Stackable Tray With Integral Latch and Boss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tray stacking systems rely on detachable clips, which are easily misplaced and limit the number of trays that can be secured in a stack to four, due to their fixed height and separate nature.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an integral latch molded into the tray, allowing multiple trays to interlock without separate clips, with the latch extending from one tray to engage with the boss of another, enabling secure stacking without the limitations of detachable clips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If detachable clips are used to secure trays in a stack, then the trays can be easily attached and detached, but the clips are easily misplaced and the stacking capacity is limited to four trays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidretention of clips

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch is integrated directly into the tray structure, merging the securing mechanism with the tray itself. This eliminates separate detachable clips that can be misplaced, while maintaining ease of operation through the interlocking latch and boss design. The integration ensures the securing mechanism cannot be lost or misplaced separate from the tray.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If detachable clips with fixed height are used, then the structure is simple, but the stacking capacity is limited to four trays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of clip structureVSAvoidstacking capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The latch is designed with flexible geometry that can accommodate variable stacking heights. Unlike fixed-height clips, the integrated latch system adapts to different numbers of trays through its geometric design, allowing the same structure to secure anywhere from two to many trays in a stack without requiring different clip heights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated latch structure serves multiple functions: it provides securing capability for variable numbers of trays, maintains structural simplicity, and enables both attachment and detachment operations. The universal design allows the same latch-boss interface to work regardless of stack height, eliminating the need for multiple clip variants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If separate detachable clips are used, then the trays can be secured, but additional components increase the risk of misplacement and reduce reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring capabilityVSAvoidcomponent retention

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the latch into the tray structure, the invention eliminates separate securing components that can be misplaced. The latch becomes an integral part of the tray, maintaining strong securing capability through the interlocking latch-boss mechanism while ensuring the securing element cannot be lost or separated from its intended tray.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7438185B2Stackable tray with integral latch

Publication Date: 2008.10.21 PEAK PLASTIC & METAL PRODS INT

AI summary

The invention concerns a tray having an integral latch that mates to a boss of an adjacent tray to form a stable stack. The latch may be incorporated into any type of tray, basket, or other container for storing articles. Multiple containers may be stacked together without the use of a detachable clip. Also disclosed is a tray that includes an array of posts extending downward to support the tray on a flat surface.