U.S. patent application number 13/778631 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-28 for serving vessel set.
This patent application is currently assigned to TARGET BRANDS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is TARGET BRANDS, INC.. Invention is credited to Richard P. RIEDEL.
Application Number | 20140238999 13/778631 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48239885 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140238999 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RIEDEL; Richard P. |
August 28, 2014 |
SERVING VESSEL SET
Abstract
A series of vessels includes first, second, and third vessels.
The first vessel includes a first bottom wall and a first coupling
feature formed on a bottom surface of the first bottom wall. The
second vessel includes a second bottom wall, a second coupling
feature, and a third coupling feature. The second coupling feature
is formed on a top surface of the second bottom wall and is
configured to engage with the first coupling feature to form a
first mated pair. The third coupling feature is formed on a bottom
surface of the second bottom wall. The third vessel is sized larger
than the second vessel and includes a third bottom wall, a fourth
coupling feature, and a fifth coupling feature. The fourth coupling
feature is formed on a top surface of the third bottom wall and is
configured to engage with the third coupling feature of the second
vessel to form a second mated pair. The fifth coupling feature is
formed on the top surface of the third bottom wall and is
configured to selectively engage with the first coupling feature of
the first vessel to form a third mated pair.
Inventors: |
RIEDEL; Richard P.; (Blaine,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TARGET BRANDS, INC. |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TARGET BRANDS, INC.
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
48239885 |
Appl. No.: |
13/778631 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/574 ;
29/527.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/4998 20150115;
A47G 23/06 20130101; B29D 22/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/574 ;
29/527.1 |
International
Class: |
A47G 23/06 20060101
A47G023/06; B29D 22/00 20060101 B29D022/00 |
Claims
1. A series of vessels comprising: a first vessel including: a
first bottom wall, and a first coupling feature formed on a bottom
surface of the first bottom wall; a second vessel sized larger than
the first vessel and including: a second bottom wall, a second
coupling feature formed on a top surface of the second bottom wall
and configured to engage with the first coupling feature of the
first vessel to form a first mated pair selectively mating the
first vessel with the second vessel, and a third coupling feature
formed on a bottom surface of the second bottom wall; and a third
vessel sized larger than the second vessel and including: a third
bottom wall, a fourth coupling feature formed on a top surface of
the third bottom wall and configured to engage with the third
coupling feature of the second vessel to form a second mated pair
selectively mating the second vessel with the third vessel, and a
fifth coupling feature formed on the top surface of the third
bottom wall and configured to selectively engage with the first
coupling feature of the first vessel to form a third mated pair
selectively mating the first vessel with the third vessel, wherein
the series of vessels only forms one of the second mated pair and
the third mated pair at any one time; wherein: the first coupling
feature and the third coupling feature are each defined by a flange
extending downwardly from the first bottom wall and the second
bottom wall, respectively, the second coupling feature is defined
by a rim extending upwardly from the second bottom wall, and the
fourth coupling feature and the fifth coupling feature are each
defined by a rim extending upwardly from the third bottom wall.
2. (canceled)
3. The series of vessels of claim 1, wherein: the first coupling
feature has an outer diameter that is substantially equal to or is
smaller than an inner diameter of the second coupling feature to
substantially constrain lateral and longitudinal movement of the
first vessel relative to the second vessel when the first mated
pair is formed; the fifth coupling feature defines an inner
diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the second
coupling feature to constrain lateral and longitudinal movement of
the first vessel relative to the third vessel when the third mated
pair is formed; and the third coupling feature has an outer
diameter that is substantially equal to or is smaller than an inner
diameter of the fourth coupling feature to substantially constrain
lateral and longitudinal movement of the second vessel relative to
the third vessel when the second mated pair is formed.
4. The series of vessels of claim 1, wherein: the first vessel is
positioned in a non-concentric manner relative to the second vessel
when the first mated pair is formed, and the second vessel is
positioned in a non-concentric manner relative to the third vessel
when the second mated pair is formed.
5. The series of vessels of claim 1, wherein each of the first
coupling feature, the second coupling feature, the third coupling
feature, the fourth coupling feature, and the fifth coupling
feature are annular in shape.
6. The series of vessels of claim 1, wherein the fifth coupling
feature is formed entirely inside a footprint of the fourth
coupling feature.
7. The series of vessels of claim 1, wherein: each of the first
coupling feature, the second coupling feature, the third coupling
feature, the fourth coupling feature, and the fifth coupling
feature are substantially identical closed shapes of differing
sizes; the fifth coupling feature is formed inside the fourth
coupling feature; and the fifth coupling feature defines a first
point positioned immediately adjacent to the fourth coupling
feature and a second point positioned opposite the first point and
spaced a largest spacing distance away from the fourth coupling
feature.
8. The series of vessels of claim 1, wherein the first vessel is
about two-thirds the size of the second vessel, and the second
vessel is about two-thirds the size of the third vessel.
9. The series of vessels of claim 1, each of the first vessel, the
second vessel, and the third vessel has a top edge, and the top
edges of each of the first vessel, the second vessel, and the third
vessel are positioned to be substantially coplanar when the second
vessel is selectively mated with the first vessel and the third
vessel.
10. A series of vessels comprising: a first vessel including: a
first bottom wall, and a first coupling feature formed on a bottom
surface of the first bottom wall; a second vessel sized larger than
the first vessel and including: a second bottom wall, a second
coupling feature formed on a top surface of the second bottom wall
and configured to engage with the first coupling feature of the
first vessel to form a first mated pair selectively mating the
first vessel with the second vessel, and a third coupling feature
formed on a bottom surface of the second bottom wall; and a third
vessel sized larger than the second vessel and including: a third
bottom wall, a fourth coupling feature formed on a top surface of
the third bottom wall and configured to engage with the third
coupling feature of the second vessel to form a second mated pair
selectively mating the second vessel with the third vessel, and a
fifth coupling feature formed on the top surface of the third
bottom wall and configured to selectively engage with the first
coupling feature of the first vessel to form a third mated pair
selectively mating the first vessel with the third vessel, wherein
the series of vessels only forms one of the second mated pair and
the third mated pair at any one time wherein: the first coupling
feature and the third coupling feature are defined by downwardly
extending flanges, and the second coupling feature, the fourth
coupling feature, and the fifth coupling feature are defined by
grooves each configured to receive at least a portion of a
corresponding one of the downwardly extending flanges.
11. A series of vessels comprising: a first vessel including: a
first bottom wall, and a first coupling feature formed on a bottom
surface of the first bottom wall; a second vessel sized larger than
the first vessel and including: a second bottom wall, a second
coupling feature formed on a top surface of the second bottom wall
and configured to engage with the first coupling feature of the
first vessel to form a first mated pair selectively mating the
first vessel with the second vessel, and a third coupling feature
formed on a bottom surface of the second bottom wall; and a third
vessel sized larger than the second vessel and including: a third
bottom wall, a fourth coupling feature formed on a top surface of
the third bottom wall and configured to engage with the third
coupling feature of the second vessel to form a second mated pair
selectively mating the second vessel with the third vessel, and a
fifth coupling feature formed on the top surface of the third
bottom wall and configured to selectively engage with the first
coupling feature of the first vessel to form a third mated pair
selectively mating the first vessel with the third vessel, wherein
the series of vessels only forms one of the second mated pair and
the third mated pair at any one time; wherein: the second coupling
feature, the fourth coupling feature, and the fifth coupling
feature are defined by upwardly extending flanges, and the first
coupling feature and the third coupling feature are defined by
grooves configured to receive at least a portion of a corresponding
one of the upwardly extending flanges.
12. The series of vessels of claim 1, wherein: the first vessel is
placed within the second vessel and mated to the second vessel via
the first mated pair such that movement of the first vessel
relative to the second vessel is substantially prevented in at
least two directions that are substantially perpendicular to one
another, the second vessel is placed within the third vessel and is
mated to the third vessel via the second mated pair such that
movement of the second vessel relative to the third vessel is
substantially prevented in at least two directions that are
substantially perpendicular to one another, each of the first
vessel, the second vessel, and the third vessel has a topmost edge,
and the topmost edges of each of the first vessel, the second
vessel, and the third vessel are positioned to be substantially
coplanar with one another.
13. A nesting tray set comprising: a small tray including a first
bottom and a first flange extending downwardly from the first
bottom; a medium tray including a second bottom, a second flange
extending downwardly from the second bottom, and a first rim
protruding upwardly from the second bottom, wherein the firm rim is
shaped substantially identical to and one of slightly smaller and
slightly larger than the first flange of the small tray; and a
large tray including a third bottom, a second rim, and a third rim,
wherein each of the second rim and the third rim protrude upwardly
from the third bottom, the second rim is smaller than the third rim
and is shaped substantially identical to and one of slightly
smaller and slightly larger than the first flange of the small
tray, and the third rim is shaped substantially identical to and
one of slightly smaller and slightly larger than the second flange
of the medium tray; wherein the nesting tray set is configured to
be provided in a plurality of different configurations including: a
first two-tray set configuration in which the first flange and the
first rim are aligned to nest the small tray with the medium tray
such that a lateral position and a longitudinal position of the
small tray relative to the medium tray is maintained, a second
two-tray set configuration in which the first flange and the second
rim are aligned to nest the small tray with the large tray such
that a lateral position and a longitudinal position of the small
tray relative to the large tray is maintained, a third two-tray set
configuration in which the second flange and the third rim are
aligned to nest the medium tray with the large tray such that a
lateral position and a longitudinal position of the medium tray
relative to the large tray is maintained, and a three-tray set
configuration in which the small tray is added to the third
two-tray set configuration in a manner aligning the first flange
and the first rim with each other to nest the small tray with the
medium tray such that a lateral position and a longitudinal
position of the small tray relative to the medium tray is
maintained.
14. The nesting tray set of claim 13, wherein: an outer diameter of
the first flange is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than
an inner diameter of the first rim; the outer diameter of the first
flange is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than an inner
diameter of the second rim; and an outer diameter of the second
flange is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than an inner
diameter of the third rim.
15. The nesting tray set of claim 13, wherein the first flange, the
second flange, the first rim, the second rim, and the third rim are
each substantially circular in shape.
16. The nesting tray set of claim 13, wherein: the second rim is
positioned within the third rim and is spaced apart from a side of
the large tray to provide a gap between the small tray and the
large tray when the nesting tray set is in the second two-tray set
configuration, and the gap is at least as wide as a width of a
sidewall of the medium tray.
17. The nesting tray set of claim 13, wherein: the small tray and
the large tray each define a top edge, and the top edge of the
small tray is positioned below the top edge of the large tray when
the nesting tray set is in the second two-tray set
configuration.
18. The nesting tray set of claim 17, wherein the medium tray
defines a top edge that is positioned substantially coplanar with
the top edge of the large tray when the nesting tray set is in the
third two-tray set configuration and when the nesting tray set is
in the three-tray set configuration.
19. The nesting tray set of claim 18, wherein the top edge of the
small tray is positioned substantially coplanar with the top edge
of the large tray and the top edge of the medium tray when the
nesting tray set is in the three-tray set configuration.
20. A method of manufacturing a series of trays for retail sale in
a set including: molding a small tray, the small tray including a
first bottom wall, a first sidewall extending upwardly from an
outer perimeter of the first bottom wall, and a first coupling
feature formed on a bottom surface of the first bottom wall;
molding a medium tray, the medium tray including a second bottom
wall, a second sidewall extending upwardly from an outer perimeter
of the second bottom wall, a second coupling feature formed on a
top surface of the second bottom wall in a position inset from the
second sidewall, and a third coupling feature formed on a bottom
surface of the second bottom wall; molding a large tray, the large
tray including a third bottom wall, a third sidewall extending
upwardly from an outer perimeter of the third bottom wall, a fourth
coupling feature formed on a top surface of the third bottom wall
inset from the third sidewall, and a fifth coupling feature formed
on the top surface of the third bottom wall and surrounded by the
fourth coupling feature, wherein the fifth coupling feature of the
large tray is substantially identical to the second coupling
feature of the medium tray; placing the small tray within the
confines of the second sidewall of the medium tray such that the
first coupling feature of the small tray mates with the second
coupling feature of the medium tray to confine movement of the
small tray relative to the medium tray in at least two transverse
directions; and placing the medium tray within the confines of the
third sidewall of the large tray such that the third coupling
feature of the medium tray mates with the fourth coupling feature
of the large tray to confine movement of the medium tray relative
to the large tray in at least two transverse directions.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein each of the first coupling
feature, the second coupling feature, the third coupling feature,
the fourth coupling feature, and the fifth coupling feature are
protruding rims extending from a respective one of the first bottom
wall, the second bottom wall, and the third bottom wall.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein: each of the first coupling
feature and the third coupling feature is one of a protruding
closed rim and a groove, and each of the second coupling feature,
the fourth coupling feature, and the fifth coupling feature is the
other one of the protruding closed rim and the groove.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein: each of the first coupling
feature, the second coupling feature, the third coupling feature,
the fourth coupling feature, and the fifth coupling feature are
formed in a substantially identical shape, the first coupling
feature is one of larger than and smaller than the second coupling
feature such that the first coupling feature is concentrically
positioned relative to and abuts the second coupling feature, and
the third coupling feature is one of larger than and smaller than
the fourth coupling feature such that the third coupling feature is
concentrically positioned relative to and abuts the fourth coupling
feature.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein: placing the small tray within
the confines of the second sidewall of the medium tray includes
placing the first coupling feature within the confines of and
positioned concentrically relative to the second coupling feature,
and placing the medium tray within the confines of the third
sidewall of the large tray includes placing the third coupling
feature within the confines of and positioned concentrically
relative to the fourth coupling feature.
25. The method of claim 20, wherein: each of the first sidewall of
the small tray, the second sidewall of the medium tray, and the
third sidewall of the large tray defines a topmost edge opposite a
respective one of the first bottom wall, the second bottom wall,
and the third bottom wall, placing the small tray within the
confines of the second sidewall of the medium tray positions the
topmost edge of the small bowl to be coplanarly positioned relative
to the topmost edge of the medium bowl; and placing the medium tray
within the confines of the third sidewall of the large tray
positions the topmost edge of the medium bowl to be coplanarly
positioned relative to the topmost edge of the large bowl.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Food servingware is available in a variety of shapes and
sizes. For example, flat trays are used to present large items,
such as hams, roasts, or other cuts of meats, for sharing, or to
serve small bite-sized items, such as various types of crudites or
hors d'oeuvres. Baking dishes are used to serve hot foods, such as
casseroles, or other food items accompanied by a sauce or other
liquid. Trays can be employed for serving salads, pastas, soups or
other types of items.
[0002] Some foods may be paired and served together. To optimize
the food experience, each food of the paired foods may be placed in
separate containers or dishes during service. For example,
vegetables, crackers, or chips, which preferably remain dry before
dipping, are placed on a tray, tray or other vessel, while an
accompanying dip or sauce is often served in a separate dish or
tray.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One aspect of the present invention relates to a series of
vessels including a first vessel, a second vessel, and a third
vessel. The first vessel includes a first bottom wall and a first
coupling feature formed on a bottom surface of the first bottom
wall. The second vessel is sized larger than the first vessel and
includes a second bottom wall, a second coupling feature, and a
third coupling feature. The second coupling feature is formed on a
top surface of the second bottom wall and is configured to engage
with the first coupling feature of the first vessel to form a first
mated pair selectively mating the first vessel with the second
vessel. The third coupling feature is formed on a bottom surface of
the second bottom wall. The third vessel is sized larger than the
second vessel and includes a third bottom wall, a fourth coupling
feature, and a fifth coupling feature. The fourth coupling feature
is formed on a top surface of the third bottom wall and is
configured to engage with the third coupling feature of the second
vessel to form a second mated pair selectively mating the second
vessel with the third vessel. The fifth coupling feature is formed
on the top surface of the third bottom wall and is configured to
selectively engage with the first coupling feature of the first
vessel to form a third mated pair selectively mating the first
vessel with the third vessel. The series of vessels only forms one
of the second mated pair and the third mated pair at any one time.
Other series, sets, and associated methods are also shown and
described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect
to the figures, in which like reference numerals denote like
elements, and in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a front, top perspective view illustration of a
series of trays in a stacked configuration, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a bottom, perspective view illustration of the
series of trays of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a front view illustration of the series of trays
of FIG. 1 with the rear view being a mirror image of the front
view, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a top view illustration of the series of trays of
FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustration of the series of trays
of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a right side view illustration of the series of
trays of FIG. 1, with the left side view being a mirror image of
the right side view, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 7 is front, top perspective view of the series of trays
of FIG. 1 in an exploded configuration, according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a bottom, perspective view of the series of trays
of FIG. 2 in an exploded configuration, according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view illustration of the series
of trays of FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 10 is the cross sectional view illustration of the
series of trays of FIG. 9, with a medium tray of the series of
trays being removed, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view illustration of another
series of trays, according one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 12 is the cross sectional view illustration of the
series of trays of FIG. 11, with a medium tray of the series of
trays being removed, according one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view illustration of another
series of trays, according one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 14 is the cross sectional view illustration of the
series of trays of FIG. 13, with a medium tray of the series of
trays being removed, according one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view illustration of another
series of trays, according one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 16 is the cross sectional view illustration of the
series of trays of FIG. 15, with a medium tray of the series of
trays being removed, according one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] A series of trays or vessels is provided that is
aesthetically pleasing and can be used for serving several
different types of foods together while each food remains separated
from the others. The series of trays includes three or more
components that are configured to nest and fit together in a
variety of configurations, which provides an end user with a number
of options for presenting the same series of trays. The number of
options further allows the end user, using only the series of
trays, to select different options as desired dependent upon the
particular foods stored in each of the trays and the end user's
desired presentation of those foods.
[0022] In particular, according to an embodiment, the series
includes at least a small tray, a medium tray, and a large tray.
The small tray includes a circular flange extending downwardly from
its bottom surface configured to correspond with a rim protruding
upwardly from an interior surface of the medium tray. The medium
tray also includes a flange extending downwardly from its bottom
surface. The flange of the medium tray corresponds with a rim
protruding upwardly from an interior surface of the large tray.
Thus, when the small tray is placed within the medium tray, such
that the flange of the small tray and the rim of the medium tray
are aligned with each other, the small tray is maintained in a
predefined lateral and longitudinal location relative to the medium
tray forming a first two-tray serving series. Similarly, when the
medium tray is placed inside the large tray and the flange of the
medium tray and the rim of the large tray are aligned with each
other, the medium tray is maintained in a lateral and longitudinal
predefined location relative to the large tray forming a second
two-tray serving series. In another embodiment, the small tray is
fit into the medium tray, and the medium tray is fit into the large
tray using the rims and flanges of each to form a three-tray
serving series configuration. When used as either the two or three
tray serving series configuration, the trays provide different
spaces for foods thereby maintaining the foods separately from each
other during service while still providing the foods in a cohesive
grouping maintained within the confines of the large tray.
[0023] With reference now to FIGS. 1-10, a series of trays 10 is
illustrated. Series of trays 10 includes three trays 12, 14, and
16, which are substantially identical in shape except that each is
differently sized from the others. In one example, trays 12, 14,
and 16 are sized such that tray 12 is about two-thirds of the size
of tray 14, and tray 14 is about two-thirds of the size of tray 16.
In other embodiments, relative sizes of trays 12, 14, and 16 are
greater or less than two-thirds of the sizes of each other. In any
case, small tray 12 is configured to nest within medium tray 14,
and medium tray 14 is configured to nest within large tray 16.
Although three trays 12, 14, and 16 of substantially identical
shape are shown in series 10, more trays and/or trays of differing
shapes may be included in series 10. Additionally, although each
component of series 10 is referred to as a "tray," the components
are contemplated to include bowls, dishes, containers, and any
other receptacle or vessel primarily used for holding foods and/or
liquids.
[0024] Each of trays 12, 14, and 16 has a corresponding bottom or
bottom wall 20, 22, or 24 and a corresponding sidewall 26, 28, or
30. Each of sidewalls 26, 28, and 30 extends substantially upwardly
from corresponding bottom 20, 22, or 24 along and substantially
surrounding a corresponding outer perimeter 32, 34, or 36 thereof.
Bottoms 20, 22, and 24 are each substantially planar and have
substantially identical outer perimeter shapes in one embodiment.
For example, bottoms 20, 22, and 24 are circular disks, one having
an increasingly larger dimension than an immediately smaller bottom
20 or 22. Alternatively, one or more of bottoms 20, 22, and/or 24
is not planar and/or circular in shape. For example, one or more of
bottoms 20, 22, and/or 24 is concave, convex, or otherwise curved
or includes bumps, ridges, or other features on its surface and/or
is rectangular, square, or otherwise polygonal in shape. In an
example not shown, each of bottoms 20, 22, and 24 has a different
shape.
[0025] Each of sidewalls 26, 28, and 30 extends around the outer
perimeter of corresponding bottom 20, 22, or 24 to form a
corresponding cavity 31, 33, or 35, respectively, for receiving
items, such as foods, dips, sauces, and the like. Heights of
sidewalls 26, 28, and/or 30 may be selected to provide a suitable
cavity size appropriate for accommodating the aforementioned items.
In one embodiment, each of sidewalls 26, 28, and 30 extends at an
upward angle relative to corresponding bottom 20, 22, or 24 to
define a closed polygon shape corresponding to the outer perimeter
shape of corresponding bottom 20, 22, or 24. For a uniform
appearance, sidewalls 26, 28, and 30 each extend from corresponding
bottoms 20, 22, or 24 at substantially identical angles. For
example, sidewalls 26, 28, and 30 are each substantially
perpendicular to corresponding bottoms 20, 22, or 24. In other
embodiments, sidewalls 26, 28, and 30 extend at substantially
identical non-perpendicular angles relative to corresponding
bottoms 20, 22, and 24.
[0026] As illustrated, each of sidewalls 26, 28, and 30 extends
substantially linearly from corresponding bottoms 20, 22, or 24 and
include corresponding top edges 25, 27, and 29. Top edges 25, 27,
and 29 are even with, that is extend coplanarly with, each other
when trays 12, 14, and 16 are nested together in a three-tray
configuration, and thus, in one example, sidewall 26 is shorter
than sidewall 28 to accommodate a thickness of bottom 20 when tray
12 is placed in tray 14, and sidewall 28 is shorter than sidewall
30 to accommodate a thickness of bottom 22 when tray 14 is placed
in tray 16. Although not shown, one or more of sidewalls 26, 28, or
30 curves inwardly (e.g., in a convex manner) or outwardly (e.g.,
in a concave manner) relative to corresponding cavity 32, 34, or 36
in another embodiment. As another alternative embodiment, one or
more top edges 25, 27, and/or 29 is uneven with another top edge
25, 27, or 29 (as illustrated in FIGS. 13-16).
[0027] To allow trays 12, 14, and 16 to nest with each other, an
area defined by an outermost dimension of one of trays 14 or 16 is
larger than an area defined by the outermost dimension of an
immediately smaller tray 12 or 14. For example, in one embodiment,
in which sidewalls 26, 28, and 30 slope outwardly from respective
bottoms 20, 22, and 24, the outermost dimensions are defined by top
edges 25, 27, or 29, respectively. Hence, the area defined by top
edge 25 of small tray 12 is smaller than the area defined by top
edge 27 of medium tray 14, and the area defined by top edge 27 of
medium tray 14 is smaller than the area defined by top edge 29 of
large tray 16. In an embodiment in which sidewalls 26, 28, and 30
define the outermost dimensions of respective trays 12, 14, and 16,
the area defined by sidewall 26 is smaller than the area defined by
sidewall 28, and the area defined by sidewall 28 is smaller than
the area defined by sidewall 30. In this way, an entirety of tray
12 can be disposed within tray 14, and an entirety of tray 14 can
be disposed within tray 16.
[0028] Trays 12, 14, and 16 are configured such that two or more
can be secured with each other for easy storage, transportation,
and/or use. In this regard, trays 12, 14, and 16 include
corresponding features that mate together to form a pair for
temporary coupling. Each of these mechanisms will now be described
in detail below.
[0029] Turning to FIGS. 8-10, small tray 12 includes a coupling
feature 42 formed on an exterior face 40 of its bottom 20. More
particularly, coupling feature 42 is formed along an outer
perimeter of bottom 20 at or just inside an outermost edge 56 of
bottom 20. In an embodiment, coupling feature 42 is defined by
providing a curved surface, ridge, and/or flange extending between
an inner diameter 58 and an outer diameter 60 downwardly from
bottom 20. Coupling feature 42 is substantially circular or
otherwise shaped substantially identically to bottom 20 and forms a
continuous closed loop around bottom 20. According to an
embodiment, coupling feature 42 is configured to provide stability
when small tray 12 is placed on a horizontal support surface and
thus has a bottommost surface configured to provide continuous
contact with the horizontal support surface or having three or more
bottommost points capable of sitting on a single plane.
[0030] Medium tray 14 includes a coupling feature 44 configured to
form a mated pair with coupling feature 42. Coupling feature 44 is
formed on an interior face 46 of bottom 22 of medium tray 14, and,
in an embodiment protrudes upwardly therefrom to define an annular
rim, ridge, etc. The location of coupling feature 44 on interior
face 46 of bottom 22 depends on a desired location of small tray 12
relative to medium tray 14. In an embodiment in which series 10 is
configured such that small tray 12 is to be placed off center
relative to medium tray 14, coupling feature 44, likewise, is
positioned off center relative to bottom 22. As illustrated in
FIGS. 7-10, an initiation point on the annulus defining coupling
feature 44 is located just inside of an edge of interior face 46 of
bottom 22, and coupling feature 44 continues to a point on the
annulus opposite the initiation point beyond a center of bottom 22.
In another embodiment, not illustrated, small tray 12 is
concentrically positioned relative to medium tray 14, and second
portion 44 is concentrically positioned relative to bottom 22.
[0031] Regardless of location, to correspond with coupling feature
42, coupling feature 44 has at least an inner diameter 62 that is
substantially identical or slightly larger than outer diameter 60
of coupling feature 42. Thus, when small tray 12 is placed over
medium tray 14 such that coupling feature 44 aligns with coupling
feature 42, coupling feature 44 of small tray 12 fits within and is
substantially restricted from transverse movement (e.g., lateral
and longitudinal movement) by coupling feature 42.
[0032] Medium tray 14 further includes a coupling feature 50 formed
on an exterior face 48 of its bottom 22. Coupling feature 50 is
formed along an outer perimeter of bottom 22 at or just inside an
outermost edge 64 of bottom 22. In an embodiment, coupling feature
50 is defined by a circular or otherwise suitably shaped flange or
a curved surface protruding downwardly from bottom 22 and extending
between an inner diameter 66 and an outer diameter 68. Coupling
feature 50 forms a continuous closed loop around bottom 20 and has
a bottommost surface configured to provide continuous contact with
the horizontal support surface or has three or more bottommost
points capable of sitting on a single plane.
[0033] Large tray 16 includes a coupling feature 52, which is
configured to correspond with coupling feature 50 to form a mated
pair of features. Coupling feature 52 is formed on interior face 54
of bottom 24 of large tray 16. The location of coupling feature 52,
similar to the location of coupling feature 44 described above,
depends on the particulars of series 10, and in particular, a
desired placement of middle tray 14 relative to large tray 16. For
example, series 10 is configured such that middle tray 14 is off
center relative to large tray 16 such that a single portion of
sidewall 28 of medium tray 14 can be placed closer to one portion
of sidewall 30 of large tray 16 than all other portions. Hence, the
circle forming coupling feature 52 has an initiation point at a
location on interior face 54 of bottom 24 that is just inside of an
edge of bottom 24, and a point on the circle forming coupling
feature 52 opposite the initiation point is located beyond a center
of bottom 24. In another embodiment (not shown), medium tray 14 is
configured to be placed concentrically relative to large tray 16
and hence, coupling feature 52 is formed concentric to bottom
24.
[0034] In an embodiment, coupling feature 52 protrudes upwardly
from interior face 54 forming a ridge or rim. To temporarily couple
with coupling feature 50, coupling feature 52 has an inner diameter
70 that is substantially equal to or slightly larger than outer
diameter 68 of coupling feature 50. When coupling features 50 and
52 are aligned and fit together, the position of middle tray 14
relative to large tray 16 is maintained in at least two directions
(e.g., laterally and longitudinally, but perhaps not
vertically).
[0035] Large tray 16 includes an additional coupling feature 72
formed on interior face 54 of its bottom 24 for coupling with
coupling feature 42 of small tray 12, in another embodiment. In
particular, coupling feature 72 corresponds with coupling feature
42 to form a mated pair to directly couple large tray 16 and small
tray 12. Depending on a desired placement of small tray 12 within
large tray 16, coupling feature 72 is formed at any desired
location on interior face 54 of bottom 24 of large tray 16. In one
example, series 10 is configured such that small tray 12 is to be
positioned non-concentrically to large tray 16 without regard to
placement of middle tray 14 in series 10. In such case, coupling
feature 72 is formed off center relative to bottom 24. In another
example, the positioning of small tray 12 relative to large tray 16
is configured to be substantially identical to placement of small
tray 12 in middle tray 14, when middle tray 14 is disposed in large
tray 16. Hence, coupling feature 72 is formed inside of coupling
feature 52 along corresponding locations of interior face 54. As a
result, a gap 73 is formed between sidewall 26 of small tray 12 and
sidewall 30 of large tray 16 having a width larger than a width of
sidewall 28 of medium tray 14 when the trays 12 and 16 are directly
coupled together as illustrated in FIG. 10. In another example (not
shown), coupling feature 72 overlaps with coupling feature 52 so
that when coupling feature 72 is attached to coupling feature 42,
sidewall 26 of small tray 12 and sidewall 30 of large tray 16 are
immediately adjacent each other. In still another example, coupling
feature 72 is concentrically positioned with respect to coupling
feature 52.
[0036] Coupling feature 72 protrudes upwardly from interior face 54
forming a ridge or a rim and has an inner diameter 74 that is
substantially equal to or slightly larger than outer diameter 60 of
coupling feature 42. Accordingly, when small tray 12 is placed in
large tray 16 and coupling feature 42 is aligned with coupling
feature 72, movement of small tray 12 relatively to large tray 16
is substantially restricted in lateral and longitudinal directions.
In any case, by including coupling features 42 and 50 on small and
medium trays 12 and 14, respectively, that fit with corresponding
coupling features 44, 54, and 72, trays 12 and 14 are constrained
from movement in at least two perpendicular directions (for
example, lateral and longitudinal directions) when situated within
corresponding trays 14 and 16. In particular, small tray 12 can fit
with to medium tray 14 to form a two-tray set, medium tray 14 can
fit with large tray 16 to form a two-tray set, or all three trays
12, 14, and 16 can fit together (e.g., medium tray 14 in large tray
16 and small tray 12 in medium tray 14) to form a three tray set.
Furthermore, small tray 12 can be removed from medium tray 14 and
the inclusion of coupling feature 72 allows small tray 12 to fit
directly within large tray 14 in a fourth set configuration. In
still alternate embodiments, trays 12, 14, and/or 16 are used
individually.
[0037] It will be appreciated that although coupling features 42
and 50, and hence corresponding coupling features 44, 54, and 72,
are shown as being substantially circular and coupling features 42
and 50 are positioned inwardly from outer edges of corresponding
bottoms 20 and 22, other configurations are contemplated. In an
embodiment, coupling features 42 and/or 50 are formed along
portions of small and medium trays 12 and 14, respectively, other
than inside outer perimeter edges thereof. For instance, one or
both of coupling features 42 and/or 50 extends along outer edges of
corresponding bottoms 20 and 22, in an embodiment. Alternatively,
one or both of coupling features 42 and/or 50 extend outside of
outer edges of corresponding bottoms 20 and 22. In another example,
coupling features 42 and/or 50 are formed inwardly from outer edges
of corresponding bottoms 20 and 22 providing a substantially space
between the outer edges and coupling features 42 and/or 50.
[0038] In another configuration, coupling features 42 and/or 50 are
non-circular, such as oval, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal,
five-pointed star shaped, or another closed polygonal shape.
According to another embodiment, coupling features 42 and/or 50 do
not correspond with the shapes of the outer perimeters of bottoms
20 and 22 but do correspond with those of coupling features 44, 54,
and/or 72. Thus, bottoms 20, 22, and 24 may be circular, while
coupling features 42 and/or 50 and coupling features 44, 54, and/or
72 are another shape.
[0039] Although coupling features 42 and 50 and coupling features
44, 54, and/or 72 are illustrated as being defined by continuous
surfaces defining completely closed shapes, each of coupling
features 42, 50, 44, 54, and/or 72 alternatively is defined by
staggered blocks or sections that outline or define a portion of a
closed shape. For example, coupling features 42 and/or 50 include
three or more equally spaced blocks or sections generally forming a
circle, an oval, tips of a star shape, or another shape, and
coupling features 44, 54, and/or 72 are substantially similarly
shaped and dimensioned to corresponding to the staggered sections
of coupling features 42 and/or 50.
[0040] In another embodiment, the particular coupling mechanisms of
coupling features 42 and 50 and 44, 54, and 72 are not limited to
the flanges and rims as described above. In one example, the inner
diameter of coupling feature 42 is substantially equal or slightly
larger than the outer diameter of coupling feature 44 and/or
coupling feature 72, and the inner diameter of coupling feature 50
is substantially equal to or slightly larger than the outer
diameter of coupling feature 54, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and
12.
[0041] In another example illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, coupling
features 142 and 150 are defined by flanges similar to those
described above and formed in bottoms 120 and 122, respectively,
while coupling features 144, 154, and/or 172 are grooves. Each of
grooves 144, 154, and/or 172 is formed as an indentation in
interior faces 146 and 154 of bottoms 122 and 124, respectively.
Grooves 144 and 172 are shaped to receive at least a portion of
coupling feature 142 to allow feature 142 to rest in either groove
144 or 172 when small tray 112 and medium or large tray 114 or 116
are used together. Groove 154 is shaped to receive at least a
portion of coupling feature 150 when medium tray 114 and is with
large tray 116. In an embodiment, one or more of grooves 144, 154,
and/or 172 is substantially equal in dimensions to complement
corresponding coupling feature 142 or 150. In another embodiment,
one or more of grooves 144, 154, and/or 172 is shallower than
corresponding coupling feature 142 or 150 to receive only a portion
thereof. In another embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16,
one or both of coupling feature 242 and/or 250 are formed as
grooves, while corresponding coupling features 244, 252, and/or 272
are formed as flanges. In still other embodiments, coupling
features 42, 50, 142, 150, 242, and/or 250 and corresponding
coupling features 44, 52, 72, 144, 152, 172, 244, 252, and/or 272
temporarily secure together via other coupling mechanisms, such as
a twist and lock mechanism or another mechanism.
[0042] As noted briefly above, series of trays 10 can include more
than three trays. In an embodiment, large tray 16 includes a flange
76 extending downwardly from an exterior surface 78 of bottom 24
for coupling with a coupling feature formed on another larger tray
(not illustrated). Flange 76 is formed just inside and is
substantially similarly shaped to an outer perimeter of bottom 24.
In embodiments in which large tray 16 is not temporarily attachable
to a larger tray, flange 76 is included to provide stability when
tray 16 is placed on a horizontal surface. Hence, although flange
76 is shown as a continuous circular flange, alternate embodiments
of flange 76 include three or more spaced apart protuberances or
the like.
[0043] Although the invention has been described with respect to
particular embodiments, such embodiments are meant for the purposes
of illustrating examples only and should not be considered to limit
the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Various
alternatives, modifications, and changes will be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background of the invention or the above
detailed description.
* * * * *