Stackable storage device
The present invention broadly comprises a stackable storage tray that includes a bottom having an upper surface and a lower surface and an edge extending around the perimeter of the bottom. The tray also possesses a hollow stacking post functionally attached to the bottom in a position that is offset from the center of the bottom as well as a receiving hole defined by the lower surface and extending into the hollow stacking post. The tray may be stacked to form a stacked storage device in which individual trays are rotatable by inserting the hollow stacking post of a lower stacked tray into a receiving hole of an upper tray. In preferred embodiments, the stacking post and receiving hole are tapered.
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The present invention relates generally to storage devices, particularly to stackable storage devices, and more particularly to stackable storage devices for loose items.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONFinding ways to store small items is a common and persistent problem in many settings found in every day life to include work environments, kitchens, and bathrooms. Although many types of storage devices are available, they often do not have one or more features that are often desirable or even necessary in order to achieve efficient storage of small items.
Ideally, storage devices should eliminate the clutter that is often present when quantities of different small items are stored together. In addition, because small items are often stored where there is only a small amount of available space, such as desks, kitchens, bathrooms, and work shops, storage devices should preferably occupy a minimum amount of space by making use of vertical space rather than horizontal space. Additionally, it is desired that the stored items be easily accessible, especially if they are accessed frequently. Moreover, most storage devices for loose items lack flexibility that would allow the user to adapt them to specific surroundings.
Therefore, there is a need in the field for a storage device for small items that occupies a minimum of volume of space, eliminates clutter, provides for easy access to the stored pieces, and is adaptable to individual user storage situations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention broadly comprises a stackable storage tray that includes a bottom having an upper surface and a lower surface and an edge extending around the perimeter of the bottom. The tray also possesses a center point on the bottom, a hollow stacking post functionally attached to the bottom in a position offset from the center, and a receiving hole defined by the lower surface and extending into the hollow stacking post.
The present invention also broadly comprises a stacked storage device comprising a plurality of trays, each of the trays comprising a bottom with the bottom possessing an upper surface and a lower surface with an edge extending around the perimeter of the flat bottom. Each of the plurality of trays also includes a center point on the bottom, a hollow stacking post functionally attached to the bottom in a position offset from the center, and a receiving hole defined by the lower surface and extending into the hollow stacking post. The trays are held in a stacked position by inserting the hollow stacking post of a lower tray in the stack into a receiving hole of an upper tray.
In one embodiment, the edge in the storage tray is formed into a lip. In an alternate embodiment, the edge is formed into a wall.
In a preferred embodiment, the stacking post of a lower tray and the receiving hole of an upper tray are each tapered to allow for easy insertion of the stacking post of the lower tray into the receiving hole of the upper storage tray to form a stable stack.
One object of the invention is to allow for easy access to the individual items stored on each tray.
A second object of the invention is to provide a storage device that occupies a small volume of space in relation to its overall storage capacity.
A third object of the invention is to supply a storage device that possesses a flexible structure adaptable to different storage requirements and environments.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a device in which different types of items can be stored separately.
The nature and mode of the operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing Figures, in which:
At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention.
While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The present invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Adverting to the drawings,
Trays 21 and 31 are also seen in
It will be readily understood that each tray is rotated about the area of contact between the lower stacking post and the inner walls of the stacking post of the upper tray. In a preferred embodiment, the walls of each stacking post taper at substantially the same angle to allow for the lower stacking post to be inserted far enough into the upper inner volume to give sufficient stability to the connection between two separate trays. For example, as seen in
Stacking posts may be formed as an integral component of a tray. Alternatively, hollow stacking posts may be fixedly attached to the bottom of a tray over a receiving hole using suitable adhesives. In addition, hollow stacking posts may be threadably attached to the bottom of a tray by threading into a receiving hole to form a continuous cavity.
Preferably, trays 11, 21, and 31 are fabricated from plastics that provide a smooth surface to enable easy rotation. Suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene (PET), acrylics, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and melamine. Aside from forming a smooth surface, various plastics may be used to create different appearances that can be coordinated with various decors and color schemes. For example, PET and acrylics may be clear, PVC and PP may be translucent, and melamine may be opaque. Methods of producing the components of storage device 10 are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which changes would not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.
Claims
1. A stackable storage tray comprising:
- a bottom, said bottom including an upper surface and a lower surface;
- an edge extending around the perimeter of said bottom;
- a center point on the bottom;
- a hollow stacking post functionally attached to said bottom in a position offset from said center point; and,
- a receiving hole defined by said lower surface and extending into said hollow stacking post.
2. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow stacking post is tapered.
3. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said receiving hole is tapered.
4. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow stacking post is integral with said bottom.
5. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow stacking post is threadably attached to said bottom.
6. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said hollow stacking post is fixedly attached to said bottom over said receiving hole to form a continuous cavity.
7. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said edge is formed into a lip.
8. The stackable tray as recited in claim 1 wherein said edge is formed into a wall.
9. A stacked storage device comprising a plurality of trays, each of said trays comprising:
- a bottom, said bottom including an upper surface and a lower surface;
- an edge extending around the perimeter of said bottom;
- a center point on the bottom;
- a hollow stacking post offset from said center point; and,
- a receiving hole defined by said lower surface and extending into said hollow stacking post;
- wherein said trays are rotatably supported in a stacked position by inserting said hollow stacking post of a lower stacked tray into a receiving hole of an upper stacked tray.
10. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein at least one of said hollow stacking posts is tapered.
11. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein at least one of said receiving holes is tapered.
12. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said hollow stacking posts is integral with said bottom.
13. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said hollow stacking posts is threadably attached to said bottom.
14. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said hollow stacking posts is attached to said bottom over said receiving hole to form a continuous cavity.
15. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein at least one of said edges is formed into a lip.
16. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein at least one of said edges is formed into a wall.
17. The stacked storage device as recited in claim 9 wherein said receiving hole of at least one of said upper trays rotates around said stacking post of said lower tray.
International Classification: B65D 21/032 (20060101); B65D 1/34 (20060101);