Trays for growth plugs, and methods of producing them

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention relates to a tray and its modifications for housing growth plugs in a stabilizing environment. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of forming trays for housing growth plugs, comprising the steps of extruding plastic through a die and cutting the extruded plastic periodically at an angle perpendicular to the direction of extrusion.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A tray, comprising an open-ended cavity with a rib protruding into the cavity, wherein said tray and said rib is constructed of a substantially rigid material.  
     
     
         2 . The tray of  claim 1 , wherein the tray comprises of a plurality of open-ended cavities.  
     
     
         3 . The tray of  claim 2 , wherein the cavities are of uniform size and shape.  
     
     
         4 . The tray of  claim 2 , wherein the cavities are of a shape selected from the group consisting of 
 a) Polygons with angled sides;    b) Ovular;    c) Circular; and    d) Non-angularly shaped objects.    
     
     
         5 . The tray of  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of ribs protruding into the cavity.  
     
     
         6 . The tray of  claim 5 , wherein the ribs are of uniform size.  
     
     
         7 . The tray of  claim 5 , wherein the ribs are of variable lengths and widths.  
     
     
         8 . The tray of  claim 5 , wherein the ribs are evenly spaced.  
     
     
         9 . The tray of  claim 5 , wherein the ribs are positioned around the cavity at intervals.  
     
     
         10 . The tray of  claim 5 , wherein the ribs are longitudinally positioned along the walls of the cavity, parallel to the walls of the cavity.  
     
     
         11 . The tray of  claim 10 , wherein the ribs extend along the entire length of the walls of the cavity.  
     
     
         12 . The tray of  claim 10 , wherein the ribs extend partially along the walls of the cavity.  
     
     
         13 . A tray, comprising: 
 an open ended cavity including a top section and a bottom section;    a first tab created from a wall of the cavity at its bottom section; and    a second tab created from a wall of the cavity at its bottom section;    wherein said first tab and said second tab are configured to cooperate to form a platform within the interior of the cavity, wherein the platform is perpendicular to the plane of the walls of the cavity.    
     
     
         14 . The tray of  claim 13 , wherein the tray consists of a plurality of open-ended cavities.  
     
     
         15 . The tray of  claim 14 , wherein the cavities are of uniform size and shape.  
     
     
         16 . The tray of  claim 14 , wherein the cavities are of a shape selected from the group consisting of 
 a) Polygons with angled sides;    b) Ovular;    c) Circular; and    d) Non-angularly shaped objects.    
     
     
         17 . The tray of  claim 13 , wherein multiple ribs protrude into the cavity.  
     
     
         18 . The tray of  claim 17 , wherein the ribs are of uniform size.  
     
     
         19 . The tray of  claim 17 , wherein the ribs are of variable lengths and widths.  
     
     
         20 . The tray of  claim 17 , wherein the ribs are evenly spaced.  
     
     
         21 . The tray of  claim 17 , wherein the ribs are longitudinally positioned along the walls of the cavity, parallel to the walls of the cavity.  
     
     
         22 . The tray of  claim 21 , wherein the ribs extend along the entire length of the walls of the cavity.  
     
     
         23 . The tray of  claim 21 , wherein the ribs extend partially along the walls of the cavity.  
     
     
         24 . A method of forming a tray, comprising the steps of: 
 pouring plastic material into a hopper;    causing an outflow of the plastic material from the hopper into a heated chamber; heating said plastic material until molten;    extruding the molten plastic material through a die; and    forcing the extruded plastic material through a cooling zone.