U.S. patent application number 10/082376 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-29 for stack and nest bail container.
Invention is credited to McDade, Clinton.
Application Number | 20020117420 10/082376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26767379 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020117420 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McDade, Clinton |
August 29, 2002 |
Stack and nest bail container
Abstract
A container is provided for storing items and for being stacked
upon and nested within like containers. The container includes a
base having first and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing
sidewalls extending therefrom. The second pair of sidewalls is
perpendicularly disposed between and interconnects the first pair
of sidewalls to form a storage compartment. An inward projection is
carried by one, and an outwardprojection is carried by the other,
of the first pair of sidewalls. Each of a pair of support members
is pivotally connected to a respective one of the first pair of
sidewalls and is adapted for being moved between an
inwardly-directed position residing within the storage compartment
and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage
compartment. The container can be positioned in a nesting position,
first stacking position, or second stacking position relative to
another like container.
Inventors: |
McDade, Clinton; (Charlotte,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Adams, Schwartz & Evans, P.A.
2180 Two First Union Center
Charlotte
NC
28282
US
|
Family ID: |
26767379 |
Appl. No.: |
10/082376 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60270791 |
Feb 23, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/505 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/062 20130101;
B65D 21/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/505 |
International
Class: |
B65D 021/00; B65D
085/62 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A container for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon
and nested within a like container, comprising: (a) a base; (b)
first and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls
extending upwardly and outwardly from said base, said second pair
of sidewalls perpendicularly disposed between and interconnecting
said first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment; (c) an
inward projection carried by one of said first pair of sidewalls
and extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (d) an outward
projection carried by the other of the first pair of sidewalls and
extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (e) a pair of
opposed support members, one of said support members pivotally
connected to a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls and
adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position
residing within said storage compartment at a predetermined
vertical position, and an outwardly-directed position residing
exterior to the storage compartment; said inward projection,
outward projection and pair of support members cooperating together
for defining: (i) a nesting position wherein each of the support
members is in said outwardly-directed position and in a
non-interfering position relative to the storage compartment for
permitting a like container to be received within the storage
compartment, wherein the inward and outward projections on the
container engage respective like inward and outward projections
carried by the like container; (ii) a first stacking position
wherein each of the support members is in the inwardly-directed
position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting
the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a
first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above
said base of the container; and (iii) a second stacking position
wherein each of the support members is in the outward position and
the like container is oriented for permitting like inward and
outward projections of the like container to be stacked upon the
respective outwardly and inward projections of said container at a
second predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above
the base of the container.
2. A container according to claim 1, wherein said first
predetermined stacking height is greater than said second
predetermined stacking height.
3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of
support members comprises a pair of bails.
4. A container according to claim 3, and including a pair of
shoulders formed on each of the second pair of sidewalls and
adapted for receiving one of said pair of bales thereon for
maintaining the bale in the inwardly-directed position.
5. A container according to claim 3, wherein each of said pair of
bails includes inwardly-turned free ends, each of said free ends
adapted for being pivotally connected to a respective one of the
first pair of sidewalls.
6. A container according to claim 1, and including a pair of
horizontally-extending ribs formed on an exterior surface of each
of the first pair of sidewalls, said ribs defining a groove
extending therebetween adapted for receiving a respective one of
the pair of support members therein for maintaining the support
member in the outwardly-directed position.
7. A container according to claim 1, and including a pair of
grooves defined in and extending transversely along the base of the
container between the first pair of sidewalls, each of said pair of
grooves adapted for receiving a respective one of a pair of support
members of the like container therein for maintaining the container
in the first stacking position relative to the like container.
8. A container according to claim 1, wherein said inwardly-directed
projection comprises a first superposable ledge structure adapted
for: (i) complementary engagement with the inwardly-directed
projection on the like container for maintaining the like container
in said nesting position within the storage compartment; and (ii)
complementary engagement with the outwardly-directed projection on
the like container for maintaining the like container in the second
stacking position.
9. A container according to claim 8, wherein said
outwardly-directed projection comprises a second superposable ledge
structure adapted for: (i) complementary engagement with the
outwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining
the like container in the nesting position within the storage
compartment; and (ii) complementary engagement with the
inwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining
the like container in the second stacking position.
10. A container according to claim 5, and including first and
second pairs of bail socket members, wherein each of said pairs of
bail socket members is carried by a respective one of the first
pair of sidewalls and each bail socket member is adapted for
receiving a respective one of said free ends of the pair of bails
therein for permitting pivotal movement of each of the pair of
bails between the inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed
positions.
11. A container according to claim 5, and including a bail socket
connected to an upper rim of each of the first pair of sidewalls
and adapted for receiving the free ends of a respective one of the
pair of bails therein for permitting the bail to move between the
inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed positions.
12. A container according to claim 1, and including a plurality of
holes defined by and extending through at least one of the
sidewalls for providing ventilation to the storage compartment.
13. A container according to claim 1, and including a pair of
handles, each of said handles defined by and extending through a
respective one of the first pair of sidewalls for permitting the
container to be moved from one location to another.
14. A container according to claim 11, and including a pair of
handles, each of said handles defined by and extending through a
respective one of the first pair of sidewalls adjacent said upper
rim for permitting the container to be moved from one location to
another.
15. A container according to claim 14, and including a plurality of
holes defined by and extending through at least one of the
sidewalls for providing ventilation to the storage compartment.
16. A container for storing items and adapted for being stacked
upon and nested within a like container, comprising: (a) a base;
(b) first and second pa+irs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls
extending upwardly and outwardly from said base, said second pair
of sidewalls perpendicularly disposed between and interconnecting
said first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment; (c) an
inward projection carried by one of said first pair of sidewalls
and extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (d) an outward
projection carried by the other of the first pair of sidewalls and
extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (e) a pair of
opposed bails, one of said bails pivotally connected to a
respective one of the first pair of sidewalls and adapted for being
moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within said
storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position, and an
outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage
compartment; said inward projection, outward projection and pair of
support members cooperating together for defining: (i) a nesting
position wherein each of the bails is in said outwardly-directed
position and in a non-interfering position relative to the storage
compartment for permitting a like container to be received within
the storage compartment, wherein the inward and outward projections
on the container engage respective like inward and outward
projections carried by the like container; (ii) a first stacking
position wherein each of the bails is in the inwardly-directed
position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting
the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a
first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above
said base of the container; and (iii) a second stacking position
wherein each of the bails is in the outward position and the like
container is oriented 180 degrees from said first stacking position
for permitting like inward and outward projections of the like
container to be stacked upon the respective outwardly and inward
projections of said container at a second predetermined stacking
height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the
container.
17. A container for storing items and adapted for being stacked
upon and nested within a like container, comprising: (a) a base;
(b) complementary pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls
extending upwardly and outwardly from said base and interconnected
to form a storage compartment; (c) an inward projection carried by
one of a selected pair of said complementary sidewalls and
extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (d) an outward
projection carried by the other of said selected pair of sidewalls
and extending inwardly into the storage compartment; (e) a pair of
opposed support members, one of said support members pivotally
connected to a respective one of the selected pair of sidewalls and
adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position
residing within said storage compartment at a predetermined
vertical position, and an outwardly-directed position residing
exterior to the storage compartment; said inward projection,
outward projection and pair of support members cooperating together
for defining: (i) a nesting position wherein each of the support
members is in said outwardly-directed position and in a
non-interfering position relative to the storage compartment for
permitting a like container to be received within the storage
compartment, wherein the inward and outward projections on the
container engage respective like inward and outward projections
carried by the like container; (ii) a first stacking position
wherein each of the support members is in the inwardly-directed
position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting
the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a
first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above
said base of the container; and (iii) a second stacking position
wherein each of the support members is in the outward position and
the like container is oriented 180 degrees from said first stacking
position for permitting like inward and outward projections of the
like container to be stacked upon the respective outwardly and
inward projections of said container at a second predetermined
stacking height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the
container.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a storage container, particularly
one which has both stacking and nesting capabilities. Known as
"stack and nest" containers, such containers are commonly used in
retail and food distribution businesses, and are particularly
suited for distribution applications requiring containers which
exhibit great stacking strength when full, yet provide efficient,
space-saving storage when empty.
[0002] Traditional prior art 180.degree. stack and nest containers
have opposing sidewalls that are shaped so that the containers may
be selectively moved between stacked and nested positions depending
upon the orientation of the sidewalls of one container relative to
the sidewalls of another container. Such containers rely upon
superposable ledge structures which are formed on opposing
sidewalls for permitting one container to be nested within another
container so that the superposable ledge structures coincide and
maintain the containers in the nesting position. To stack the
containers, the uppermost container is removed from the container
within which it was nested and rotated 180.degree.. This
180.degree. rotation reorients the sidewalls and ledge structures
of the containers relative to each other so that the ledge
structures no longer nest with each other, but instead engage each
other, which in turn allows the containers to be stacked. Such
containers are typically limited to only one stacking height.
[0003] A typical stack and nest bail container includes two bails,
each of which is positioned adjacent the upper edge of a respective
one of the opposing sidewalls on the container. The bails may be
moved between a stacking orientation in which each bail extends
across the top of the container for permitting a like container to
be stacked on top of the bails, and a retracted orientation in
which the bails are positioned along the exterior of the sidewalls
of the container, thus permitting a like container to be nested
within the container. Like conventional prior art 180.degree. stack
and nest containers, conventional stack and nest bail containers
are typically limited to only one stacking height.
[0004] The invention of the present application addresses the
single stacking height limitation inherent in both 180.degree.
stack and nest containers and stack and nest bail containers by
combining the structures employed by each type of container to
arrive at a unique container that can be nested within another like
container, or stacked in one of at least two positions for
adjusting the height of the interior storage area within each
stacked container. This novel 180.degree. stack and nest bail
container provides a cost-effective alternative to conventional
stack and nest containers, and is easy to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a
stack and nest container which can be interstacked and internested
with other like containers to form a stable, unitary load
regardless of whether the containers are full or empty.
[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide a stack and
nest container which incorporates the features of both 180.degree.
stack and nest containers and stack and nest bail containers.
[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a stack and
nest container that provides a nesting efficiency when internested
with other like containers.
[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a stack and
nest container that can be selectively moved between a nested
position and one of at least two stacked positions for permitting
the height of the interior storage area of the container to be
adjusted according to storage requirements.
[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a stack and
nest container which may be easily positioned and maintained in
either a stacked or nested position with another like
container.
[0010] These and other objects of the present invention are
achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing
a container for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon
and nested within like containers. The container includes a base
from which first and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing
sidewalls upwardly and outwardly extend. The second pair of
sidewalls is perpendicularly disposed between and interconnects the
first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment. An
inwardly-directed projection is carried by one of the first pair of
sidewalls, and an outwardly-directed projection is carried by the
other of the first pair of sidewalls. The container also includes a
pair of opposed support members. Each of the support members is
pivotally connected to a respective one of the first pair of
sidewalls and is adapted for being moved between an
inwardly-directed position residing within the storage compartment
at a predetermined vertical position therein and an
outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage
compartment. The inwardly-directed projection, outwardly-directed
projection and pair of support members cooperate together for
defining a nesting position, and first and second stacking
positions. When the container is in the nesting position, each of
the support members is in the outwardly-directed position and is in
a non-interfering position relative to the storage compartment for
permitting a like container to be received within the storage
compartment, and the inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed
projections on the container engage respective like
inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed projections carried by the
like container. When the container is in the first stacking
position, each of the support members is in the inwardly-directed
position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting
the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a
first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above
the base of the container. When the container is in the second
stacking position, each of the support members is in the
outwardly-directed position and the like container is oriented for
permitting like inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed
projections of the like container to be stacked upon the respective
outwardly-directed and inwardly-directed projections of the
container at a second predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart
relation above the base of the container.
[0011] According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the
first predetermined stacking height is greater than the second
predetermined stacking height.
[0012] The pair of support members is preferably a pair of
bails.
[0013] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention,
a pair of shoulders are formed on each of the second pair of
sidewalls and are adapted for receiving one of the pair of bales
thereon for maintaining the bale in the inwardly-directed
position.
[0014] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, each of the pair of bails includes inwardly-turned free
ends. Each of the free ends is adapted for being pivotally
connected to a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls.
[0015] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a pair of horizontally-extending ribs are formed on an
exterior surface of each of the first pair of sidewalls. The ribs
define a groove extending therebetween that is adapted for
receiving a respective one of the pair of support members therein
for maintaining the support member in the outwardly-directed
position.
[0016] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a pair of grooves are defined in and extend transversely
along the base of the container between the first pair of
sidewalls. Each of the pair of grooves is adapted for receiving a
respective one of a pair of support members of the like container
therein for maintaining the container in the first stacking
position relative to the like container.
[0017] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the inwardly-directed projection is a first superposable
ledge structure adapted for complementary engagement with the
inwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining
the like container in said nesting position within the storage
compartment, and complementary engagement with the
outwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining
the like container in the second stacking position.
[0018] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the outwardly-directed projection is a second
superposable ledge structure adapted for complementary engagement
with the outwardly-directed projection on the like container for
maintaining the like container in the nesting position within the
storage compartment, and complementary engagement with the
inwardly-directed projection on the like container for maintaining
the like container in the second stacking position.
[0019] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the container includes first and second pairs of bail
socket members. Each of the pairs of bail socket members is carried
by a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls. Each bail
socket member is adapted for receiving a respective one of the free
ends of the pair of bails therein for permitting pivotal movement
of each of the pair of bails between the inwardly-directed and
outwardly-directed positions.
[0020] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a bail socket is connected to an upper rim of each of
the first pair of sidewalls and adapted for receiving the free ends
of a respective one of the pair of bails therein for permitting the
bail to move between the inwardly-directed and outwardly-directed
positions.
[0021] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of holes are defined by and extend through
at least one of the sidewalls for providing ventilation to the
storage compartment.
[0022] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the container includes a pair of handles. Each of the
handles is defined by and extends through a respective one of the
first pair of sidewalls for permitting the container to be moved
from one location to another.
[0023] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, the container includes a pair of handles. Each of the
handles is defined by and extends through a respective one of the
first pair of sidewalls adjacent the upper rim for permitting the
container to be moved from one location to another.
[0024] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, another container for storing items and adapted for
being stacked upon and nested within a like container is provided.
The container includes a base from which first and second pairs of
spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls upwardly and outwardly, extend.
The second pair of sidewalls is perpendicularly disposed between
and interconnects the first pair of sidewalls to form a storage
compartment. An inward projection is carried by one of the first
pair of sidewalls and extends inwardly into the storage
compartment, and an outward projection is carried by the other of
the first pair of sidewalls and extends outwardly away from the
storage compartment. The container also includes a pair of opposed
bails. One of the bails is pivotally connected to a respective one
of the first pair of sidewalls and is adapted for being moved
between an inwardly-directed position residing within the storage
compartment at a predetermined vertical position and an
outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage
compartment. The inward projection, outward projection and pair of
support members cooperate together for defining a nesting position
wherein each of the bails is in the outwardly-directed position and
in a non-interfering position relative to the storage compartment
for permitting a like container to be received within the storage
compartment, wherein the inward and outward projections on the
container engage respective like inward and outward projections
carried by the like container. The inward projection, outward
projection and pair of support members also cooperate together for
defining first and second stacking positions. When in the first
stacking position, each of the bails is in the inwardly-directed
position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting
the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a
first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above
said base of the container. When in the second stacking position,
each of the bails is in the outward position and the like container
is oriented 180 degrees from the first stacking position for
permitting like inward and outward projections of the like
container to be stacked upon the respective outwardly and inward
projections of the container at a second predetermined stacking
height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the
container.
[0025] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the
invention, yet another container is provided for storing items and
adapted for being stacked upon and nested within a like container.
The container includes a base. Complementary pairs of spaced-apart,
opposing sidewalls extend upwardly and outwardly from the base, and
are interconnected to form a storage compartment. An inward
projection is carried by one of a selected pair of the
complementary sidewalls and extends inwardly into the storage
compartment. An outward projection is carried by the other of the
selected pair of sidewalls and extends inwardly into the storage
compartment. The container also includes a pair of opposed support
members. One of the support members is pivotally connected to a
respective one of the selected pair of sidewalls and is adapted for
being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within
the storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position, and
an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage
compartment. The inward projection, outward projection and pair of
support members cooperate together for defining nesting, first
stacking, and second stacking positions. In the nesting position,
each of the support members is in the outwardly-directed position
and is in a non-interfering position relative to the storage
compartment for permitting a like container to be received within
the storage compartment, wherein the inward and outward projections
on the container engage respective like inward and outward
projections carried by the like container. In the first stacking
position, each of the support members is in the inwardly-directed
position for engaging a base of the like container for permitting
the like container to be stacked upon the support members at a
first predetermined stacking height in spaced-apart relation above
the base of the container. In the second stacking position, each of
the support members is in the outward position, and the like
container is oriented 180 degrees from the first stacking position
for permitting like inward and outward projections of the like
container to be stacked upon the respective outwardly and inward
projections of the container at a second predetermined stacking
height in spaced-apart relation above the base of the
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth
above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as
the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following
drawings, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a 180.degree. stack and nest
bail container according to one preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of two containers according to
FIG. 1 showing the containers in a nested position;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the containers shown in FIG. 2
illustrating the containers oriented in one of at least two
possible stacked positions;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of two containers according to
another preferred embodiment of the invention showing the
containers placed in another one of at least two stacked positions;
and
[0031] FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the containers according to
FIG. 4 showing the containers placed in a stacked position
identical to the stacked position illustrated in FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE
[0032] Referring now specifically to the drawings, a 180.degree.
stack and nest bail container according to the present invention is
illustrated and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The
container 10 may be formed from any suitable material, but is
preferably formed from either high density polyethylene or
polypropylene. Furthermore, the container 10 may have any length,
width, or height, depending upon the type of application for which
the container 10 is intended to be used.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the container 10 includes a floor 11
upon which two opposing, major sidewalls, 12 and 13, and two
opposing, minor sidewalls, 14 and 15, are formed. Sidewalls 12, 13,
14 and 15 collectively define an interior of the container 10. The
major and minor opposing sidewalls 12, 13 and 14, 15 define two
opposing, major upper edges 17 and 18, and two opposing, minor
upper edges, 19 and 20, respectively. A hand grip opening 21A is
defined in each of the minor sidewalls 14 and 15 adjacent the minor
upper edges 19 and 20. The hand grip openings 21A are used to
manually transport the container 10 to different positions and
locations.
[0034] First and second ledge structures 22 and 23 are also defined
in minor sidewalls 14 and 15, respectively. The first ledge
structure 22 protrudes outwardly from minor sidewall 14 away from
the interior of the container 10. In contrast, the second ledge
structure 23 defines a shoulder 24 that extends into the interior.
A stacking rim 25 is defined by the floor 11 and extends along the
bottom of minor sidewall 14. A stacking channel 26 is also defined
in the floor 11 and extends across the floor 11 adjacent minor
sidewall 15.
[0035] The container 10 also includes multiple ventilation holes
30A which are defined in and extend through sidewalls 12, 13, 14
and 15. The container 10 may optionally include a complementary
nesting lid and/or one or more dividers which may be positioned in
the interior to partition the interior into separate chambers or
layers (Not shown).
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2, the shape of the first and second
ledge structures 22 and 23 permits the first and second ledge
structures 22 and 23 to be superposed upon identical first and
second ledge structures 22' and 23' of another container 0', which
enables the container 10 to be nested within the interior of the
container 10' when the containers 10 and 10' are not in use. This
nested position saves space and permits multiple containers 10 to
be easily and cost-effectively transported when empty. The
containers 10 provide a nesting efficiency when internested with
other like containers.
[0037] Referring again to FIG. 1, the container 10 also includes
first and second bails 27 and 28. The bails 27 and 28 may be formed
from any suitable substance. Bail 27 is pivotally attached by
hinges 29A and 29B to minor upper edge 19. Bail 28 is similarly
pivotally attached by hinges 31A and 31 B to minor upper edge 20.
FIG. 1 shows the bails 27 and 28 pivoted inwardly toward the
interior of the container 10. FIG. 2 shows the bails 27 and 28
pivoted outwardly away from the interior and positioned adjacent
the exterior of minor sidewalls 14 and 15. Positioning bails 27 and
28 on the exterior of respective sidewalls 14 and 15 permits
container 10' to be nested within the interior of container 10.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, placing each bail 27 and 28 in the
inwardly-directed position permits an identical container 10' to be
stacked on top of the container 10. As is shown in FIG. 3, bails 27
and 28 on container 10 are received within respective complementary
stacking channel 26' and stacking rim 25' on container 10'.
Stacking the containers 10 and 10' in this manner creates an
interior height "H.sub.1" within the container 10 for permitting
larger items to be stored therein. Interior height "H.sub.1" may be
any height necessary to address individual storage
requirements.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 4, two 180.degree. stack and nest
containers according to an alternative embodiment of the invention
are illustrated and shown generally at reference numerals 40 and
40'. With the exception of the absence of ventilation holes 30A,
the containers 40 and 40' are formed from the same materials and
include the same components as the container 10; therefore, like
elements are shown in FIG. 4 using prime reference numerals. Using
containers 40 and 40' as representative examples, FIG. 4 shows the
containers 40 and 40' placed in a second stacking position which
creates an interior height "H.sub.2"within the container 40. Like
interior height "H.sub.1", interior height "H.sub.2"may be any
height necessary to address individual storage requirements. This
second stacking position is achieved by rotating the container 40'
relative to container 40 by 180.degree. so that the minor sidewalls
14' and 15' of container 40' are positioned over the minor
sidewalls 15' and 14', respectively, of container 40. Container 40'
is then superposed upon container 40 so that the first ledge
structure 22' engages the shoulder 24' of the second ledge
structure 23', which in turn maintains the containers 40 and 40' in
the second stacking position. FIG. 5 shows the containers 40 and
40' placed in a stacking position identical to that shown in FIG. 3
above.
[0040] A stack and nest container has been disclosed. Various
details of the invention may be changed without departing from its
scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred
embodiments of the invention and the best mode for practicing the
invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not
for the purpose of limitation.
* * * * *