Tray identification end piece

Abstract

An end piece is provided and removably secured to an edge of a tray to facilitate identification of the contents of the tray. The color of the end piece may be selected to correspond to the contents of the tray.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is an isometric front side view of an embodiment of an end piece for a tray as contemplated by the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric rear side view of the end piece of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the end piece of FIG. 1, shown secured to the end of a tray.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a pair of trays with the end pieces of FIG. 1 secured to the trays and with the trays stacked on top of one another.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an end piece, shown secured to the end portion of a tray.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an end piece, shown secured to the end of an alternate tray construction.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the end piece embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the end piece embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an end view of a tray and the end piece embodiment of FIG. 6, shown positioned in an oven.

Claims

1. An end piece for a tray, the tray having a bottom and a side wall surrounding the bottom, the side wall having an edge, the end piece comprising: a first wall;a second wall; anda third wall,the second and third walls extending from the first wall to define a channel therebetween, the channel structured to removably secure the edge of the tray therein,whereby the end piece is visible when the edge of the tray to which the end piece is secured is viewed.

2. The end piece according to claim 1, further comprising at least one protrusion structured to engage a depression defined on the tray.

3. The end piece according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first wall and second wall includes a hook extending towards the other of the walls, the hook structured to engage an edge of the tray.

4. The end piece according to claim 1, further comprising an opening defined within the third wall, the opening being structured to receive a handle extending from the edge of the tray.

5. The end piece according to claim 4, wherein the opening includes a channel defined between a pair of opposing end portions of the second wall.

6. The end piece according to claim 1, wherein the end piece is made from a material that is capable of withstanding temperatures as high as about 200° F.

7. The end piece according to claim 6, wherein the end piece is made from a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, ABS, polyurethane, polysolfone, polyphenylsolfone, polypropylene, and polyethylene.

8. The end piece according to claim 1, wherein the second wall includes a lower edge structured to abut an upper edge of another second wall of another end piece, whereby a plurality of trays having end pieces secured to opposing edges may be stacked with the end pieces supporting each tray within the stack.

9. An end piece for a tray, the tray having a bottom and a side wall surrounding the bottom, the side wall having an edge with a handle extending from the edge, the end piece comprising: a face defining a pair of ends; anda wing extending from each end, each wing having a generally J-shaped profile when viewed from a top, the wings being structured to wrap at least partially around the handle to removably secure the end piece to the tray edge.

10. The end piece according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the face and the pair of wings includes a hook extending towards the other of the face or the pair of wings, the hook being structured to engage a lip defined on the edge of the tray.

11. The end piece according to claim 9, wherein the end piece is made from a material that is capable of withstanding temperatures as high as about 200° F.

12. The end piece according to claim 11, wherein the end piece is made from a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, ABS, polyurethane, polysolfone, polyphenylsolfone, polypropylene, and polyethylene.

13. The end piece according to claim 9, wherein the wings include a lower edge structured to abut an upper edge of another pair of wings of another end piece, whereby a plurality of trays having end pieces secured to opposing edges may be stacked with the end pieces supporting each tray within the stack.

14. A method of identifying trays used for different contents, the method comprising: providing an end piece having a color selected to correspond to a content of a tray;removably securing the end piece to an edge of the tray; andplacing the tray in a storage location or a processing location with the edge having the end piece visible.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the processing location is a cooking location.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the end piece is made from a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, ABS, polyurethane, polysolfone, polyphenylsolfone, polypropylene, and polyethylene.