Abstract:
The improved drip tray includes a perimeter wall with at least one slotted opening for snugly receiving an interlock tab. The tab may have a surface for written marking with a dry-erase or other marking instrument, or may accept an identification label to provide identification for the user or use of a particular drip tray in which it is received. The tab is also sized such that a plurality of drip trays may be stacked thereon for convenient and efficient retention and storage regardless of the dimensions of the stacked drip trays.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
         [0002]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The present invention relates to polymer drip trays and, in particular, polymer trays with an interlock feature for staked retention thereof. 
         [0007]    Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
         [0008]    Common trays for capturing and retaining liquid drips are bulky and difficult to efficiently store in a drawer or cabinet. In a drawer the trays are prone to shifting and upset with movement of the drawer, often scrambling the drawer contents or jamming and thereby preventing the full opening of the drawer. Moreover, trays of different dimensions do not nest and are all the more prone to movement and scrambling of the drawer contents. In a cabinet, trays of different dimensions cannot nest efficiently and, as with drawer storage, become scrambled and occupy a greater amount of space than necessary. Moreover, even trays of like dimension are likewise prone to movement due to the effects of gravity and/or vibration, thereby scrambling the cabinet contents and occupying a greater amount of space than necessary. What is needed is a means for the efficient stacking and retention of a plurality of drip trays to prevent these issues. Such an invention is disclosed herein, along with additional inventive features. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    Taught herein in a first embodiment is a drip tray device comprising a polymer drip tray having a perimeter wall defining a central well capable of retention of a volume of liquid therein, the drip tray perimeter wall including at least one slotted opening for receiving an interlock tab. Other aspects include the device wherein the interlock tab maintains a stacked orientation of a plurality of polymer drip trays. Another aspect is the device wherein the interlock tab includes a surface for application of an identification label. Another aspect is the device wherein the interlock tab includes a visible surface for marking. Yet another aspect is the device further comprising a raised pattern on the bottom surface of the central well for decreasing slippage of the device relative to a surface upon which the device rests. 
         [0010]    Also taught herein is a system comprising a plurality of polymer drip trays, each tray having a perimeter wall defining a central well capable of retention of a volume of liquid therein, each drip tray including at least one corresponding slotted opening in the perimeter wall for receiving an interlock tab. Another aspect is the system wherein the interlock tab maintains a stacked orientation of the plurality of drip trays. Another aspect is the system wherein the interlock tab includes a surface for application of an identification label. Another aspect is the system wherein the interlock tab includes a visible surface for marking. Another aspect is the system further comprising a plurality of interlock tabs, wherein each drip tray includes a matching number of corresponding slotted openings in the perimeter wall for receiving the interlock tabs. Yet another aspect is the system further comprising a raised pattern on the bottom surface of the central well for decreasing slippage of the device relative to a surface upon which the device rests. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0011]    The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a plurality of drip trays and the interlocking feature of the present invention in an expanded view; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the drip trays illustrated in  FIG. 1  in a stacked and interlocked position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a plurality of drip trays of differing size and the interlocking feature of the present invention in an expanded view; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the drip trays illustrated in  FIG. 3  in a stacked and interlocked position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the interlock member of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the interlock member utilized with a single drip tray of the present invention illustrating an alternate utility for the interlock member; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a plurality of drip trays with an equal number of interlock members in a retained and stacked configuration. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    The above figures are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosed invention. Use of the same reference number in multiple figures is intended to designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, if and when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the particular embodiment. The extension of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]      FIG. 1  presents a perspective view of a plurality of silicone drip trays and the interlocking feature of the present invention in an expanded view ( 100 ). Depicted are three drip trays ( 104 ,  112 , and  118 ), each of substantially identical dimension. The drip trays in this embodiment are manufactured from silicone using standard molding techniques to form a perimeter wall ( 106 ) that defines a central well ( 108 ) capable of retaining a volume of liquid therein. Although silicone is utilized in this embodiment, other polymers are envisioned as dictated by design requirements. For example, certain applications may benefit from a more rigid polymer. Moreover, metal may be utilized and is within the scope of the claims. 
         [0021]    Each drip tray ( 104 ,  112 , and  118 ) includes a corresponding slotted opening ( 110 ,  116 , and  122 , respectively) in the uppermost surface of the perimeter wall for accepting an interlock tab ( 102 ) (the interlocking feature). Because the slotted openings ( 110 ,  116 , and  122 ) correspond to one another as shown, it is possible for a user to insert the single interlock tab ( 102 ) through the plurality of drip trays ( 104 ,  112 , and  118 ) to maintain them in a stacked and interlocked position.  FIG. 2  depicts such a perspective view of the drip trays in a stacked and interlocked position ( 200 ). 
         [0022]    The interlock tab ( 102 ) of this embodiment is rectangular in shape and is manufactured from an acrylic polymer for rigidity. The interlock tab ( 102 ) and slotted opening ( 110 ) are dimensioned such that the interlock tab may be readily inserted in the slotted opening ( 110 ), and is held snugly therein until removal by a user. The exact dimensions of the interlock tab ( 102 ) are determined by the slotted opening ( 110 ) dimensions, which are limited by the perimeter wall ( 106 ) of the drip tray ( 104 ). As with the drip trays, although acrylic polymer is utilized in this embodiment, other materials are envisioned. For example, the interlock tab may be made from other polymers or metals depending on the application design requirements. One of ordinary skill in the art is readily capable of such material selection. 
         [0023]    In this depicted embodiment the drip tray ( 104 ) is approximately a square of 120 mm. The top of the surrounding perimeter wall ( 106 ) is approximately 5 mm in height and width, with the slotted opening ( 110 ) approximately 60 mm in length by 3 mm in width. The interlock tab ( 102 ) dimensions correspond to the slotted opening, measuring approximately 60 mm by 30 mm, and slightly less than 3 mm in thickness to fit within the slotted opening. With the drip tray ( 104 ) on a flat surface, the interlock tab ( 102 ) inserted within the slotted opening ( 110 ) exposes a large portion of the interlock tab ( 102 ) above the perimeter wall ( 106 ) upper surface. Although the embodiment presents a square-shaped interlock tab other shapes are envisioned and are within the scope of the claims. For example, other embodiments may feature circular tabs, cloud shaped tabs, arrow shaped tabs, square tabs, or the like. 
         [0024]    In other embodiments the drip trays may be of different dimensions.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a plurality of silicone drip trays of differing size and the interlocking feature of the present invention in an expanded view ( 300 ). Depicted are three drip trays ( 14 ,  302 , and  310 ), each having different dimensions but having a corresponding slotted opening ( 110 ,  308 , and  316 , respectively) in the perimeter wall ( 106 ,  304 , and  312 , respectively) for receipt and retention of the interlock tab ( 102 ). The larger drip trays ( 302  and  310 ) are comprised of the same material as the previously described drip tray ( 104 ), and include a perimeter wall ( 304  and  312 ) that defines a central well ( 306  and  314 , respectively) capable of retaining a volume of liquid therein. Silicone is the chosen material of manufacture, although other embodiments may utilize different materials as described previously. The benefit of the corresponding slotted openings ( 110 ,  308 , and  316 ) is that an interlock tab ( 102 ) inserted therein maintains the drip trays ( 104 ,  302 , and  310 ) in a stacked and interlocked position.  FIG. 4  depicts such a perspective view of the drip trays in a stacked and interlocked position ( 400 ). This stacking and interlocking of the trays affords efficient storage of the trays in a kitchen drawer, for example. 
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of the interlock tab of the present invention. The face surface ( 502 ) of the tab in this embodiment allows attachment of an identification label, or of an identification marking. For example, the use of a smooth acrylic surface allows a user to mark on the surface with a dry-erase or permanent marker to assist in identification of the drip tray to which the tab is attached. A static cling decal may also be applied, which provides for easy removal and modification. Alternatively, a permanent adhesive decal may be utilized and is within the scope of the claims. The tab in this embodiment also features a raised rib as depicted to aid in retention of the tab within the drip tray slotted opening. 
         [0026]    A non-exclusive example of use of the drip tray with interlock feature is with the containment and identification of a user&#39;s lunch within a refrigeration device.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the interlock member utilized with a single silicone drip tray of the present invention illustrating this utility for the interlock member. Depicted is a drip tray ( 104 ) with installed interlock tab ( 502 ) as it would appear sitting on a shelf in a refrigerator. The drip tray central well ( 108 ) is depicted with a soda bottle and a food container oriented thereon. The user may provide some identifying text or design on the tab ( 502 ) to identify his or her ownership of the items, which would be helpful in a situation in which several individuals share access to a refrigerator. Spillage from the soda bottle or food container would be contained within the central well ( 108 ). Another example of use is in a laboratory setting. The drip tray tab ( 502 ) would be labeled to identify the specimen contained within the central well ( 108 ). 
         [0027]    The bottom surface of the polymer drip tray ( 108 ) in the present embodiment features a raised pattern that aids the tray in gripping the surface upon which it is placed. For example, on a refrigerator glass shelf the raised pattern has the effect of decreasing the surface area that is in contact with the shelf, which has the effect of increasing the pressure per square inch felt by the tray. This increases the friction felt between the bottom surface of the drip tray and the shelf surface, preventing slippage. Moreover, depending on the pattern a suction can be established between the drip tray and a non-porous shelf, for example, a suction cup pattern. The use of lettering, for example, a product trademark, likewise decreases slippage of the drip tray upon a shelf. Moreover, a drip tray ( 108 ) constructed from silicone or similar polymer also has a natural resistance to slippage due to its affinity for glass. 
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a plurality of polymer drip trays with an equal number of interlock members in a retained and stacked configuration. As depicted are four drip trays with a matching number (4) of corresponding slotted openings ( 702 ) and interlock tabs ( 704 ). This configuration affords compact retention and storage of the drip trays and matching number of interlock tabs. One or more drip trays and interlock tabs may be removed and utilized as necessary, without disrupting the remaining stack of drip trays and interlock tabs. A greater or lesser number of drip trays and interlock tabs are also envisioned and are within the scope of the claims. For example, a stack of seven drip trays, with each tray including a matching number of corresponding slotted openings will accept seven interlock tabs of appropriate size, as can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill given the dimensions of the drip trays. 
         [0029]    The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is established by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. While various alterations and permutations of the invention are possible, the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents.