Removable bakery tray insert

Abstract

A removable bakery tray insert according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first end portion for supporting an upper bakery tray and a second end portion that is adapted to engage a floor structure of a bakery tray. An elongated body portion extends between the first end portion and second end portion. When installed in the bakery tray, the insert is spaced apart from side walls that extend upwardly from the lower bakery tray floor structure in order to support a floor structure of another bakery tray stacked thereon.

1 . A removable insert for supporting stackable trays comprising:
 a first end portion including an upper support surface having a plurality of upper protrusions therefrom;   a second end portion having a flange from which a plurality of lower protrusions extend downwardly; and   an elongated body portion between the first end portion and the second portion.   
   
   
       2 . The removable insert of  claim 1 , wherein the first end portion is adapted to contact and interlock with an upper tray floor structure to support the upper tray. 
   
   
       3 . The removable insert of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of lower protrusions include clip for securing to a tray floor structure. 
   
   
       4 . The removable insert of  claim 1 , where the elongated body portion is generally cylindrical. 
   
   
       5 . The removable insert of  claim 4 , wherein the elongated body portion is tapered from the second end portion to the first end portion. 
   
   
       6 . The removable insert of  claim 5 , wherein the second end portion of the insert includes an open axial end. 
   
   
       7 . The removable insert of  claim 6 , further including a pocket formed in each of the plurality of lower protrusions. 
   
   
       8 . The removable insert of  claim 7 , wherein the flange extends radially from an outer surface of the second end portion. 
   
   
       9 . A configurable tray assembly comprising:
 a bottom floor structure;   a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom floor structure; and   an insert for supporting another tray in a stacked relationship, the insert removably mounted to the bottom floor structure and spaced from the plurality of side walls.   
   
   
       10 . The configurable tray assembly of  claim 9 , wherein the insert includes a plurality of protrusions from a lower end for interlocking with the bottom floor structure. 
   
   
       11 . The configurable tray assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the bottom floor structure includes a plurality of ribs, the protrusions interlocking the plurality of ribs when mounted to the bottom floor structure. 
   
   
       12 . The configurable tray assembly of  claim 11 , wherein said plurality of side walls and said insert are arranged to support a second tray in a stacked relationship. 
   
   
       13 . The configurable tray of  claim 12 , wherein the tray is a first tray and having a second tray stacked thereon, the insert supporting a floor structure of the second tray thereon. 
   
   
       14 . The configurable tray of  claim 12 , wherein the tray further including a front wall and a rear wall extending upwardly from the bottom floor structure, wherein the side walls are taller than the front wall and the rear wall.