Patent Abstract:
A modular storage container for articles according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a floor panel, a plurality of stackable side walls constructed and arranged to be connectable to the floor panel, a plurality of stackable end walls constructed and arranged to be connectable to the floor panel, and a plurality of stackable corner members constructed and arranged to be connectable adjacent one edge to a side wall and adjacent an opposite edge to an end wall, wherein each side wall and each end wall defining a wall end opening and each corner member having a mounting hole surrounded by a cylindrical boss, each cylindrical boss being constructed and arranged to fit within a corresponding wall end opening.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to device and instrument trays and cases that are stackable and constructed from a limited grouping of standardized component parts, i.e., having a modular construction. Included are novel pivot latches that are assembled to the tray ends and tray sides. A novel slide latch is also disclosed. More specifically, the tray portion of the present invention relates to the use of modular components that are shaped to interfit with other modular components, whether as part of a single tray or as part of a stack of trays. Regardless of the style of tray or case that is being configured, the same basic group of modular component parts is provided. In addition to the stack of a plurality of virtually identical trays, removal of a floor component from the second and higher trays converts the stack into a single tray of increased depth. The pivot latches are constructed and arranged to connect adjacent trays and to secure a closing lid. 
     As used herein, a “tray” includes, at a minimum, either individually or combined, a floor, two side panels, and two end panels. Optional corner members can be separate components or can be integrated into the side panels, the end panels, or the floor. When a closing lid is added to the tray, the combination becomes a “case”. “Container” is used as a generic description of either a tray, a stack of trays, or a case. 
     Trays and cases for devices and instruments are most often associated with the storage of medical and/or dental devices and instruments that require sterilization and thereafter temporary storage. While this is the described context of the present disclosure, it is important to understand that the modular and stackable trays and cases, as described herein, can be used for the containment of virtually any type of device, instrument, or component. 
     Prior art trays and cases of the type used for medical and/or dental devices and instruments have been fabricated by the assembly of exchangeable individual component parts in order to create a modular design. Prior art trays and cases of the type described above, without a modular construction, have been constructed and arranged with forms, shapes, and features that enable two or more trays or cases to be stacked, one on top of the other. While a limited number of earlier trays and cases may be considered to have a modular construction and be stackable, the ability to be stacked is independent of the configuration that accounts for the modular construction. This results in only being able to stack finished trays or cases. The construction disclosed herein integrates into at least one of the individual component parts features that enable the trays to be stacked as well as to have a modular construction. This permits the tray floor to be retained when stacking finished trays or removed when creating a single tray of increased depth. 
     The versatility of the disclosed construction is one aspect that produces an improved tray and case design. Another feature of the disclosed structure is the design of unique corner members that provide one element of the modular construction as well as facilitate the stackable configuration. A second style of corner member is provided for the base or bottom tray, but it still includes a structure that allows for the stacking of another tray on top. Both styles of corner members include a unique rivet hole and boss design that adds to the overall strength and rigidity of each tray. Still further features of these disclosed cases and tray structures are the two styles of connecting pivot latches and the slide latches on the closing lid. As will be described herein, the unique design of the rivet holes and cooperating bosses on the back side of each corner member cooperating with larger rivet holes in the lower corners of the end walls and side walls contribute to the overall improved strength and rigidity of each fabricated tray. This added strength and rigidity is achieved by these design features for a single tray of single depth as well as for a single tray of increased depth. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A modular storage container for articles according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a floor panel, a plurality of stackable side walls constructed and arranged to be connectable to the floor panel, a plurality of stackable end walls constructed and arranged to be connectable to the floor panel, and a plurality of stackable corner members constructed and arranged to be connectable adjacent one edge to a side wall and adjacent an opposite edge to an end wall, wherein each side wall and each end wall defining a wall end opening and each corner member having a mounting hole surrounded by a cylindrical boss, each cylindrical boss being constructed and arranged to fit within a corresponding wall end opening. 
     One object of the present disclosure is to describe an improved stackable tray construction using modular component parts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a single tray constructed of modular components according to a typical embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  tray with a closing lid attached for creating a case. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a floor panel comprising one modular component of the  FIG. 1  tray. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an end wall comprising one modular component of the  FIG. 1  tray. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a side wall comprising one modular component of the  FIG. 1  tray. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a corner support comprising one modular component of the  FIG. 1  tray. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 6  corner support. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of the  FIG. 1  tray. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a handle comprising one part of the  FIG. 1  tray. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a stackable corner support according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 10  stackable corner support. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of one  FIG. 10  corner support as stacked on one  FIG. 6  corner support. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 12  stacked assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevational view, in full section, of the  FIG. 12  stacked assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevational view, in full section, of two side walls, as stacked together, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  is a partial, side elevational view, in full section, of the  FIG. 14  stacked combination as assembled with the  FIG. 15  stacked combination. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a double-deep tray according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 17  tray with a closing lid attached for creating a double-deep case. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a triple-deep tray according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 19  tray with a closing lid attached for creating a triple-deep case. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of three single trays as stacked together, according to the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of a completed case including end and side pivot latches and slide latches. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 22  case illustrated without the addition of the  FIG. 22  slide latches. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of two single trays stacked together including end and side pivot latches. 
         FIG. 25  is a partial, perspective view of one end of the  FIG. 24  stack of single trays with the end pivot latches in a closed condition. 
         FIG. 26  is a partial, perspective view of the  FIG. 25  arrangement with the end pivot latches in an open condition. 
         FIG. 27  is a partial, perspective view of the  FIG. 24  side pivot latches in a closed condition. 
         FIG. 28  is a partial, perspective view of the  FIG. 27  construction with the side pivot latches in an open condition. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of an alternative tray construction using end pivot latch components for a lifting handle illustrated in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 29  embodiment with the gripping member portion of the handle in an extended position. 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a completed case corresponding to the  FIG. 29  embodiment with a closing lid and slide latches. 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of one end pivot latch in a closed condition. 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 32  pivot latch in an open condition. 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 32  end pivot latch with the gripping member in an extended condition. 
         FIG. 35  is a partially exploded view of the  FIG. 32  end pivot latch. 
         FIG. 36  is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the back side of the  FIG. 35  illustration. 
         FIG. 37  is a partially exploded perspective view of the  FIG. 36  embodiment with the end pivot latch in an open condition. 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of a pivot plate comprising one portion of the  FIG. 32  end pivot latch. 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a base comprising one portion of the  FIG. 32  end pivot latch. 
         FIG. 40  is a right end member comprising one portion of the  FIG. 32  end pivot latch. 
         FIG. 41  is a left end member comprising one portion of the  FIG. 32  end pivot latch. 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a link member comprising one portion of the  FIG. 32  end pivot latch. 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of a rod member comprising one portion of the  FIG. 32  end pivot latch. 
         FIG. 44  is a gripping member comprising one portion of the  FIG. 32  end pivot latch. 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the side pivot latch according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and its use, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a single tray  20  that is constructed and arranged with a modular design and is configured for the stacking of other trays on top. The stacking of additional “trays” can be accomplished using completed trays, with floor panels, or can be accomplished using tray frames, without floor panels. Additional tray frames without floor panels are used in this stacked configuration if it is desired to create a single tray of increased depth, as is described herein. When a closing lid  21  is assembled onto tray  20 , a single-depth case  22  is created. The four slide latches  21   a  are securely attached to lid  21  and each slide latch  21   a  includes a sliding tongue  21   b  that engages a cooperating slot in tray  20 . The specific construction of slide latch  21   a  is described in our commonly owned, co-pending application Ser. No. 11/725,532, filed on even date herewith. This commonly owned, co-pending application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     The modular construction of tray  20  includes, as component parts, a floor panel  23 , end walls  24 , side walls  25 , and corner supports  26 . These various component parts are secured together by rivets or similar fasteners though, as disclosed herein, rivets are preferred. The structural configuration and details of floor panel  23  are illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The structural configuration and details of end wall  24  are illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The structural configuration and details of side wall  25  are illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The structural configuration and details of corner support  26  are illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     The corner support  26  of  FIG. 6  is the style used for a single tray  20  and is the style used as part of the bottom or lowermost tray frame in a stack of tray frames when creating one tray with an increased depth. The upper tray frames in the referenced stack of trays for creating one tray of increased depth use a stackable style of corner support  31 , as is illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Stackable corner support  31  is constructed and arranged to stack onto another stackable corner support  31  as well as being constructed and arranged to stack onto corner support  26 . Additionally, when stacking completed trays such that each tray includes its own floor panel, one corner support  26  is constructed and arranged to stack onto another corner support  26 . The modular constructions disclosed herein enable the same and similar component parts to be used for stackable single trays as well as trays of increased depth. In order to help transport a stack of single trays and to transport a tray of single or increased depth, a pair of latch to constructions are illustrated in  FIGS. 22-45 . 
     The construction of tray  20  involves connecting each corner support  26  to one end of one end wall  24  and to one end of one side wall  25 . The floor panel  23  includes a down-turned lip  23   a - 23   d  along each side and each down-turned lip fits up against a portion of a corresponding one of the two end walls  24  and of the two side walls  25 . In the  FIG. 3  drawing, only lips  23   a  and  23   b  are shown. Lip  23   c  is opposite to lip  23   a  and lip  23   d  is opposite to lip  23   b . The corresponding wall portion (either an end wall  24  or a side wall  25 ) is fitted up against a portion of the corresponding corner support  26 . A fastener, preferably a rivet  26 , is inserted through these three components in order to secure the combination, as is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , floor panel  23  has a substantially flat upper surface  32  with a plurality of apertures  33  for the passage of sterilant. Each down-turned lip  23   a - 23   d  is substantially flat and is constructed and arranged to be substantially perpendicular to upper surface  32 . Each lip  23   a - 23   d  includes a series of rivet holes  34  that are used for securing the floor panel  23  to the end walls  24 , to the side walls  25 , and to the corner supports  26 . The rounded form of each “corner” of upper surface  32  is compatible with the curved or rounded inner surface of each corner support  26 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , end wall  24  is constructed and arranged with seven formed sections  35 - 41 , as defined and described herein. The center panel  35  is substantially flat and defines a plurality of sterilant apertures  42 . Upper shelf  36  connects center panel  35  with offset section  37 . Formed lip  38  is an extension of offset section  37 . Lower shelf  39  connects center panel  35  with offset section  40 . Formed lip  41  is an extension of offset section  40 . Each section  35 - 41  is substantially flat and shelves  36  and  39  are substantially perpendicular to center panel  35 . Offset sections  37  and  40  and formed lips  38  and  41  are all substantially parallel with center panel  35 . Offset section  37  includes a series of three spaced-apart rivet holes  46 . The lower offset section  40  includes a series of three spaced-apart rivet holes with the end holes  47  being larger than the center holes  48 . The center panel  35  includes two rivet holes  49 . The three end rivet holes (3 at each end)  46 ,  49 , and  47 , are in vertical alignment with each other. The two center holes  46  and  48  are also vertically aligned with each other. This particular construction, focusing specifically on the larger end holes  47 , permits a boss portion of each cooperating corner support  26  to be inserted into those larger rivet holes as is illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 16 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , side wall  25  is constructed and arranged in a manner that is virtually identical to end wall  24 , except for the greater length of side wall  25  and except for the number and pattern of sterilant apertures  51  and rivet holes  52  (smaller) and  53  (larger). The top to bottom height of each side wall  25  is the same as the top to bottom height of each end wall  24 . In terms of the construction of side wall  25 , it includes a center panel  54 , upper shelf  55 , offset section  56 , formed lip  57 , lower shelf  58 , offset section  59 , and formed lip  60 . The parallel and perpendicular relationships described for the seven sections  35 - 41  of end wall  24  remain the same for the seven sections  54 - 60  of each side wall  25 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the structural details of corner support  26  are illustrated. Each corner support  26  includes a center section  64  and upper and lower offset portions  65  and  66 , respectively. Upper shelf  67  connects center section  64  and offset portion  65 . Lower shelf  68  connects center section  64  and offset portion  66 . Each corner support  26  has a curved shape that generally extends ninety degrees (90°), as would be understood for connecting “corner” support. To reinforce this understanding of a ninety degree span, it should be noted that an axis centerline drawn through the center of rivet hole  69  intersects an axis centerline drawn through the center of rivet hole  70  at a right angle. This same relationship of the intersecting axis centerlines and the included ninety degree angle applies to the pair of axis centerlines through rivet holes  71  and  72  as well as those through rivet holes  73  and  74 . Each of these three pairs of rivet holes have axis centerlines that intersect with an included angle of ninety degrees. 
     The upper rivet holes  69  and  70  and the lower rivet holes  73  and  74  are each defined by a concentric, raised cylindrical boss  75  formed on the inside surface  76  of the corner support  26 . The outer surface  77  includes raised rib  78  to provide added strength and rigidity as well as a decorative appearance. The outer surface  77  defines a cylindrical recess  79  concentrically surrounding each rivet hole  69 - 74 . These surrounding recesses allow the heads of the rivets  27  to be flush to recessed relative to the surrounding outer surface. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the assembly and connection of a portion of a single tray  20  including the floor panel  23 , the corner support  26 , and either an end wall  24  or a side wall  25 . Since the end wall  24  and side wall  25  are virtually identical to each other in overall configuration and form, as depicted in  FIG. 8 , this section view is representative of the construction and assembly regardless of whether selecting an end wall  24  or a side wall  25 . For the sake of adding reference numbers, side wall  25  has been selected for the  FIG. 8  illustration. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 8 , it will be seen that lip  23   b  of floor panel  23  fits up against offset section  59  such that the lower edge  80  of lip  23   b  is adjacent the upper edge  81  of formed lip  60 . The boss  75  of corner support  26  fits into the larger rivet hole  53  and lower rivet holes  73 ,  53 , and  34  are aligned. Rivet holes  71  and  52  are also aligned as are rivet holes  69  and  52 . This construction and assembly is repeated on the opposite edge of the corner support  26  and is repeated for each of the other three corner supports  26 . From the  FIG. 8  illustration, it will be seen that the raised surrounding boss  75  extends through the larger rivet hole and the free face or upper face of that raised boss  75  abuts up against the outer surface of lip  23   b . When the rivet  27  is installed, a tight, rigid, and secure joint is created, aided in part by being able to compress all of the assembled components together and clamp those components tightly together by the heading of the ends of the rivet  27 . The raised boss thus serves as something of an abutment and eliminates any voids or clearance spaces between the stack of component parts that might contribute to weakness, breaking, or fracture. A similar arrangement applies to the upper rivet location through holes  69  and  52 , though in that particular location there is no lip  23   b . Nevertheless, the raised boss  75  still abuts up against the surface of the side wall  25 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , a handle  86  is illustrates and constitutes another component part of tray  20 . Since it is possible to provide various handle styles for tray  20 , handle  86  should be considered as one example of several possible choices or options. While the handling of tray  20  is believed to be facilitated by having some form of handle, even the handle should be considered as an optional choice. 
     The illustrated handle  86  includes opposite free ends  87  and  88  and these ends of handle  86  are constructed and arranged to freely rest on upper shelf  67  of corner support  26  and these free ends are effectively captured beneath upper shelf  55  of side wall  25 . This clearance space is noted in  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the details of the stackable corner support  31  are illustrated. Corner support  31  is only used if the second level to be added to a single tray is a tray frame such that the tray to be created is a single tray of increased depth. When completed, single trays  20 , each having its own floor panel  23 , are stacked together (see  FIG. 21 ), then only corner supports  26  are used in the construction of each tray  20 . 
     Each corner support  31  has a construction that is identical to roughly the upper two-thirds of corner support  26 . The only differences between corner support  31  and corner support  26  are found in roughly the lower one-third of their respective construction. The lower offset portion  66 , rivet holes  73  and  74 , and the two corresponding cylindrical bosses  75 , all of which are found as part of corner support  26 , are replaced by the extended, curved tab  90  for corner support  31 . As one way to help show or explain this identical construction, an “a” suffix is used for like reference numbers in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     Tab  90  is centered between side edges  91  and  92  and extends a distance sufficient to fit against the upper offset portion  65  of the lower corner support  26  into and onto which the corner support  31  is stacked. This extended distance positions lower edge  93  up against upper shelf  67 . This axial spacing and the relative dimensions result in rivet holes  69  and  70  of the lower corner support  26  being positioned at a location relative to the upper (stackable) corner support  31  such that the distance between rivet holes  69   a  and  69  is the same as the distance between rivet holes  69  and  73 . This same dimensional relationship and identity holds true for the other side where the distance between the centers of rivet holes  70   a  and  70  is the same as the distance between the centers of rivet holes  70  and  74 . This construction and relationship allows multiple tray frames to be stacked in a uniform and equally-spaced manner using the same standard, modular end walls  24  and side walls  25 . Not only do corner supports  26  and  31  stack together, but each corner support  31  is stackable onto another corner support  31 . This particular ability to be stackable one onto the other is enabled due to the fact that the upper two-thirds of corner support  31  is identical to the upper two-thirds of corner support  26  and their corresponding structures enable the stacked relationship. Lifting and transporting of the completed case, whether a case of increased depth or a stack of single trays, is facilitated by the use of latches as illustrated in  FIGS. 22-45 . 
     The stack of one corner support  31  into and onto corner support  26  is illustrated in  FIGS. 12 ,  13 , and  14 . These three drawings depict the equal top-to-bottom spacing between adjacent pairs of rivet holes as previously described.  FIGS. 12 and 14  also illustrate how tab  90  fits up against inside surface  76  and how lower edge  93  rests against upper shelf  67 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , the stack of two side walls  25  is illustrated, with a single floor panel  23 . This particular stacked construction constitutes the construction of a double-deep tray and of note is the fact that the two stacked side walls  25  are identical. The slight offset between section  56  and section  59 , in terms of where their outer surfaces  97  and  98  are positioned, is generally equal to the wall thickness of offset section  59 . Since section  56  is set back this thickness amount, when the upper side wall  25  is stacked onto a lower side wall  25  in the manner illustrated, the outer surfaces  98  of the two side walls  25  are co-planar, as depicted by line  99 . 
     Another dimensional relationship worth noting is that the distance from the free edge of lip  60  to the underside of shelf  58  is equal to the height of offset section  56 . This is also the dimension of each lip  23   a - 23   d  of the floor panel  23 , as is illustrated. It should be clear from the  FIG. 15  illustration that any number of additional side walls  25  can be stacked, one on top of the other. It should also be clear from what has already been described and explained that the  FIG. 15  illustration could also constitute a representation of how end walls  24  are stacked and assembled with a single floor panel  23 . Since the side walls  25  and the end walls  24  are identical, except for the holes, hole patterns, and lengths, a side elevational view, in full section, such as that of  FIG. 15 , is the same whether using side walls  25  or end walls  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , the  FIG. 15  structure is combined with the  FIG. 14  structure in order to illustrate the rivet connections at the juncture of the two side panels and at the uppermost location of a double-deep tray. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17-21 , additional examples of stacked trays and completed case assemblies (i.e., the addition of a closing lid  21 ) are illustrated. These assemblies are based upon and fully consistent with the individual modular parts that have been illustrated and the stacked assembly of those parts. While some of the prior illustrations focus on only a portion of a tray, or perhaps only a stacked assembly of two side walls  25 , the uniformity and modular nature of the component parts and their common dimensions all contribute to the assemblies that are illustrated in  FIGS. 17-21 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a double-deep tray  103  with two frames and a single floor panel  23 , all of which are configured, constructed, and assembled based on the illustrations of  FIGS. 1-16  and the structures disclosed in those drawing figures. The addition of a closing lid  21  to tray  103  creates a double-deep case  104 , see  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a triple-deep tray  105  with three frames and a single floor panel  23 , all of which are configured, constructed, and assembled based on the illustrations of  FIGS. 1-16  and the structures disclosed in those drawing figures. The addition of a closing lid  21  to tray  105  creates a triple-deep case  106 , see  FIG. 20 . 
     As previously noted during the description of corner supports  26  and  31 , it is possible to stack completed single trays, each one having its own floor panel  23 . This arrangement is illustrated in  FIG. 21  and a careful study of this drawing figure will reveal the differences in the stack of three corner supports  26  as contrasted to the stack of one corner support  26  and two corner supports  31 . A careful study will also reveal certain differences in the appearance between a stack of tray frames for a double or triple-deep single tray and the appearance when single trays with their own floor panel are being stacked. 
     When two or more single trays are stacked, the “parting line”  110  reveals a pair of rivet holes, one on each side of line  110 , as contrasted to only one rivet hole adjacent the parting line  110  location when a stackable corner support  31  is used. A similar configuration results along the sides and ends. A series of rivet holes are seen along the parting line  110 , both above and below the line. This should be contrasted to what is illustrated in  FIGS. 19 and 20  where only a single series of rivet holes is show along what would be considered the referenced “parting line” as between adjacent tray frames. 
     The explanation as to having either two series of rivet holes adjacent the parting line or only one series should be obvious based upon the descriptions that have been provided. When the second (upper) tray is assembled with its own floor panel  23 , the space between the lower lip  60  and shelf  58 , for example when considering side wall  25 , is used for the floor panel lip and the two are riveted together. The rivet holes in the upper offset section  56  are not used. This explains why in the  FIG. 21  illustration the rivet holes immediately above each parting line  110  have received rivets for their respective tray floor panel assembly. However, the rivet holes immediately below the parting line  110  remain open without any installed rivets. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , there is illustrated a single-depth case  120  including a tray  121 , closing lid  122 , a pair of end pivot latches  123 , and a pair of side pivot latches  124 . Due to the perspective orientation of  FIG. 22 , only one end pivot latch  123  is fully illustrated and only one side pivot latch  124  is fully illustrated. The second end pivot latch  123  is at the opposite end of case  120  and the other side pivot latch  124  is on the opposite side of case  120 . 
     The closing lid  122  includes four slide latches  21   a , similar in form, fit, and function, to those used on closing lid  21 . The tray  121  includes a floor panel  23 , see  FIG. 3 , two end walls  126 , two side walls  127 , and corner supports  26 . An end pivot latch  123  is securely attached to each end wall  126  with suitable fasteners, preferably rivets. A side pivot latch  124  is securely attached to each side wall  127  with suitable fasteners, preferably rivets. Due to a slightly different hole pattern and due to the addition of slots, end wall  126  is not identical to end wall  24 . Similarly, due to a slightly different hole pattern and due to the addition of slots, side wall  127  is not identical to side wall  25 . The floor panel  23  and the corner supports  26  of case  120  are identical to those used as part of case  22  of  FIG. 2 . While the end pivot latch  123  is similar to the side pivot latch  124 , one difference is in the construction of some of the individual latch components of end pivot latch  123  so as to be able to incorporate an extendable gripping member (handle). 
     Each slide latch  21   a  is constructed and arranged and used in the same manner illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The sliding tongue  21   b  of each slide latch  21   a  is movable for engagement with and disengagement from a cooperating slot formed in each end wall and each side wall. The engagement of each tongue  21   b  with the corresponding slot secures the lid  122  to the tray  121  for case  120 . Although lid  122  has a different style compared to lid  21 , the respective lids and slide latches function in a virtually identical manner. As disclosed herein, the lid securing function can be accomplished by pivot latches  123  and  124 , with or without the use of the slide latches  21   a.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , and with continued reference to  FIG. 22 , case  120  is illustrated without the four slide latches  21   a . The  FIG. 23  illustration depicts that the end pivot latches  123  and the side pivot latches  124  are sufficient to secure a closing lid onto the tray  121 , without using any slide latches  21   a . As will be explained and described in greater detail hereinafter, each pivot latch  123  and  124  includes a pair of spaced-apart connecting tabs  131 . These connecting tabs are constructed and arranged to overlap an outer peripheral edge portion of the closing lid  122  in order to pull down on the lid in the direction of the tray  121  for the proper and secure closing of case  120 . This action of pulling down on the lid by means of these connecting tabs  131  is accomplished by a pivoting action of a pivot plate which is included as part of the construction of each pivot latch  123  and  124 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 24-28 , the stack of two single trays  121  is illustrated. While the addition of a closing lid  122  would complete this tray assembly, converting it into a “case”, the lid is omitted from these drawings. If the lid is added, this “case” would be a double-tray case that includes two stacked-together single trays  121  and one closing lid  122 . The closing lid  122  is omitted since these drawings focus on the use and construction of the two end pivot latches and of the two side pivot latches. Each single tray  121  includes two end pivot latches  123 , one at each end, and two side pivot latches  124 , one along each side. 
     As mentioned earlier, each end wall  126  includes a pair of cooperating slots  132 . Each slot  132  is constructed and arranged to receive a connecting tab  131  of a latch  123  that is attached to the immediately lower (adjacent) tray  121  in the stack of trays. A similar arrangement exists on each side. Each side wall  127  includes a pair of cooperating slots  133 . Each slot  133  is constructed and arranged to receive a connecting tab  131  of a latch  124  that is attached to a lower tray  121  in the stack of trays. This interfit of the latch connecting tabs  131  inserting into the slots  132 ,  133  of the adjacent, upper tray  121  is illustrated in  FIGS. 24-28 . The connecting tabs  131  of the uppermost tray  121  in the stack of trays, regardless of the number of stacked trays, are used for securing the closing lid  122  for making the stack of trays a case. The connecting tabs of all other trays, excluding the uppermost tray in the stack, are used for connecting adjacent trays together such that the entire stack of trays becomes a single unit that can be lifted, moved, and transported as a single unit. 
       FIG. 24  illustrates all of the latches  123  and  124  in what is best described as either a closed condition for those latches of the upper tray of the two trays that are illustrated, or a connected condition for those latches of the lower tray  121  of the two that are illustrated. The reference to “closed” refers to the position of the connecting tabs  131  of the upper tray  121  in securing a closing lid for “closing” the stacked trays into a case. The reference to “connected” refers to the position of the connecting tabs  131  of the lower tray as inserted into the slots  132  and  133  of the upper tray  121  so as to secure the stack of trays into a unitized assembly. As noted, the interfit of tabs  131  into slots  132  and  133  allows the stacked trays to be moved, lifted, handled, transported, etc. as a single unit. 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , the end pivot latches  123  are illustrated in the closed condition or position according to  FIG. 24 . In  FIG. 26  these end pivot latches  123  have been pivoted to an open condition in the case of the upper tray  121  and to an unlatched or disconnected condition in the case of the lower tray  121 . A pivoting action causes the connecting tabs  131  of the upper tray latches  123  to pivot away from the tray end wall  126 . The pivoting movement is sufficient to move the tabs such that there is no overlap of the outer peripheral edge of the lid  122  by those tabs  131  of latches  123  of the upper-most tray. As for the pivot latches  123  of the lower tray  121 , the pivoting movement of the connecting tabs  131  is sufficient to move those tabs out of the cooperating slots  132 . This eliminates the tab and slot interfit and results in disconnecting the stacked single trays from one another. 
       FIGS. 27 and 28  illustrate these same closed and open configurations for the side pivot latches  124  of the upper tray  121 . Similarly, these two figures illustrate the connected and disconnected conditions for the side pivot latches  124  of the lower tray  121 .  FIG. 27  illustrates the closed and connected condition of the pivot latches.  FIG. 28  illustrates the open and disconnected condition of the pivot latches. This style of tab  131  to slot  132  and  133  interfit for both the end walls  126  and side walls  127  occurs for every adjacent pair of trays, except the connecting tabs  131  of the uppermost tray  121  that are used to secure the closing lid  122  in position. The end pivot latches  123  each include a lifting handle which is described herein as a “gripping member”  138 . In terms of terminology, the latch construction described as the “end pivot latch” provides a dual function in terms of both functioning as a latch for securing the closing lid or inter-connecting into an adjacent tray, but also provides a handle construction for ease in lifting either an individual tray or case or a stack of trays into a unitized case. The end location for each pivot latch  123 , including its handle construction, represents the preferred location in terms of overall balance and ergonomics. As used herein, “handle” includes not only the gripping member that is grasped by the hand of a user, but it also includes the cooperating support structure that connects that gripping member to some other structure. As used herein, “end pivot latch”  123  is this combined structure and it includes a “gripping member”  138  that is received by portions of the latch. This gripping member is movable between retracted and extended conditions. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 29-31 , another variation for a stackable tray  136  is illustrated. This tray includes only end handles  137 , one at each end, attached to the corresponding end wall  126 . There are no pivot latches assembled to tray  136 , but the handle  137  includes some of the same component parts that are used to construct the pivot latches  123  and  124 . The details of the construction of handle  137  will be described in greater detail hereinafter as part of the more detailed description of the construction of pivot latches  123  and  124 . 
       FIG. 30  illustrates that the gripping member  138  of each handle  137  is extendable for ease of grasping when lifting and/or transporting tray  136 .  FIG. 31  illustrates the step and construction of adding a closing lid  122  to tray  136  and thereby converting the tray into a case  139 . Lid  122  includes four slide latches  21   a  and these provide the sole means of securing the lid  122  to the tray  136  by the sliding insertion of the tongue  21   b  of each latch  21   a  into a corresponding and cooperating slot  140  in each end wall  126  and in each side wall  127 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 32-37 , the details of end pivot latch  123  are illustrated. Generally speaking, side pivot latch  124  is the same as end pivot latch  123  without the gripping member  138 . When gripping member  138  is removed, the base component part that is used in end pivot latch  123  changes slightly, both for functional reasons and for aesthetic reasons. For example, without the gripping member  138 , certain concerns with regard to latch clearance, tray clearance, and lid clearance are eliminated. Further, the clearance opening  143  of latch  123  is not required and thus for aesthetic purposes that clearance opening is closed in latch  124 . As noted above, handle  137  is similar to end pivot latch  123 , except that the pivot plate  144  and its cooperating parts are not included as part of handle  137 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 32-37 , end pivot latch  123  includes the extendable gripping member  138 , the pivot plate  144 , a base  145 , a right end member  146 , a left end member  147 , a pair of links  148 , and a pair of pivot rods  149 . The pivot plate  144  is illustrated in  FIG. 38 . The base  145  is illustrated in  FIG. 39 . The right end member  146  is illustrated in  FIG. 40 . The left end member  147  is illustrated in  FIG. 41 . A single link  148  is illustrated in  FIG. 42 . A single rod  149  is illustrated in  FIG. 43 . The gripping member  138  is illustrated in  FIG. 44 . 
     The assembly of end pivot latch  123  is illustrated in  FIG. 32  in the closed or latched condition with the gripping member  138  nested or retracted. The open or unlatched condition of latch  123  is illustrated in  FIG. 33 . The pivoting of plate  144  from the closed condition to the open condition is accomplished by pushing inwardly on the lower portion  153  such that the two upper spaced-apart portions  154 , including the two spaced-apart connecting tabs  131 , pivot outwardly, away from the tray and lid. For a single-tray case that includes a closing lid  122 , this opening (pivoting) action pulls the connecting tabs  131  off of the outer peripheral edge of lip of the lid, enabling the lid  122  to be removed. In a stacked arranged of single trays, where adjacent trays are inter-connected to one another, the opening or pivoting action pulls the connecting tabs  131  out of the corresponding and cooperating slots  132 . To pivot plate  144  to a closed condition, the reverse sequence occurs. This is accomplished by pushing inwardly on either portion  154 . The recessed notch  144   a  between the two “press to close” tabs  154  provides clearance for the tongue  21   b  of a corresponding slide latch  21   a.    
       FIG. 34  illustrates a closed condition for side pivot latch  123  with the gripping member  138  upwardly extended.  FIG. 35  illustrates in partial, exploded view form the  FIG. 32  condition. Right end member  146  and left end member  147  are illustrated in this exploded view to show that they are not directly attached or connected to the remainder of the end pivot latch  123 . Rather, the riveting of the base  145  to the end wall  126  of the tray also captures each corresponding end member  146  and  147  between the corresponding base flange  155  as the pair of clearance holes  155   a  and  155   b  of each flange align with the pair of clearance holes  146   a  and  146   b  and  147   a  and  147   b  in the corresponding end member. While the two end members  146  and  147  are considered to be a part of the end pivot latch  123 , due to their function and cooperation, they are not otherwise physically attached to the remainder of the end pivot latch  123 . 
       FIG. 36  illustrates the opposite face or back side of the exploded view (partial) of  FIG. 35  with only the end members  146  and  147  exploded out, with the end pivot latch otherwise in a closed condition.  FIG. 37  illustrates the same orientation as  FIG. 36 , except within the  FIG. 37  illustration the end pivot latch is in an open condition. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 38-44 , the component parts that comprise end pivot latch  123  are illustrated. The pivot plate  144  includes the curved connecting tabs  131  that are adjacent outer edges  157  and  158 . Formed as part of outer edge  157  is pivot lip  159  defining upper hole  159   a  and lower hole  159   b . The opposite outer edge  158  includes a similar pivot lip  159  with upper and lower holes that are axially (horizontally) aligned with holes  159   a  and  159   b  of the pivot lip  159  that is adjacent and part of outer edge  157 . 
     The base  145  (see  FIG. 39 ) is formed with a center section  160  with an opening  161 , upper, spaced-apart tabs  162  and  163 , and end pockets  164  (right side) and  165  (left side). The opening  161  is constructed and arranged so as to permit the flow of sterilant and/or steam through any openings or perforations in the end wall  126  and side wall  127 . Opening  161  also reduces the overall weight of each pivot latch  123  and  124 . Although, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the base component used for each side pivot latch  124  is configured somewhat differently from base  145 , base  185  used in conjunction with side pivot latch  124  still includes a corresponding opening that still performs these two functions. 
     Each end pocket  164  and  165  includes an inner wall  166 , outer wall  167 , end wall  168 , attachment flange  155 , upper lip  170 , and lower lip  171 . The right side end pocket  164  and the left side end pocket  165  are generally symmetrical relative to a vertical centerline through base  145  and these two end pockets are arranged oppositely to each other in order to maintain this symmetry. Each inner wall  166  includes an upper hole  166   a  and a lower hole  166   b . The upper hole  166   a  in the left side end pocket  165  is axially (horizontally) aligned with the upper hole  166   a  in the right side end pocket  164 . Similarly, the lower hole  166   b  in the left side end pocket  165  is axially (horizontally) aligned with the lower hole  166   b  in the right side end pocket  164 . Attachment flange  155  includes an upper hole  155   a  and a lower hole  155   b . The two upper holes  155   a , one in each flange, are horizontally aligned and the two lower holes  155   b  are horizontally aligned. 
     Considering each end pocket  164  and  165 , it should be noted that inner wall  166  is substantially flat (planar) and substantially parallel with outer wall  168  which is also substantially flat (planar). Outer wall  167  is substantially flat and parallel to flange  155 . The upper and lower lips  170  and  171  are substantially flat and parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to inner wall  166 , outer wall  167 , and end wall  168 . Additionally, center section  160  is substantially flat and parallel with each outer wall  167 . Spaced-part tabs  162  and  163  are substantially flat and co-planar with upper lips  170 . With regard to the end pockets  164  and  165 , the corners connecting inner wall  166  with outer wall  167  and end wall  168  with outer wall  167  are radiused, as would be expected from the bending or forming of metal from a one piece member into the shape provided for base  145 , as illustrated in  FIG. 39 . 
     The right end member  146  is illustrated in  FIG. 40  and the left end member  147  is illustrated in  FIG. 41 . These two component parts are identical except for the opposite (reverse) configuration in order to provide a symmetrical appearance relative to a vertical dividing centerline of the base  145 . Each end member  146  and  147  includes a substantially planar main panel  174 , a substantially planar vertical flange  175 , a substantially planar upper lip  176 , and a substantially planar lower lip  177 . Panel  174  defines an upper hole  146   a  and, in vertical alignment therewith, a lower hole  146   b . Vertical flange  175  is substantially perpendicular to main panel  174 . Lips  176  and  177  are vertically aligned with each other and are substantially parallel to each other. Lips  176  and  177  are substantially perpendicular to both main panel  174  and vertical flange  175 . 
     The link  148  (see  FIG. 42 ) is a relatively short, flat metal bar with an upper hole  148   a  and a longitudinally aligned lower hole  148   b , centered on centerline  180 . The rod  149  (see  FIG. 43 ) is a straight, cylindrical member. The gripping member  138  (see  FIG. 44 ) is shaped from a cylindrical metal rod or tube into an open, generally rectangular form with a gripping portion  138   a , sides  138   b  and  138   c , and coaxial pivots  138   d  and  138   e . Portion  138   a  and pivots  138   d  and  138   e  are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to sides  138   b  and  138   c . The bends at each corner are rounded without any sharp edges or discontinuities. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 35 ,  36 , and  37 , the connection of the component parts is illustrated. As previously noted, the two end members  146  and  147  that are shown in exploded view form are not directly connected to the latch base  145 , but rather are positioned between the latch base and the tray end wall  126 . With holes  155   a  and  146   a  aligned with each other and aligned with rivet holes in the end wall, rivets are used to securely attach the base  145  and both end members  146  and  147  to the end wall  126 . 
     The end pivot latch base  145  is pinned together with the pivot plate  144  and two links  148  by the use of two rods  149  and two rivets. Hole  166   a  on the left end pocket  165  and hole  159   a  of the pivot plate  144  are coaxially aligned. Hole  166   a  of the right end pocket  164  and the upper hole of pivot lip  159  of edge  158  are coaxially aligned. One rod  149  is inserted through these two pairs or sets of coaxially aligned holes. The length of rod  149  is sufficient for a portion at each end to extend beyond the outer face of each inner wall. This end portion is swaged or headed in order to re-shape and/or enlarge that portion to prevent slide out or pull out of the rod  149 . 
     The lower hole  159   b  of each pivot lip is aligned with the upper hole  148   a  of a corresponding link  148 . The other rod  149  is inserted through these two pairs or sets of coaxially aligned holes. The length of rod  149  is sufficient for a portion at each end to extend beyond the outer face of each link. This end portion is swaged or headed in order to re-shape and/or enlarge that portion to prevent slide out or pull out of the rod  149 . The lower hole  148   b  of one link  148  is riveted to the lower hole  166   b  of inner wall  166  of left end pocket  165 . The lower hole  148   b  of the other link  148  is riveted to the lower hole  166   b  of inner wall  166  of right end pocket  164 . 
     The gripping member  138  is placed within base  145  with one side  138   b  positioned within the right end pocket  164  and the other side  138   c  positioned within the left end pocket  165 . When the right end member  146  is positioned adjacent the right end pocket  164  at the time of riveting the two to the end wall, the right end member encloses and captures side wall  138   b . When the left end member  147  is positioned adjacent the left end pocket  165  at the time of riveting the two to the end wall, the left end member encloses and captures side  138   c.    
     The shortened lateral width of each upper lip  170  relative to the overall width of outer wall  167  provides a space for clearance opening  143 . The lower lip  171  of each end pocket is closer to the full width of outer wall  167  as a lower support and abutment for each corresponding coaxial pivot  138   d  and  138   e . The outer facing edge of the upper lip  176  of each end member  146 ,  147  abuts up against the inner-facing edge of each upper lip  170 . The outer-facing edge of each lower lip  177  of each end member  146 ,  147  abuts up against the inner-facing edge of each lower lip  171 . The “box” that is created by this combination captures the corresponding side and pivot of the grip member  138 . The outer-facing edge  183  of the vertical flange  175  of each end member  146  and  147  abuts up against the facing surface of its corresponding coaxial pivot  138   d  and  138   e , respectively. This abutment contact causes the movement of the gripping member  138 , whether being raised (extended) or lowered (retracted) to be smooth and vertical such that its movement does not interfere with any other portions of the latch, tray, or lid. At the uppermost extent, clearance is provided so that some degree of pivoting of the gripping member  138  is permitted, making it easier to be grasped by the hand/fingers of the user. 
     A comparison of  FIG. 32  (end pivot latch  123 ) and  FIG. 45  (side pivot latch  124 ) shows that the pivot plate  144  of end pivot latch  123  is inset or recessed relative to the exposed outer surface of the two outer walls  167 . This recessed configuration is achieved by the sizing and shaping of the right and left end pockets  164  and  165 . By increasing the depth of each pocket, sufficient clearance space is provided for receipt of the gripping member  138 . This added depth also provides a positioning for gripping member  138  that enables it to be extended and retracted without interference with any other parts of the latch and without interference with the tray and/or lid. Since a gripping member is not a part of the side pivot latches  124 , the extra space and clearance are not required. This is why the side pivot latch  124  does not include a recessed or inset configuration for the pivot plate  144  relative to the remainder of the base  185 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 45 , the details of the side pivot latch  124  are illustrated. Side pivot latch  124  includes a base  185 , pivot plate  144 , two links  148 , and two rods  149 . Effectively, the only changes from end pivot latch  123  to the side pivot latch  124  are the elimination of the two end members  146  and  147 , the elimination of the gripping member  138  and the change to the base in terms of the sizing and construction of the right end pocket  164  and left end pocket  165 . The change of construction from base  145  to base  185  is enabled by the elimination of the gripping member  138 . 
     While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1