Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
Tray apparatus for depositing objects in a container, said apparatus comprising: a member presenting a generally planar pouring and sorting surface, said member having a pair of opposed, linear longitudinally extending converging side edges; and a lip depending from the member at the end of the latter where said edges converge, said lip extending below the plane of the member to allow the lip to be placed over an edge of said container and presenting a support for holding said member at an inclined angle relative to the horizontal and away from said opening to facilitate sorting of objects on the surface without dumping objects from the surface, said member including sidewall structure having a width at least equal to the length of said lip and cooperating with said surface while extending along said edges to define a spout contiguous to said lip, said member presenting an opening extending from one side wall to the other to define an outlet from the surface communicating with the spout.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
Tray apparatus for depositing objects in a container, said apparatus comprising: a member presenting a generally planar pouring and sorting surface, said member having a pair of opposed, linear longitudinally extending converging side edges; and a lip depending from the member at the end of the latter where said edges converge, said lip extending below the plane of the member to allow the lip to be placed over an edge of said container and presenting a support for holding said member at an inclined angle relative to the horizontal and away from said opening to facilitate sorting of objects on the surface without dumping objects from the surface, said member including sidewall structure having a width at least equal to the length of said lip and cooperating with said surface while extending along said edges to define a spout contiguous to said lip, said member presenting an opening extending from one side wall to the other to define an outlet from the surface communicating with the spout.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said sidewall structure is inclined away from said enclosed surface, whereby to permit a plurality of said apparatuses to be stacked one inside the other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invEntion of claim 2, wherein said sidewall structure is generally rounded as said structure meets said surface whereby to eliminate right-angle corners which would obstruct movement of objects along said surface
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said structure has a pair of ends terminating in spaced relationship on either side of said lip to present said opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein said structure includes an extension on either side of and contiguous to said lip to cooperate with the lip in presenting a funnel extending from said opening.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said structure extends in uninterrupted relationship around said surface and the opening whereby a segment of said structure adjacent said opening provides a shield to facilitate direction of said objects through said opening.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 6, wherein said segment extends below the plane of the member and merges into said lip to present a funnel extending from said opening.