BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate generally to components and systems for holding items.
Trays and other types of containers are known for holding various types of items. For instance, trays may be used for holding desk and/or office supplies. As another example, trays may be used for holding medical items.
Some trays do not allow for any segregation of the items that are to be held. On the other hand, some trays have fixed dividers to segregate the items that are to be held, whereas some other trays may have pre-defined adjustability, which allows for only a fixed number of adjustments to account for different types of items that are to be held. As a result, there is a need for a tray system and related components and methods that provide improved adjustability.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may satisfy a need for improved adjustability. In one embodiment, a tray system may comprise a container base and at least one divider. An example of a container base is adapted to hold items and may have at least one raised edge. A divider is adapted to facilitate dividing of the container base into different areas for holding items. In this regard, a divider may comprise at least one defined portion that is adapted to facilitate desired breakage of the divider into a desired length or lengths or a desired width or widths. As a result, an exemplary embodiment of a tray system may enable a user to form desired tray configurations that may, for example, be used to hold different types, sizes, numbers, etc. of items in different compartments that may account for such different types, sizes, numbers, etc. of items to be held. In particular, the aforementioned ability to break a divider is adapted to allow a user to form a desired compartment or compartments with or without another similar divider.
Another example of a tray system may also comprise a container base adapted to hold items and having at least one raised edge. This embodiment of a tray system may further comprise at least one connector that is adapted to facilitate dividing of the container base into different areas for holding items. A connector may comprise a clip portion that is associated with a distal slot portion. The clip portion is adapted to attach the connector to a raised edge of the container base or to a first divider. On the other hand, the distal slot portion is adapted to receive a second divider. The second divider may be of the same type as the first divider or may be of a distinct type relative to the first divider. Other embodiments of a connector may comprise a clip portion without a distal slot portion, or vice versa. Either embodiment of a connector may be adapted to enable a user to form desired tray configurations with at least one divider, wherein such tray configurations may, for example, be used to hold different types, sizes, numbers, etc. of items in different compartments that may account for such different types, sizes, numbers, etc. of items to be held.
Any of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention may facilitate improved adjustability with fewer components relative to known tray systems. In addition, any aspect of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention may be combined to facilitate desired adjustability. Combination of all aspects of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention may facilitate optimal adjustability.
In addition to the novel features and advantages mentioned above, other benefits will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and exemplary embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tray system of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a detail view of a portion of the tray system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a detail view of a portion of the tray system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a divider of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the divider of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a connector of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the connector of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a proximal end view of the connector of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the connector of FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the connector of FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is a top end view of the connector of FIG. 6.
FIG. 12 is a bottom end view of the connector of FIG. 6.
FIG. 13 is a distal end view of the connector of FIG. 6.
FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the connector of FIG. 6, wherein a Detail A is identified.
FIG. 15 is the Detail A of FIG. 14, wherein exemplary deflection of a clip portion, such as when being installed, is shown in phantom.
FIG. 16 is a partial, perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a tray system of the present invention, wherein areas of interest are highlighted.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a tray system of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a partial, perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a tray system of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a partial, perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a tray system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a configurable container system and to related components and methods that facilitate configurability. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described primarily with respect to, and may be particularly beneficial for, a tray system and related components and methods. Nevertheless, other types of containers may similarly benefit.
FIGS. 1-3 show an exemplary embodiment of a tray system 10. Tray system 10 may comprise a container base 20 and at least one of a divider 30 and/or a connector 40. Container base 20 is adapted to hold items, wherein divider 30 and/or connector 40 are, respectively and/or collectively, adapted to facilitate dividing of the container base 20 into different areas for holding items. For example, FIG. 1 shows exemplary areas 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, and 20G of various sizes/dimensions that may account for different types, sizes, numbers, etc. of items to be held.
While FIG. 1 identifies only representative dividers 30 and only representative connectors 40 for ease of reference, this example of tray system 10 comprises additional dividers 30 and additional connectors 40 that all work together to form areas 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, and 20G. As will explained in further detail below, dividers 30 and connectors 40 are also adapted to be used to form different areas such as to account for different types, sizes, numbers, etc. of items to be held. However, some exemplary embodiments may only comprise a single divider and/or a single connector, wherein such divider and/or connector are, respectively and/or collectively, adapted to facilitate dividing of the container base 20 into different areas for holding items. For instance, an exemplary embodiment of a divider may be adapted to facilitate, e.g., independently or in association with a connector that is, or is not, an embodiment of the present invention, dividing (and subsequent redividing) of a container base into different areas for holding items. Likewise, an exemplary embodiment of a connector may be adapted to facilitate, e.g., independently or in association with a divider that is, or is not, an embodiment of the present invention, dividing (and subsequent redividing) of a container base into different areas for holding items.
In this example, tray system 10 comprises an open container base 20. However, other embodiments may comprise a container base that may have a cover or a lid, e.g., to protect or secure the contents held by the tray system. Container base 20 may also have at least one at least one raised edge, which may facilitate the holding items. FIG. 1 shows an example having interconnected raised edges 20H, 20I, 20J, and 20K. However, other embodiments may have fewer or more raised edges, which may or may not be interconnected. Each of raised edges 20H, 20I, 20J, and 20K are straight in this embodiment and form a square configuration. Nevertheless, other embodiments may have at least one raised edge that is not straight (e.g., curved) and/or may form a different configuration (e.g., rectangular, polygonal, curved, etc.) to suit a particular use, location, etc.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show an example of a divider 30. A divider 30 comprises at least one defined portion that is adapted to facilitate desired breakage of divider 30 into a desired length or lengths or a desired width or widths. In particular, this embodiment of divider 30 comprises multiple defined portions 32, of which there are eighteen in this example (only representative ones are identified in each figure for ease of reference). With respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, representative examples of defined portions 32 that facilitate breakage of a divider 30 are identified. Each defined portion 32 is adapted to allow a user to break divider 30 into a desired length or lengths or a desired width or widths, e.g., such as by bending, flexing, or otherwise breaking divider 30 along a desired defined portion or portions 32. For instance, with respect to FIG. 4, this embodiment of divider 30 may be split up into nineteen sections 34 (i.e., up to nineteen dividers of short length) if broken along each defined portion 32, wherein a section 34 is defined to be between an edge 36 and a defined portion 32; between defined portions 32; and between an edge 38 and a defined portion 32. On the other hand, if any defined portion 32 is not broken, that results in a longer length of divider comprising multiple sections 34 where not broken. FIGS. 1 and 2 show various exemplary lengths of dividers 30.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show an example of divider 30 in which defined portions 32 are substantially evenly spaced apart along a length of divider 30. Likewise, sections 34 are also substantially evenly spaced apart along a length of divider 30 in this embodiment. Other exemplary embodiments may, however, have defined portions and/or sections that are not evenly spaced apart along a length of a divider.
Unless otherwise claimed, defined portions 32 may be formed by any suitable process that facilitates desired breakage of a divider. Examples of suitable processes include, but are not limited to, laser etching, etching, scoring, molding, 3-D printing, extrusion, etc. Another example of a defined portion is a perforation or a series of perorations in a divider, which may be formed by any suitable process.
With reference to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a divider 30 may comprise a backer 39A on its rear side 39B. For instance, an example of a backer 39A may be a thin, polymeric sheet (e.g., thermoplastic) that is adapted to be adhered to or otherwise placed on rear side 39B. A backer 39A may, for example, be used for stabilizing a divider prior to breakage along a defined portion to limit unintentional breakage and/or for securing a section or sections after breakage (wherein such section or sections may, for example, be peeled or otherwise removed from a backer, which may encourage safe handling). Other types and materials of a backer may be used that may provide a similar benefit or benefits.
As aforementioned, an exemplary embodiment of a tray system 10 may alternatively or additionally comprise at least one connector 40. FIGS. 6-14 further show one example of a connector 40. Such as shown by the example of FIGS. 1-3, this embodiment of a connector 40 is adapted to be connected to, preferably, any of raised edges 20H, 20I, 20J, and 20K of container base 20 and/or to any divider 30. However, unless otherwise claimed, other exemplary embodiments of a connector may be adapted to be connected to a container base and/or a divider in another suitable manner that facilitates dividing of an open container base into different areas for holding items.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 6-15, this example of connector 40 comprises a clip portion 42 that is associated with a distal slot portion 44. Such as shown in the example of FIGS. 1-3, clip portion 42 is adapted to attach connector 40 to a raised edge (20H, 20I, 20J, and/or 20K) of container base 20 or to a divider 30. On the other hand, distal slot portion 44 is adapted to receive a divider 30.
Such as best shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 8-10, 14, and 15, this exemplary embodiment of clip portion 42 comprises at least one prong 46 adapted to engage at least one raised edge (20H, 20I, 20J, and/or 20K) of container base 20 or a divider 30. FIG. 15 shows one example of how at least one prong 46 is adapted to flex to facilitate positioning of clip portion 42 over a raised edge of a container base or a divider. This embodiment of at least one prong 46 may also be resilient such that at least one prong 46 is adapted to adjust to variations in thickness of a raised edge of a container base or a divider. However, other exemplary embodiments of a clip portion may not comprise at least one prong that is adapted to flex or be resilient, yet still facilitate dividing of a container base into different areas for holding items.
Furthermore, such as shown in FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 14, and 15, this embodiment of a prong 46 may comprise a rounded distal portion 46A adapted to facilitate positioning of clip portion 42 over a raised edge of container base 20 or a divider 30. This embodiment of rounded distal portion 46A may further be adapted to resist against connector 40 being undesirably removed from a raised edge of a container base or a divider. For example, such as facilitated by an ability to grip, to flex and be resilient, and/or otherwise engage a surface of a container base or a divider, etc., an exemplary embodiment of a rounded distal portion 46A may limit unintentional removal or displacement of connector 40 after placement.
As a result, an exemplary embodiment of a connector may be especially beneficial for use with a thermoformed container base. In particular, a thermoformed base may have a tendency to have variations in thickness. For example, a raised edge of a 3/16-inch thermoformed container base may have a tendency to thin out in certain areas (e.g., to about 0.074-inch thickness) such as due to a manufacturing process, wherein it is desirable to be able to effectively use a connector (e.g., grip, engage, etc.). In this regard, an exemplary embodiment of a connector 40 having at least one prong 46 may be adapted to grip or otherwise engage any thin areas while also deflecting out of the way to grip or otherwise engage the thickest areas of a container base or a divider. A rounded distal portion 46A may also further enhance an ability to effectively address (e.g., grip, engage, etc.) any thin areas and thick areas in a container base or a divider. As a result, such features may be adapted to limit stress on a clip portion 42 or other portion of a connector 40. Nevertheless, an exemplary embodiment of a connector 40 may be adapted to be used in association with a container base or a divider made using any suitable process or material(s), and which may or may not have any variations in thickness.
While a single prong may be adapted to provide such functionality, an exemplary embodiment of a connector comprising multiple prongs may enhance such functionality. For example, such as shown in FIGS. 6-15, an exemplary embodiment of connector 40 may comprise at least a first prong and a second prong, and even more preferably such that a first prong operationally opposes a second prong, to facilitate positioning of clip portion 42 over a raised edge of a container base or a divider. Furthermore, an exemplary embodiment of a first prong and/or a second prong may be resilient such that the first prong and/or the second prong are adapted to adjust to variations in thickness of a raised edge of a container base or a divider. FIGS. 6, 10, 14, and 15 best show one example of first prong 48A and a second prong 48B. Nonetheless, other exemplary embodiments of a first prong and a second prong may have another positional relationship relative to each other and/or the remainder of a connector.
This exemplary embodiment of tray system 10 also comprises a third prong 48C and a fourth prong 48D. Third prong 48C and a fourth prong 48D are best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, wherein third prong 48C and a fourth prong 48D are substantially similar to first prong 48A and a second prong 48B in this embodiment. Third prong 48C and fourth prong 48D may further facilitate an ability to adjust to variations in thickness of a raised edge of a container base or a divider, particularly along a length or width of a raised edge of a container base or a divider. However, other exemplary embodiments may comprise any number of additional prongs that are not substantially similar to a first prong and/or a second prong, and/or may have different respective placements, yet still provide desired functionality.
Furthermore, such as in this example, first prong 48A and second prong 48B (i.e., a first set) may be spaced apart from and substantially parallel to third prong 48C and fourth prong 48D (i.e., a second set), which may allow for each set of prongs to independently adjust to variations in thickness along a length or width of a raised edge of a container base or a divider. For instance, such as best shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 9, 10, and 14, first prong 48A and second prong 48B are positioned adjacent to a first side 50 of distal slot portion 44, whereas third prong 48C and fourth prong 48D are positioned adjacent to a second side 52 of distal slot portion 44 that is opposite first side 50 of distal slot portion 44.
This configuration may also provide further functionality. For instance, the aforementioned first set (i.e., first prong 48A and second prong 48B) and second set (i.e., third prong 48C and fourth prong 48D) may also form a proximal slot 60 (see FIGS. 3, 6, and 8) therebetween that is adapted to receive a distal edge 44B (see FIGS. 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, and 14) of another connector. For example, FIG. 16 shows an exemplary tray configuration and highlights an area B in which there are two respective instances in which a proximal slot 60 of one connector 40 receives a distal slot portion 44 of another connector 40 or the like. Such additional functionality may, for example, help promote a desired configuration and connected appearance. It is also possible for an exemplary embodiment of connector 40 to simply extend adjacent to a divider 30 such as shown in area C of FIG. 16, e.g., to create staggered areas for holding items.
Such as further shown in FIGS. 7, 12, and 13, distal slot portion 44 comprises first side 50 and second side 52 that is opposite first side 50 such that a slot 44C is formed between first side 50 and said second side 52. In an exemplary embodiment, a proximal edge 44D may connect first side 50 and second side 52 such as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. A top edge 44E may also connect first side 50 and second side 52 such as shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 10, and 14, wherein top edge 44E is adapted to rest on top of a divider that is adapted to be received in distal slot portion 44.
In this exemplary embodiment, clip portion 42 is positioned adjacent proximal edge 44D. More particularly, clip portion 42 may be positioned adjacent to an intersection 44F of proximal edge 44D and top edge 44E such as shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 10, and 14, which may facilitate positioning on a raised edge of a container base or a divider. Also, such as for stabilization after being installed, at least one flange may extend away from proximal edge 44D, which may, for example, be adapted to limit undesired rotational shifting of a connector after being installed. At least one flange may also facilitate attachment of a connector to a raised edge of a container base or to a divider. In other words, at least one flange may be positioned adjacent to or abut a container base or a divider on which a connector is being or has been positioned. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, a first flange 54 extends away from proximal edge 44D and first side 50, and a second flange 56 extends away from proximal edge 44D and second side 52, wherein first flange 54 and second flange 56 extend below clip portion 42. In such an embodiment, clip portion 42 and distal slot portion 44 are respectively configured such that a raised edge of a container base or a divider adapted to be engaged by clip portion 42 is adapted to be substantially perpendicular to a divider adapted to be received by distal slot portion 44. Other exemplary embodiments may, however, have other positional relationships (e.g., other angles).
FIG. 17 shows an exemplary embodiment of a tray system 10B that may benefit from aspects of tray system 10. In this example, tray system 10B may be substantially similar to tray system 10 with the exception that an exemplary divider 70 that is not adapted to be broken is also included. Other embodiments may, for example, comprise a divider 30 that is adapted to be used with a different type of connector. Also, while the specific embodiments of a container base 20, divider 30, and connector 40 may be particularly beneficial, other variations of such components are possible.
FIGS. 18 and 19, respectively, show additional exemplary embodiments that may also benefit from aspects of tray system 10. In FIG. 18, tray system 10B comprises examples of a deeper container base 20B and a taller divider 30B. Another exemplary tray system may comprise an even taller divider 30C such as shown in FIG. 19. Container base 20B and dividers 30B, 30C, respectively, may otherwise be similar to container base 20 and divider 30 of tray system 10. Either embodiment may also implement at least one connector 40.
To further stabilize the connection or position of any divider, especially taller dividers (e.g., dividers 30B, 30C), an additional connector 40 may also be connected to an opposite edge (e.g., a bottom edge) of a divider. For example, in FIG. 18, an additional connector 40 may be positioned upside-down such that a clip portion 42 may be connected to a bottom edge 30D of divider 30B. Similarly, an additional connector 40 may be positioned upside-down such that a clip portion 42 may be connected to a bottom edge 30E of divider 30C as shown in FIG. 19. Depending on the height of a divider, opposing connectors may be stacked such as shown in FIG. 18, or there may be a gap between opposing connectors such as shown in FIG. 19. As a result, multiple connectors 40 may be used to stabilize a taller divider of any height. However, in other exemplary embodiments, it may also be possible for only one connector 40 to be used on a bottom edge of a respective divider, and/or for only one larger connector 40 or a different variation of a connector (e.g., larger or different configuration) to be used on only one edge (e.g., a top edge or a bottom edge) of a taller divider.
Any embodiment of the present invention may include any of the optional or preferred features of the other embodiments of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain some of the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. Having shown and described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will realize that many variations and modifications may be made to the described invention. Many of those variations and modifications will provide the same result and fall within the spirit of the claimed invention. It is the intention, therefore, to limit the invention only as indicated by the scope of the claims.
Patent Application
20250223076
