AU2006202829A1

AU2006202829A1 - Stackable tray for holding bottles

Info

Publication number: AU2006202829A1
Application number: AU2006202829A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Charles Deeb; Peter Edwin Mattner
Original assignee: P&N Beverages Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Asahi Beverages Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-07-04
Filing date: 2006-06-30
Publication date: 2007-01-18

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S):: P N Beverages Australia Pty Ltd ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 INVENTION TITLE: Stackable tray for holding bottles The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5102 STACKABLE TRAY FOR HOLDING BOTTLES Technical Field [001] The present invention generally relates to trays for holding bottles, for example bottled beverages or other bottled goods, and more particularly to a tray for holding bottles 00 that is able to be stacked so as to form a securely held array of bottles for storage, display, transport, etc.

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Background Art [002] Trays to stack bottles are used for the storage, display or transport of numerous bottles. It is known to use trays for holding bottles, typically bottled beverages, however, presently known trays can only hold one particular shape of bottle. To-date, trays have been specifically constructed to hold one particular shape of bottle, for example, a bottle having a circular cross-sectional base. With presently known trays it is not possible to use a single tray to securely hold and stack a variety of shapes of bottles, for example a bottle with a rectangular base or a bottle with a circular base.

[003] It should be noted that reference to the term "bottle", as used herein, should be taken to be a reference to any type of vessel or container that has a neck or cap region of smaller diameter or width than a body or base region. A bottle can be made from many types of material, for example glass or plastic, and can store gases, liquids or solids, for example beverages or other bottled goods.

[004] This identifies a need for a stackable tray for holding or supporting bottles which addresses or at least ameliorates problems inherent in the prior art.

[005] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

V Disclosure Of Invention ;[006] The present invention seeks to provide a new type of tray for holding a plurality of bottles, such that trays holding bottles are able to be stacked so as to form a securely held array of bottles for storage, display, transport, etc.

00 [007] The present invention also seeks to provide a tray that is capable of holding

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Cdifferent shapes of bottles. A tray that can hold more than one shape of bottle allows the

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ICcost of trays to be reduced through economies of scale, and the logistics of empty tray handling to be streamlined due to fewer tray designs or types being required to handle a variety of bottle shapes.

[008] According to a first broad form, the present invention provides a tray for holding a plurality of bottles, the tray including: a tray body; a plurality of receptacles extending from the tray body, one or more of the plurality of receptacles able to receive a lower portion of a bottle; a plurality of receiving elements, a receiving element associated with a receptacle, and each receiving element able to receive an upper portion of a bottle.

[009] In a particular form, the receiving element is a projection and at least one of the plurality of projections extends from an outer base surface of a receptacle. In another particular form, one or more of the plurality of receptacles are provided with a crosssectional geometry allowing at least two different shapes of bottle to be received.

[010] Preferably, at least one receptacle has a cross-section including a quadrilateral and a circle which overlap.

[011] In further particular, but non-limiting, forms there can be provided that: at least one receptacle has a cross-section including a parallelogram and a circle which overlap; and/or, at least one receptacle has a cross-section including a rectangle and a circle which overlap.

[012] In other particular, but non-limiting, forms it can be further provided that: the edges of the at least one receptacle are rounded; the quadrilateral, parallelogram or rectangle are -3concentric with the circle; and/or, the centre of the quadrilateral, parallelogram or rectangle N is offset from the centre of the circle.

[013] In still other particular, but non-limiting, forms it can be further provided that: at least one receptacle is a cup, cupola, recess, chamber, container or the like; the plurality of receptacles are arranged in a symmetric configuration; the plurality of receptacles are 0 arranged to have a longer side of the receptacles, eg. rectangles, aligned with either a

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C longer side of the tray body or a shorter side of the tray body; the plurality of receptacles

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IND are arranged to lie along parallel lines; at least one receptacle has a varying diameter, size

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or cross-sectional area at least partially along a line perpendicular to the cross-sectional area; at least one receptacle has a base depth different to a base depth of a different receptacle; and/or, a parallel line of receptacles is staggered with respect to an adjacent parallel line of receptacles.

[014] In accordance with other specific optional embodiments, provided by way of example only: the projection is coaxial to the circular cross-sectional component of the receptacle from which the projection extends; the free end of the projection includes a protrusion or a recess to engage with the upper portion of a bottle; the free end of the projection includes a circular bore or recess; the free end of the projection includes a cylindrical rim or flange; and/or, the bore, recess, rim or flange have a varying diameter along the axis of the projection.

[015] Optionally, but not necessarily, there can be provided: at least one support member connected between the projection and the outer base surface; and/or, a lateral surface, skirt, lip or rim extending from the tray body.

[016] According to yet further optional aspects, provided by way of example only: the at least one receptacle extends beyond the lateral surface, skirt, lip or rim; the projection extends beyond the lateral surface, skirt, lip or rim; the lateral surface, skirt, lip or rim is partially integrally formed with a side section of at least one receptacle; and/or, the lateral surface, skirt, lip or rim holds or displays labelling, advertising or identifying indicia.

-4- [017] According to still further optional aspects, provided by way of example only: the tray body is substantially planar; the tray can receive bottles with either a circular or a rectangular base; the tray can be stacked with like trays with or without bottles between adjacent trays; and/or, the tray is integrally formed as a single unit.

[018] According to a second broad form, the present invention provides a tray for holding OO a plurality of bottles, the tray including: a tray body having a first surface and an opposite

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asecond surface, and a lateral surface joining the first surface and the second surface; a I plurality of receptacles extending into the tray body, each receptacle able to receive a 0 10 lower portion of a bottle; and at least one receiving element associated with the second surface, each receiving element able to receive an upper portion of a bottle.

[019] In particular example forms: the base of a receptacle is at least partially coextensive with a receiving element; the at least one receiving element is a projection extending from the second surface; the at least one receiving element is aligned with at least one of the receptacles; the at least one receiving element is at least one hole, bore or recess; and/or one or more of the plurality of receptacles are provided with a cross-sectional geometry allowing at least two different shapes of bottle to be received.

[020] According to a third broad form, the present invention provides a tray for holding a plurality of one or more bottles, the tray including: a tray body having a first surface and an opposite second surface, and a lateral surface joining the first surface and the second surface; a plurality of at least one receptacles extending through the tray body from the first surface and the at least one receptacle at least partially defined by part of the second surface, each the at least one receptacle able to receive a lower portion of a bottle; and, at least one receiving element associated with the second surface, each receiving element able to receive an upper portion of a bottle.

[021] In a further particular example form, the at least one receptacle is provided with a cross-sectional area including two or more superimposed shapes allowing at least two different shapes of bottle to be received.

[022] According to still further optional aspects, provided by way of example only, the tray body can be hollow or the tray body can be solid.

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CBrief Description Of Figures [023] An example embodiment of the present invention should become apparent from the 00oO following description, which is given by way of example only, of a preferred but non-

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Climiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures.

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[024] Fig. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an example tray; [025] Fig. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example tray illustrated in Fig. 1; [026] Fig. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the example tray illustrated in Fig. 1; [027] Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of the example tray illustrated in Fig. 1; [028] Fig. 5 illustrates an end view of the example tray illustrated in Fig. 1; [029] Fig. 6 illustrates a bottom plan view of the example tray illustrated in Fig. 1; [030] Fig. 7 illustrates the example tray of Fig. 1 holding rectangular-based bottles; [031] Fig. 8 illustrates the example tray of Fig. I holding circular-based bottles; [032] Fig. 9 illustrates a side view of the trays shown in Figs. 7 and 8 when stacked, forming a securely held array of bottles; [033] Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the trays shown in Figs. 7 and 8 when stacked, forming a securely held array of bottles; [034] Fig. 11 illustrates a side view of an alternate example tray; [035] Fig.

Fig. 11; 12 illustrates a bottom plan view of the alternate example tray illustrated in 13 illustrates a side view of the tray illustrated in Fig. 11 with example bottle [036] Fig.

positions; [037] Fig. 14 illustrates a top perspective view of an alternate example tray; [038] Fig. 15 illustrates a top plan view of the example tray illustrated in Fig. 14; [039] Fig. 16 illustrates a bottom plan view of the example tray illustrated in Fig. 14; and, [040] Fig. 17 illustrates a side view of example trays according to Fig. 14 when stacked to hold different shaped bottles.

Modes for Carrying Out The Invention [041] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[042] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[043] In a particular embodiment the tray is adapted to receive bottles having either a circular or a rectangular footprint, that is a single tray can accommodate either of these types of bottles. Bottles of a single shape can be stacked on a tray, or bottles of mixed shapes could be stacked on a single tray. Typically, though not necessarily, bottles may contain carbonated or non-carbonated beverages.

[044] The tray preferably includes a plurality of receptacles, cups, recesses, chambers, containers or the like, which are also termed herein cupolas. Bottles are seated in the cupolas. In cross-sectional view, the cupolas consist of a rectangular area and a circular area that are superimposed, overlapping or coextensive.

[045] In a particular form, the rectangular areas can be aligned with their long sides oO parallel to a long side of the tray, or alternatively parallel to a short side of the tray,

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although the tray itself need not be rectangular as a variety of other shapes or geometries IDcould be utilised. Preferably, though not necessarily, the tray includes a symmetrical or ordered pattern of cupolas, though other embodiments may use non-symmetrical patterns of cupolas to ensure a particular stacking alignment.

[046] In a particular embodiment, the cupolas are aligned in parallel lines, with each alternating parallel line of cupolas offset to allow optimum packing efficiency. The number of cupolas provided is dependent on the size of the tray and the size of each cupola, which could be based on standard sizes of bottles or trays for the market in which the trays are used. It should be noted that the cupolas receptacles) can be arranged in a variety of other configurations, including, for example, in a staggered or honeycomb format, in a square or rectilinear matrix format, in a spaced apart or distributed format, or any other desirable format or array. A variety of such formats or arrays may be desirable to address, for example, maximising the number of bottles per unit area or per tray, use of different bottle designs or shapes, and/or considerations of tray rigidity or strength.

[047] The tray is preferably constructed such that empty trays can stack atop one another.

The underside of a tray includes a device or means for resting over, abutting, or engaging with, a bottle cap or bottle neck region to allow stacking of trays with bottles intermediate between adjacent trays. Preferably, the bottle cap or neck region trapping or engagement device is created integrally with the tray. Cap or neck trapping or engagement devices or means are preferably located on the centre line of the cupolas, such that loads are transmitted from upper bottle to lower bottle via the tray.

-8- [048] If bottle caps or bottle necks are different diameters, the bottle cap or neck trapping or engagement devices or means, i.e. receiving elements or in a particular example projections, can be located at different depths, being within a tray or protruding from a tray, for example on the centre line of the cupolas, in a manner to allow the underside of the tray to trap, abut or engage with the bottle cap or neck at an particular height of the bottle corresponding to a particular diameter of the cap or neck. A cap or neck of different 00oO bottles may be held in different positions or depths as such an arrangement can help to improve stability. Alternatively or additionally, different bottles, being either bottles of the INO same or different shapes, may be held at different heights or depths relative to other bottles.

[049] Likewise, the base of a cupola can be located at different depths within a tray, for example the base of the circular area might sit at a different level, eg. lower, than the rectangular area. This would allow the tray to hold bottles having different base portion diameters, shapes or types, so that all bottle caps or necks are at the same level or height above the tray's Surface. Alternatively, such an arrangement may be used so that different bottles, being either bottles of the same or different shapes, may be held at different heights or depths relative to other bottles.

[050] In alternative embodiments, the bottle cap trapping or engagement devices or means receiving elements) may not be provided on the centre line of the cupolas, that is they may be offset, depending on the bottle design for which the tray is to be used.

[051] In a particular embodiment, the tray is provided with a lip around the tray's external perimeter, thus providing space for branding and identification markings, and also adding flexural strength and rigidity. The tray can also provide lifting points for automated handling.

[052] In a particular embodiment, the tray is constructed from plastic, but may be constructed from a variety of other materials. For example, the tray could be manufactured from a synthetic material, a polymer, polyethylene, PVC, a synthetic polymeric material, polystyrenes or styrenes, any mixture or composite of materials, or any other material N providing suitable rigidity.

O [053] A further particular embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a tray 10 for holding a plurality of bottles. The tray includes a tray body 12 and a plurality of receptacles 14 extending from the tray body (-i 00 12. Each receptacle 14 is able to receive a lower or base portion of a bottle.

IC[054] Referring to Fig. 2, tray 10 also includes receiving elements formed as projections S 10 16 extending from an outer base surface 18 of receptacles 14. Each projection 16 is able to receive an upper portion of a bottle, for example a cap, lid or neck region of a bottle.

[055] Referring to Fig. 3, a receptacle 14 can have a cross-section of a variety of geometries. As illustrated, the receptacle 14 has a cross-section defined by a rectangle and a circle which overlap. Other types of cross-section are possible, for example a quadrilateral and a circle which overlap, or a parallelogram and a circle which overlap.

Different types of cross-section of receptacles 14 can be provided to accommodate different base or body shapes of bottles. It is the combination of overlapping crosssectional geometries which provides tray 10 with the ability to receive different types of bottle shapes.

[056] Edges, for example edge 20, of a receptacle 14 are preferably rounded. Any or all edges of receptacle 14 can be rounded if desired.

[057] The rectangular component area of receptacle 14 is provided to be concentric with circular component area of receptacle 14. Alternatively, the centre of rectangular component area of receptacle 14 can be offset from the centre of the circular component area of receptacle 14. In an alternate embodiment, a receptacle can be provided with a varying diameter, size or cross-sectional area along a line perpendicular to the crosssectional area. Also, a receptacle could have a base depth different to a base depth of a different receptacle. Using either or both of these possibilities, and/or using the base of different cross-sectional areas set at different levels, different types of bottles can be held so that to the cap or neck region of all bottles is held at a common level or height.

O[058] It should be appreciated that receptacle 14 can be a cup, cupola, recess, chamber, container or the like. The plurality of receptacles 14 are preferably arranged in a symmetric configuration. In the embodiment illustrated it is also provided that the 00 receptacles 14 are arranged to have a longer side 22 aligned with a longer side 24 of tray

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abody 12. Also preferably, though not necessarily, receptacles 14 are arranged to lie along N parallel lines. Also, a parallel line of receptacles 14 can be staggered with respect to an adjacent parallel line of receptacles 14.

[059] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, a receptacle 14 may extend beyond a lateral surface 32 of tray 10. Lateral surface 32 may be a skirt, lip or rim connected to tray body 12. That is, tray body 12 may be substantially planar and lateral surface 32 extends from the substantially planar tray body 12. This reduces the amount of material required compared to if tray 10 was substantially solid. Lateral surface 32 is preferably integrally formed with tray body 12 and is at least partially integrally formed with a side section of receptacles 14 located near the edge of tray 10. Lateral surface 32 provides additional stability and rigidity of tray 10 and can also be used to display labelling, advertising and/or identification indicia.

[060] Referring to Fig. 6, the central axis of projection 16 is coaxial to an axis of the circular cross-section component area of receptacle 14 from which projection 16 extends.

The free end of projection 16 includes a protrusion 26 and/or a recess 28 to engage with an upper portion of a bottle, eg. the cap lid or neck. That is, the free end of projection 16 includes a circular bore or recess 28 which can equally be described as a cylindrical rim or flange 26. The bore or recess 28, or rim or flange 26, can be provided with a varying diameter along the axis of projection 16 so that projection 16 can suitably engage a variety of sizes of bottle caps or necks. For example, the bore, recess, rim or flange may taper to a smaller diameter the closer a bottle cap or neck comes to tray body 12.

-11- [061] There can also be provided support members 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d connected between an exterior surface of projection 16 and outer base surface 18 to provide stability or support to projection 16.

[062] Although a particular embodiment, as illustrated in the figures generally, has the cylindrical type bottle and the rectangular type bottle resting within a cupola on the same 00 horizontal plane, alternative embodiments may have bottles with smaller cross-sectional areas more deeply recessed within the tray. This would result in the base of the different INO bottle shapes resting within a cupola at different horizontal planes in a manner similar to the described possibly different bottle cap/neck positions in relation to a projection.

[063] Thus, tray 10 can receive bottles with either a circular or rectangular base or footprint, and tray 10 can be stacked with like trays, with or without bottles between adjacent trays. Preferably, tray 10 is integrally formed as a single unit, for example by a plastic moulding process.

[064] Referring now to Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10, an example of trays in use with bottles is illustrated. Bottles 34a with a rectangular base section 36a are received by tray Bottles 34b with a circular base section 36b are received by tray 10b. Tray 10a can then be positioned, before or after inserting bottles 34a, on top of bottles 34b so that projections 16a of tray 10a align and engage with bottle cap or bottle neck region 38b of bottles 34b.

A further tray could then be placed on bottles 34a and the stacking procedure repeated to form a securely held array of bottles for storage, display, transport, etc. Although different types of bottles 34a and 34b are illustrated on different trays 10a and 10b, this need not be necessary or even preferred. For example, an array of stacked trays might hold only one type of bottle 34a or 34b, if desired. Alternatively, a single stacked tray could hold a mixture of types of bottles 34a and 34b.

[065] According to an alternate form of the invention, the tray body may be provided to be hollow or solid. In these forms, receptacles may extend partially into the tray body without passing completely through the tray body. Alternatively, receptacles may 12completely pass through the tray body and have an outer base surface that extends beyond the tray body.

O[066] For example, in an alternate form, the tray may include a hollow or solid tray body having a first surface and opposite second surface with a lateral surface, similar to lateral surface 32, joining the first surface and the second surface which are preferably an upper 0 surface and a lower surface. A plurality of receptacles can extend into the tray body from Sthe first surface, with each receptacle able to receive a lower portion of a bottle. Each N projection would then extend from the second surface of the tray body, as the receptacle does not extend all the way through the tray body. A projection can be aligned with a receptacle, either axially or in an offset fashion, with a projection able to receive an upper portion of a bottle as previously described. Alternatively, the plurality of receptacles can extend into and through the tray body from the first surface. Each projection would then extend from an outer base surface of a receptacle, as the receptacles extend all the way through the tray body.

[067] According to another example form of tray, and referring to Fig. 11, the tray 100 may include a hollow or solid tray body 112 having a first surface 104 and second surface 106 with a lateral surface 132 joining the first surface 104 and the second surface 106, which are preferably an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of receptacles 114 extend into the tray body 112 from the first surface 104, with each receptacle 114 able to receive a lower portion of a bottle.

[068] At least one receiving element 116 associated with the second surface is provided, each receiving element 116 able to receive an upper portion of a bottle. A receiving element 116 may be a hole, bore, recess or the like. Receiving element 116 may extend through tray body 112 to join with receptacle 114, as illustrated in Fig. 11, or may not join with receptacle 114. Receiving element 116 may include one or more holes or bores of different shapes, diameters or cross-sections so as to receive upper portions, necks or lid sections of different bottles.

-13- [069] As shown in Fig. 11, receiving element 116 includes hole section 126 and hole Nsection 128. A variety of different receiving element 116 shapes or configurations are possible so as to enable receiving element 116 to receive different upper portions, necks or lid sections of different bottles. As another example, receiving element 116 may include a continuously varying diameter along an axis, rather than a stepped variation of diameter.

00 [070] Fig. 12 illustrates a bottom plan view of the example tray illustrated in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 illustrates a side view of the tray 100 illustrated in Fig. 11 with example bottles I 134a and 134b in held or retained positions. Lid or cap of bottle 134a is held within hole section 126 while lid or cap of bottle 134b is held within hole section 128.

[071] According to yet another example form of tray, Fig. 14 illustrates a top perspective view of an alternate example tray, Fig. 15 illustrates a top plan view of the example tray illustrated in Fig. 14, and Fig. 16 illustrates a bottom plan view of the example tray illustrated in Fig. 14. Referring to Figs. 14, 15 and 16, tray 200 includes body 212 and includes an alternate shape of receptacle 214. Body 212 may be of any of the types hereinbefore discussed.

[072] In the illustrated example, two different shapes of receptacle 214a and 214b are used in a single tray 200. It should be noted that more than two different shapes of receptacle could be used. Receptacles 214a and 214b include a plurality of overlapping shapes or cross-sectional areas for holding a variety of types of bottle shape, which are illustrated in cross-section in Fig. 15 as bottles 234a, 234b and 234c. For example, receptacles 214a and 214b function to receive a base section of differently sized substantially circular bottles 234b and 234c and differently sized substantially rectangular bottles 234a. This allows a wide variety of commonly used bottles shapes to be received by tray 200.

[073] Also provided are projections 216 and holes or bores 228a and 228b. Projections 216 are preferably provided with a partially cut-out circumference to allow the upper section, neck or lid of a bottle to be received in different locations. Holes 228a, provided as a single hole, and holes 228b, provided as a double hole, allow the upper section, neck -14or lid of a bottle to be received by tray 200 in a variety of locations, typically dependent upon how bottles are stacked in a lower tray below tray 200. Although not necessarily Spreferable, it is possible that projection 216 is not provided as bottles may be sufficiently held in place by receptacles 214a, 214b and holes 228a, 228b.

[074] A wide variety of configurations of receptacles 214 and holes 228, with or without 00 projections 216, can be utilised to suit a variety of different bottle shapes. Referring to Fig.

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17 there is illustrated a side view of example trays 200 according to Fig. 14 when stacked IDto hold different shaped bottles 234a, 234b and 234c. It should be noted that it is not necessary that different shaped bottles 234a, 234b and 234c only be separately used in different trays 200.

[075] Thus, there has been provided a stackable tray for holding or supporting bottles.

[076] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[077] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

2. The tray as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving element is a projection and at least one of the plurality of projections extends from an outer base surface of a receptacle.
3. The tray as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein one or more of the plurality of receptacles are provided with a cross-sectional geometry allowing at least two different shapes of bottle to be received.
4. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one receptacle has a cross-section including a quadrilateral and a circle which overlap. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one receptacle has a cross-section including a parallelogram and a circle which overlap.
6. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one receptacle has a cross-section including a rectangle and a circle which overlap.
7. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the edges of the at least one receptacle are rounded.
8. The tray as claimed in either one of claims 4, 5 or 6, wherein the quadrilateral, the parallelogram or the rectangle are concentric with the circle. -16-
9. The tray as claimed in either one of claims 4, 5 or 6, wherein the centre of the quadrilateral, parallelogram or rectangle is offset from the centre of the circle.
10. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one receptacle is: a ¢€3 cup; a cupola; a recess; a chamber; or a container. 00 11. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of receptacles are arranged in a symmetric configuration.
12. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of receptacles are arranged to have a longer side of each receptacle aligned with either one of: a longer side of the tray body; and a shorter side of the tray body.
13. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of receptacles are arranged to lie along parallel lines.
14. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one receptacle has a varying diameter or cross-sectional area at least partially along a line perpendicular to the cross-sectional area. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one receptacle has a base depth different to a base depth of a different receptacle.
16. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a parallel line of receptacles is staggered with respect to an adjacent parallel line of receptacles.
17. The tray as claimed in claim 4, wherein the projection is coaxial to the circular cross-sectional component of the receptacle from which the projection extends.
18. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a free end of the projection includes a protrusion or a recess to engage with the upper portion of a bottle. -17-
19. The tray as claimed in claim 18, wherein the free end of the projection includes a N circular bore or recess. The tray as claimed in claim 18, wherein the free end of the projection includes a cylindrical rim or flange. oO 21. The tray as claimed in either one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the bore, recess, rim (N or flange has a varying diameter along the axis of the projection. INI
22. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, including at least one support member connected between the projection and the outer base surface.
23. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22, including a lateral surface, skirt, lip or rim extending from the tray body.
24. The tray as claimed in claim 23, wherein the lateral surface, skirt, lip or rim is partially integrally formed with a side section of at least one receptacle. A tray for holding a plurality of bottles, the tray including: a tray body having a first surface and an opposite second surface, and a lateral surface joining the first surface and the second surface; a plurality of receptacles extending into the tray body, each receptacle able to receive a lower portion of a bottle; and at least one receiving element associated with the second surface, each receiving element able to receive an upper portion of a bottle.
26. The tray as claimed in claim 25, wherein the base of a receptacle is at least partially coextensive with a receiving element.
27. The tray as claimed in claim 25, wherein the at least one receiving element is a projection extending from the second surface. -18- INO
28. The tray as claimed in claim 25, wherein the at least one receiving element is at least one hole, bore or recess. ;Z
29. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the at least one receiving element is aligned with at least one of the receptacles. oO 30. The tray as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein one or more of the plurality of receptacles are provided with a cross-sectional geometry allowing at least two IO different shapes of bottle to be received. S
31. A tray for holding one or more bottles, the tray including: a tray body having a first surface and an opposite second surface; at least one receptacle extending through the tray body and the at least one receptacle at least partially defined by part of the second surface, the at least one receptacle able to receive a lower portion of a bottle; and at least one receiving element associated with the second surface, each receiving element able to receive an upper portion of a bottle..
32. The tray as claimed in claim 31, wherein the at least one receptacle is provided with a cross-sectional area including two or more superimposed shapes allowing at least two different shapes of bottle to be received.
33. A tray, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures. DATED this 3 0 th day of June 2006 P N BEVERAGES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD By Its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE