STACKABLE TRAY

Abstract

An exemplary system is provided for holding storage goods, and generally includes a first tray and a second tray. The first tray includes a plurality of first wells, a first engagement pattern, and a first long axis, and the first engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the first wells. The second tray includes a plurality of second wells, a second engagement pattern, and a second long axis, and the second engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the second wells. The first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern are configured to engage one another to thereby discourage relative shifting of the first tray and the second tray. With the first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern engaged with one another, the first long axis and the second long axis extend transverse to one another.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to stackable trays and crates, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to stackable trays and crates configured to hold jarred goods.

BACKGROUND

Jars used for canning purposes are often provided in various standard sizes, including pint-sized and quart-sized. Such canning jars are often stored in trays or crates. Some existing crates accommodate pint-sized jars and are stackable on themselves, while other existing crates accommodate quart-sized jars and are stackable on themselves. However, due to the difference in sizes of the pint-sized jars and the quart-sized jars, existing crates for pint-sized jars cannot be stacked with crates for quart-sized jars. Similar difficulties have arisen with stacking trays having different numbers of wells. For these reasons among others, there remains a need for further improvements in this technological field.

SUMMARY

An exemplary system is provided for holding storage goods, and generally includes a first tray and a second tray. The first tray includes a plurality of first wells, a first engagement pattern, and a first long axis, and the first engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the first wells. The second tray includes a plurality of second wells, a second engagement pattern, and a second long axis, and the second engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the second wells. The first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern are configured to engage one another to thereby discourage relative shifting of the first tray and the second tray. With the first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern engaged with one another, the first long axis and the second long axis extend transverse to one another. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled first crate according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a first perspective view of a first tray that may be utilized to build the first crate.

FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of the first tray.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a snap mechanism according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a first engagement feature according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second engagement feature according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first crate in a stacked configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first crate in a nested configuration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an assembled second crate according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second tray that may be utilized to build the second crate.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a system according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a process according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tray according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tray according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a system including the trays of FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a portion of the system, and illustrates mating features of the trays engaged with one another.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of a process according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a tray according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a portion of a system according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Although the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although reference to a “preferred” component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Items listed in the form of “A, B, and/or C” can also mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in certain specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not necessarily be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may be omitted or may be combined with other features.

With reference to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a crate 100 according to certain embodiments. While other storage items are contemplated, the illustrated crate 100 is configured to hold canning jars of a particular size (e.g., pint-sized or quart-sized). In the illustrated form, the crate 100 is configured to hold standard quart-sized canning jars. As described herein, other embodiments of the present application are configured to hold standard pint-sized canning jars. The crate 100 includes an upper tray 110 and a lower tray 120. In the illustrated form, the upper tray 110 and the lower tray 120 are substantially identical, which may aid in reducing inventory requirements and/or facilitate production. In other embodiments, the upper tray 110 and the lower tray 120 may not necessarily be identical.

With additional reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, illustrated therein is a tray 200 according to certain embodiments. The tray 200 may, for example, be utilized as the upper tray 110 and/or the lower tray 120 of the crate 100. For example, a first of the tray 200 may be utilized as the upper tray 110 and a second of the tray 200 may be utilized as the lower tray 120. The tray 200 generally includes a generally concave or female first side 202 (FIG. 2) and an opposite generally convex or male second side 204 (FIG. 3). When the tray 200 is utilized as an upper tray (e.g., the upper tray 110), the first side 202 is a bottom or lower side, and the second side 204 is a top or upper side. Conversely, when the tray 200 is utilized as a lower tray (e.g., the lower tray 120), the first side 202 is a top or upper side, and the second side 204 is a bottom or lower side. The female first side 202 may also be referred to herein as the interior side, and the male second side 204 may alternatively be referred to herein as the exterior side.

The tray 200 has a long axis 201, and generally includes a base portion 210 defining an outer perimeter of the tray 200, and a plurality of wells 220 extending from the base portion 210 such that the first side 202 defines a cavity 203. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the long axis 201 extends in a direction that is generally parallel to the longest sides of the tray 200. In the illustrated form, the first side 202 includes one or more snap mechanisms 230 formed in the base portion 210, and the second side 204 includes one or more first engagement features 240 and one or more second engagement features 250. As described herein, the engagement features 240, 250 define a first engagement pattern 290, and occupy and define an engagement area 270 on the second side 204 of the tray 200.

Each well 220 is sized and shaped to receive a particular size of jar, and in the illustrated form is sized and shaped to receive a standard quart-sized jar. Each well 220 has an interior side 222 corresponding to the first side 202 of the tray and an exterior side 224 corresponding to the exterior side 204 of the tray 200. In the illustrated form, the tray 200 includes twelve wells 220 arranged in three rows and four columns. It is also contemplated that more or fewer wells 220 may be utilized, and that more or fewer rows and/or columns may be utilized. With the wells 220 arranged in a generally rectangular array, the tray 200 includes four “corner” wells 260 and a plurality of non-corner wells 260′. As described herein, the four corner wells 260 include a pair of first corner wells 264 and a pair of second corner wells 265. Each of the first corner wells 264 includes a corresponding first engagement feature 240, and each of the second corner wells 265 includes a corresponding second engagement feature 250.

With additional reference to FIG. 4, each of the illustrated snap mechanisms 230 includes at least one first snap feature 232 having a first geometry and at least one second snap feature 234 having a second geometry configured to mate with the first geometry. In the illustrated form, each first snap feature 232 is provided as a male protrusion 233, and each second snap feature 234 is provided as a female recess 235 sized and shaped to receive the protrusion 233. The snap features 232, 234 are arranged such that each snap mechanism 230 is operable to engage another instance of itself. Thus, when a first of the tray 200 is utilized as the upper tray 110 and a second of the tray 200 is utilized as the lower tray 120, the snap mechanisms 230 of the upper tray 110 will engage the snap mechanisms 230 of the lower tray 120 to discourage separation of the trays 110, 120.

With additional reference to FIG. 5, the first engagement feature 240 has a first geometry. In the illustrated form, the geometry of the first engagement feature 240 includes an L-shaped protrusion 242 including a first leg 244 and a second leg 246 extending perpendicular to the first leg 244. While the illustrated legs 244, 246 are connected to one another, it is also contemplated that the legs 244, 246 may not necessarily be connected. Furthermore, while one example geometry has been illustrated for the first engagement feature, it should be appreciated that other geometries may be utilized.

With additional reference to FIG. 6, the second engagement feature 250 has a second geometry sized and shaped to mate with the geometry of the first engagement feature 240. In the illustrated form, the geometry of the second engagement feature 250 is a generally L-shaped female recess 252 configured for engagement with the L-shaped protrusion 242. The L-shaped recess 252 includes a first channel 254 configured to receive the first leg 244 and a second channel 256 configured to receive the second leg 246. In the illustrated form, each channel 254, 256 is defined by a corresponding pair of ridges 258 that protrude from the exterior surface 224 of the corresponding well 220. It is also contemplated that the channels 254 may be recessed into the exterior surface 224 of the well 220. Furthermore, while the channels 254, 256 of the illustrated second engagement feature 250 do not connect, it is also contemplated that the channels 254, 256 may connect in certain embodiments.

With additional reference to FIG. 7, illustrated therein are two trays 200 in a stacked configuration. For each tray, the first corner wells 264 alternate with the second corner wells 265 such that when the second sides 204 of two trays 200 face one another, each first corner well 264 of one tray 200 faces a corresponding second corner well 265 of the other tray 200, and each second corner well 265 of the one tray 200 faces a first corner well 264 of the other tray 200. As a result, each first engagement feature 240 of one tray 200 is operable to engage a second engagement feature 250 of the other tray 200, and each second engagement feature 250 of the one tray 200 is operable to engage a first engagement feature 240 of the other tray 200. With the engagement features 240, 250 engaged with one another, lateral shifting of the trays 200 relative to one another is inhibited, thereby facilitating the secure stacking of crates 100.

With additional reference to FIG. 8, the tray 200 is also configured to nest with itself to facilitate storage in a more compact arrangement. In the nested configuration, the second or exterior side 204 of one tray 200 faces the interior or first side 202 of the other tray 200, and one tray 200 is received in the cavity 203 of the other tray 200. In order to facilitate such nesting, the wells 220 may be provided with a tapered configuration.

With additional reference to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is a crate 300 according to certain embodiments. The crate 300 is substantially similar to the crate 100, and includes an upper tray 310 corresponding to the upper tray 110 and a lower tray 320 corresponding to the lower tray 120. In the illustrated form, the crate 300 is configured to hold standard pint-sized canning jars.

With additional reference to FIG. 10, illustrated therein is a tray 400 according to certain embodiments. The tray 400 may, for example, be utilized as the upper tray 310 and/or the lower tray 320 of the crate 300. For example, a first of the tray 400 may be utilized as the upper tray 310 and a second of the tray 400 may be utilized as the lower tray 320. The tray 400 is substantially similar to the above-described tray 200, and similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. For example, the tray 400 includes a base portion 410, a plurality of wells 420, one or more snap mechanisms 430, at least one first engagement feature 440, and at least one second engagement feature 450, which respectively correspond to the base portion 210, the wells 220, the snap mechanisms 230, the first engagement features 240, and the second engagement features 250. In the interest of conciseness, the following description of the tray 400 focuses primarily on elements and features of the second tray 400 that are different from those described above with reference to the first tray 200. It should be appreciated, however, that elements and features described with reference to one crate 100, 300 or one tray 200, 400 may be equally applicable to the other crate 100, 300 and/or the other tray 200, 400.

In the illustrated form, each well 420 is configured to hold a corresponding jar that is of a standard pint size. Thus, each well 420 is of a smaller size and a lesser diameter in comparison to the corresponding well 220 of the first tray 200. The four corner wells 460 include a pair of first corner wells 464 and a pair of second corner wells 465. Each of the first corner wells 464 includes a corresponding second tray first engagement feature 440, and each of the second corner wells 465 includes a corresponding second tray second engagement feature 450.

Like the engagement features 240, 250 of the first tray 200, the engagement features 440, 450 of the second tray 400 occupy and define an engagement area 470 corresponding to the engagement area 270. As with the above-described engagement features 240, 250, the engagement features 440, 450 are configured to mate with one another such that the tray 400 is stackable on itself in a manner analogous to that illustrated in FIG. 7. Thus, the crate 300 can be stacked on itself in a secure manner. The engagement features 440, 450 of the second tray 400 are also configured to mate with the engagement features 240, 250 of the first tray 200. More particularly, the first tray first engagement features 240 and the second tray second engagement features 450 are configured to mate with one another, and the first tray second engagement features 250 and the second tray first engagement features 440 are configured to mate with one another. Additionally, the first tray engagement area 270 is the same as the second tray engagement area 470, which facilitates stacking of the first crate 100 with the second crate 300 as described herein.

With additional reference to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is a system 500 according to certain embodiments. The system 500 includes the first crate 100, which includes at least one first tray 200, and the second crate 300, which includes at least one second tray 400. For example, the system 500 may include a pair of first trays 200 that engage one another to define the first crate 100 and a pair of second trays 400 that engage one another to define the second crate 300.

As noted above, the first tray wells 220 are configured to receive quart-sized jars, and the second tray wells 420 are configured to receive pint-sized jars. Thus, the first tray wells 220 may have a first diameter d220, and the second tray wells 420 may have a second diameter d420 less than the first diameter d220. Each diameter d220, d420 may be measured at the base of the corresponding well 220, 420. Due to the larger diameters of the first tray wells 220 as compared to the second tray wells 420, it may be the case that the first tray 200 is larger than the second tray 400. For example, in the illustrated form, a plan-view area of the first tray 200 is larger than the plan-view area of the second tray 400. As used herein, the term “plan-view area” may be used to refer to the area of a component (e.g., a tray) when viewed from directly above the component.

It should be appreciated that although the first tray 200 is larger than the second tray 400, the trays 200, 400 can nonetheless be stacked with one another in a secure manner. This capability is provided at least in part by the ability of the first tray engagement features 240, 250 to mate with the second tray engagement features 440, 450, and in part by the arrangement of the engagement features in engagement areas 270, 470 that correspond to one another. The system 500 may thus facilitate stacking of various sizes of crates (and various sizes of jars) in stacks that include crates and jars of different sizes.

In the illustrated embodiments, the first tray 200 is configured to hold standard quart-sized canning jars, and the second tray 400 is configured to hold standard pint-sized canning jars. As such, the minimum diameter d220 of the first wells 220 is selected to correspond to the diameter of a standard quart-sized canning jar, and the minimum diameter d420 of the second wells 420 is selected to correspond to the diameter of a standard pint-sized canning jar. It is also contemplated that other sizes and diameters may be utilized. For example, the first diameter d220 may be selected to correspond to one of a 64-ounce canning jar, a 32-ounce canning jar, a 28-ounce canning jar, a 16-ounce canning jar, a 12-ounce canning jar, an 8-ounce canning jar, or a 4-ounce canning jar, and the second diameter d420 may be selected to correspond to another of a 64-ounce canning jar, a 32-ounce canning jar, a 28-ounce canning jar, a 16-ounce canning jar, a 12-ounce canning jar, an 8-ounce canning jar, or a 4-ounce canning jar.

Moreover, while certain embodiments have been described with specific reference to holding storage goods in the form of canning jars, it is also contemplated that trays according to other embodiments may be configured to hold other forms of storage goods. By way of non-limiting example, such trays may be configured to hold honey jars (e.g. 24-ounce honey jars, 16-ounce honey jars, or 12-ounce honey jars), honey bear bottles (e.g., 20-ounce honey bear bottles, or 12-ounce honey bear bottles), eggs (e.g., chicken eggs, duck eggs, or quail eggs), kombucha bottles, maple sugar jugs, or growlers. In certain embodiments, one or more trays or crates may be configured for use as seed planters, milking buckets, seed savers/holders, root cellar crates, or storage of bulk dry goods (e.g., flour, wheat, or sugar).

It should also be appreciated that the foregoing examples may be mixed and matched as desired. For example, the wells 220 of the first tray 200 may be configured to hold canning jars of a particular size, and the wells 420 of the second tray may be configured to hold honey bear bottles of a particular size.

With additional reference to FIG. 12, illustrated therein is a process 600 according to certain embodiments. Blocks illustrated for the processes in the present application are understood to be examples only, and blocks may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. While the blocks are illustrated in a relatively serial fashion, it is to be understood that two or more of the blocks may be performed concurrently or in parallel with one another. Moreover, while the process 600 is described herein with specific reference to the system 500 illustrated in FIG. 11, it is to be appreciated that the process 600 may be performed with crate stacking systems having additional or alternative features.

The process 600 generally includes a first crate assembly procedure 610, a second crate assembly procedure 620, a stacking procedure 630, and a storage procedure 640. As described herein, the first crate assembly procedure 610 generally involves assembling a first crate 100, and the second crate assembly procedure 620 generally involves assembling a second crate 300. The stacking procedure 630 generally involves stacking the first crate 100 on the second crate 300, and the storage procedure 640 generally involves disassembling one or both of the crates.

The first crate assembly procedure 610 may begin with two trays 200 operable to form a first crate 100. Of the two trays, one tray 200 may be designated as the first upper tray 110, and the other may be designated as the first lower tray 120. Each of the first upper tray 110 and the first lower tray 120 comprises a corresponding plurality of first wells 220. At least one first well 220 of the first bottom tray 120 (e.g., the corner well 264) comprises a corresponding first engagement feature (e.g., the engagement feature 240) on a bottom surface 224 thereof

The procedure 610 may begin with block 612, which generally involves placing one or more storage goods in the first lower tray 120. For example, block 612 may involve placing one or more quart-sized jars in one or more corresponding wells 220 of the first lower tray 120. In the illustrated form, block 612 may involve positioning up to twelve quart-sized jars in the twelve wells 220. It is also contemplated that more or fewer wells 220 may be provided to the tray 200 to accommodate more or fewer jars.

The procedure 610 may include block 614, which generally involves engaging the first upper tray 110 with the first lower tray 120. For example, block 614 may involve positioning the trays 110, 120 in opposite orientations such that the female first sides 202 face one another, and placing the base portions 210 in contact with one another to thereby enclose the one or more jars within the enclosed cavity 203.

The procedure 610 may include block 616, which generally involves engaging a snap mechanism 230 of the first upper tray 110 with a corresponding snap mechanism 230 of the first lower tray 120. For example, block 616 may involve engaging the snap mechanisms 230 such that each protrusion 233 of one tray 200 is received in a corresponding recess 235 of the other tray 200.

The second crate assembly procedure 620 may begin with two trays 400 operable to form a second crate 300. Of the two trays, one tray 400 may be designated as the second upper tray 310, and the other may be designated as the second lower tray 320. Each of the second upper tray 310 and the second lower tray 320 comprises a corresponding plurality of second wells 420. At least one second well 420 of the second upper tray 320 (e.g., the corner well 465) comprises a corresponding second engagement feature (e.g., the engagement feature 450) on an upper surface 424 thereof. Each of the second wells 420 has a different size than a corresponding one of the first wells 220. In the illustrated form, each of the second wells 420 is configured to receive a pint-sized jar, and is accordingly smaller than the corresponding one of the first wells 220 for receiving quart-sized jars.

The procedure 620 may begin with block 622, which generally involves placing one or more storage goods in the second lower tray 320. For example, block 622 may involve placing one or more pint-sized jars in one or more corresponding wells 420 of the second lower tray 320. In the illustrated form, block 622 may involve positioning up to twelve pint-sized jars in the twelve wells 420. It is also contemplated that more or fewer wells may be provided to the tray 400 to accommodate more or fewer jars.

The procedure 620 may include block 624, which generally involves engaging the second upper tray 310 with the second lower tray 320. For example, block 624 may involve positioning the trays 310, 320 in opposite orientations such that the female first sides 402 face one another, and placing the base portions 410 in contact with one another to thereby enclose the one or more jars within the enclosed cavity 403.

The procedure 620 may include block 626, which generally involves engaging a snap mechanism 430 of the second upper tray 310 with a corresponding snap mechanism 430 of the second lower tray 320. For example, block 626 may involve engaging the snap mechanisms 430 such that each protrusion of one tray 400 is received in a corresponding recess of the other tray 400 in a manner analogous to that described above with reference to engagement of the snap mechanisms 230.

The stacking procedure 630 generally involves stacking the first crate 100 on the second crate 300. More particularly, the procedure 630 includes block 632, which generally involves engaging the engagement feature 240 of the first lower tray 120 with the engagement feature 450 of the second upper tray 310 to thereby discourage relative shifting of the first crate 100 and the second crate 300.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the first crate assembly procedure 610 and/or the second crate assembly procedure 620 may be repeated as desired to form additional crates 100, 300 of selected sizes. Moreover, such additional crates 100, 300 may be stacked atop one another as desired, for example according to the stacking procedure 630. Due to the congruence of the engagement areas 270, 470, the crates 100, 300 may be stacked in any desired order.

In certain embodiments, the process 600 may involve a storage procedure 640, which generally involves disassembling and storing one or more crates. For example, the procedure 640 may include block 642, which generally involves disassembling the first crate 100. Block 642 may, for example, involve disengaging the snap mechanisms 230 and removing the first upper tray 110 from the first lower tray 120 such that the jars may be removed. The procedure 640 may include block 644, which generally involves reversing the orientation of one of the first trays 200 such that the female first side 202 of one tray 200 faces the male second side 204 of the other tray 200. The procedure 640 may then continue to block 646, which involves nesting the trays 200 within one another, for example as illustrated in FIG. 8. As a result of the nesting, each well 220 of one tray 200 may be received in a corresponding well 220 of the other tray 200. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the second crate 300 and/or any additional crates may be disassembled and stored in a manner analogous to that described with reference to the first crate 100.

With additional reference to FIG. 13, illustrated therein is a tray 700 according to certain embodiments. The tray 700 is substantially similar to the above-described tray 200, and similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. For example, the illustrated tray 700 includes a long axis 701, an interior side 702, an exterior side 704, a base portion 710, a plurality of wells 720, a snap mechanism 730, first engagement features 740, second engagement features 750, a plurality of corner wells 760, a plurality of non-corner wells 760′, an engagement area 770, and an engagement pattern 790, which respectively correspond to the above-described long axis 201, interior side 202, exterior side 204, base portion 210, wells 220, snap mechanism 230, first engagement features 240, second engagement features 250, corner wells 260, non-corner wells 260′, engagement area 270, and engagement pattern 290. As will be appreciated, one instance of the tray 700 may be utilized in combination with another instance of the tray 700 to form a crate along the lines of the above-described crate 100. In the interest of conciseness, the following description of the tray 700 focuses primarily on elements and features different from those described above with reference to the tray 200.

As with the above-described tray 200, the tray 700 may include a primary engagement pattern 790 formed on the corner wells 760 of the tray 700. Such a primary engagement pattern 790 may aid in stacking the tray 700 on itself in a manner analogous to that described above. The illustrated tray 700 includes, in addition or as an alternative to the primary engagement pattern 790, a secondary engagement pattern 790′ having a secondary engagement area 770′. As described herein, the secondary engagement pattern 790′ may be formed at least in part on one or more non-corner wells 760′, and may facilitate the stacking of the tray 700 with another tray having a configuration different from that of the tray 700. For example, the secondary engagement pattern 790′ may facilitate stacking of the tray 700 with the tray 800 illustrated in FIG. 14. As with the above-described tray 200, the primary engagement pattern 790 may facilitate stacking one instance of the tray 700 with another instance of the tray 700 in a manner analogous to that described with reference to FIG. 7.

While other forms are contemplated, in the illustrated form, each of the first engagement features 740 includes a first annular boss 742 and two first ridges 744 that are generally perpendicular to one another, and each of the second engagement features 750 includes a second annular boss 752 and two pairs of second ridges 754 defining two channels 755 that are generally perpendicular to one another. The first annular boss 742 and the second annular boss 752 are configured to matingly engage one another. In the illustrated form, the first annular boss 742 is configured to matingly receive the second annular boss 752. It is also contemplated that the second annular boss 752 may be configured to matingly receive the first annular boss 742. In the illustrated form, each of the first ridges 744 is configured to be matingly received in the corresponding channel 755.

In the arrangement illustrated, each of the first engagement features 740 and each of the second engagement features 750 includes both a pater and a mater. For example, the first engagement feature 740 includes a pater in the form of the ridges 744 and a mater in the form of the first annular boss 742, and the second engagement feature 750 includes a pater in the form of the second annular boss 752 and a mater in the form of the channels 755. As used herein, the terms mater and pater refer to two components that are sized and shaped to mate with one another, with the pater received in the mater. For example, a pater in the form of the ridges 744 of the first engagement feature 740 may mates with a mater in the form of the channels 755, and a pater in the form of the second annular boss 752 may mate with a mater in the form of the first annular boss 742. While each of the illustrated engagement features 740, 750 includes both a pater and a mater, it should be appreciated that one engagement feature 740/750 may include two paters while the other engagement feature 740/750 includes two maters.

With additional reference to FIG. 14, illustrated therein is a tray 800 according to certain embodiments. The tray 800 is substantially similar to the above-described tray 200, and similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. For example, the illustrated tray 800 includes a long axis 801, an interior side 802, an exterior side 804, a base portion 810, a plurality of wells 820, a snap mechanism 830, first engagement features 840, second engagement features 850, a plurality of corner wells 860, a plurality of non-corner wells 860′, an engagement area 870, and an engagement pattern 890, which respectively correspond to the above-described long axis 201, interior side 202, exterior side 204, base portion 210, wells 220, snap mechanism 230, first engagement features 240, second engagement features 250, corner wells 260, non-corner wells 260′, engagement area 270, and engagement pattern 290. As will be appreciated, one instance of the tray 800 may be utilized in combination with another instance of the tray 800 to form a crate along the lines of the above-described crate 100. In the interest of conciseness, the following description of the tray 800 focuses primarily on elements and features different from those described above with reference to the tray 200.

While each of the above-described trays 200, 700 includes three rows and four columns for a total of twelve wells 220, 720, the illustrated tray 800 includes two rows and three columns for a total of six wells 820. As such, the number of wells 720 in the tray 700 is more than the number of wells 820 in the second tray 800. More particularly, in the illustrated form, the number of wells 720 in the tray 700 is at least twice as great as the number of wells 820 in the tray 800. It is also contemplated that the number of wells 720 in the tray 700 may not necessarily be twice as great as the number of wells 820 in the tray 800. As described herein, the engagement area 870 matches the secondary engagement area 770′ of the tray 700, and the engagement pattern 890 is configured to mate with the secondary engagement pattern 790′ of the tray to thereby discourage lateral shifting of the trays 700, 800.

In the illustrated form, each of the first wells 720 and each of the second wells 820 has the same diameter. It is also contemplated that one or more of the first wells 720 may have a different diameter than one or more of the other first wells 720 and/or one or more of the second wells 820, and that one or more of the second wells 820 may have a different diameter than one or more of the first wells 720 and/or one or more of the other second wells 820.

With additional reference to FIG. 15, illustrated therein is a system 900 according to certain embodiments. The system 900 includes a first tray in the form of the above-described tray 700 and a second tray in the form of the above-described tray 800. In the illustrated arrangement, the long axis 701 of the first tray 700 is transverse to the long axis 801 of the second tray 800. While other forms are contemplated, in the illustrated form, the long axes 701, 801 are generally perpendicular to one another. Additionally, the secondary engagement pattern 790′ of the first tray 700 is matingly engaged with the engagement pattern 890 of the second tray such that relative shifting of the trays 700, 800 is discouraged.

With additional reference to FIG. 16, the first engagement features 740 of the first tray 700 are engaged with the second engagement features 850 of the second tray 800, and the second engagement features 750 of the first tray 700 are engaged with the first engagement features 840 of the second tray 800. As such, the engaged maters and paters discourage relative shifting of the stacked trays 700, 800. Because the secondary engagement area 770′ of the larger tray 700 matches the engagement area 870 of the smaller tray 800, the trays 700, 800 can still be stacked with one another, despite the smaller tray 800 failing to extend to the primary engagement area 770 of the first tray 700. While other arrangements are contemplated, in the illustrated form, the long axes 701, 801 of the trays 700, 800 are transverse to one another when the trays 700, 800 are stacked with one another.

With additional reference to FIG. 17, illustrated therein is a process 1000 according to certain embodiments. As noted above, blocks illustrated for the processes in the present application are understood to be examples only, and blocks may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. While the blocks are illustrated in a relatively serial fashion, it is to be understood that two or more of the blocks may be performed concurrently or in parallel with one another. Moreover, while the process 1000 is described herein with specific reference to the system 900 illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, it is to be appreciated that the process 1000 may be performed with crate stacking systems having additional and/or alternative features.

The process 1000 may include block 1010, which generally involves placing a first tray in a first orientation. The first tray may include a plurality of first wells, a first engagement pattern, and a first long axis. For example, the first tray may be provided in the form of the above-described tray 700, which includes a plurality of first wells 720, a first engagement pattern 790′, and a first long axis 701. With the first tray 700 in the first orientation, the first long axis 701 extends in a first direction.

The process 1000 may include block 1020, which generally involves placing a second tray in a second orientation. The second tray may include a plurality of second wells, a second engagement pattern, and a second long axis. For example, the second tray may be provided in the form of the above-described tray 800, which includes a plurality of second wells 820, a second engagement pattern 890, and a second long axis 801. With the second tray 800 in the second orientation, the second long axis 801 extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the long axes 701, 801 are generally perpendicular to one another. It is also contemplated that the axes may be oblique to one another when the first and second trays are in their respective orientations.

The process 1000 may include block 1030, which generally involves engaging the first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern with one another, thereby discouraging relative shifting of the first tray and the second tray. For example, block 1030 may involve engaging the first engagement pattern 790′ with the second engagement pattern 890 to thereby discourage relative shifting of the trays 700, 800.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first tray 700 includes a greater number of first wells 720 than the second tray 800 includes second wells 820. It is also contemplated that the second tray may include more wells than the first tray.

In certain embodiments, the process 1000 may include assembling a first crate from the first tray, for example in a manner analogous to that as described above with reference to the procedure 610 of the above-described process 600. By way of example, assembling the first crate may involve engaging the first tray with a third tray to thereby enclose a first storage space. In certain embodiments, the first tray and the third tray may be of an identical configuration. It is also contemplated that the first tray and the third tray may be of different configurations.

In certain embodiments, the process 1000 may include assembling a second crate from the second tray, for example in a manner analogous to that as described above with reference to the procedure 620 of the above-described process 600. By way of example, assembling the second crate may involve engaging the second tray with a fourth tray to thereby enclose a second storage space. In certain embodiments, the second tray and the fourth tray may be of an identical configuration. It is also contemplated that the second tray and the fourth tray may be of different configurations.

With additional reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, illustrated therein is a tray 1100 according to certain embodiments (FIG. 18), and a system 1200 including the tray 1100 and the above-described tray 800. The tray 1100 is somewhat similar to the above-described tray 700, and similar reference characters are used to indicate similar elements and features. For example, the tray 1100 includes a base portion 1110, a plurality of wells 1120, one or more snap features 1130, first engagement features 1140, second engagement features 1150, a plurality of corner wells 1160, a plurality of non-corner wells 1160′, an engagement area 1170, a primary engagement pattern 1190, and a secondary engagement pattern 1190′, which respectively correspond to the above-described base portion 710, wells 720, snap features 730, first engagement features 740, second engagement features 750, corner wells 760, non-corner wells 760′, engagement area 770, primary engagement pattern 790, and secondary engagement pattern 790′. In the interest of conciseness, the following description of the tray 1100 focuses primarily on features that are different from those described above with reference to the tray 700.

While the system 1200 illustrated in FIG. 19 includes the trays 800, 1100, it should be appreciated that the system 1200 may further include the tray 700. As described herein, although the trays 700, 1100 are of different configurations, one or more features of the trays 700, 1100 may ensure that the trays 700, 1100 remain compatible with one another for stacking purposes.

Although the tray 1100 includes certain features similar to those described above with reference to the tray 700, the tray 1100 has certain features that differ from those described above with reference to the tray 700. For example, the tray 1100 has a greater number of wells 1120 than the tray 700 has wells 720, and the wells 1120 are of a different diameter than the wells 720. Despite these differences, the primary engagement pattern 1190 may be substantially similar to the primary engagement pattern 790 to ensure that the tray 1100 remains compatible with other trays of the system (e.g. the tray 700).

The secondary engagement pattern 1190′ occupies a secondary engagement area 1170′ corresponding to the engagement area 790′ and/or the engagement area 890, and is configured to mate with the engagement pattern 890 of the tray 800. In the illustrated form, the engagement pattern 1190′ includes at least one first engagement feature 1140 configured to mate with at least a portion of the engagement features 850 and at least one second engagement feature 1150 configured to mate with at least a portion of the engagement features 840. Due to constraints imposed by the size, position, and/or number of wells 1120, the secondary engagement pattern 1190′ may not necessarily be identical to the engagement patterns 790′, 890. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the engagement features 1140, 1150 includes a corresponding and respective annular boss 1142, 1152, but neither of the engagement features 1140, 1150 includes ridges corresponding to the ridges 744, 754. However, because the bosses 1142, 1152 remain operable to mate with the bosses of the engagement features 840, 850, the engaged engagement patterns 890, 1190′ remain operable to discourage relative shifting of the stacked trays 800, 1100.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the systems and methods described herein may facilitate the stacking of trays and/or crates having different configurations that would otherwise not be conducive to stacking. For example, the systems and methods described herein may facilitate the stacking of a tray 700 including twelve pint-sized wells 720 with a tray 800 including six quart-sized wells 820 and/or a tray 1100 including twenty jelly jar-sized wells 1120. It should also be appreciated that the number and/or size of the wells in a tray may vary from one tray to the next, and that the methods described herein may facilitate the generation of a system including trays and/or crates having different quantities and/or sizes of wells.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected.

It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

1. A system for holding storage goods, the system comprising: a first tray comprising a plurality of first wells and a first engagement pattern, wherein the plurality of first wells comprises a plurality of first corner wells and a plurality of first non-corner wells, and wherein the first engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the first non-corner wells; anda second tray comprising a plurality of second wells and a second engagement pattern, wherein the second engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the second wells;wherein the first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern are configured to engage one another to thereby discourage relative shifting of the first tray and the second tray; andwherein the first tray comprises a greater number of first wells than the second tray comprises second wells.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tray comprises a first long axis; wherein the second tray comprises a second long axis; andwherein, with the first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern engaged with one another, the first long axis and the second long axis are transverse to one another.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tray comprises at least twice as many first wells as the second tray comprises second wells.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first wells has a first diameter; and wherein each of the second wells has a second diameter different from the first diameter.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second wells comprises a plurality of second corner wells; and wherein the second engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the second corner wells.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of second wells further comprises a plurality of second non-corner wells.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first tray and the second tray comprises an interior side and an exterior side; wherein the first engagement pattern is formed on the exterior side of the first tray; andwherein the second engagement pattern is formed on the exterior side of the second tray.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a third tray comprising a plurality of third wells and a third engagement pattern, wherein the third engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the third wells; wherein the first tray further comprises a fourth engagement pattern;wherein the fourth engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the first corner wells; andwherein the third engagement pattern and the fourth engagement pattern are configured to engage one another to thereby discourage relative shifting of the first tray and the third tray.

9. A system for holding storage goods, the system comprising: a first tray comprising a plurality of first wells, a first engagement pattern, and a first long axis, wherein the first engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the first wells; anda second tray comprising a plurality of second wells, a second engagement pattern, and a second long axis, wherein the second engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the second wells;wherein the first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern are configured to engage one another to thereby discourage relative shifting of the first tray and the second tray; andwherein, with the first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern engaged with one another, the first long axis and the second long axis extend transverse to one another.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first plurality of wells comprises a plurality of first corner wells and a plurality of first non-corner wells; and wherein the first engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the first non-corner wells.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the second plurality of wells comprises a plurality of second corner wells; and wherein the second engagement patter is formed at least in part on one or more of the second corner wells.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of second wells further comprises a plurality of second non-corner wells.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the first tray comprises a greater number of first wells than the second tray comprises second wells.

14. A method, comprising: placing a first tray in a first orientation, wherein the first tray comprises a plurality of first wells, a first engagement pattern, and a first long axis, wherein the first engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the first wells, and wherein, with the first tray in the first orientation, the first long axis extends in a first direction;placing a second tray in a second orientation, wherein the second tray comprises a plurality of second wells, a second engagement pattern, and a second long axis, wherein the second engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one or more of the second wells, and wherein, with the second tray in the second orientation, the second long axis extends in a second direction transverse to the first direction; andwith the first tray in the first orientation and the second tray in the second orientation, engaging the first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern with one another, thereby discouraging relative shifting of the first tray and the second tray.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: assembling a first crate, comprising engaging the first tray with a third tray to thereby enclose a first storage space; andassembling a second crate, comprising engaging the second tray with a fourth tray to thereby enclose a second storage space.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first tray and the third tray are of an identical first configuration; and wherein the second tray and the fourth tray are of an identical second configuration.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first configuration and the second configuration are different from one another.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the first engagement pattern comprises a first mater and a first pater; wherein the second engagement pattern comprises a second mater and a second pater;wherein engaging the first engagement pattern and the second engagement pattern with one another comprises engaging the first mater with the second pater, and engaging the first pater with the second mater.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of first wells comprises a plurality of first corner wells and a plurality of first non-corner wells; and wherein the first engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one of the first non-corner wells.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of second wells comprises a plurality of second corner wells; and wherein the second engagement pattern is formed at least in part on one of the second corner wells.