, in the first position, each foot lies near or against the underside of the storage surface, oriented so that the length thereof is substantially parallel with that of the storage surface.
  • each foot lies near or against the underside of the storage surface, and is oriented so that the length thereof is substantially parallel with that of the storage surface.
  • each foot may be slid between the first position and the second position thereof.
  • each foot has a length and wherein, in the third position, one edge of each foot lies near or against the underside of the storage surface, with the length of the foot extending in a direction having a component perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface.
  • each foot may be rotated between the first position and the third position, or between the second position and the third position.
  • connectors having rods which are spaced apart from the underside of the storage surface and in which each foot has a channel or aperture passing therethrough, wherein each rod is received in the channel or aperture of a respective foot.
  • Figure 1 shows a storage tray embodying the present invention
  • Figures 2 and 3 show the tray of Figure 1 with the support arrangement thereof in the stacking and stowage positions, respectively;
  • Figure 4 shows a rivet for use in securing the storage surface and support arrangement of the tray of Figure 1 to one another.
  • Figure 5 shows the storage surface of a second tray embodying the present invention
  • Figure 6 shows a foot for use with the storage surface of Figure 5;
  • Figures 7, 8 and 9 show the second tray with the support arrangement thereof in the stowage position, first stacking position and second stacking position respectively.
  • a storage tray 1a embodying the present invention comprises a storage surface 2, which is substantially planar and on which, during use of the tray 1a, paper or other objects may be placed.
  • the storage surface 2 is substantially rectangular.
  • the tray 1a further comprises side walls 3, which extend upwardly from both side edges 4a and a back edge 4b of the storage surface 2, and splay slightly outwardly.
  • An outward facing rim 5 is provided on top edges 6 of the side walls 3.
  • the three side walls 3 are joined to one another, to form a continuous wall extending around three edges 4a, 4b of the storage surface 2, with a front edge 4c thereof not being provided with a wall.
  • the tray 1a further comprises (as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3) a support arrangement 7, which is attached to the underside 11 of the storage surface 2.
  • the support arrangement 7 comprises four struts 8 which are attached at proximal ends 8a thereof to a central hub 9, which is in the form of a flat metal disc, the struts 8 being arranged in an "X"-configuration around the central hub 9 and in the plane thereof.
  • the struts 8 are formed from a single loop of wire or other material, which is bent or formed into a shape resembling an hourglass.
  • Each strut 8 is connected, at a distal end 8b thereof, to one adjacent strut 8 by a support bar 10.
  • a support bar 10 is provided at distal ends 8b of the struts 8, the support bars 10 being provided on opposite sides of the "X"-configuration of the struts 8.
  • Each support bar 10 extends between the distal ends 8b of two struts 8, which comprise a leg on which the support bar 10 is mounted.
  • the struts 8 bend downwardly, so that the support bars 10 are disposed lower (i.e. further away from the underside 11 of the storage surface 2) than the main portions of the struts 8.
  • the central hub 9 may be rotated with respect to the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, as will be described in more detail below. By rotating the central hub 9 in this manner, the support arrangement 7 may be rotated between a stowage position and a stacking position, as will be explained.
  • Figure 2 shows the support arrangement 7 in the stacking position.
  • the struts 8 are rotated so that the support bars 10, when viewed in a direction perpendicular with storage surface 2 (as shown in figure 2), extend outwardly beyond the rim 5 of the side walls 3 which protrude upwardly from opposite side edges 4a of the storage surface 2.
  • the tray 1a may be placed on top of an identical tray and the support arrangement 7 will rest on the top edges of the side walls of the identical tray, with the struts 8 resting on the top edges of the side walls near the distal ends thereof, and the support bars 10 extending downwardly past the outer edges of the rim.
  • this figure shows the support arrangement 7 in the stowage position.
  • the support arrangement 7 is rotated through 90° with respect to the stacking position, and in this position the support bars 10 are positioned near the front and rear edges 4b, 4c of the underside 11 of the storage surface 2.
  • the tray 1a is viewed from a position substantially perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface 2, neither the struts 8 nor the support bars 10 protrude beyond the side edges 4a (or, in this example, the front or rear edges 4b, 4c) of the support surface 2.
  • the tray 1a if the tray 1a is placed on top of an identical tray, the tray 1a, along with the support arrangement 7, will fit inside the identical tray so that the trays are “nested” together, with the support bars 10 of the storage tray 1a resting on the storage surface of the identical tray.
  • the underside 11 of the storage surface 2 is provided with a substantially circular central indentation 12, in which the central hub 9 is received, and four radial indentations 13, which comprise indented channels which extend away from the central indentation in an "X"-configuration.
  • the arrangement of the radial indentations 13 is such that, when the support arrangement 7 is in the stowage or storage position, the struts 8 are received in the radial indentations 13, thus registering the support arrangement 7 in the stowage position or the storage position, as appropriate. If the support arrangement 7 is rotated to a position which is part way between the stowage position and the storage position, the struts 8 will not be received in the radial indentations 13.
  • the provision of the radial indentations 13 assists in ensuring that the support arrangement 7 remains in the stowage or stacking position as appropriate, and does not become dislodged from one of these positions inadvertently during use of the tray 1a.
  • the central hub 9 is secured to storage surface 2 by means of a central rivet 14 (as shown in figure 4), which passes through respective apertures in the central hub 9 and the storage surface 2 to secure these components to one another.
  • the central rivet 14 allows the central hub 9 to be pulled a short distance away from the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, but biases the central hub 9 towards the underside 11 of the storage surface 2.
  • the support arrangement 7 may be pulled a short distance away from the underside 11 of the storage surface 2 to be rotated between the stowage position and the stacking position, with the central rivet 14 biasing the support arrangement 7 back towards the underside 11 of the storage surface 2 to register the struts 8 firmly in the radial indentations 13 and thus keep the support arrangement 7 in the desired orientation.
  • the top edges 6 of the side walls 3 are provided with a retaining arrangement, to assist in maintaining the position of an identical tray which is stacked on top of the tray 1a.
  • the retaining arrangement may comprise a series of dips 15 in the rim 5 of the side walls 3, in which distal ends of the struts of the support arrangement of the upper identical tray may be received, or alternatively may comprise a pair of protrusions which extend upwardly from the rim 5 of the side walls 3, and between which a part of a strut of the identical upper tray may be received.
  • the protrusions may be formed directly on the top edges 6 of the side walls 3, or as part of a separate component, such as a grommet 16 (not shown).
  • the provision of the retaining arrangement facilitates the stability of a further tray which is stacked on top of the tray 1a.
  • FIGS 5 to 9 show a further tray 1b embodying the present invention.
  • the further tray 1b again comprises a storage surface 2 having side walls 3 which extend upwardly from side and rear edges 4a, 4b of the storage surface 2.
  • each slot 17 being parallel with the side edges 4a of the storage surface 2, two slots 17 being positioned close to each of the side edges 4a.
  • One slot 17 on each side of the storage surface 2 is positioned near the front edge 4c thereof, with the other slot 17 being positioned near the rear edge 4b of the storage surface 2.
  • Connectors 18 are provided in each of the slots 17, as can be seen in figures 7 to 9.
  • Each connector 18 comprises a flattened elongate head 19, which is too wide to pass through the slot 17.
  • the head 19 is slightly longer than the slot 17, and hence may cover the slot 17 entirely.
  • the head 19 of each connector 18 lies flat on the top side of the storage surface 2, covering one of the slots 17, so there are no apertures in the storage surface 2 through which items may fall.
  • Two short shank portions 20 project downwardly from the underside of the head 19, being appropriately spaced apart so that the shank portions 20 may pass through the slot 17 near opposing ends thereof when the head 19 is placed over the slot 17.
  • Passing between the shank portions 20 is a rod 21 , which is spaced apart from the underside of the head 19.
  • a foot 22 is attached to the rod 21 of each of the connectors 18, so that the feet 22 are beneath the underside 11 of the storage surface 2.
  • a foot 22 is shown in figure 6.
  • Each foot 22 has a width which is equal to or slightly less than that of the rod 21.
  • the foot 22 comprises a bottom surface 23 and a top surface 24, each of which is substantially rectangular.
  • the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 of the foot 22 are joined to one another to form a rounded end.
  • the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 are also joined to one another at a second end 26.
  • the bottom surface 23 is, however, longer than the top surface 24, and so an extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23 protrudes past the second end 26 of the foot 22.
  • the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 are spaced apart from one another and sides 27 of the foot 22 are open. It will therefore be appreciated that an aperture 28 is provided between the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 of the foot 22, the aperture 28 being in the shape of a plane between the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24.
  • the aperture ace 28 extends to the point at which the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 join one another to form the first end 25 of the foot 22.
  • a thickened wall is, however, provided where the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 meet one another to form the second end 26 of the foot 22, and so the aperture 28 terminates a short way before the second end 26 of the foot 22.
  • An elongate gap 29 extends across the top surface 24, near the centre of the length thereof, in a direction parallel with the first and second ends 25, 26 of the foot 22. This gap 29 allows the rod 21 of a connector 18 to pass therethrough, so that the rod 21 may be received in the aperture 28.
  • An inward-facing ridge 30 is provided on the extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23.
  • the inward-facing ridge 30 extends substantially across the width of the extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23, and projects away from the extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23 in the same direction as the direction in which the top surface 24 is displaced from the bottom surface 23.
  • An outward-facing ridge 31 is also provided on the bottom surface 23, near the first end 25 of the foot 22.
  • the outward-facing ridge 31 extends away from the bottom surface 23 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the top surface 24 is displaced from the bottom surface 23.
  • the rod 21 of a connector 18 passes through the aperture 28 between the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 of the foot 22.
  • the width of the rod 21 is significantly less than the length of the aperture 28, and it will therefore be appreciated that the rod 21 may slide along the length of the aperture 28, between the first end 25 and the second end 26 of the foot 22.
  • FIG. 7 shows the feet 22 attached to the connectors 18 of the tray 1b and placed in a storage position.
  • each rod 21 passes through the aperture 28 in one of the feet 22 and lies at or near the first end 25 thereof.
  • Each foot 22 lies flat against the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, with the top surface 24 thereof contacting the underside 11 of the storage surface 2. It will be understood that the outward-facing ridge 31 of each foot 22 will protrude downwardly, and if the tray 1b is placed on a flat surface then the tray 1b will rest on the outward-facing ridges 31 of the four feet 22.
  • the tray 1b In this position, if the tray 1b is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface 2, no part of the feet 22 protrudes beyond the edges 4a, 4b, 4c of the stowage surface 2. It will therefore be understood that, if the feet 22 are in the stowage position and the tray 1b is placed on top of an identical tray (designated by T in figures 7, 8 and 9), the tray 1b may be nested within the identical tray T, with the feet 22 of the tray 1b resting on the storage surface of the identical tray T.
  • Figure 8 shows the tray 1b with the feet 22 in a first stacking position.
  • the feet 22 In order to move the feet 22 from the stowage position to the first stacking position, the feet 22 remain in the same orientation as in the stowage position, but are slid outwardly in a direction parallel with the plane of the storage surface 2 until each rod 21 abuts the end of the aperture 28 nearest the second end 26 of the respective foot 22.
  • the feet 22 may simply be slid inwardly, while remaining in the same orientation.
  • Figure 9 shows the tray 1b in a second stacking position.
  • the feet 22 are rotated, so that the first end 25 of each foot remains in contact with the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, but the second end 26 of each foot 22 is pivoted away from the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, and moves in an arc around the rod 21.
  • the outward-facing ridge 31 is preferably positioned so that, when the foot 22 has rotated through around 110° from the stowage position, the outward-facing ridge 31 contacts the underside 11 of the storage surface 2 and halts the rotation of the foot 22. It will be appreciated that, when the feet 22 are in the second stacking position, the feet 22 project downwardly from the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, and preferably also splay outwardly.
  • the extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23 of each foot 22 projects outwardly beyond the top edges 5 of the side walls 3 which extend upwardly from the side edges 4a of the tray 1b.
  • top edges of the side walls of the identical tray T will be received by each foot 22 in the junction between the root of the extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23 and the second end 26 of each foot 22, so that the tray 1b may be stacked on top of the identical tray T.
  • the storage surface 2 of the tray 1b is elevated by a greater amount above the storage surface of an identical tray T on which the tray 1b is stacked, when compared to the situation in which the feet 22 are in the first stacking position, and the tray 1b is stacked on top of an identical tray T.
  • the feet 22 may simply be rotated around the rods 21 , so that the top surface 24 of each foot 22 rest against the underside 11 of the storage surface 2.
  • this embodiment of the invention allows trays 1b to be "nested" within one another for transport or storage, thus occupying minimum space.
  • the trays 1b may also be stacked on top of one another by placing the feet in the first or second stacking position, and the height at which a stacked tray will stand with respect to the tray immediately below may be varied by selecting an appropriate one of the first or second stacking positions.
  • the present invention provides a simple yet flexible stackable storage tray, which will find widespread use in the home and office.
  • references stacking of trays in this specification are generally references to stacking one tray on top of another with both trays in the same orientation, i.e. with the storage surfaces of the trays aligned with one another.
  • the invention is not, however, limited to this.
  • the storage surfaces of the trays are substantially rectangular. This need not be the case, however, and the invention is not limited to this.
  • the storage surface of a tray embodying the present invention may have at least one curved edge, and references in this specification to side walls extending upwardly from edges of the storage surfaces may be interpreted as references to portions of a continuous side wall which extends upwardly from a curved edge of a storage surface.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)

Abstract

A stackable storage tray (Ia), comprising: a storage surface (2); at least a pair of side walls (3) which extend upwardly from edges of the. storage surface (2); and a support arrangement (7) which is disposed on an underside (11) of the storage surface and which is moveable between a stacking position, in which the tray may be placed on top of an identical tray and the support arrangement will rest on the side walls of the identical tray, thus allowing the tray to be stacked on the identical tray, and a stowage position, in which the tray may be placed on top of an identical tray and the support arrangement or the storage surface of the tray may rest on the storage surface of the identical tray, thus allowing the tray and the identical tray to be nested together.

Description

Title : A STACKABLE STORAGE TRAY
Description of Invention
THIS INVENTION relates to a stackable storage tray and in particular relates to a stackable storage tray which may be readily stored or transported.
It is common for stackable storage trays to be provided, in particular for office use. In general, each stackable tray comprises a storage surface, of sufficient size that sheets of paper may be rested thereon, and will also have upstanding side and rear walls to help retain paper or other objects placed on the storage surface.
Each tray is also provided with legs or other supports, which may rest on top edges of the side walls of a further tray, or possibly upon the storage surface of a further tray, so that the tray may be stacked on top of a similar or identical tray. The legs or supports of the tray are appropriately dimensioned so that, when the tray is stacked on top of another tray, there is sufficient clearance between the storage surfaces of the two trays for a reasonable number of sheets of paper or other objects to be stored on the storage surface of the lower tray, and for the paper or other objects so stored to be accessed readily.
Stackable trays of the type described above often consume a lot of space when being stored or transported.
It is an object of the present invention to seek to provide a stackable tray which, when stored or transported with other such stackable trays, occupies a reduced amount of space. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention provides A stackable storage tray, comprising: a storage surface; at least a pair of side walls which extend upwardly from edges of the storage surface; and a support arrangement which is disposed on an underside of the storage surface and which is moveable between a stacking position, in which the tray may be placed on top of an identical tray and the support arrangement will rest on the side walls of the identical tray, thus allowing the tray to be stacked on the identical tray, and a stowage position, in which the tray may be placed on top of an identical tray and the support arrangement or the storage surface of the tray may rest on the storage surface of the identical tray, thus allowing the tray and the identical tray to be nested together.
Advantageously, the side walls extend upwardly from first and second edges of the storage surface; when the support arrangement is in the stowage position and the tray is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface, the support arrangement substantially does not protrude beyond the first and second edges of the storage surface; and when the support arrangement is in the stacking position and the tray is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface, the support arrangement protrudes outwardly beyond the first and second edges of the storage surface.
Preferably, the first and second edges are substantially opposing edges of the storage surface.
Conveniently, the support arrangement comprises a pair of legs, each of which, when the support arrangement is in the stacking position and the tray is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface, protrudes outwardly beyond one of the first and second edges of the storage surface Advantageously, the legs are rotatable about a pivot point to move between the stowage position and the stacking position.
Preferably, the legs are connected to one another such that they may rotate simultaneously when being moved from the stowage position to the stacking position.
Conveniently, the legs are rotatable independently of one another.
Advantageously, the legs lie substantially parallel to the plane of the storage surface when in the stowage position and in the stacking position.
Preferably, the underside of the storage surface comprises at least one protrusion or indentation which is adapted to receive or contact at least a part of at least one of the legs, thereby to register the leg in the stowage position or the stacking position.
Conveniently, the or each protrusion or indentation is adapted to receive or contact at least a part of one of the legs to register the leg in the stowage position, and to receive or contact at least a part of the same or a different leg to register the leg in the storage position.
Advantageously, the storage tray comprises a biasing arrangement for urging the one or more legs towards the underside of the storage surface.
Preferably, when the legs are in the stowage position or the storage position and the legs contact the underside of the storage surface, the legs cannot be rotated to the other of the stowage position or the storage position, and wherein the legs may be pulled away from the underside of the storage surface while remaining attached to the storage tray, rotated between the stowage position and the storage position, and returned to being in contact with the underside of the storage surface.
Conveniently, top edges of the side walls are provided with a receiving arrangement such that, if a further tray which is identical to the storage tray is placed on top of the storage tray, with the support arrangement of the further tray in the stacking position, the receiving arrangement co-operates with the support arrangement of the further tray to retain the further tray in its stacked position on top of the storage tray.
Advantageously, the receiving arrangement comprises at least one indentation or protrusion provided on each of the top edges of the side walls.
Preferably, the support arrangement may be placed in either of a first stacking position and a second stacking position, wherein: when the support arrangement is in the first stacking position and the tray is stacked on top of an identical tray, the storage surface of the tray is a first height above the storage surface of the identical tray; and when the support arrangement is placed in the second stacking position and the tray is stacked on top of an identical tray, the storage surface of the tray is a second height above the storage surface of the identical tray, the second height being greater than the first height.
Conveniently, the support arrangement comprises a plurality of feet which are disposed on the underside of the storage surface, and are movable between a first position, in which the support arrangement is in the stowage position, a second position, in which the support arrangement is in the first stacking position, and a third position, in which the support arrangement is in the second stacking position. Advantageously, each foot has a length and wherein, in the first position, each foot lies near or against the underside of the storage surface, oriented so that the length thereof is substantially parallel with that of the storage surface.
Preferably, in the second position, each foot lies near or against the underside of the storage surface, and is oriented so that the length thereof is substantially parallel with that of the storage surface.
Conveniently, each foot may be slid between the first position and the second position thereof.
Advantageously, each foot has a length and wherein, in the third position, one edge of each foot lies near or against the underside of the storage surface, with the length of the foot extending in a direction having a component perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface.
Preferably, each foot may be rotated between the first position and the third position, or between the second position and the third position.
Conveniently, connectors are provided having rods which are spaced apart from the underside of the storage surface and in which each foot has a channel or aperture passing therethrough, wherein each rod is received in the channel or aperture of a respective foot.
In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a storage tray embodying the present invention; Figures 2 and 3 show the tray of Figure 1 with the support arrangement thereof in the stacking and stowage positions, respectively;
Figure 4 shows a rivet for use in securing the storage surface and support arrangement of the tray of Figure 1 to one another.
Figure 5 shows the storage surface of a second tray embodying the present invention;
Figure 6 shows a foot for use with the storage surface of Figure 5; and
Figures 7, 8 and 9 show the second tray with the support arrangement thereof in the stowage position, first stacking position and second stacking position respectively.
Referring firstly to figure 1 , a storage tray 1a embodying the present invention comprises a storage surface 2, which is substantially planar and on which, during use of the tray 1a, paper or other objects may be placed. The storage surface 2 is substantially rectangular. The tray 1a further comprises side walls 3, which extend upwardly from both side edges 4a and a back edge 4b of the storage surface 2, and splay slightly outwardly. An outward facing rim 5 is provided on top edges 6 of the side walls 3. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the three side walls 3 are joined to one another, to form a continuous wall extending around three edges 4a, 4b of the storage surface 2, with a front edge 4c thereof not being provided with a wall.
It is anticipated that the storage surface 2 and side walls 3 of the tray may be formed from a single sheet of material, for instance a single sheet of metal or a plastics material. The tray 1a further comprises (as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3) a support arrangement 7, which is attached to the underside 11 of the storage surface 2. In this embodiment the support arrangement 7 comprises four struts 8 which are attached at proximal ends 8a thereof to a central hub 9, which is in the form of a flat metal disc, the struts 8 being arranged in an "X"-configuration around the central hub 9 and in the plane thereof. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the struts 8 are formed from a single loop of wire or other material, which is bent or formed into a shape resembling an hourglass.
Each strut 8 is connected, at a distal end 8b thereof, to one adjacent strut 8 by a support bar 10. Thus, it will be appreciated that two support bars 10 are provided at distal ends 8b of the struts 8, the support bars 10 being provided on opposite sides of the "X"-configuration of the struts 8. Each support bar 10 extends between the distal ends 8b of two struts 8, which comprise a leg on which the support bar 10 is mounted. At the distal ends 8b thereof, the struts 8 bend downwardly, so that the support bars 10 are disposed lower (i.e. further away from the underside 11 of the storage surface 2) than the main portions of the struts 8.
The central hub 9 may be rotated with respect to the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, as will be described in more detail below. By rotating the central hub 9 in this manner, the support arrangement 7 may be rotated between a stowage position and a stacking position, as will be explained.
Figure 2 shows the support arrangement 7 in the stacking position. In this position, the struts 8 are rotated so that the support bars 10, when viewed in a direction perpendicular with storage surface 2 (as shown in figure 2), extend outwardly beyond the rim 5 of the side walls 3 which protrude upwardly from opposite side edges 4a of the storage surface 2. It will be appreciated that, with the support arrangement 7 in this position, the tray 1a may be placed on top of an identical tray and the support arrangement 7 will rest on the top edges of the side walls of the identical tray, with the struts 8 resting on the top edges of the side walls near the distal ends thereof, and the support bars 10 extending downwardly past the outer edges of the rim.
Referring to figure 3, this figure shows the support arrangement 7 in the stowage position. In this position, the support arrangement 7 is rotated through 90° with respect to the stacking position, and in this position the support bars 10 are positioned near the front and rear edges 4b, 4c of the underside 11 of the storage surface 2. In this position, if the tray 1a is viewed from a position substantially perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface 2, neither the struts 8 nor the support bars 10 protrude beyond the side edges 4a (or, in this example, the front or rear edges 4b, 4c) of the support surface 2. It will thus be appreciated that, if the tray 1a is placed on top of an identical tray, the tray 1a, along with the support arrangement 7, will fit inside the identical tray so that the trays are "nested" together, with the support bars 10 of the storage tray 1a resting on the storage surface of the identical tray.
It will be understood that this allows trays 1a embodying the present invention to be stacked on top of one another above for office use, when the support arrangements 7 thereof are placed in the stacking position, and that the trays 1a may also be nested together for transport or storage, when the support arrangements 7 thereof are placed in the stowage position.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, and as shown in figures 2 and 3, the underside 11 of the storage surface 2 is provided with a substantially circular central indentation 12, in which the central hub 9 is received, and four radial indentations 13, which comprise indented channels which extend away from the central indentation in an "X"-configuration.
The arrangement of the radial indentations 13 is such that, when the support arrangement 7 is in the stowage or storage position, the struts 8 are received in the radial indentations 13, thus registering the support arrangement 7 in the stowage position or the storage position, as appropriate. If the support arrangement 7 is rotated to a position which is part way between the stowage position and the storage position, the struts 8 will not be received in the radial indentations 13. The provision of the radial indentations 13 assists in ensuring that the support arrangement 7 remains in the stowage or stacking position as appropriate, and does not become dislodged from one of these positions inadvertently during use of the tray 1a.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, the central hub 9 is secured to storage surface 2 by means of a central rivet 14 (as shown in figure 4), which passes through respective apertures in the central hub 9 and the storage surface 2 to secure these components to one another. Advantageously, the central rivet 14 allows the central hub 9 to be pulled a short distance away from the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, but biases the central hub 9 towards the underside 11 of the storage surface 2. In these embodiments of the invention, the support arrangement 7 may be pulled a short distance away from the underside 11 of the storage surface 2 to be rotated between the stowage position and the stacking position, with the central rivet 14 biasing the support arrangement 7 back towards the underside 11 of the storage surface 2 to register the struts 8 firmly in the radial indentations 13 and thus keep the support arrangement 7 in the desired orientation.
In advantageous embodiments of the invention, the top edges 6 of the side walls 3 are provided with a retaining arrangement, to assist in maintaining the position of an identical tray which is stacked on top of the tray 1a. The retaining arrangement may comprise a series of dips 15 in the rim 5 of the side walls 3, in which distal ends of the struts of the support arrangement of the upper identical tray may be received, or alternatively may comprise a pair of protrusions which extend upwardly from the rim 5 of the side walls 3, and between which a part of a strut of the identical upper tray may be received. The protrusions may be formed directly on the top edges 6 of the side walls 3, or as part of a separate component, such as a grommet 16 (not shown).
The provision of the retaining arrangement facilitates the stability of a further tray which is stacked on top of the tray 1a.
Figures 5 to 9 show a further tray 1b embodying the present invention. The further tray 1b again comprises a storage surface 2 having side walls 3 which extend upwardly from side and rear edges 4a, 4b of the storage surface 2.
As can be seen from figure 5, four slots 17 are provided in the storage surface 2, each slot 17 being parallel with the side edges 4a of the storage surface 2, two slots 17 being positioned close to each of the side edges 4a. One slot 17 on each side of the storage surface 2 is positioned near the front edge 4c thereof, with the other slot 17 being positioned near the rear edge 4b of the storage surface 2.
Connectors 18 are provided in each of the slots 17, as can be seen in figures 7 to 9. Each connector 18 comprises a flattened elongate head 19, which is too wide to pass through the slot 17. The head 19 is slightly longer than the slot 17, and hence may cover the slot 17 entirely. In use the head 19 of each connector 18 lies flat on the top side of the storage surface 2, covering one of the slots 17, so there are no apertures in the storage surface 2 through which items may fall.
Two short shank portions 20 project downwardly from the underside of the head 19, being appropriately spaced apart so that the shank portions 20 may pass through the slot 17 near opposing ends thereof when the head 19 is placed over the slot 17. Passing between the shank portions 20 is a rod 21 , which is spaced apart from the underside of the head 19. A foot 22 is attached to the rod 21 of each of the connectors 18, so that the feet 22 are beneath the underside 11 of the storage surface 2. A foot 22 is shown in figure 6. Each foot 22 has a width which is equal to or slightly less than that of the rod 21. The foot 22 comprises a bottom surface 23 and a top surface 24, each of which is substantially rectangular. At a first end 25 of the foot 22, the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 of the foot 22 are joined to one another to form a rounded end. The bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 are also joined to one another at a second end 26. The bottom surface 23 is, however, longer than the top surface 24, and so an extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23 protrudes past the second end 26 of the foot 22. The bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 are spaced apart from one another and sides 27 of the foot 22 are open. It will therefore be appreciated that an aperture 28 is provided between the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 of the foot 22, the aperture 28 being in the shape of a plane between the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24.
The aperture ace 28 extends to the point at which the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 join one another to form the first end 25 of the foot 22. A thickened wall is, however, provided where the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 meet one another to form the second end 26 of the foot 22, and so the aperture 28 terminates a short way before the second end 26 of the foot 22.
An elongate gap 29 extends across the top surface 24, near the centre of the length thereof, in a direction parallel with the first and second ends 25, 26 of the foot 22. This gap 29 allows the rod 21 of a connector 18 to pass therethrough, so that the rod 21 may be received in the aperture 28.
An inward-facing ridge 30 is provided on the extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23. The inward-facing ridge 30 extends substantially across the width of the extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23, and projects away from the extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23 in the same direction as the direction in which the top surface 24 is displaced from the bottom surface 23.
An outward-facing ridge 31 is also provided on the bottom surface 23, near the first end 25 of the foot 22. The outward-facing ridge 31 extends away from the bottom surface 23 in the opposite direction to the direction in which the top surface 24 is displaced from the bottom surface 23.
The rod 21 of a connector 18 passes through the aperture 28 between the bottom and top surfaces 23, 24 of the foot 22. The width of the rod 21 is significantly less than the length of the aperture 28, and it will therefore be appreciated that the rod 21 may slide along the length of the aperture 28, between the first end 25 and the second end 26 of the foot 22.
Figure 7 shows the feet 22 attached to the connectors 18 of the tray 1b and placed in a storage position. In this configuration, each rod 21 passes through the aperture 28 in one of the feet 22 and lies at or near the first end 25 thereof. Each foot 22 lies flat against the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, with the top surface 24 thereof contacting the underside 11 of the storage surface 2. It will be understood that the outward-facing ridge 31 of each foot 22 will protrude downwardly, and if the tray 1b is placed on a flat surface then the tray 1b will rest on the outward-facing ridges 31 of the four feet 22.
In this position, if the tray 1b is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface 2, no part of the feet 22 protrudes beyond the edges 4a, 4b, 4c of the stowage surface 2. It will therefore be understood that, if the feet 22 are in the stowage position and the tray 1b is placed on top of an identical tray (designated by T in figures 7, 8 and 9), the tray 1b may be nested within the identical tray T, with the feet 22 of the tray 1b resting on the storage surface of the identical tray T. Figure 8 shows the tray 1b with the feet 22 in a first stacking position. In order to move the feet 22 from the stowage position to the first stacking position, the feet 22 remain in the same orientation as in the stowage position, but are slid outwardly in a direction parallel with the plane of the storage surface 2 until each rod 21 abuts the end of the aperture 28 nearest the second end 26 of the respective foot 22.
In this position, if the tray 1b is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface 2, the first end 25 of each foot 22 protrudes outwardly beyond the top edges 5 of the side walls 3 of the tray 1 b. It will be understood that, if the feet 22 are in the first stacking position, and the tray 1b is placed on top of an identical tray T, the bottom surfaces 23 of the feet 22 will rest on the top edges of the side walls of the identical tray T, thus supporting the tray 1b above the identical tray T.
It can be seen from figure 8 that the outward-facing ridges 31 provided on the bottom surfaces 23 of the feet 22 extend downwardly beyond the top edges of the side walls of the identical tray T, thus stabilising the tray 1b in its stacked position.
To return the feet 22 from the first stacked position to the stored position, the feet 22 may simply be slid inwardly, while remaining in the same orientation.
Figure 9 shows the tray 1b in a second stacking position. In order to move the feet 22 from the stowage position to the second stacking position, the feet 22 are rotated, so that the first end 25 of each foot remains in contact with the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, but the second end 26 of each foot 22 is pivoted away from the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, and moves in an arc around the rod 21. The outward-facing ridge 31 is preferably positioned so that, when the foot 22 has rotated through around 110° from the stowage position, the outward-facing ridge 31 contacts the underside 11 of the storage surface 2 and halts the rotation of the foot 22. It will be appreciated that, when the feet 22 are in the second stacking position, the feet 22 project downwardly from the underside 11 of the storage surface 2, and preferably also splay outwardly.
When the feet 22 are in the second stacking position and the tray 1b is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface 2, the extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23 of each foot 22 projects outwardly beyond the top edges 5 of the side walls 3 which extend upwardly from the side edges 4a of the tray 1b.
When the feet 22 are in the second stacking position and the tray 1b is placed on top of an identical tray T, top edges of the side walls of the identical tray T will be received by each foot 22 in the junction between the root of the extended portion 23a of the bottom surface 23 and the second end 26 of each foot 22, so that the tray 1b may be stacked on top of the identical tray T.
It will be appreciated that, in the second stacking position, the storage surface 2 of the tray 1b is elevated by a greater amount above the storage surface of an identical tray T on which the tray 1b is stacked, when compared to the situation in which the feet 22 are in the first stacking position, and the tray 1b is stacked on top of an identical tray T.
In order to return the feet 22 to the stowage position from the second stacking position, the feet 22 may simply be rotated around the rods 21 , so that the top surface 24 of each foot 22 rest against the underside 11 of the storage surface 2.
It will be appreciated that this embodiment of the invention allows trays 1b to be "nested" within one another for transport or storage, thus occupying minimum space. The trays 1b may also be stacked on top of one another by placing the feet in the first or second stacking position, and the height at which a stacked tray will stand with respect to the tray immediately below may be varied by selecting an appropriate one of the first or second stacking positions.
It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a simple yet flexible stackable storage tray, which will find widespread use in the home and office.
References stacking of trays in this specification are generally references to stacking one tray on top of another with both trays in the same orientation, i.e. with the storage surfaces of the trays aligned with one another. The invention is not, however, limited to this.
In the above description, the storage surfaces of the trays are substantially rectangular. This need not be the case, however, and the invention is not limited to this. In particular, the storage surface of a tray embodying the present invention may have at least one curved edge, and references in this specification to side walls extending upwardly from edges of the storage surfaces may be interpreted as references to portions of a continuous side wall which extends upwardly from a curved edge of a storage surface.
When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A stackable storage tray, comprising: a storage surface; at least a pair of side walls which extend upwardly from edges of the storage surface; and a support arrangement which is disposed on an underside of the storage surface and which is moveable between a stacking position, in which the tray may be placed on top of an identical tray and the support arrangement will rest on the side walls of the identical tray, thus allowing the tray to be stacked on the identical tray, and a stowage position, in which the tray may be placed on top of an identical tray and the support arrangement or the storage surface of the tray may rest on the storage surface of the identical tray, thus allowing the tray and the identical tray to be nested together.
2. A storage tray according to Claim 1 , in which: the side walls extend upwardly from first and second edges of the storage surface; when the support arrangement is in the stowage position and the tray is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface, the support arrangement substantially does not protrude beyond the first and second edges of the storage surface; and when the support arrangement is in the stacking position and the tray is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface, the support arrangement protrudes outwardly beyond the first and second edges of the storage surface.
3. A storage tray according to Claim 2, wherein the first and second edges are substantially opposing edges of the storage surface.
4. A storage tray according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the support arrangement comprises a pair of legs, each of which, when the support arrangement is in the stacking position and the tray is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface, protrudes outwardly beyond one of the first and second edges of the storage surface
5. A storage tray according to Claim 4, wherein the legs are rotatable about a pivot point to move between the stowage position and the stacking position.
6. A storage tray according to Claim 5, wherein the legs are connected to one another such that they may rotate simultaneously when being moved from the stowage position to the stacking position.
7. A storage tray according to Claim 5, wherein the legs are rotatable independently of one another.
8. A storage tray according to any one of Claims 4 to 7, wherein the legs lie substantially parallel to the plane of the storage surface when in the stowage position and in the stacking position.
9. A storage tray according to any one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the underside of the storage surface comprises at least one protrusion or indentation which is adapted to receive or contact at least a part of at least one of the legs, thereby to register the leg in the stowage position or the stacking position.
10. A storage tray according to Claim 9, wherein the or each protrusion or indentation is adapted to receive or contact at least a part of one of the legs to register the leg in the stowage position, and to receive or contact at least a part of the same or a different leg to register the leg in the storage position.
11. A storage tray according to any one of Claims 4 to 10, comprising a biasing arrangement for urging the one or more legs towards the underside of the storage surface.
12. A storage tray according to any one of claims 4 to 11 wherein, when the legs are in the stowage position or the storage position and the legs contact the underside of the storage surface, the legs cannot be rotated to the other of the stowage position or the storage position, and wherein the legs may be pulled away from the underside of the storage surface while remaining attached to the storage tray, rotated between the stowage position and the storage position, and returned to being in contact with the underside of the storage surface.
13. A storage tray according to any preceding claim, wherein top edges of the side walls are provided with a receiving arrangement such that, if a further tray which is identical to the storage tray is placed on top of the storage tray, with the support arrangement of the further tray in the stacking position, the receiving arrangement co-operates with the support arrangement of the further tray to retain the further tray in its stacked position on top of the storage tray.
14. A storage tray according to Claim 13, wherein the receiving arrangement comprises at least one indentation or protrusion provided on each of the top edges of the side walls.
15. A storage tray according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the support arrangement may be placed in either of a first stacking position and a second stacking position, wherein: when the support arrangement is in the first stacking position and the tray is stacked on top of an identical tray, the storage surface of the tray is a first height above the storage surface of the identical tray; and when the support arrangement is placed in the second stacking position and the tray is stacked on top of an identical tray, the storage surface of the tray is a second height above the storage surface of the identical tray, the second height being greater than the first height.
16. A storage tray according to Claim 15, wherein the support arrangement comprises a plurality of feet which are disposed on the underside of the storage surface, and are movable between a first position, in which the support arrangement is in the stowage position, a second position, in which the support arrangement is in the first stacking position, and a third position, in which the support arrangement is in the second stacking position.
17. A storage tray according to Claim 16, wherein each foot has a length and wherein, in the first position, each foot lies near or against the underside of the storage surface, oriented so that the length thereof is substantially parallel with that of the storage surface.
18. A storage tray according to Claim 17 wherein, in the second position, each foot lies near or against the underside of the storage surface, and is oriented so that the length thereof is substantially parallel with that of the storage surface.
19. A storage tray according to Claim 18 in which each foot may be slid between the first position and the second position thereof.
20. A storage tray according to any one of Claims 16 to 19 wherein each foot has a length and wherein, in the third position, one edge of each foot lies near or against the underside of the storage surface, with the length of the foot extending in a direction having a component perpendicular to the plane of the storage surface.
21. A storage surface according to Claim 20, wherein each foot may be rotated between the first position and the third position, or between the second position and the third position.
22. A storage tray according to any one of Claims 16 to 21 , in which connectors are provided having rods which are spaced apart from the underside of the storage surface and in which each foot has a channel or aperture passing therethrough, wherein each rod is received in the channel or aperture of a respective foot.
PCT/GB2006/001135 2005-03-29 2006-03-28 A stackable storage tray WO2006103420A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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GB0506301.1 2005-03-29
GB0506301A GB2424569B (en) 2005-03-29 2005-03-29 A stackable storage tray

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Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2442213A (en) * 2006-09-25 2008-04-02 Dan Hart Adjustable paper trays
DE102020124394A1 (en) 2020-09-18 2022-03-24 Leitz Acco Brands Gmbh & Co Kg basket arrangement

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2277684A1 (en) * 1974-07-08 1976-02-06 Lecal Roger Nestable document tray which is stacked in use - has inclined base and upright rear and side walls with guide slides
FR2693951A1 (en) * 1992-07-21 1994-01-28 Plastiques Cie Et Plastics filing tray - has hinged legs moulded in one piece with sides and able to engage with legs on tray below
GB2289881A (en) * 1994-06-01 1995-12-06 Richardson Limited Cullet delivery container
JPH1024932A (en) * 1996-07-10 1998-01-27 Takazono Sangyo Kk Container for medicine or the like

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2729756B2 (en) * 1993-12-10 1998-03-18 アロン化成株式会社 Stacking device for small plastic storage case
DE19522252A1 (en) * 1995-06-20 1997-01-09 Berolina Kunststoff container

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2277684A1 (en) * 1974-07-08 1976-02-06 Lecal Roger Nestable document tray which is stacked in use - has inclined base and upright rear and side walls with guide slides
FR2693951A1 (en) * 1992-07-21 1994-01-28 Plastiques Cie Et Plastics filing tray - has hinged legs moulded in one piece with sides and able to engage with legs on tray below
GB2289881A (en) * 1994-06-01 1995-12-06 Richardson Limited Cullet delivery container
JPH1024932A (en) * 1996-07-10 1998-01-27 Takazono Sangyo Kk Container for medicine or the like

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GB0506301D0 (en) 2005-05-04
GB2424569A (en) 2006-10-04
WO2006103420A3 (en) 2007-03-15
GB2424569B (en) 2008-06-25

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