U.S. patent application number 11/858830 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-28 for adjustable utensil tray.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rubbermaid Incorporated. Invention is credited to Roddy Burgess, Jacob Connelly, William F. Croft, Seth Frankel, Randall Lewis, Florencia Martinez, Sarah Rosenbach, Hector Santos, Adrian Sesto.
Application Number | 20080202976 11/858830 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39714675 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080202976 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burgess; Roddy ; et
al. |
August 28, 2008 |
Adjustable Utensil Tray
Abstract
An adjustable storage tray has a first tray part that defines at
least one first compartment therein. A second tray part of the
storage tray defines at least one second compartment therein. The
second tray part is slidably connected to the first tray part such
that a length of the adjustable storage tray can be adjusted. The
storage tray has a ratcheting mechanism to retain a selected
adjusted length and has a retention mechanism that can inhibit
vertical separation of the first and second tray parts.
Inventors: |
Burgess; Roddy; (Charlotte,
NC) ; Connelly; Jacob; (Concord, NC) ; Croft;
William F.; (Mooresville, NC) ; Rosenbach; Sarah;
(Tarzana, CA) ; Santos; Hector; (Camarillo,
CA) ; Martinez; Florencia; (Newbury Park, CA)
; Frankel; Seth; (Los Angeles, CA) ; Lewis;
Randall; (Simi Valley, CA) ; Sesto; Adrian;
(Santa Monica, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEMPIA BRAIDWOOD LLC
223 W. JACKSON BLVD., SUITE 620
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Rubbermaid Incorporated
Huntersville
NC
|
Family ID: |
39714675 |
Appl. No.: |
11/858830 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60845955 |
Sep 20, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/558 ;
206/557; 206/561; 206/564 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 88/994 20170101;
A47B 88/975 20170101; A47B 88/90 20170101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/558 ;
206/561; 206/564; 206/557 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/04 20060101
B65D006/04 |
Claims
1. An adjustable storage tray comprising: a first tray part
defining at least one first compartment therein; and a second tray
part defining at least one second compartment therein, the second
tray part slidably connected to the first tray part such that a
length of the adjustable storage tray can be adjusted, wherein the
storage tray has a ratcheting mechanism to retain a selected
adjusted length and has a retention mechanism that can inhibit
vertical separation of the first and second tray parts.
2. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one first compartment and the at least one second compartment
combine to form at least one continuous compartment defined in part
by each of the first and second tray parts.
3. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 1, wherein the
first tray part has a lengthwise oriented first partition and the
second tray part has a lengthwise oriented second partition that
nest with one another and divide the adjustable storage tray into
two side-by-side lengthwise compartments extending the length of
the adjustable storage tray.
4. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 3, further
comprising: one or more removable and replaceable dividers that can
be selectively positioned within a portion of either of the two
side-by side lengthwise compartments to further subdivide the
adjustable storage tray.
5. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 1, further
comprising: one or more removable and replaceable dividers that can
be selectively positioned within one of the first and second tray
parts to further subdivide the at least one first compartment.
6. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 1, further
comprising: a first bottom, a first pair of opposed side walls
extending up from the first bottom, and at least one first end wall
connected to and extending between the first pair of side walls
along one edge of the first bottom of the first tray part; a second
bottom, a second pair of opposed side walls extending up from the
second bottom, and at least one second end wall connected to and
extending between the second pair of side walls along one edge of
the second bottom of the second tray part; and a plurality of
ridges projecting from an underside of the first bottom that rest
against a top side of the second bottom and create spacing between
the underside of the first bottom and the top side of the second
bottom.
7. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 1, further
comprising: a first pair of opposed side walls extending up from a
first bottom of the first tray part; a second pair of opposed side
walls extending up from a second bottom of the second tray part;
and a channel extending along and outward from each of the first
pair of sidewalls and carried near at top edge of each of the first
pair of side walls, wherein a top edge of each of the second pair
of side walls is captured within a corresponding one of the
channels.
8. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 7, wherein the
ratcheting mechanism includes a plurality of teeth and mating
ratchet teeth dispose within each of the channels.
9. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 7, wherein the
ratcheting mechanism comprises: a plurality of teeth projecting
outward from and extending lengthwise near the top edge along each
of the pair of second side walls; and one or more ratchet teeth
projecting inward from a channel surface within each channel and
engaging the plurality of teeth.
10. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 7, wherein the
retention mechanism includes a pair laterally overlapping ribs
within each of the channels.
11. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 10, wherein one
of the pair of ribs within each channel projects outward from the
respective wall of the second pair of opposed side walls near the
top edge and the other of the pair of ribs within each channel
projects inward from a channel surface and laterally overlaps the
corresponding one rib.
12. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 7, wherein travel
stop projections are provided within each of the channels to limit
the extended length of the adjustable storage tray to a max
length.
13. An adjustable storage tray according to claim 1, further
comprising: a first bottom, a first pair of opposed side walls
extending up from the first bottom, one first end wall connected to
and extending between the first pair of side walls along one edge
of the first bottom of the first tray part, and another first end
wall connected to and extending between the first pair of side
walls along an opposite edge of the first bottom; and a second
bottom, a second pair of opposed side walls extending up from the
second bottom, and at least one second end wall connected to and
extending between the second pair of side walls along one edge of
the second bottom of the second tray part.
14. A length adjustable drawer organizer tray comprising: a first
tray part having a first bottom, first opposed side walls, at least
one first end wall extending between and connected to the first
side walls, and at least one first storage compartment defined
within the first tray part; a second tray part having a second
bottom, second opposed side walls, and at least a second back wall
extending between and connected to the second side walls, and at
least one second storage compartment formed within the second tray
part, wherein the first tray part is slidably connected to the
second tray part so that a length of the drawer organizer tray can
be selectively adjusted; a downward facing channel carried on and
extending outward from near a top edge of each of the first side
walls; and a top edge of each of the second side walls captured
within a respective one of the channels and slidable along the
channel, wherein the storage tray has a ratcheting mechanism within
each of the channels to retain a selected adjusted length of the
two tray parts.
15. A length adjustable drawer organizer according to claim 14,
further comprising: a retention mechanism that can inhibit vertical
separation of the first and second tray parts.
16. A length adjustable drawer organizer according to claim 14,
wherein the first tray part has another first end wall positioned
opposite the one first end wall and extending between and connected
to the first side walls.
17. A length adjustable drawer organizer according to claim 14,
further comprising: one or more dividers that can be removably
snapped between the two side walls within at least one of the first
and second tray parts.
18. A length adjustable drawer organizer according to claim 17,
further comprising: a plurality of recesses formed spaced apart
along on the inner surfaces of the two side walls; and opposed ends
on each of the one or more dividers, each of the opposed ends
configured to snap into a selected one of the recesses on each of
the side walls.
19. A length adjustable drawer organizer according to claim 18,
wherein each of the opposed ends has at least one nub projecting
outward therefrom and configured to snap into a hole in a selected
one of the recesses.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This patent is related to and claims priority benefit of
U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/845,955 entitled
"Adjustable Utensil Tray," which was filed on Sep. 20, 2006 and the
entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to storage
trays and organizers for utensils and gadgets, and more
particularly to an adjustable storage tray that can be changed in
length and reconfigured compartmentally.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Utensil storage and organizer products for drawers exist in
the art. Some of the currently known products allow users to extend
the trays in a width direction for use in various width drawers.
These adjustable solutions help to create extra storage for the
user, but do not prevent the storage tray from moving around when
used in a drawer as the drawer is opened and closed, and
particularly from moving forward and backward in the drawer.
Furthermore these types of products typically leave a significant
amount of unused space at the back of the drawer. Such trays are
typically not lengthwise extendable.
[0006] Many current organizer products are of a one-piece
structure. Such products are not size adjustable and typically have
fixed-length compartments. These types of products do not
incorporate a solution to allow the user to divide up, customize,
and reconfigure their storage tray space to suit their individual
needs. Many one-piece utensil trays and cutlery trays well are
known in the art. These one-piece trays are not adjustable in any
direction and often slide both side-to-side and for-and-aft in the
drawer as the drawer is opened and closed and as a user rummages
for a desired item. This can be frustrating to the consumer and
also can leave significant unused space at the sides and/or the
back of a drawer. These one-piece products offer only fixed length
utensil storage compartments. Thus, a user can not customize the
tray for a particular purpose as may be desired by that individual
consumer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a utensil
tray constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention and in a substantially extended configuration.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the utensil tray shown in
FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows the utensil tray of FIG. I in a substantially
collapsed or non-extended configuration.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section taken along line IV-IV of the
utensil tray that is shown in FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section taken along line V-V of the
utensil tray that is shown in FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section taken along line VI-VI of the
utensil tray that is shown in FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the utensil
tray taken from Circle VII in FIG. 6.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the utensil
tray taken from Circle VIII in FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section taken along line IX-IX of the
utensil tray that is shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the utensil
tray taken from Circle X in FIG. 9.
[0018] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another example of a
utensil tray constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention and in a substantially extended
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0019] The disclosed utensil tray assemblies solve or improve upon
one or more of the above-noted and other problems or disadvantages
with prior known storage trays. Adjustable storage tray assemblies
are disclosed herein that can expand in length and that are
configured for storing utensils, silverware, kitchen gadgets, or
other items or tools within a drawer. The disclosed tray assemblies
also have separate storage regions that can be re-sized and
reconfigured using snap-in place dividers. Such dividers can be
moved and placed as desired within a substantial portion of the
tray. The disclosed tray assemblies are well suited for use in a
kitchen environment but are certainly not limited to such use. The
disclosed tray assemblies can be useful in any storage drawer such
as in a work room, bathroom, garage, den, bedroom, or the like. The
disclosed adjustable utensil trays could be used to hold jewelry,
arts supplies, or other objects as desired.
[0020] Turning now to the drawings, one example of an adjustable
utensil tray assembly 20 is shown in FIG. 1 in an assembled and
extended configuration. The assembly 20 is also shown in exploded
view in FIG. 2 and in a collapsed or non-extended configuration in
FIG. 3. In general, the tray assembly includes a first tray part 22
and a second tray part 24 that are adjustably and slidably connect
with one another. The disclosed tray assembly 20 also includes one
or more dividers 26 that can be removed, installed, and replaced by
a consumer during use of the tray assembly. The tray assembly 20
can also incorporate a plurality of optional feet 28. The feet can
be integrally molded on a bottom of part of the assembly or can be
a plurality of rubber, plastic, cork, or other type of foot pad
adhered to an underside of the assembly. The feet 28 shown herein
are circular pads that can be glued, in-molded, adhered, or
otherwise attached to the tray as desired. The feet can be
configured to inhibit the tray from slipping within the drawer
during use.
[0021] In the disclosed example, the first tray part 22 and the
second tray part 24 nest with one another and telescopically slide
relative to one another. As will be appreciated by those having
ordinary skill in the art, the telescoping engagement between the
two tray parts can vary within the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Which part telescopes within which part can vary from
that shown herein as described below.
[0022] In the disclosed example, the first tray part 22 includes a
tray bottom 30, a front wall 32 extending up from a forward edge of
the bottom and a pair of opposed side walls 34 extending up from
side edges of the bottom. The front wall 32 and side walls 34 meet
at front corners 36 of the first tray part 22. The first tray part
22 also has a back edge that is exposed and includes a back edge 38
of the bottom and back edges 40 of the side walls. In this example,
the back of the first tray part 22 is open. Also in this example, a
raised center partition 42 extends up from the bottom 30 dividing
the interior of the first tray part 22 into two compartments 44. In
this example, the compartments 44 extend lengthwise side-by-side
along the tray part on opposite sides of the partition 42, which is
centrally positioned on the tray part.
[0023] A channel 50 is provided on each of the side walls 34 along
their respective top edges. In this example, each channel 50 is
formed by a lip 52 that is coupled to the top edge of the
respective side wall 34 and that extends outward from the side
wall. Each channel also has a flange 54 that depends from an outer
edge of each lip 52 and that is spaced outward from the respective
side wall 34.
[0024] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art
upon reviewing this disclosure, the first tray part 22 can vary in
configuration and construction from that shown and described
herein. The length, width, height, and shape of the tray and its
walls and bottom can vary from that shown. The central partition 42
in this example extends parallel to the side walls and is centrally
located between the side walls. Additional partitions could also be
utilized or the disclosed partition could be moved from its central
location.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the partition 42 in this example has
a height and a width which creates a tunnel 56 beneath the
partition that extends lengthwise along the first tray part 22
between the two compartments 44. The tunnel 56 is defined in
general by the partition and in particular by a curved or rounded
top 58 of the partition and spaced apart partition side walls 60 of
the partition. The tunnel configuration of the partition could also
vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the
present invention. Alternatively, the partition could be completely
eliminated from the first tray part 22 creating only a single
compartment above the bottom 30 within the tray part.
[0026] FIGS. 1-3 also illustrate the second tray part 24. In the
disclosed example, the second tray part is configured to telescope
under and outside of the first tray part 22. The second tray part
24 is similar in construction to the first tray part in that it
also includes a bottom 70, a back wall 72 extending up from a rear
edge of the bottom, and side walls 74 extending up from side edges
of the bottom. Also similarly, the back edges of the side walls 74
are joined to the side edges of the back wall 72 at rear corners
76. A front edge of the second tray part 24 is exposed and includes
a front edge 80 of the bottom 70 and front edges 82 of the side
walls 74. Thus, the front end of the second tray part is also open.
The second tray part 24 also includes a central partition 84
extending lengthwise between and parallel to the side walls 74 in
this example. The partition 84 also forms a tunnel 83 under the
tray part and creates two side-by-side compartments 85. The tunnel
includes a rounded top 86 and partition sides 88. The second tray
part 24 can vary in configuration and construction similar to the
first tray part. However, in order for the two tray parts to
telescopically slide relative to one another, the second tray part
configuration must be configured to at least mate with the first
tray part configuration to permit such movement.
[0027] With that in mind, the side walls 74 and bottom 70 of the
second tray part in the disclosed example, as well as the partition
84, are configured to fit under and around the like components 34,
30, and 42 of the first tray part as shown in FIG. 1. The open
front end of the second tray part 24 can be slid onto and over the
open back end of the first tray part 22. The partition 84 of the
second tray part nests within the tunnel 56 beneath the partition
42 of the first tray part 22. When connected together, the
compartments 44 and 85 on each side of the nested partitions 42 and
84 combine to form two elongate, length extendable compartments
within the assembly 10. This tray assembly configuration is thus
useful for storing kitchen gadgets, grilling utensils, tools, and
the like that are typically longer than ordinary cutlery and eating
utensils.
[0028] The side walls 74 are positioned outward of the side walls
34 and the bottom 70 and partition 84 are positioned beneath the
bottom 30 and partition 42. The top edges 90 of the side walls 74
on the second tray part 24 are sized and configured to fit within
the channels 50 and are captured by the flange 54 under the lip 52
on each side of the first tray part 22. As depicted with reference
to FIGS. 1 and 3, the first tray part 22 and second tray part 24
can slide lengthwise relative to one another in the disclosed
example. As noted above, the two tray parts can be configured
differently so that the second tray part telescopes within and
above the first tray part, if desired.
[0029] The disclosed utensil tray assembly 10 includes four
features that will now be separately described. A first one of the
features is provided to assist in preventing the first and second
tray parts from frictionally locking with one another during
lengthwise adjustment. Without this feature, surface-to-surface
contact between the bottoms of the two tray parts could create
significant sliding friction making it difficult to lengthwise
adjust the tray assembly. A second one of the features is a
ratcheting detent function provided for the longitudinal or
lengthwise adjustment between the first and second tray parts.
Without this feature, the two parts would slide freely relative to
one another. This second feature is provided to retain a selected
lengthwise adjustment between the two tray parts. A third one of
the features is provided to vertically retain connection between
the first and second tray parts. Without this feature, the second
tray part could be readily dropped downward from the first tray
part or the first tray part could be lifted readily from the second
tray part. A fourth one of the features is provided to create a
plurality of optional locations to install the removable dividers
26.
[0030] The first one of these features is described with reference
to FIGS. 4 and 5. A plurality of lengthwise spaced apart ridges 102
are provided on an underside surface 100 of the bottom 30 on the
first tray part 22. These ridges 102 project downward from the
underside surface 100 under each of the two compartments 44 and
rest on a top side surface 101 of the bottom 70 of the second tray
part. As shown in FIG. 5, each of these ridges 102 has a width
laterally across the tray assembly 20 that is significantly less
than a width of each of the compartments 44. Thus, air gaps 103 are
created both laterally (see FIG. 4) and longitudinally (see FIG. 5)
permitting air to flow or pass between the two tray parts during
adjustment. The ridges 102 also significantly reduce
surface-to-surface contact between the bottoms of the two tray
parts.
[0031] The ridges disclosed and described herein provide the first
feature for the tray assembly 20 to assist in permitting relatively
easy lengthwise adjustment between the first and second tray parts
22 and 24 without significant surface friction between the tray
parts 22 and 24. The ridges can be replaced by longitudinal
extending ridges, multiple bumps or dimples, and the like. The
ridges or other such feature can also be provided on the top side
of the bottom 70 in the second tray part, but will then be exposed
when the tray assembly is expanded.
[0032] The second one of the features is described with reference
to FIGS. 6 and 7. A plurality of interlocking or meshing teeth are
provided between the two tray parts 22 and 24 to create a
ratcheting or detent system that permits lengthwise adjustment
between the tray parts while providing tactile feedback and
positive retention of a selected adjusted length. A first set of
teeth 104 are provided in the form of a linear rack of gear teeth.
The teeth 104 of the rack extend outward from an outside surface
106 on the side walls 74 of the second tray part 24. In this
example, the plurality of teeth 104 extends along a substantial
portion of the length of each side wall 74. The rack or plurality
of teeth 104 is also provided closely adjacent the top edge 90 of
the side walls 74 in this example.
[0033] A pair of ratchet teeth 110 or dogs project laterally inward
from an inside surface 112 of the flange 54 within each of the
channels 50. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the ratchet teeth 110 thus
confront and face the teeth 104 of the rack and mesh with one
another. In this example, the ratchet teeth 110 are positioned near
the forward edge of the channels 50 on the first tray part 22.
Thus, the ratchet teeth 110 are positioned to contact the teeth 104
along the rack at any lengthwise adjusted positioned. As the tray
assembly is lengthened, the ratchet teeth 110 will move along the
rack from a position close to the front end of the second tray part
24 toward the back end of the second tray part. Also as shown in
FIG. 6, a stop projection 114 is provided at a rear end of the rack
of teeth 104. The stop projection 114 can inhibit or prevent
passage of the ratchet teeth 110 beyond the stop. This can permit
fully extending the tray assembly 20 to a max lengthwise adjusted
position between the two tray parts, but inhibit complete
lengthwise separation of the two tray parts. A consumer will thus
be inhibited from pulling the two tray parts apart as the stop 114
bears against the rearward most of the two ratchet teeth 110 on
each side of the tray assembly 20.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the ratchet teeth 110 and
several of the teeth 104 on the rack. As can be seen in FIG. 7,
each of the ratchet teeth 110 on the first tray part has a forward
facing surface 116 and a rearward facing surface 118. Similarly,
each of the teeth 104 on the rack of the second tray part has a
forward facing surface 120 and a rear facing surface 122. As the
first and second tray parts 22 and 24 are pushed together in the
direction of the arrows A in FIG. 7, shortening the length of the
tray assembly 20, the front facing surfaces 120 on the rack teeth
104 contact the rear facing surfaces 118 on the ratchet teeth 110.
The angle on these surfaces is relatively steep and in one example
can be greater than 45.degree. and less than 90.degree.. This
surface-to-surface contact and the relatively steep angle between
these surfaces 120 and 118 will increase the force needed to push
the two trays together, i.e., to reduce the length of the assembly.
As also shown in FIG. 7, when the tray assembly is lengthened, the
two tray parts will move in the direction of the arrows B. In this
lengthening direction, the front facing surfaces 116 on each of the
ratchet teeth 110 and the rear facing surfaces 122 on each of the
rack teeth 104 contact each other as the two trays are pulled
apart. These tooth surfaces have shallower angles than the opposite
tooth surfaces, and in one example can each be less than 45.degree.
angles. The shallower tooth angles in the B direction will result
in a lesser force needed to lengthen the tray assembly.
[0035] Thus, in the disclosed example an individual can pull the
two tray parts 22 and 24 apart to lengthen the tray assembly 20
than push the two parts together to shorten the tray assembly. This
feature as configured in the present example will thus make it easy
for the two tray components to be length adjusted outward in the B
direction when a consumer first purchases the product and fits it
to a desired drawer. Once adjusted and installed, the resistance
created by the teeth in the A direction will resist the tray
shortening during use. For instance, if an individual slams a
drawer closed, the tray will resist collapsing in length and
instead retain a snug fit within the drawer. As will be evident to
those having ordinary skill in the art, the tooth angles can vary
considerably from that shown and yet fall within the spirit and
scope of the present invention. In one example, the angle on all of
the teeth can be the same on either side and yet function generally
as intended. The tooth angels could be reversed making it easier to
shorten the tray and more difficult to lengthen the tray. The
intent of the ratchet arrangement shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is to
permit length adjustment of the tray and yet provide a mode to
positively retain the tray in a selected adjusted length. The
mechanism also provides a solid tactile feel for the consumer while
adjusting the tray length.
[0036] The location of the ratcheting mechanism can also vary, as
well as its construction. In one example, the teeth can be provided
on adjacent surfaces of the bottoms 30 and 70 of the two tray parts
or on adjacent surfaces in this example of the nested partitions 42
and 84. In another alternate example, one of the two tray parts can
employ a slot on the side or sides or on the bottom or partition.
The slot can include serrations or teeth along an edge of the slot.
The other of the two tray parts can include a protrusion that
slides along and within the slot. The ratcheting mechanism produces
a tactile, positive positioning feature for the tray as well.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the third feature includes a
lengthwise extending rib 124 projecting inward from the flange 54
in each of the channels 50. In this example, the ribs 124 are
positioned below the ratchet teeth 110 on the same inner-facing
flange surface 112 on each tray side. A second rib 126 extends
lengthwise along the tray and is positioned projecting outward from
the outer surface 106 of the side walls 74 on the second tray part.
The ribs 126 on each side of the tray assembly are positioned above
the respective ribs 124 in the channels. The ribs 124 and 126
laterally overlap one another within each channel 50. The overlap
of the ribs 124 and 126 prevents vertical separation of the two
tray parts and thus will keep the two tray parts connected while
still permitting length adjustment. The rib location,
configuration, and the like can also vary from the example shown
and described herein. Other retention mechanisms may be employed
between the two tray parts to inhibit vertical separation of the
parts.
[0038] The fourth feature of the disclosed tray assembly 20 allows
a consumer to selectively position one or more of the dividers 26
within the tray assembly 10. To accomplish this feature, a
plurality of shaped recesses or depressions 132 are lengthwise
spaced apart on an inner surface 130 of each of the side walls 74
on the second tray part 24. These recesses or depressions 132
create snap regions configured to receive one of the dividers 26.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 9, and 10, a lower end of each of the
recesses 132 has a pair of through holes 134 that are also
lengthwise spaced apart along the side walls 74. Similarly, a
plurality of the recesses 132 and a plurality of the hole pairs 134
are also provided along both sides 88 of the partition 84 in the
second tray part 24. The recesses 132 and holes 134 on the
partition sides 88 are each aligned with a corresponding recess 132
and pair of holes 134 on each of the side walls 74 across the
compartments 83.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 9, and 10, each of the dividers 26
has an elongate body that is formed having an inverted U-shape in
cross-section. Each divider 26 has a pair of opposed sides 140, a
closed top 142, and an open bottom 144. The U-shape creates two
spaced apart edges 145 on each side 140 of the dividers 26. Each of
the sides 144, and particularly with respect to the spaced apart
edges 145, is configured to match or correspond with the shape of
one of the recesses 132. A pair of nubs 146 projects outward from
each side 144, one on each side edge 145 of each divider 26. As
best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, when a divider 26 is positioned
between a selected pair of aligned recesses 132, the pair of nubs
146 on each side 144 snaps into the pair of holes 134 in the
selected recesses 132. The nubs and holes can positively and
frictionally retain the divider in the selected position within the
tray assembly.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 10, the nubs 146 have a rounded bottom
surface 150 and an angled but generally linear top surface 152. The
bottom rounded surface 150 permits relatively easy insertion
downward into a selected pair of recesses and snapping into the
corresponding pairs of holes 134. The angled but generally linear
top surfaces 152 inhibit, but do not prevent, upward removal of the
divider by the consumer. Thus, a consumer can selectively and
easily place one or more dividers 26 within the tray assembly 10 to
reconfigure any one of the selected compartments as desired.
[0041] In the disclosed example, the first tray part 22 does not
include any recesses 132 or holes 134. Thus, the first tray part is
not configured to receive any dividers 26. Only the second tray
part 24 includes such features in this example. In an alternate
embodiment, slightly shorter dividers could be provided that
correspond with similar recesses and holes formed within the first
tray part 22 to provide the ability to further customize and
reconfigure the tray assembly 20. In an alternate embodiment, only
the slightly narrower first tray part and not the wider second tray
part need be provided with such features. The recesses 132 in the
disclosed example are semi-elliptical in shape and recessed
slightly into the various walls of the tray part. However, the
shape, depth, number, location, and spacing of the recesses can
vary from that shown. Other divider wall attachment mechanism
modifications may also be utilized within the spirit and scope of
the present invention. The snap details for the dividers can vary
and can employ flex fingers, tabs, slots, indentations,
depressions, ribs, ridges, or other shapes or forms molded into or
added onto the assembly.
[0042] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art
upon reviewing this disclosure, the configuration and construction
of the partitions, tray parts, tray walls, and divider features can
vary and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present
invention. FIG. 11 shows only one of many possible variations. An
alternative example of a utensil tray assembly 160 is illustrated
in FIG. 11. The assembly 160 has two tray parts 162 and 164. In
this alternate example, the first tray part 162 includes a bottom
166, side walls 168, a front wall, 170, and a back wall 172. There
is no open end on this tray part 162. Thus, the compartments of the
first tray part are fixed and not alterable. The first tray part
could be utilized as a stand alone organizer without a second tray
part. The first tray part 162 includes multiple partitions 174,
176, 178, and 180 dividing the tray part into five separate, fixed
compartments, which in one example can be configured to store
kitchen silverware, cutlery, and normal tableware. The second tray
part 164 again telescopes around and under the first tray part in
this example. The second tray part has a flat bottom 182, a back
wall 184, opposed side walls 186, and an open front end. The open
front end can be telescoped around and under the first tray
part.
[0043] In this example, the second tray part 164 again is provided
with the dividers 26 and the recesses and holes 132, 134 for
securing the dividers selectively in place. The second tray part
only has one partition 188 that corresponds with the partition 174
of the first tray part. The other partitions have no second tray
part counterpart. Also in this example, the second tray part
partition is offset to one side creating two different sized
compartments. Two different length dividers 26 and 26' are shown,
one divider 26 for the narrower compartment side and one divider
26' for the wider compartment side. The compartments in the second
tray part are adjustable by lengthening or shortening the assembly
160 and/or by utilizing the dividers 26 and 26' to further
compartmentalize the second tray part of the assembly.
[0044] The materials and processes used to fabricate the tray
assembly can vary within the spirit and scope of the present
invention. One-piece tray parts can be injection molded in one
example from a general purpose acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS), high impact styrene (HIPS), polypropylene, or other suitable
plastic materials. Other materials may also fall within the scope
and spirit of the invention.
[0045] Although certain adjustable tray examples have been shown
and described herein in accordance with the teachings of the
present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not
limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all
embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall
within the scope of permissible equivalents.
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