U.S. patent application number 12/008890 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for stackable storage device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Umbra LLC. Invention is credited to Jason Nip.
Application Number | 20090178947 12/008890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40849728 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090178947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nip; Jason |
July 16, 2009 |
Stackable storage device
Abstract
The present invention broadly comprises a stackable storage tray
that includes a bottom having an upper surface and a lower surface
and an edge extending around the perimeter of the bottom. The tray
also possesses a hollow stacking post functionally attached to the
bottom in a position that is offset from the center of the bottom
as well as a receiving hole defined by the lower surface and
extending into the hollow stacking post. The tray may be stacked to
form a stacked storage device in which individual trays are
rotatable by inserting the hollow stacking post of a lower stacked
tray into a receiving hole of an upper tray. In preferred
embodiments, the stacking post and receiving hole are tapered.
Inventors: |
Nip; Jason; (Toronto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SIMPSON & SIMPSON, PLLC
5555 MAIN STREET
WILLIAMSVILLE
NY
14221-5406
US
|
Assignee: |
Umbra LLC
Buffalo
NY
|
Family ID: |
40849728 |
Appl. No.: |
12/008890 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/509 ;
206/557 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/0212 20130101;
B65D 1/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/509 ;
206/557 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/032 20060101
B65D021/032; B65D 1/34 20060101 B65D001/34 |
Claims
1. A stackable storage tray comprising: a bottom, said bottom
including an upper surface and a lower surface; an edge extending
around the perimeter of said bottom; a center point on the bottom;
a hollow stacking post functionally attached to said bottom in a
position offset from said center point; and, a receiving hole
defined by said lower surface and extending into said hollow
stacking post.
2. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow
stacking post is tapered.
3. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said receiving
hole is tapered.
4. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow
stacking post is integral with said bottom.
5. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow
stacking post is threadably attached to said bottom.
6. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow
stacking post is fixedly attached to said bottom over said
receiving hole to form a continuous cavity.
7. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said edge is
formed into a lip.
8. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said edge is
formed into a wall.
9. A stacked storage device comprising a plurality of trays, each
of said trays comprising: a bottom, said bottom including an upper
surface and a lower surface; an edge extending around the perimeter
of said bottom; a center point on the bottom; a hollow stacking
post offset from said center point; and, a receiving hole defined
by said lower surface and extending into said hollow stacking post;
wherein said trays are rotatably supported in a stacked position by
inserting said hollow stacking post of a lower stacked tray into a
receiving hole of an upper stacked tray.
10. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein at
least one of said hollow stacking posts is tapered.
11. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein at
least one of said receiving holes is tapered.
12. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein each
of said hollow stacking posts is integral with said bottom.
13. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein each
of said hollow stacking posts is threadably attached to said
bottom.
14. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein each
of said hollow stacking posts is attached to said bottom over said
receiving hole to form a continuous cavity.
15. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein at
least one of said edges is formed into a lip.
16. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein at
least one of said edges is formed into a wall.
17. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein said
receiving hole of at least one of said upper trays rotates around
said stacking post of said lower tray.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to storage devices,
particularly to stackable storage devices, and more particularly to
stackable storage devices for loose items.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Finding ways to store small items is a common and persistent
problem in many settings found in every day life to include work
environments, kitchens, and bathrooms. Although many types of
storage devices are available, they often do not have one or more
features that are often desirable or even necessary in order to
achieve efficient storage of small items.
[0003] Ideally, storage devices should eliminate the clutter that
is often present when quantities of different small items are
stored together. In addition, because small items are often stored
where there is only a small amount of available space, such as
desks, kitchens, bathrooms, and work shops, storage devices should
preferably occupy a minimum amount of space by making use of
vertical space rather than horizontal space. Additionally, it is
desired that the stored items be easily accessible, especially if
they are accessed frequently. Moreover, most storage devices for
loose items lack flexibility that would allow the user to adapt
them to specific surroundings.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the field for a storage device
for small items that occupies a minimum of volume of space,
eliminates clutter, provides for easy access to the stored pieces,
and is adaptable to individual user storage situations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention broadly comprises a stackable storage
tray that includes a bottom having an upper surface and a lower
surface and an edge extending around the perimeter of the bottom.
The tray also possesses a center point on the bottom, a hollow
stacking post functionally attached to the bottom in a position
offset from the center, and a receiving hole defined by the lower
surface and extending into the hollow stacking post.
[0006] The present invention also broadly comprises a stacked
storage device comprising a plurality of trays, each of the trays
comprising a bottom with the bottom possessing an upper surface and
a lower surface with an edge extending around the perimeter of the
flat bottom. Each of the plurality of trays also includes a center
point on the bottom, a hollow stacking post functionally attached
to the bottom in a position offset from the center, and a receiving
hole defined by the lower surface and extending into the hollow
stacking post. The trays are held in a stacked position by
inserting the hollow stacking post of a lower tray in the stack
into a receiving hole of an upper tray.
[0007] In one embodiment, the edge in the storage tray is formed
into a lip. In an alternate embodiment, the edge is formed into a
wall.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the stacking post of a lower tray
and the receiving hole of an upper tray are each tapered to allow
for easy insertion of the stacking post of the lower tray into the
receiving hole of the upper storage tray to form a stable
stack.
[0009] One object of the invention is to allow for easy access to
the individual items stored on each tray.
[0010] A second object of the invention is to provide a storage
device that occupies a small volume of space in relation to its
overall storage capacity.
[0011] A third object of the invention is to supply a storage
device that possesses a flexible structure adaptable to different
storage requirements and environments.
[0012] An additional object of the invention is to provide a device
in which different types of items can be stored separately.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The nature and mode of the operation of the present
invention will now be more fully described in the following
detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying
drawing Figures, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the stackable storage
device of the present invention in which trays are aligned
vertically;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of the stackable storage
device of the present invention showing a tray in the middle of the
stack as rotated away from the aligned position seen in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 2B is a top view showing an individual tray rotated out
of the aligned stacked tray arrangement;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the plurality of stacked trays in
the aligned arrangement seen in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of three separated individual trays
vertically aligned with each other in preparation for stacking;
[0019] FIG. 5A is a cross section of the separated trays seen in
FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 5B is a cross section taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 3
showing the three stacking posts inserted into each other to form
the stacked tray arrangement seen in FIG. 3; and,
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
stackable storage device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0022] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural
elements of the invention.
[0023] While the present invention is described with respect to
what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is
understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed
embodiments. The present invention is intended to cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0024] Adverting to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a side perspective view
of the stackable storage device 10 ("storage device 10") of the
present invention. Tray 11 is seen holding item 18, for example a
bath salt, and includes a bottom 16 having an upper surface 16a and
a lower surface 16b (not seen in FIG. 1). Tray 11 also includes an
edge 12 that is formed from the outer perimeter of tray 11. In the
embodiment shown, edge 12 is formed into a lip 15 that extends
around the perimeter. It will be recognized by those having skill
in the art that edge 12 need not be formed into a lip and it is not
necessary that the lip extend around the entire perimeter of tray
11. Stacking post 14 ("post 14") is seen extending from and is
functionally attached to bottom 16 and is positioned in a location
offset from the center of bottom 16. By "functionally attached" is
meant that post 14 is fixed to bottom surface 16 in such a way that
it functions as a component part of tray 11. As explained in more
detail below, functional attachment may be by threaded attachment,
adhesives, or by fabricating post 14 as integral with bottom 16.
Post 14 is at least partially hollow. In a preferred embodiment,
post 14 is tapered to allow it to fit into receiving hole 19 (not
seen in FIG. 1) as will be described below.
[0025] Trays 21 and 31 are also seen in FIG. 1 aligned under tray
11. Tray 21 is seen holding a different item than tray 11, in this
case a scrubbing or washing sponge 20. Tray 21 includes bottom 26
having upper surface 26a, edge 23, lip 24, and stacking post 22.
Tray 31 includes bottom 36 having upper surface 36a, edge 33, lip
34, and stacking post 32. Stacking posts 14, 22, and 32 are seen
sharing common axis 38. Although FIG. 1 depicts each of trays 11,
21, and 31 as having identical shape and size, it will be
recognized that one or more of the trays may have a different shape
or size as long as an offset hollow or partially hollow stacking
post is present extending from the upper surface of the tray bottom
as well as a receiving hole that is defined by the lower
surface.
[0026] FIG. 2A is a side perspective view of storage device 10
showing middle tray 21 rotated away from the aligned position seen
in FIG. 1. As seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B discussed below, the stacking
post of a tray having a low or middle position in the stack can be
inserted into the receiving hole of the upper tray in the stack. As
shown by arrow 40, the tray, tray 21 in FIG. 2A, can then be
rotated about the contact point between stacking post 22 and the
upper receiving hole. As indicated by arrow 40, tray 21 can be
rotated either clockwise or counter clockwise about the contact
area created between inserted stacking post 22 and the upper
receiving hole. Due to the offset position of stacking post 22,
tray 21 is moved out of alignment with upper tray 11. The offset
position also allows for a greater degree of open surface area of
bottom 26 allowing storage of larger items that otherwise would not
fit within the confines of tray 21. These advantages are also seen
in all of the trays of the stack that have an offset stacking post.
It should be noted that any of the stacked trays may be rotated
about their individual contact areas. It is readily seen that the
ability to rotate each of trays 11, 21, and 31 allows the user to
arrange the stacked trays to make the items held by each tray
accessible to the user when access is desired, while still
providing the ability to occupy a minimum amount of space or volume
when desired by moving the trays into the aligned arrangement
depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 2A also shows lower tray 31 holding soap
bar 35. FIG. 2B is a top view showing tray 21 rotated around axis
38 out of the aligned stacked tray arrangement.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a side view of a plurality of stacked trays in the
aligned arrangement seen in FIG. 1. Although the embodiment seen in
FIG. 3 shows trays 11, 21, and 31 as having substantially the same
size and shape, it will be recognized that it is not mandatory that
the trays in a particular stack have the same size and shape as
long as the stacking posts can be inserted into an upper receiving
hole. Also seen are bottom surfaces 16b, 26b, and 36b of trays 11,
21, and 31, respectively. In addition, although the figures depict
a stack as comprising three trays, it will be recognized that a
stack may include more or less than three trays. It will also be
recognized that trays may be used as individual unstacked
units.
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view of separated individual trays 11, 21,
and 31 aligned with each other in preparation for stacking.
Stacking posts 14, 22, and 32 are aligned longitudinally along axis
38. As will be discussed below, receiving holes defined by
respective bottom surfaces 16b, 26b, and 36b are also aligned along
axis 38.
[0029] FIG. 5A is a cross section of the aligned trays shown in
FIG. 4. It can be seen that each of stacking posts 14, 22, and 32
are aligned along axis 38. Bottom surface 16b is clearly seen as
defining receiving hole 19 in tray 11. The empty tapered inner
volume 19a of stacking post 14 is seen as an extension of receiving
hole 19 to form a space shaped and sized to receive stacking post
22 from lower tray 21. Similarly, hollow stacking post 22 encloses
a space 29a formed from a receiving hole in tray 21 shaped to
receive stacking post 32 (shown as a fragment) from lower tray
31.
[0030] It will be readily understood that each tray is rotated
about the area of contact between the lower stacking post and the
inner walls of the stacking post of the upper tray. In a preferred
embodiment, the walls of each stacking post taper at substantially
the same angle to allow for the lower stacking post to be inserted
far enough into the upper inner volume to give sufficient stability
to the connection between two separate trays. For example, as seen
in FIG. 5B, contact surface 50 forms a substantial portion of the
total surface area of inner wall 14a of stacking post 14. By
limiting the force with which lower stacking post 22 is inserted
into an upper receiving area 19a, large contact surface 50 has a
surface area large enough to prevent the wobbling of a stacked tray
while still allowing it to be rotated easily about contact surface
50.
[0031] Stacking posts may be formed as an integral component of a
tray. Alternatively, hollow stacking posts may be fixedly attached
to the bottom of a tray over a receiving hole using suitable
adhesives. In addition, hollow stacking posts may be threadably
attached to the bottom of a tray by threading into a receiving hole
to form a continuous cavity.
[0032] Preferably, trays 11, 21, and 31 are fabricated from
plastics that provide a smooth surface to enable easy rotation.
Suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene
(PET), acrylics, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and
melamine. Aside from forming a smooth surface, various plastics may
be used to create different appearances that can be coordinated
with various decors and color schemes. For example, PET and
acrylics may be clear, PVC and PP may be translucent, and melamine
may be opaque. Methods of producing the components of storage
device 10 are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of storage
device 10. Storage device 100 includes trays 111, 121, and 131. It
can be seen that tapered stacking posts 114, 122, and 132 are
aligned in a manner similar to the embodiment discussed above to
supply the same rotational capability to each tray. In this
embodiment, the edges of each tray are formed into wider walls 115,
124, and 134 that extend almost to the bottom surface of the upper
tray creating a smaller gap G than seen with embodiments having
lips or narrower walls. This embodiment provides excellent storage
capability for small loose items such as change, rings, earrings,
push tacks, and paperclips that are often stored as individual
pieces as the higher walls 115, 124, and 134 and narrow gap G
retain the loose pieces without spilling when the trays are rotated
and/or when the whole device 100 is moved.
[0034] Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are
efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the
invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill
in the art, which changes would not depart from the spirit and
scope of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *