Packaging system utilizing a plastic tray
AssigneeW. K. Kellogg Institute
InventorRichard A. Lapinski
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Abstract
The present invention comprises a container assembly having a plurality of layers of containers. Each container includes a first tray and a second tray, which function as a bottom and a top respectively and which are shaped identically. The container further includes a shroud located between the first and second tray and a plurality of dividers located within the shroud. A plurality of containers are stacked on each other, and when so stacked the second tray of a first container functions as the first tray of a second container placed on top of the first container.
Claims17
A container assembly which utilizes interchangeable trays for shipping goods, said assembly comprising:
- a plurality of containers including a first container and a second container;
- said first container including a first tray, a second tray and a first shroud, said first shroud located between said first tray and said second tray;
- said second container including a second shroud and a third tray, said second container stacked on top of said first container and said second shroud located between said third tray and said second tray;
- and
- each of said trays having an identical shape and including first and second opposing surfaces having first and second locating features respectively for retaining said shrouds, said first locating feature comprising a raised peripheral rim extending from said first surface and an outer wall mounted on said raised peripheral rim, with said shroud disposed within said outer wall and adjacent to said outer wall, said outer wall further including a plurality of inwardly projecting ribs in abutting relationship to said shroud for retaining said shroud, said ribs having a ramped portion for guiding said shroud within said outer wall, said first shroud retained by said first locating feature of said first tray and said second locating feature of said second tray, said second shroud retained by said first locating feature of said second tray and either of said first and said second locating feature of said third tray.
A plastic tray for a packaging system utilizing shrouds and dividers, said tray comprising:
- first and second opposing surfaces;
- a raised peripheral rim extending from said first surface and an outer wall mounted on said raised peripheral rim and adapted to retain one of the shrouds, said outer wall including a plurality of inwardly projecting ribs having a ramped portion adapted to guide the one of the shrouds within said outer wall;
- a plurality of downwardly projecting tabs depending from said outer wall with a plurality of notches formed between said tabs and said raised peripheral rim adapted to retain another of the shrouds;
- and
- at least one pair of retaining members on said first surface forming a slot adapted to retain at least a portion of the dividers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.