U.S. patent application number 11/455361 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for stacking tray assembly incorporating any number of vertically displaced tiers for supporting a plurality of loose items, such as in a gift basket arrangement.
Invention is credited to Eric Castiglia, James A. Ciccarelli, Paul LaMarche.
Application Number | 20080000800 11/455361 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38875470 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080000800 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LaMarche; Paul ; et
al. |
January 3, 2008 |
Stacking tray assembly incorporating any number of vertically
displaced tiers for supporting a plurality of loose items, such as
in a gift basket arrangement
Abstract
An assembly for establishing a multi-tiered display for
supporting a plurality of loose items includes any plurality of
trays, each exhibiting a substantially planar surface across which
are interspersed a plurality of recess defining pockets. A height
defining spacer insert is engaged between succeeding trays, the
insert having a three-dimensional shape with a top and bottom. A
first selected tray exhibits upper projecting cylindrical supports
for locating and securing bottom perimeter locations associated
with the insert. A second of the trays exhibiting at least one
downward three-dimensional projection nestingly engaging a recessed
top location of the insert, in a height adjustable fashion, and in
order to define a specified distance between the recess defining
pockets in the trays and in order to support items of different
size and configuration.
Inventors: |
LaMarche; Paul; (Macomb,
MI) ; Castiglia; Eric; (Sterling Heights, MI)
; Ciccarelli; James A.; (Grosse Pointe Woods,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE,ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C
PO BOX 7021
TROY
MI
48007-7021
US
|
Family ID: |
38875470 |
Appl. No.: |
11/455361 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/564 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/70 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/564 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/34 20060101
B65D001/34 |
Claims
1. An assembly for establishing a multi-tiered display for
supporting a plurality of loose items, comprising: at least one
tray exhibiting a substantially planar sheet with a plurality of
recess defining pockets formed therein; a height defining spacer
insert; and a first of said trays further exhibiting, at selected
upper surface locations, a first set of locating and engaging
portions for securing a bottom of said insert, a second of said
trays exhibiting, at selected lower surface locations, at least one
additional locating and engaging portion for securing a top of said
insert and in order to define a specified distance between said
recess defining pockets in said trays.
2. The assembly as described in claim 1, each of said recess
defining pockets establishing a selected shape and size and further
comprising a plurality of serrated grooves for contacting an item
supported thereupon.
3. The assembly as described in claim 2, said pockets each further
comprising a substantially circular concave shape and within which
said grooves are formed in outwardly radially projecting
fashion.
4. The assembly as described in claim 1, each of said trays further
comprising first and second sets of locating and engaging portions
associated with each of said upper and lower surfaces.
5. The assembly as described in claim 1, said first set of locating
and engaging portions further comprising a plurality of
substantially cylindrical projecting supports integrally formed
with upper surface locations of said tray.
6. The assembly as described in claim 5, said insert further
comprising a three-dimensional shape and size and defining an open
bottom perimeter sized to engage said cylindrical projecting
supports.
7. The assembly as described in claim 1, said second locating and
engaging portions further comprising at least one three-dimensional
shaped projection integrally formed with a lower surface of said
tray.
8. The assembly as described in claim 7, said insert further
comprising a three-dimensional shape and size and defining a recess
associated with said top for nestingly receiving said
three-dimensional projection.
9. The assembly as described in claim 7, said second locating and
engaging portions further comprising a pair of elongate and
portions formed in said tray.
10. The assembly as described in claim 8, said insert further
comprising a superstructure defined upon said top surface and
within which is formed said recess.
11. The assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising said
first and second sets of locating and engaging portions each having
a specified shape and size enabling said first and second trays to
engage an intermediately positioned insert in a height adjustable
fashion.
12. The assembly as described in claim 6, said insert exhibiting a
continuous extending side defining said perimeter and further
comprising localized projections for seating associated cylindrical
supports.
13. The assembly as described in claim 5, each of said trays
exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising a pair
of upwardly projecting cylindrical supports.
14. The assembly as described in claim 5, each of said trays
exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising first
and second pairs of upwardly projecting cylindrical supports.
15. The assembly as described in claim 1, each of said trays and
said spacer insert having a specified shape and size and further
comprising a vacuum thermoformed plastic.
16. The assembly as described in claim 15, each of said trays and
said spacer insert being manufactured from a material including at
least a polyethyltetraphthalate.
17. The assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a trim
tool for sectioning at least one subset areas associated with a
selected tray.
18. The assembly as described in claim 1, each of said trays and
spacer inserts having a specified shape and size and being
supporting within a three-dimensional defined enclosure including
at least a gift basket interior.
19. An assembly for establishing a multi-tiered display for
supporting a plurality of loose items, comprising: a plurality of
trays, each exhibiting a substantially planar surface across which
are interspersed a plurality of recess defining pockets; a height
defining spacer insert engaged between succeeding trays, said
insert further comprising a three-dimensional shape; and a first
selected tray exhibiting upper projecting cylindrical supports for
locating and securing bottom perimeter locations associated with
said insert, a second of said trays exhibiting at least one
downward three-dimensional projection nestingly engaging a recessed
top location of said insert, in a height adjustable fashion, and in
order to define a specified distance between said recess defining
pockets in said trays and in order to support items of different
size and configuration.
20. The assembly as described in claim 19, the each of said recess
defining pockets establishing a concave shape, within each of which
are defined a plurality of outwardly radially extending and
serrated grooves for contacting an item supported thereupon and for
absorbing forces associated with transport and display of said
items.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a tray assembly
for supporting a plurality of loose and differently sized items.
More specifically, the present invention teaches a plurality of
trays, each incorporating a plurality of recess pockets for
supporting a designated item and which are capable of being
sectioned to a desired planar configuration. One or more height
defining spacer inserts interengage upper and lower locations
associated with succeeding trays and in order to establish a
desired multi-tier arrangement for the assembly. The multi-tiered
assembly may be incorporated into a gift basket or other
display/storage assembly, as well as being capable of supporting
and displaying a plurality of items in unsupported fashion by any
other enclosure structure.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] An example of a gift basket stacking tray from the prior art
is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,608, issued to Salvaggio, and
which teaches a generally planar formed and rigid sheet. Arcuately
shaped depressions are disposed on the formed sheet and a pair of
generally centrally located and integrally formed platforms are
disposed above the formed sheet. Additional features associated
with the Salvaggio device include perforation lines which traverse
the formed sheet between the arcuately displayed depressions and
the raised display platforms. The perforated lines allow for
flexible removal of sections of the stacking tray so that the tray
can accommodate and/or be stacked on top of various sizes and
shapes of fruits, bottles, boxes and the like within a gift
basket.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0005] The present invention discloses an assembly for establishing
a multi-tiered display for supporting a plurality of loose items,
in particular fruit or the like, and which provides for both secure
and multi-tiered support for such items along both horizontal and
vertical directions, such that the same may be shipped and/or
displayed within a gift basket or other type arrangement without
concern for spilling of or damage to the contents, such items
include fruit arrangements, as well as other basket designs for
small glass bottles, e.g. including those for pasta sauce, garlic,
olive oil, vinegar and the like. As will be further described, the
present invention makes possible the creation of any configurable
and multi-tiered product support assembly, such as for supporting
items of different size and shape, and which exhibits both height
adjustability as well as tray surface reconfigurability to achieve
a desired product support and display environment.
[0006] Each of the trays exhibits a substantially planar surface
across which are interspersed a plurality of recess defining
pockets. The pockets are each typically concave shaped and may
include any number of outwardly radially projecting serrated
grooves, these functioning to safely grip the item placed within
the pocket and to prevent both movement/slippage of the item as
well as to assist in absorbing forces (typically associated with
transport) which would otherwise tend to damage the items.
[0007] A height defining spacer insert is engaged between
succeeding trays, the insert having a three-dimensional shape with
a top and bottom. The spacer typically defines a continuous
extending side perimeter revealing an open bottom.
[0008] A first selected tray exhibits upper projecting cylindrical
supports for locating and securing bottom perimeter locations
associated with the insert. A second of the trays exhibits at least
one, typically two, downward three-dimensional projections, these
nestingly engaging a recessed top location of the insert.
[0009] The insert top recess is usually defined within an upwardly
extending superstructure portion, this enabling a further degree of
height adjustability associated with the engagement location, and
in order to define a specified distance between the recess defining
pockets in the trays to support items of different size and
configuration. Additional features include the provision of a trim
tool to section desired subset areas of one or more of the trays,
such as to provide additional space for securing other larger sized
items (e.g. pineapples and the like in the instance of an assembled
fruit basket configuration).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when
read in combination with the following detailed description,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a first exploded view of the several components
comprising the stacking tray assembly according to the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a second exploded view similar to that shown in
FIG. 1 and additionally illustrating a further design variant of
tray according to the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a selected and
stackable tray incorporated into the assembly of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a height defining
spacer insert positionally engaged upon an upper surface of a
selected tray;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view successive to that shown in
FIG. 4 and by which an underside of a second tray is supported in
vertically displaced fashion atop the spacer insert, it being
understood that a plurality of inserts are capable of being
alternated with succeeding trays or, alternatively, secured
together to increase a given height between successive trays;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a pre-engagement side view of the arrangement
shown in FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a post-engagement side view of FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a 180.degree. rotated, enlarged and cutaway of the
side view shown in FIG. 7 and better illustrating the manner in
which the downwardly extending and three-dimensional shaped
projections of the upper tray nestingly engage within associated
upwardly facing recesses in the lower tray in a height adjustable
fashion;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective of the spacer insert illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 4;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective of a spacer insert according to a
still further preferred variant of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial view of selected receiving
pockets formed in a given stacking tray and further showing the
pluralities of serrated grooves for gripping and restraining the
selected item placed in contact therewith, as well as being capable
of expanding and contracting due to forces exerted by the product
supported thereupon, such as during shipping, and in order to
prevent damage to the supported items; and
[0022] FIG. 12 is an environmental view of a selected gift basket
arrangement incorporating a multi-tier arrangement of stacking
trays and spacer inserts according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Referring initially to FIG. 12, an arrangement is shown of a
gift basket assembly 2 according to the known art and which
includes an arrangement of differently sized and shaped items, e.g.
apples and oranges 4 and 6, pineapple 8, et seq. One objective of
the present invention is the provision of a secure and multi-tiered
tray assembly, as will be further described, for the purpose of
permitting the transport and display of such gift basket items, as
well as any other loose combination items of a standard or varying
size.
[0024] As will be subsequently explained, the present invention is
useful in either or both the secure transport (such as within a
corrugated or other box container), or the arrangement and display
of any collection of items without limitation. It is also
contemplated that a wide variety of loose item applications can be
employed with the stacking tray design, such for example including
without limitation, glass containers (bottles) arranged within a
gift basket such including individual containers for pasta sauce,
garlic, olive oil, vinegar and the like.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, a first exploded view is
illustrated of the several components comprising the stacking tray
assembly according to one preferred variant of the present
invention. The arrangement includes a first tray configuration 10,
spacer insert 12, second tray configuration 14, as well as
subdivided third 16 and fourth 18 tray configurations. A more
detailed structural description of each of the trays and inserts
will be had upon reference to the several succeeding
illustrations.
[0026] Referring further to FIG. 2, a second exploded view is
shown, similar to that in FIG. 1, and illustrating a further
modified tray design 20 in substitution of the insert 12. As will
be discussed in detail, the present invention envisions numerous
other and varied configurations according to the present
invention.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 3, an enlarged perspective view is
shown of the previously identified tray 10. The tray 10 is
typically constructed of a suitable plasticized material, including
without limitation a polyethyltetraphthalate (P.E.T.), and which is
formed in a thermo/vacuum forming process. It is also envisioned
that other suitable forming processes may include, without
limitation, stamping or injection molding of the trays.
[0028] The tray 10 defines a substantially planar, e.g. typically
rectangular, sheet 22 within which are defined a plurality of
recess defining pockets 24, 26, 28, et seq., at locations across
the face of the sheet 22. The size and arrangement of the pockets
24, 26, and 28 are within the selection of one of skill in the art,
however include in the illustrated embodiment a plurality of
concave shaped recesses, each of which further including an
individual plurality of outwardly radially projecting grooves,
these defining projecting serrated edges, see in particular grooves
30, 32, 34 et seq. associated with pocket 24 and which are
illustrated as well in use with each succeeding item supporting
pocket illustrated throughout the drawings.
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged partial view of the sheet
10, and in particular of selected receiving pocket 24 and further
showing the pluralities of serrated grooves 30, 32, 34, et seq.,
for gripping and restraining a selected item placed in contact
therewith (e.g. the fruit basket items referenced in FIG. 12). The
serrated grooves further provide the desired function of being
capable of expanding and contracting due to forces exerted by the
product supported thereupon, such as during shipping, and in order
to prevent damage to the supported items. A further feature
provided by the pocket defining grooves is to increase the surface
contact area exerted against the item supported upon the pocket,
thus assisting in preventing the food item(s) from rotating or
displacing relative to the pocket.
[0030] Referring again to FIG. 3, the tray 10 further exhibiting,
at selected upper surface locations, a first set of locating and
engaging portions in the form of a pair cylindrical projecting
supports 36 and 38, these engaging with underside locations of the
insert 12 as will be described. While a single of pair supports 36
and 38 are determined adequate in many assembly configurations, it
is also envisioned that additional pairs of supports (see second
pair of supports as shown at 40 and 42 and to complement initial
pair 36' and 38', according to tray 20 in FIG. 2).
[0031] Each of the trays also exhibits, at selected lower surface
locations, at least one additional locating and engaging portion
for securing a top of the insert 12, and in order to define a
specified distance between recess defining pockets in succeeding
stacked trays. In particular, the second locating and engaging
portions further include one or a pair of three-dimensional shaped
projections (typically elongated or slotted by definition)
integrally formed with a lower surface of the tray, e.g. tray 10,
and which are shown at 44 and 46.
[0032] A pair of insert configurations are illustrated at 48 (this
also illustrated as the inset 12 in FIG. 1) and 50, respectively,
in each of FIGS. 9 and 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the insert 48
exhibits a three-dimensional shape and size and is likewise
constructed of a thermoformed plastic (or P.E.T.) material. The
insert 48 also includes a continuous and perimeter defining side,
collectively referenced at 52, and which reveals an open bottom
54.
[0033] The sides of the insert 48 include localized and laterally
extending projections, see at 56, 58, 60, et seq., these seating
over selected cylindrical posts 36 and 38 associated with the tray
10 (or other like configured tray). Additional features of the
insert include the provision of a recess associated with its top,
see at 62 in FIG. 9, and which nestingly receives a selected
three-dimensional projection, see again as shown at 44 in FIG. 3,
of the tray 10.
[0034] In the preferred arrangement, the insert 48 includes a
likewise perimeter defining (e.g. elongated) superstructure 64 for
elevating the recess 62 and to permit the insert to be secured in a
height adjustable fashion relative to the successive tray underside
(as will be further described and illustrated). The insert 50 is a
substantial repeat of the insert 48, with the exception that its
perimeter defining side includes an enlarged end portion 66 for
enabling the insert 50 to locate and grip a total of four
cylindrical projecting posts (see again arrangement of tray 20 in
FIG. 2) as opposed to only gripping two or three associated posts,
as is made possible the insert configurations of 12 and 48. It is
still further understood that the height and width of a selected
tier establishing insert may be modified within the scope of the
present invention.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4, an enlarged perspective view is
shown of a height defining spacer insert (again such as described
at 48 in FIG. 9) positionally engaged upon an upper surface of
selected tray 10. FIG. 5 is a perspective view successive to that
shown in FIG. 4, and by which an underside of a second tray, e.g.
that shown at 14 in FIG. 1, is supported in vertically displaced
fashion atop the spacer insert 12 (or 48), it also understood that
a plurality of inserts are capable of being alternated with
succeeding trays or, alternatively, secured together to increase a
given height between successive trays.
[0036] FIG. 5 also illustrates the feature of a trim tool 68 or
like sectioning implement (e.g. box cutter, other blade device) and
which operates to quickly and efficiently remove subset areas of
the selected sheet (see removed perimeter defining location 70 in
phantom and associated with tray 14). In this fashion, extra large
sized items (e.g. pineapple 8 in FIG. 12) may be incorporated into
a multi-tiered arrangement as provided by the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a pre-engagement side view of the arrangement
shown in FIG. 5, and by which a downwardly projecting engaging
portion 44' associated with the tray 14 (this generally replicating
that previously illustrated and described at 44 in reference to the
tray 10) is positioned overhead of the receiving superstructure 64
of the selected insert 48. FIG. 7 successively illustrates a
post-engagement side view of FIG. 5, and by which the trays 10 and
14 are arranged in a vertically displaced and tiered
configuration.
[0038] Referencing further, FIG. 8, a 180.degree. rotated, enlarged
and cutaway of the side view shown in FIG. 7 better illustrates the
manner in which the three-dimensional shaped and downwardly
extending projections, see again at 44' of the upper tray 14,
nestingly engage within associated upwardly facing recesses, e.g.
again as shown at 62, in the lower tray in a height adjustable
fashion. By virtue of the vertical adjustability offered by the
sizing of the downward projection 44' and the corresponding upward
extending superstructure 64 of the insert, it is possible to adjust
the relative height of the successive tiers (or trays) 10 and 14,
in order to accommodate items of varying size, and without
sacrificing stability both in axial and height extending
directions. An advantage of this feature is the ability to save
time during assembly and by avoiding the requirement that the loose
items (e.g. fruit) all be provided according to a consistent
size.
[0039] Having described our invention, other and additional
preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the
art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of
the appended claims. In particular, the shaping, configuration and
sizing of the item supporting pockets, such as to include other
opening or slot shapes, solid concave defining surfaces (see as
referenced in sub-tray 18 of FIGS. 1 and 2) may be employed. As
also previously stated, the sizing of the inserts, such as to
include taller or multiple stackable inserts, is also
contemplated.
* * * * *