Two-part handle system for horticultural tray
AssigneesAllen Field Company, Inc., Texpak, Inc.
InventorsAndrew Franzone, JR., John Sperling
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The handle end portions are attached to the tray by separate connectors. The tray has spaced openings to receive the connectors. Each connector has an anchor-shaped section which is received in a tray opening and a section which engages a handle end portion. The anchor-shaped section has arms which flex to permit the connector to be received in the tray opening and thereafter return to their extended position to cooperate with the tray to securely attach the connector to the tray and prevent free rotation of the connector. The handle engaging section includes a hook-shaped member which is received an opening in the handle end portion.
Claims31
A horticultural tray and a handle system for the horticultural tray, said tray having a plurality of cells adapted to receive plants and a surface having an opening;
- said handle system comprising a flexible handle having an end portion and a separate connector adapted to attach said handle end portion to said tray, said connector comprising a section adapted to be received in and engage said tray surface opening and a section adapted to engage said handle end portion.
A handle for a horticultural tray of the type having a plurality of cells adapted to receive plants, said handle comprising a thin plastic flexible body having an end portion with an edge, said end portion having an opening spaced from said edge.
A connector for use in mounting a handle to a horticultural tray of the type having a plurality of cells adapted to receive plants, said connector comprising a section adapted to engage the handle and a section adapted to engage the tray comprising an anchor-shaped member.
(canceled)
A method of attaching a handle to a horticultural tray using a connector, the tray having a plurality of cells adapted to receive plants and an opening, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) inserting the connector into the opening in the tray;
- (b) inserting plants into the tray cells;
- and (c) engaging the end portion of the handle and the connector.
A method of attaching a handle to a horticultural tray using a connector, the handle having an end portion with an opening spaced from the edge thereof, the tray being of the type having a plurality of cells adapted to receive plants, wherein the connector has a handle engaging section including a hook-shaped member and a section adapted to engage the tray, the method includes the steps of:
- (a) mounting the connector to the tray with the hook-shaped member exposed;
- (b) placing the handle end portion over the hook-shaped member such that the hook-shaped member extends through the opening in the handle end portion;
- and (c) moving the handle away from the tray such that the handle end portion is engaged by the hook-like member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.