Tray

Abstract

A tray ( 1 ) having a handle portion ( 20 ) and a peripheral base ( 10 ) surrounding the handle portion ( 20 ) to support items placed on the tray ( 1 ). The handle portion ( 20 ) protrudes upwardly from the centre of the peripheral base ( 10 ) and comprises a post ( 20 ) with a lifting handle ( 30 ) on the top thereof. A wall ( 12 ) extends upwardly from the perimeter of the base ( 10 ) to help retain items placed on the base ( 10 ).

1 . A tray comprising: 
 a handle portion and a peripheral base surrounding the handle portion to support items placed on the tray, the handle portion protruding upwardly from the peripheral base and comprising a hollow post, the base portion having an aperture in the centre thereof such that the hollow interior of the post is accessible from the underside of the base through said aperture, the post being dimensioned to receive the post of the handle of another corresponding device to enable a plurality of such devices to be stacked together.    
   
   
       2 . A tray according to  claim 1  wherein the base portion has a wall extending substantially vertically upwards from the perimeter of the base portion to prevent items from falling off the base portion.  
   
   
       3 . A tray according to  claim 1  wherein the handle portion comprises a lifting handle located at the top of said post.  
   
   
       4 . A tray according to  claim 3  wherein the top of the post is vertically higher than the top of the wall.  
   
   
       5 . A tray according to  claim 3  wherein the post tapers inwardly towards its top.  
   
   
       6 . A tray according to  claim 3  wherein the top of the post has an aperture therein.  
   
   
       7 .- 8 . (canceled)  
   
   
       9 . A tray according to  claim 3  wherein the lifting handle comprises a circular hoop portion, a shaft portion connected to the hoop portion, and a snap fit connection on the other end of the shaft portion distal from the hoop portion.  
   
   
       10 . A tray according to  claim 9  wherein the snap-fit connection comprises a plurality of resiliently deformable arms extending parallel to each other in the axial direction of the shaft portion, an end of each arm distal from the shaft portion having a projection extending laterally outwards from the arm.  
   
   
       11 . A tray according to  claim 9  wherein the hoop portion, the shaft portion and the snap-fit connection means are all integrally formed.  
   
   
       12 . A tray according to  claim 1  wherein the base portion is circular.  
   
   
       13 . A tray according to  claim 1  wherein the post is circular in cross-section.  
   
   
       14 . A tray according to  claim 9  including a rotatable collar between the post and the lifting handle.  
   
   
       15 . A tray according to  claim 14  wherein the collar has a central aperture therethrough to receive the shaft portion of the lifting handle to retain the collar in position between the post and the lifting handle.  
   
   
       16 . A tray according to  claim 14  wherein the collar has markings on the outer surface thereof.  
   
   
       17 . A tray according to  claim 14  wherein the collar is circular.  
   
   
       18 . A tray according to  claim 1  wherein the base portion has a plurality of feet on the underside thereof.  
   
   
       19 . A tray according to  claim 18  wherein the feet are formed integrally with the base portion.  
   
   
       20 . A tray according to  claim 2  wherein the base portion, the post and the wall are all formed as one unitary component.  
   
   
       21 . A tray according to  claim 1  wherein the entire tray is formed as one single unitary component.  
   
   
       22 . A tray according to  claim 18  wherein the unitary component is moulded.  
   
   
       23 . A tray according to  claim 1  wherein the tray is made from at least one of a plastic, glass, a wood derivative and a resin.  
   
   
       24 . A tray according to  claim 1  wherein the tray is made from at least one of a metal, wood and a wood derivative.  
   
   
       25 . (canceled)