US20060284521A1 - Tray and drawer system - Google Patents
Tray and drawer system Download PDFInfo
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- US20060284521A1 US20060284521A1 US11/261,193 US26119305A US2006284521A1 US 20060284521 A1 US20060284521 A1 US 20060284521A1 US 26119305 A US26119305 A US 26119305A US 2006284521 A1 US2006284521 A1 US 2006284521A1
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- tray
- drawer
- bottom panel
- side walls
- storage device
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42F—SHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
- B42F7/00—Filing appliances without fastening means
- B42F7/10—Trays
- B42F7/12—Stacked trays
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- Stackable Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A storage device is described herein having a tray, a drawer and a lid. The tray includes a bottom panel, and a tray rear wall extending upwardly near a back edge of the tray bottom panel. Additionally, the tray has a pair of opposed tray side walls, each extending generally upwardly relative to a respective side edges of the tray bottom panel. A pair of lateral extensions, each formed near the forward edge of the tray bottom panel extend outwardly beyond the side edges of the tray bottom panel are included on the tray bottom panel. The drawer includes a bottom panel with two opposed drawer side walls attached to respective side edges of the drawer bottom panel, a drawer rear wall attached to a rear edge of the drawer bottom panel and disposed between the drawer side walls, and a drawer front faceplate removably attached to the drawer side walls and generally opposed to the drawer rear wall. The lid includes a panel and a raised inverted gutter extending outward from the front edge, the rear edge and the side edges of the panel forming an inverted channel adapted to receive the upper edges of the tray side walls and an upper edge of the tray rear wall.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. design patent application no. 29/232,344, filed on Jun. 17, 2005, the entire specification of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present disclosure is generally directed to storage devices, and more particularly to nestable tray and drawer systems.
- 2. Related Technology
- Organization and storage trays are known in the art. These storage trays are intended either for stand alone use or for being vertically stacked with identical storage trays for multi-level use. However, such trays are often shipped and displayed in individual form or in the in-use stacked condition. Consequently, these known storage trays take up relatively large amounts of retail shelf space and also a significant amount of space during shipment.
- The consumption of relatively large amounts of retail shelf space by plastic storage trays is problematic, as retail shelf space is extremely valuable and manufacturers compete vigorously for adequate shelf space to display their products. Any inefficient use of retail shelf space can lead to a manufacturer's products not being adequately displayed, as well as a reduction in the number of different products a manufacturer may be allowed to display in a given retail store. Further, because molded plastic document trays are relatively inexpensive items, efficient use of shelf space to display these items can lead to greater profit for the retailer.
- Further, because the profit margin for these items can be relatively small, a means for packaging these items in a compact manner is important for reducing shipment and handling costs.
- Typical storage trays are not nestable with more than one identical tray. To stack a pair of trays, one tray must be inverted and rotated 180 degrees relative to another. The two trays can then be nested on top of one another, but no other trays can be nested with the two.
- Often, it is desirable to sell such storage trays in groups of more than two to provide more than two levels of storage for use by more than one person. One solution to the problems discussed above is addressed by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/098,060, filed on Apr. 4, 2005, and assigned to the Rubbermaid Corporation, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. Although the previously identified patent application addresses many of the problems discussed above, storage is generally limited to documents, files and the like.
- Storage of other objects, especially round or cylindrical objects is problematic because these types of objects simply roll off the front end of the storage tray. Additionally, at least the top tray in a stack does not protect documents or other items stored therein. Still further, the contents of such documents are not concealed in any way, which may present problems for sensitive information, such as personnel files, personal medical or financial information, or research and development projects.
- A document storage device is described herein having a tray, a drawer and a lid. The tray includes a panel having a rear edge, a forward edge, a pair of opposed side edges, and a tray rear wall extending upwardly near a back edge of a tray bottom panel. Additionally, the tray has a pair of opposed tray side walls, each extending generally upwardly relative to a respective one of two side edges of the tray bottom panel. A storage space defined above the tray bottom panel, forward of the tray rear wall, and between the tray side walls. A pair of lateral extensions, each formed near a forward edge of the tray bottom panel extend outwardly beyond the side edges of the tray bottom panel. The drawer includes a bottom panel with two opposed drawer side walls attached to respective side edges of the drawer bottom panel, a drawer rear wall attached to a rear edge of the drawer bottom panel and disposed between the drawer side walls, and a drawer front faceplate removably attached to the drawer side walls and generally opposed to the drawer rear wall. The drawer front wall extends outward beyond the drawer side walls at least as far as the lateral extensions of the tray extend beyond the tray side walls. The lid includes a generally flat portion having a front edge, a back edge, two opposed side edges and a raised inverted gutter portion extending outward from the front edge, the rear edge and the side edges forming an inverted channel adapted to receive the upper edges of the tray side walls and an upper edge of the tray rear wall.
- Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
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FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one example of a tray and drawer system constructed according to the teachings of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the tray element of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the tray element of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the tray element of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the tray element of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the tray element of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a plurality of tray elements of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 in a nested configuration; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the drawer of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the drawer of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 with a front faceplate removed; -
FIG. 10A is a side elevational view of the drawer of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 and partially cut-away in the upper left corner portion of the drawer; -
FIG. 10B is a cut-away side view of a portion of the side wall of the drawer of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 10A , near the top and front edge thereof; -
FIG. 11A is a front cut-away view of the drawer of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 11B is a close up front cut away view of the drawer guides of the drawer ofFIG. 11A ; -
FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of the front faceplate of the drawer of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12B is a rear perspective view of the front faceplate of the drawer of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12C is a top plan view of the front faceplate of the drawer of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12D is a close up cut-away side view of the handle region of the front faceplate of the drawer of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 12E a cross-sectional view of the upper front corner of the drawer ofFIG. 10B with the drawer front faceplate attached thereto; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the lid element of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 stacked with a document storage tray; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 stacked with a second like tray and drawer system and a document storage tray; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 stacked with a like tray and drawer system; and -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the tray and drawer system ofFIG. 1 stacked with two like tray and drawer systems and a document storage tray. - A storage tray and drawer system, hereinafter described as a storage system, for storing papers, files, documents, pencils, pens, erasers, other small objects and the like is shown and described. The storage system includes a tray, a drawer and a lid. The storage system may be stacked with like storage systems during use to provide multiple storage levels. Alternatively, each of the disclosed trays and drawers can nest with other like trays and drawers in an alternative stacked and nested configuration to reduce the amount of retail display shelf space and shipping space that is required of a large number of the storage systems. Further, the storage systems may be stacked in a cascaded or staggered orientation so that the forward edge of the tray of a first storage system is horizontally offset from the forward edge of a tray of a second storage system disposed above or below the first storage system.
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FIG. 1 shows astorage system 10 constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure in this example, thestorage system 10 has a depth that is greater than its width. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the disclosedstorage system 10 can be alternatively configured to be greater in width than in depth, or of equal width and depth. The storage system includes three major components, namely atray 12, adrawer 14 and alid 16. Thedrawer 14 is generally received within a storage space of thetray 12 and thelid 16 generally cooperates with a top portion of thetray 12 to protect and secure items stored within thedrawer 14. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of thetray 12. Thetray 12 includes a generally horizontally orientedtray base panel 20 and a trayback wall 22, having a bottom edge 24 that is coupled to and extends generally upward from aback edge 26 of thebase panel 20. Thetray 12 also has a pair of spaced apart andopposed side walls 28 withbottom edges 32 that are coupled to respective side edges 34 of thebase panel 20. Theside walls 28 extend generally forward from respective side edges orcorners 36 formed at the junction between theback wall 22 and theside walls 28 and extend generally upward from the side edges 34 of thebase panel 20. - In this example, a storage receptacle or:
space 40 is defined by the space above thebase panel 20, forward of theback wall 22, and between theside walls 28. Afront opening 42 is formed between the exposed front ends 36 of theside walls 28 and above aforward edge 46 of thebase panel 20. Thefront opening 42 permits forward insertion and removal of thedrawer 14 in thestorage space 40. Additionally, arim 48 extends laterally outward near thetop edge 50 of theback wall 22 andtop edges 52 of theside walls 28 forming a continuous lip. Therim 48 adds strength and rigidity to the tray structure and can provide additional functions and features as described below. - The
forward edge 46 of thebase panel 20 extends forward beyond the front ends 44 of theside walls 28 forminglateral extensions 54. Thelateral extensions 54 also extend laterally outward beyond the side edges 34 of thebase panel 20 and slightly beyond theexterior perimeter edge 56 of therim 54. Structural support for thelateral extensions 54 is provided by a corresponding pair of laterally extending and vertically oriented buttresses 60 that project outward from the front ends 44 of theside walls 28 and upward from thelateral extensions 54. Additionally, alip 62 protrudes downwardly from thefront edge 46 of thebase panel 20. Further, the downwardly protrudinglip 62 includes a pair ofnotches 64. - In the disclosed example, the
side walls 28 diverge slightly away from one another in two dimensions. First, theside walls 28 diverge from one another from back to front, or from near theback wall 22 to near thefront edge 46 of thebase panel 20. Thus, thestorage space 40 becomes wider towards thefront edge 46 of thebase panel 20. Additionally, thestorage space 40 is wider near the tops of theside walls 28 than near the bottoms of theside walls 28. - Each side of the
rim 48 has a pair of receptacles ornotches upper surface 72 thereof near the respective front edges 44 of theside walls 28. Each pair ofnotches upper surface 72 of therim 48 includes afront notch 66 and arear notch 68 recessed downwardly into theupper surface 72 of therim 48. Thenotches tray 12. Furthermore, eachnotch notch 64 in the downwardly protrudinglip 62 when like trays are stacked for use. Thenotches lip 62 when the trays are stacked for use. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a bottom perspective view and a top plan view of thetray 12 ofFIG. 2 . As shown in bothFIGS. 3 and 4 , thebase panel 20 is generally flat, though it need not be perfectly flat or planar. In the present example, thebase panel 20 includes a cut-outportion 76 which reduces the weight and material cost of thetray 12. The cut-outportion 76 may be omitted in favor of asolid base panel 22 or a smaller cut-outportion 76. Regardless, thebase panel 20 also may include an optional scallopedfront edge 80. Thisscalloped edge 80, which is generally concave with respect to thefront edge 46 of thebase panel 20, adds rigidity and strength to thebase panel 20. Of course, thescalloped edge 80 may be convex with respect to thefront edge 46 of thebase panel 20 or be omitted altogether. Additionally, thescalloped edge 80 may be raised or recessed vertically and may vary in width. - The
base panel 20 may optionally be provided with ribs or other structures (not shown), formations or the like on both or either of its upper or lower surface. Such ribs or other formations may add structural rigidity and strength to the otherwiseflat base panel 20. The ribs or other formations, when disposed on the upper surface of thebase panel 20, may assist in elevating thedrawer 14 above thebase panel 20. These features may be included to create a gap between thebase panel 20 and thedrawer 14 so that the drawer may be easily grasped and pulled from thestorage space 40. - The
back wall 22 of this example includes an optional window oropening 82. Theside walls 28 are also shown to include optional openings orwindows 84. Though each wall of thetray 12 is shown having awindow windows window windows - In the disclosed examples, each of the
windows respective wall top edges 52 of the side walls andtop edge 50 of the back wall. However, thewindow 82 extends completely to theback edge 26 of thebase panel 20 and thewindows 84 extend to the side edges 34 of thebase panel 20. If desired, eachwindow base panel 20 to create a scallop or inwardly recessed edge. The one ormore windows windows tray 12, to provide a view into thestorage receptacle 40, to provide a handhold for carrying the tray, and/or to reduce the cost per unit based on material reduction. Furthermore, as will be further discussed hereinafter, thebase panel 20 may includeenlarged corners 86 for receiving drawer feet during assembly of thestorage system 10. -
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of thetray 12 ofFIG. 2 . The upward divergence of theside walls 28 is clearly seen in this view. Thebase panel 20 includes an optional scoopedportion 90 proximate the front edge thereof. This optional scoopedportion 90 may strengthen and provide additional rigidity to thebase panel 20. Thebuttresses 60 extend generally outward from the front ends 44 of theside walls 28 and generally upward from thebase panel 20 to provide additional support for theside walls 28 and thelateral extensions 54. -
FIG. 6 is a side plan view of thetray 12 ofFIG. 2 . Theback wall 22 leans slightly forward toward theforward edge 46 of thebase panel 20. However, theback wall 22 can alternatively lean rearward, away from theforward edge 46 of thebase panel 20, or not lean either forward or rearward. The forward lean of theback wall 22 forms an acute angle with the base panel that is preferably in the range from about 83 degrees to about 89 degrees, but the angle may vary. The front ends 44 of theside walls 28 may similarly lean slightly forwardly at the same angle as theback wall 22, as in this example, also relative theforward edge 46 of thebase panel 20. - Rear receptacles 92 are provided in the
upper surface 72 of therim 48. Alternatively, a singlerear receptacle 92 may be used. Therear receptacles 92 are through-openings in therim 48. Thebase panel 20 includesrear legs 94 extending from the bottom surface of thebase panel 20 proximate therear wall 22. Therear legs 94 are positioned, sized and shaped to be received in therear receptacles 92 when a plurality oftrays 12 are stacked together. Alternatively, therear legs 94 may rest on a top surface of thebase panel 20 of a like tray thereby preventing the trays from becoming frictionally locked in astack 96 oftrays 12 as shown inFIG. 7 . Thetrays 12 are stacked and nested relative to one another to produce the compact,stable stack 96 oftrays 12 for shipping, storage or display. Theside walls 28 andback wall 22 of afirst tray 12 a are received and nested within thestorage area 40 of a secondlower tray 12 b. Thebuttresses 60 of thefirst tray 12 a are positioned forward offset upward, and adjacent thebuttresses 60 of the secondlower tray 12 b and theforward extensions 54 of thebase panel 20 of thefirst tray 12 a rest neatly on theforward extension 54 of the secondlower tray 12 b. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of thedrawer 14. The drawer includes adrawer base panel 100, a drawerrear wall 102 extending upward from thebase panel 100 at a rear edge thereof, twodrawer side walls 104 spaced apart from one another and extending generally upward fromside edges 106 of thedrawer base panel 100, and afront faceplate 110 removably attached to thedrawer side walls 104 and generally spanning between the front edges of thedrawer side walls 104 and extending outward beyond the side edges of thedrawer side walls 104. In a manner similar to the tray, thedrawer side walls 104 generally diverge away from one another in two dimensions, from front to back and from bottom to top as seen inFIG. 9 . Additionally, the drawerrear wall 102 may angle slightly forward relative to the front edge of thedrawer base panel 100. This configuration allows thedrawer 14 to nest withsimilar drawers 14 when thefront faceplate 110 is removed, similar to nesting thetrays 12. Thedrawer base panel 100 also includes twoguide holes 112 which will be discussed further hereinafter. - Of course, the
front faceplate 110 does not have to be removable and may be fixed to thedrawer side walls 104. In this case, thefront faceplate 110 may angle outwardly, away from the drawerrear wall 102 moving away from thedrawer base panel 100. Alternatively, thefront faceplate 110 may be fixed to thedrawer side walls 104 in an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to thedrawer base panel 100. Regardless, if thefront faceplate 110 is fixed to the drawer side walls 102 (i.e., thefront faceplate 110 is not removable), thedrawer 14 remains nestable withlike drawers 14. -
FIGS. 10A and 10B are side views of thedrawer 14 partially cut away at the upper front edge of thedrawer side wall 104. Adrawer rim 118 includes a downwardly projectingfinger 114 attached to a bottom surface of thedrawer rim 118. Thefinger 114 includes a throughbore 116 generally parallel to thedrawer base panel 100. The throughbore 116 receives a pin extending from a brace on thefront faceplate 110 of thedrawer 14. This interaction will be discussed further hereinafter. The downwardly projectingfinger 114 extends from a bottom surface of thedrawer rim 118, generally perpendicular to a lower surface of thedrawer rim 118 and the drawerbottom panel 100. The throughbore 116 is generally parallel to the lower surface of thedrawer rim 118 and the drawerbottom panel 100. -
FIGS. 11A and 11B show cutaway front views of thedrawer 14. Twofeet 120 extend downward from the bottom surface of thedrawer base panel 100. Thefeet 120 are generally “L” shaped defining aguide area 122 between a bottom portion of thefoot 120 and the bottom surface of thebase panel 100. Theguide area 122 receives a portion of thetray base panel 20 thereby maintaining proper orientation and range of operation for thedrawer 14 when thedrawer 14 is installed in thetray 12. Thefeet 120 extend generally downward from the bottom surface of the drawerbottom panel 100 and terminate in a generallyhorizontal portion 124. The guide-area 122 between thehorizontal portion 124 and the bottom surface of thebottom panel 100 is slightly larger that the thickness of thetray base panel 20. A portion of thetray base panel 20 is partially received within theguide area 122. Thus, thefeet 120 act as drawer guides stabilizing thedrawer 14 within thetray 12 and preventing lateral or vertical movement of thedrawer 14 while allowing thedrawer 14 to freely move toward and away from the trayrear wall 22. - During assembly of the tray and
drawer system 10, thedrawer 14 is inserted into thestorage space 40 of thetray 12. A user may use the twoguide holes 112 to visually locate theenlarged corners 86 of thetray 12 and insert thefeet 120 through theenlarged corners 86 of thetray 12, thereby slidably securing thedrawer 14 to thetray 12. -
FIGS. 12A and B are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of thefront faceplate 110. Thefront faceplate 110 is a generally elongate panel having a recessedportion 126 disposed in one side thereof. The recessedportion 126 has a lip or graspingsurface 130 to enable a user to grasp thefront faceplate 110 of thedrawer 14 and pull it outward, away from therear wall 22 of thetray 12. Additionally, thefront faceplate 110 includes twoextended portions 132, one at either end thereof which generally overly thebuttresses 60 when thedrawer 14 is installed in thetray 12. Eachextended portion 132 has a slottedrib 134 projecting inwardly from arear side 136 of thefront faceplate 110. The slottedrib 134 additionally includes a post orprojection 140 extending from a rear side thereof. The slottedrib 134 cooperates with theside wall 104 of thedrawer 14 in a snap-fit type arrangement to secure thefront faceplate 110 on thedrawer 14. -
FIG. 12C is a top view of thefront faceplate 110. The slottedrib 134 receives a portion of thedrawer rim 118 within ashoulder region 142 of the slottedrib 134. Thepost 140 extends outward away from the slottedrib 134 sufficiently to engage the bore 73 of the downward projectingfinger 114 when mounting thefront faceplate 110 to thedrawer side walls 104. -
FIG. 12D is a cross-section of thefront faceplate 110 taken along line 14D-14D ofFIG. 14C . Thefront faceplate 110 includes a convex recessed portion 144 and agrasping lip 146; The recessed portion 144 is large enough to allow a user to insert his/her fingers into the recessed portion 144 and behind the graspinglip 146, thereby giving the user a surface by which thedrawer 14 may be pulled outward from thetray 12 exposing the storage space within the drawer. -
FIG. 12E is a cross-sectional view of the upper front corner of the drawer 14 (as shown inFIG. 12 ), when thedrawer front faceplate 110 is mounted to thedrawer side walls 104. Thedrawer front faceplate 110 extends slightly above the top of thedrawer rim 118. However, thefront faceplate 110 may be flush with or lower than the top of thedrawer rim 118 if desired. The slottedrib 134 is generally parallel to and spaced apart from the rear side of thefront faceplate 110. Thepost 140 extends partially through thebore 116 in a snap-fit configuration, thus removably locking thefront faceplate 110 to thedrawer side walls 104. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of thelid 16. Thelid 16 includes a generallyflat panel 146 and aninverted gutter 148 that extends around the sides and rear of the lid. Thisgutter 148 receives the top edges of thetray 12 thereby enclosing thestorage area 40 when thelid 16 is mounted on thetray 12. Furthermore, thegutter 148 may include one ormore openings 152 therein that receiverear legs 94 of the tray whentrays 12 are stacked on thelid 16. Still further, thegutter 148 includes one ormore slots 154 which receive the downwardly protrudinglip 62 of atray 12 when thetray 12 is stacked on thelid 16. Thus, eachstorage space 40 in a stack oftrays 12 andlids 16 may be individually covered by arespective lid 16. -
FIGS. 14-17 show the tray and drawer system stacked with various combinations of like tray and drawer systems and stand alone trays. - While the disclosed embodiments are generally manufactured from molded plastic, the tray and drawer system can be constructed from virtually any suitable material. For example, the tray and drawer system may be constructed from polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, engineering grade plastic, ABS, TPE, thermoplastics, metal, wood, organic materials, laminates, leather, glass and/or combination thereof.
- The disclosed tray and drawer system improves upon maximizing retail shelf space, accommodates variable shelf space and configurations, and enhances product nesting for shipping, stock storage, and display for sale. Product nesting is accomplished by stacking each tray, drawer and lid vertically upward relative to its preceding tray, drawer and lid. The stacked trays, drawers and lids can be displayed and shipped without damage to the product due to scuffing, scratching, and the like because the products are tightly nested. Additional packing between adjacent trays, drawers and lids can be negated.
- Additionally, freight cube size can be optimized and significantly reduced utilizing the disclosed tray and drawer system. Products shipped in bulk can be directly unloaded from the master carton or shipping box onto a shelf. No additional reorientation of the product is necessary, making the merchandiser's handling of the product easier. The tray and drawer system also assists in retaining the displayed trays, drawers and lids on a retail shelf space. The trays, drawers and lids also look more organized when nested as disclosed herein. This reduces the amount of work required by both customers and merchandisers to maintain the shelf displays in a neat and organized fashion. An organized shelf space may effect the perception of the consumer and influence his or her decision to buy the displayed products.
- Further, because more product can be displayed for sale in a given amount of shelf space, less restocking time and stocking space is necessary for the retailer. Having more product available and on display for sale at any one time reduces the frequency of an item appearing to be out of stock, which can prevent a consumer from leaving the establishment to go elsewhere to find the desired product.
- Although certain tray and drawer systems that are nestable have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of the appended claims is not limited thereto. On the contrary, the claims cover all embodiments of the teachings of this disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.
Claims (24)
1. A storage device comprising:
a tray comprising:
a tray bottom panel having a rear edge, a forward edge, and a pair of opposed side edges;
a tray rear wall extending upwardly from the rear edge of the tray bottom panel;
a pair of opposed tray side walls, each extending upwardly from respective side edges of the tray bottom panel;
a storage space defined above the tray bottom panel, forward of the tray rear wall, and between the tray side walls; and
a pair of lateral extensions each formed near the forward edge of the tray bottom panel extending outwardly beyond the tray side walls;
a drawer comprising:
a drawer bottom panel having two opposed drawer side walls attached to respective side edges of the drawer bottom panel, a drawer rear wall attached to a rear edge of the drawer bottom panel and disposed between the drawer side walls, and a drawer front faceplate disposed at a front of each of the drawer side walls and generally opposed to the drawer rear wall,
wherein the drawer front faceplate extends outward beyond the drawer side walls at least as far as the lateral extensions of the tray extend beyond the tray side walls; and
a lid comprising:
a lid panel having a front edge, a back edge, two opposed side edges; and
a raised inverted gutter extending outward from the front edge, the rear edge and the side edges of the lid panel forming an inverted channel adapted to receive upper edges of the tray side walls and an upper edge of the tray rear wall.
2. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein a window is located on at least one of the tray side walls and the tray rear wall.
3. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the tray rear wall leans slightly creating an acute angle between the tray bottom panel and the tray rear wall.
4. The storage device of claim 3 , wherein the acute angle is in the range of approximately 83° to approximately 89°.
5. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein a rim extends outwardly from top edges of the rear tray wall and the tray side walls.
6. The storage device of claim 5 , further including a receptacle in the rim proximate the front edge of each tray side wall.
7. The storage device of claim 6 , wherein the front edge of the tray bottom panel terminates in a downwardly protruding lip.
8. The storage device of claim 7 , wherein the downwardly protruding lip includes a notch.
9. The storage device of claim 5 , wherein the receptacle includes a ridge sized to engage the notch of a like document storage device when two or more like document storage devices are stacked with one another.
10. The storage device of claim 5 , further including a pair of receptacles on the rim and at least a downwardly depending rib disposed on the tray bottom panel proximate bottom edges of the tray side walls, wherein the a lip cooperates with the receptacles when two or more like document storage devices are stacked with one another.
11. The storage device of claim 5 , further including a rear receptacle disposed on the rim above the tray rear wall and a rear leg extending generally downward from a bottom surface of the tray bottom panel.
12. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the tray bottom panel includes a cut out portion.
13. The storage device of claim 12 , wherein the cut out portion includes an enlarged corner proximate the tray rear wall.
14. The storage device of claim 13 , wherein the drawer bottom panel includes at least one foot extending from a bottom surface thereof.
15. The storage device of claim 14 , wherein the enlarged corner is adapted to receive the at least one foot.
16. The storage device of claim 15 , wherein the at least one leg includes an upper portion and a lower portion extending outwardly from the upper portion toward the drawer side wall generally forming an “L” shape.
17. The document storage device of claim 16 , wherein the lower leg portion and the bottom surface of the drawer bottom panel define a guide area.
18. The storage device of claim 17 , wherein a portion of the tray bottom panel is partially received within the guide area, and wherein the guide area restricts lateral and vertical movement of the drawer relative to the tray while allowing the drawer to freely move parallel to the bottom tray panel and towards and away from the tray rear wall.
19. The storage device of claim 1 , wherein the drawer front faceplate includes a slotted rib and a post and wherein each of the drawer side walls includes a finger having a through-bore that receives the post in a snap-fit arrangement.
20. The storage device of claim 19 , wherein the projection extends downward from the continuous lip and includes a bore sized to receive the post.
21. The document storage device of claim 1 , wherein the drawer side walls diverge away from one another from proximate the drawer base panel to proximate top edges, of the drawer side walls.
22. The document storage device of claim 1 , wherein the faceplate is removably attached to the front of each of the drawer sidewalls.
23. A stackable storage system comprising:
a plurality of tray members, each including
a tray bottom panel having a rear edge, a forward edge, and a pair of opposed side edges;
a tray rear wall extending upwardly from the rear edge of the tray bottom panel; and
a pair of opposed tray side walls extending upward from respective side edges of the tray bottom panel;
a plurality of lid panels, each adapted to be received on an upper edge of each of the tray side walls and of the tray rear wall of one of the plurality of tray members; and
a plurality of drawers, each adapted to be received in a storage space defined between one of the plurality of tray members and one of the plurality of lid panels,
each of the plurality of tray members being nestable with another such that the tray bottom panel of one of the tray members is in close proximity to the tray bottom panel of another of the tray members when stacked in the absence of any intervening drawer members and lid panels.
24. The stackable storage system of claim 23 , wherein one of the plurality of tray members is received on one of the plurality of lid panels received on the upper edge of each of the tray sidewalls and of the tray rear wall of another of the plurality of tray members.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/261,193 US20060284521A1 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2005-10-28 | Tray and drawer system |
PCT/US2006/016431 WO2006137980A1 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2006-04-28 | Tray and drawer system |
TW095117142A TW200716020A (en) | 2005-10-28 | 2006-05-15 | Tray and drawer system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US29/232,344 USD536738S1 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2005-06-17 | Combination document tray and drawer |
US11/261,193 US20060284521A1 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2005-10-28 | Tray and drawer system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US29/232,344 Continuation-In-Part USD536738S1 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2005-06-17 | Combination document tray and drawer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060284521A1 true US20060284521A1 (en) | 2006-12-21 |
Family
ID=36677082
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/261,193 Abandoned US20060284521A1 (en) | 2005-06-17 | 2005-10-28 | Tray and drawer system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060284521A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006137980A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102010009355A1 (en) * | 2010-02-25 | 2011-08-25 | Esselte Leitz GmbH & Co. KG, 70469 | Storage box for office supplies |
US20180192772A1 (en) * | 2017-01-10 | 2018-07-12 | Kazunobu Yamamoto | Storage case |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6568330B1 (en) * | 2018-03-08 | 2019-08-28 | アイリスオーヤマ株式会社 | Storage box |
Citations (42)
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US129688A (en) * | 1872-07-23 | Improvement in spool-thread cases | ||
US460252A (en) * | 1891-09-29 | File-rack | ||
US856113A (en) * | 1905-01-12 | 1907-06-04 | Fred W Tobey | Filing-cabinet. |
US856118A (en) * | 1903-06-01 | 1907-06-04 | John W Wallace | Game apparatus. |
US1252816A (en) * | 1913-11-24 | 1918-01-08 | Baker Vawter Company | Metal filing-case. |
US1308647A (en) * | 1919-07-01 | Everett stuck | ||
US2004900A (en) * | 1932-10-14 | 1935-06-11 | Towle Mfg Company | Pattern selection cabinet |
US2462789A (en) * | 1944-11-27 | 1949-02-22 | Brown & Bigelow | Two-piece plastic loose-leaf memorandum sheet holder |
US2590732A (en) * | 1949-08-30 | 1952-03-25 | Frank M Simancik | Book tray |
US2684766A (en) * | 1950-12-29 | 1954-07-27 | American Can Co | Stackable trays and holder for same |
US2988412A (en) * | 1959-02-09 | 1961-06-13 | Vue Chest Inc | Stackable display case |
US2988411A (en) * | 1960-02-01 | 1961-06-13 | Vuechest Inc | Display container |
US3028207A (en) * | 1960-05-24 | 1962-04-03 | Stuart M Lerner Inc | Drawer and frame |
US3032381A (en) * | 1960-08-31 | 1962-05-01 | Boro Jerry | Plastic utility drawer |
US3047157A (en) * | 1960-12-01 | 1962-07-31 | Art Steel Company Inc | Stackable desk trays |
US3100582A (en) * | 1960-01-04 | 1963-08-13 | Warren H Lockwood | Tierable and nestable receptacle |
US3342346A (en) * | 1965-09-08 | 1967-09-19 | Shell Oil Co | Stacking and nesting tray |
US3478892A (en) * | 1968-02-06 | 1969-11-18 | Warren H Lockwood | Nesting and stacking utility bin |
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US3758181A (en) * | 1970-11-16 | 1973-09-11 | I Bolyos | Pedestal system for tables, bookshelves, shop furnishings and the like |
US3934724A (en) * | 1974-01-17 | 1976-01-27 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Nest and stack container |
US4102453A (en) * | 1976-06-28 | 1978-07-25 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Nesting and stacking container |
US4189052A (en) * | 1978-04-03 | 1980-02-19 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Stack and nest container |
US4238032A (en) * | 1979-07-30 | 1980-12-09 | G. B. Lewis Co. | Three-position stacking tray |
US4285164A (en) * | 1979-07-30 | 1981-08-25 | A. E. Mckenzie Co. Ltd. | Self-watering planter |
US4320837A (en) * | 1978-09-22 | 1982-03-23 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Nesting and stacking container |
US4473155A (en) * | 1982-09-29 | 1984-09-25 | Frem Corporation | Stacking and nesting bin |
USD289061S (en) * | 1984-10-16 | 1987-03-31 | W. T. Rogers Company | Letter tray drawer |
US4759451A (en) * | 1986-06-25 | 1988-07-26 | Rehrig-Pacific Company, Inc. | Multi-level-stacking/nesting tray |
US5147120A (en) * | 1990-08-20 | 1992-09-15 | Ray Frank J | Stackable bureau and rack furniture |
US5246105A (en) * | 1990-09-04 | 1993-09-21 | Heraeus Kulzer Gmbh | Modular container for dental photocuring materials |
USD368116S (en) * | 1995-07-12 | 1996-03-19 | Rubbermaid Office Products Inc. | Letter tray |
US5816674A (en) * | 1996-10-16 | 1998-10-06 | Holiday Housewares, Inc. | Stackable container assembly |
US5839806A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 1998-11-24 | Liu; Ching-Rong | Support and drawer structure of drawer type storage shelf |
US5913580A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 1999-06-22 | Liu; Ching-Rong | Structure of drawer type storage bin |
USD431934S (en) * | 1999-10-26 | 2000-10-17 | Gould Plastics, Inc. | Organizer |
US6264026B1 (en) * | 1997-04-15 | 2001-07-24 | Vincent H. Bradley | Food, beverage and utility tray |
USD454914S1 (en) * | 2000-09-18 | 2002-03-26 | Berol Corporation | Desktop file holder side element |
USD458780S1 (en) * | 2001-06-19 | 2002-06-18 | The Brewer Company, Llc | Drawer front face |
US20020105252A1 (en) * | 2001-02-02 | 2002-08-08 | Geographics, Inc. | Storage unit with improved drawer side rails and detachable face |
US20040129595A1 (en) * | 2002-10-15 | 2004-07-08 | Dane Gary T. | Orthopaedic instrument sterilization case |
US20050236348A1 (en) * | 2004-04-02 | 2005-10-27 | Killinger Timothy D | Nestable and stackable document storage trays |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH10120A (en) * | 1996-06-17 | 1998-01-06 | Magara Seisakusho:Kk | Multistage housing case |
-
2005
- 2005-10-28 US US11/261,193 patent/US20060284521A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-04-28 WO PCT/US2006/016431 patent/WO2006137980A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US129688A (en) * | 1872-07-23 | Improvement in spool-thread cases | ||
US460252A (en) * | 1891-09-29 | File-rack | ||
US1308647A (en) * | 1919-07-01 | Everett stuck | ||
US856118A (en) * | 1903-06-01 | 1907-06-04 | John W Wallace | Game apparatus. |
US856113A (en) * | 1905-01-12 | 1907-06-04 | Fred W Tobey | Filing-cabinet. |
US1252816A (en) * | 1913-11-24 | 1918-01-08 | Baker Vawter Company | Metal filing-case. |
US2004900A (en) * | 1932-10-14 | 1935-06-11 | Towle Mfg Company | Pattern selection cabinet |
US2462789A (en) * | 1944-11-27 | 1949-02-22 | Brown & Bigelow | Two-piece plastic loose-leaf memorandum sheet holder |
US2590732A (en) * | 1949-08-30 | 1952-03-25 | Frank M Simancik | Book tray |
US2684766A (en) * | 1950-12-29 | 1954-07-27 | American Can Co | Stackable trays and holder for same |
US2988412A (en) * | 1959-02-09 | 1961-06-13 | Vue Chest Inc | Stackable display case |
US3100582A (en) * | 1960-01-04 | 1963-08-13 | Warren H Lockwood | Tierable and nestable receptacle |
US2988411A (en) * | 1960-02-01 | 1961-06-13 | Vuechest Inc | Display container |
US3028207A (en) * | 1960-05-24 | 1962-04-03 | Stuart M Lerner Inc | Drawer and frame |
US3032381A (en) * | 1960-08-31 | 1962-05-01 | Boro Jerry | Plastic utility drawer |
US3047157A (en) * | 1960-12-01 | 1962-07-31 | Art Steel Company Inc | Stackable desk trays |
US3342346A (en) * | 1965-09-08 | 1967-09-19 | Shell Oil Co | Stacking and nesting tray |
US3529878A (en) * | 1967-12-01 | 1970-09-22 | Kerridge Joinery Ltd | Case for storing articles |
US3478892A (en) * | 1968-02-06 | 1969-11-18 | Warren H Lockwood | Nesting and stacking utility bin |
US3758181A (en) * | 1970-11-16 | 1973-09-11 | I Bolyos | Pedestal system for tables, bookshelves, shop furnishings and the like |
US3934724A (en) * | 1974-01-17 | 1976-01-27 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Nest and stack container |
US4102453A (en) * | 1976-06-28 | 1978-07-25 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Nesting and stacking container |
US4189052A (en) * | 1978-04-03 | 1980-02-19 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Stack and nest container |
US4320837A (en) * | 1978-09-22 | 1982-03-23 | Phillips Petroleum Company | Nesting and stacking container |
US4238032A (en) * | 1979-07-30 | 1980-12-09 | G. B. Lewis Co. | Three-position stacking tray |
US4285164A (en) * | 1979-07-30 | 1981-08-25 | A. E. Mckenzie Co. Ltd. | Self-watering planter |
US4473155A (en) * | 1982-09-29 | 1984-09-25 | Frem Corporation | Stacking and nesting bin |
USD289061S (en) * | 1984-10-16 | 1987-03-31 | W. T. Rogers Company | Letter tray drawer |
US4759451A (en) * | 1986-06-25 | 1988-07-26 | Rehrig-Pacific Company, Inc. | Multi-level-stacking/nesting tray |
US5147120A (en) * | 1990-08-20 | 1992-09-15 | Ray Frank J | Stackable bureau and rack furniture |
US5246105A (en) * | 1990-09-04 | 1993-09-21 | Heraeus Kulzer Gmbh | Modular container for dental photocuring materials |
USD368116S (en) * | 1995-07-12 | 1996-03-19 | Rubbermaid Office Products Inc. | Letter tray |
US5816674A (en) * | 1996-10-16 | 1998-10-06 | Holiday Housewares, Inc. | Stackable container assembly |
US6264026B1 (en) * | 1997-04-15 | 2001-07-24 | Vincent H. Bradley | Food, beverage and utility tray |
US5839806A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 1998-11-24 | Liu; Ching-Rong | Support and drawer structure of drawer type storage shelf |
US5913580A (en) * | 1997-05-30 | 1999-06-22 | Liu; Ching-Rong | Structure of drawer type storage bin |
USD431934S (en) * | 1999-10-26 | 2000-10-17 | Gould Plastics, Inc. | Organizer |
USD454914S1 (en) * | 2000-09-18 | 2002-03-26 | Berol Corporation | Desktop file holder side element |
US20020105252A1 (en) * | 2001-02-02 | 2002-08-08 | Geographics, Inc. | Storage unit with improved drawer side rails and detachable face |
USD458780S1 (en) * | 2001-06-19 | 2002-06-18 | The Brewer Company, Llc | Drawer front face |
US20040129595A1 (en) * | 2002-10-15 | 2004-07-08 | Dane Gary T. | Orthopaedic instrument sterilization case |
US20050236348A1 (en) * | 2004-04-02 | 2005-10-27 | Killinger Timothy D | Nestable and stackable document storage trays |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102010009355A1 (en) * | 2010-02-25 | 2011-08-25 | Esselte Leitz GmbH & Co. KG, 70469 | Storage box for office supplies |
US20180192772A1 (en) * | 2017-01-10 | 2018-07-12 | Kazunobu Yamamoto | Storage case |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2006137980A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SANFORD L.P., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LERCH, MATTHEW G.;SMITH, AARON W.;REEL/FRAME:017384/0092 Effective date: 20051215 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |