U.S. patent application number 11/211787 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-19 for nestable containers.
Invention is credited to Saul Palder.
Application Number | 20060011626 11/211787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34194564 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060011626 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Palder; Saul |
January 19, 2006 |
Nestable containers
Abstract
A nestable container designed for efficient storage when the
containers is not in use and for safe handling when in use. The
container has four outwardly bowed sidewalls flared upwardly from
its bottom with each sidewall connected to adjacent sidewalls by an
inwardly fluted web to form a essentially square cross section. The
webs define finger gripping corners at the edges of the sidewalls
that allow the container to gripped better by a user. The
containers can be nested with other containers of different sizes
without wasting space. The essentially square configuration of the
containers also make them easy to pack with or within other
containers, that are typically also square or rectangular.
Inventors: |
Palder; Saul; (Hyde Park,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOLF GREENFIELD & SACKS, PC;FEDERAL RESERVE PLAZA
600 ATLANTIC AVENUE
BOSTON
MA
02210-2211
US
|
Family ID: |
34194564 |
Appl. No.: |
11/211787 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10646581 |
Aug 22, 2003 |
|
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11211787 |
Aug 25, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/22 20130101; B65D
21/0233 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/006 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/12 20060101
B65D006/12 |
Claims
1. An array of containers, comprising: a plurality of stacks of
containers with the containers within each stack nested together;
each of the containers having open ends of the same dimensions to
accommodate stacking but with one group of containers having a
depth different from a second group of containers, whereby the
volume in the containers of one group is greater than the volume of
containers in the second group, one group comprising one stack and
the second group comprising a second stack; and means for commonly
supporting the stacks in adjacent relation.
2. An array of containers as set forth in claim 1, in combination
with a stack of lids, the lids adapted to fit containers of both
groups.
3. An array of containers as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising a third stack of containers, in combination with a stack
of lids, the lids adapted to fit containers of all three
stacks.
4. An array of containers as set forth in claim 1, wherein the
first stack of containers is substantially parallel to the second
stack of containers.
5. A combination as set forth in claim 2, further comprising means
for commonly supporting the stacks of containers and lids in
adjacent relation.
6. A combination as set forth in claim 5, wherein the stack of lids
is substantially perpendicular to the stacks of containers.
7. An array of containers, comprising: a plurality of stacks of
containers with the containers within each stack nested together;
each of the containers having open ends of the same dimensions to
accommodate stacking but with at least some of the containers in
one group of containers having a different volume from at least
some of the containers in a second group of containers whereby the
volume of at least some of the containers of one group is greater
than the volume of at least some of the containers of the second
group, one group at least partially arranged in one stack and the
second group at least partially arranged in the second stack; and a
common support for positioning the plurality of stacks in adjacent
relation.
8. An array of containers as set forth in claim 7, wherein all of
the containers in one group of containers each have a different
volume from all of the containers in the second group of
containers.
9. An array of containers as set forth in claim 7, wherein the
common support comprises a base that is portable with the plurality
of stacks, and is configured to secure the stacks initially in a
fixed relation to one another.
10. A storage system for multiple stacks of containers comprising;
a base; a stackholder assembly; and means for interengaging the
base and the stackholder assembly for movement of the stackholder
assembly to and from a position in vertical alignment with the
base; said stackholder assembly having a plurality of upwardly
extending mandrils, shaped and sized to removably secure a
container with its open end downwardly faced.
11. A storage system for multiple stacks of containers as set forth
in claim 10, wherein the stackholder assembly further comprises at
least one pocket, shaped and sized to hold a plurality of common
lids sized to fit with the containers.
12. An array of containers and lids, comprising: a plurality of
stacks of containers with the containers within each stack nested
together; each of the containers having open ends of the same
dimensions to accommodate stacking but with at least some of the
containers in one group of containers having a different volume
from at least some of the containers in a second group of
containers whereby the volume of at least some of the containers of
one group is greater than the volume of at least some of the
containers of the second group, one group at least partially
arranged in one stack and the second group at least partially
arranged in the second stack; a stack of lids sized to fit
containers of both groups; and a stackholder assembly for commonly
supporting the stacks of lids and containers in adjacent relation.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/646,581, entitled "NESTABLE
CONTAINERS," filed on Aug. 22, 2003, which is herein incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a nestable storage
container and more particularly to nestable storage containers
designed to receive a removable cover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Nestable containers for storing contents are known in the
prior art. Generally, such prior art containers are identical to
one another to allow them to be nested together. Nesting the
containers in such a manner reduces the amount of storage space
required to hold the containers when they are not in use. However,
the features in the prior art designs that allow the containers to
be nested also create problems with the containers. For instance,
they often reduce the structural integrity of the container and/or
make them more difficult to handle. Additionally, the identical
designs of such containers limit them to containers of the same
holding capacity. Moreover, many stacking designs must be
specifically pre-oriented to permit stacking and are frequently
designed to receive covers or lids that are not easy to remove. A
common problem as well is the often existing variety of (food)
containers stored in kitchen cupboards that are difficult to match
up with the fitting lids of any particular container within such an
assortment.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] The containers of the present invention are designed for an
efficient overall storage system for open, in cabinet storage when
not in use and designed with features for easy, safe handling
during use.
[0005] In one embodiment, the nestable container has four sidewalls
flared upwardly and outwardly from a common bottom. Each sidewall
is connected to its adjacent sidewalls by an inwardly fluted web
defining finger gripping corners at the edges of said
sidewalls.
[0006] In another embodiment, the nestable container has four
sidewalls flared upwardly and outwardly from a common bottom. Each
sidewall is connected to adjacent sidewalls by an inwardly fluted
web defining finger gripping comers at the edges of the sidewalls.
The upper end of each fluted web is defined by a wall or lip having
an edge that is continuous with upper edges of the adjacent
sidewalls and defines a continuous edge for engagement with a
lid.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, each of a series of nestable
containers have four sidewalls flared upwardly and outwardly from a
common bottom. Each sidewall is connected to its adjacent sidewalls
by an inwardly fluted web, defining finger gripping comers at the
edges of adjacent sidewalls. The open end of each nestable
container is defined by a continuous upper edge adapted to mate
with a lid, the upper edge having a periphery greater than the
bottom.
[0008] Various embodiments of the present invention provide certain
advantages and overcome certain drawbacks of prior containers.
Embodiments of the invention may not share the same advantages, and
those that do may not share them under all circumstances. This
being said, the present invention provides numerous advantages
including the noted advantages of improved efficiency in storing
the containers, and also the improved handling during use.
[0009] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the structure of various embodiments, are described in
detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] In the drawings, similar features that are illustrated in
various figures are represented by like numerals. For purposes of
clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In
the drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of embodiments of two different
sizes and shapes of nestable containers shown in a stored, nested
open and closed configurations, as well as showing the textured
flutes relative to finger position in "lift-up" mode;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a nestable
containers with a lid secured to one and adjacent to the other;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an inverted side view of an embodiment of a
nestable container;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.
4;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a pair of
like nested containers taken along a line corresponding to the line
4B-4B of FIG. 4A.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5A-5A
shown in FIG. 4 and includes a lid cross section that is not shown
in FIG. 4; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of an outer
container and a full side view of a container nested within the
outer container, taken along line 6B-6B shown in FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of embodiments of the invention
used on a slide-out and turn base, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,585,119 with lid pockets and rounded-square containers;
[0020] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the same slide and turn
base, showing lid pockets and positioning mandrels snapped in place
on the turntable surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The containers of the present invention are adapted for
efficient stacking when they are not in use, and for safe handling
when they are in use and facilitate the easy removal of a lid
without the likelihood of spilling any contents of the
container.
[0022] Turning to the Figures, and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2
where illustrative embodiments of the nestable containers 10 are
shown. Several different sized nestable containers in inverted,
stacked and upright configurations are illustrated. The first stack
12 is of nestable containers that are larger in size and may
contain a greater volume of contents than the container 14. These
containers 10 and 14 may, for example, contain 1 quart and 1 pint,
respectively, although they may be sized to contain any other
volume, as the present invention is not limited in this respect.
FIG. 2 shows a third embodiment of a nestable container that
contains a volume different than those shown in FIG. 1, which may,
for instance, be 1/2 pint. This container 16 is shown in a
configuration used for storing contents with its lid 18 securely
fastened thereto. Also illustrated in FIG. 1 are essentially frusto
conic configured containers 15 and 17 that are of different
volumes, but each have identically sized and shaped open ends
designed to receive circular covers 18A. Regardless of the volume
the containers 10 and 14 can hold, they each have a commonly sized
top rim 30 at the open end 42, the benefits of which will be
described below. The four sided containers illustrated by
containers 10 and 14 will require a larger volume of plastic to
hold the same volume as containers 15 and 17, but since the four
sided container may make more efficient space use of a refrigerator
or the like, when stored. The detailed description refers primarily
to the four sided container 10 and 14 but the broader advantages
and features also apply to containers 15 and 17.
[0023] Each of the containers 10 and 14 have sidewalls 20 that are
angled outwardly from the bottom 24 of the container to the open
end 42, preferably at a 5 degree angle as depicted in FIG. 3 by the
constant ".alpha.". The angling of the sidewalls 20 and the
inwardly bowed or fluted gripping portions 22 that are between each
adjacent sidewall create a cross section that gradually decreases
from top to bottom, along the longitudinal axis of each container.
This decreasing cross section allows the containers to fit, almost
entirely, within another container of the same size or a larger
size. Only the top rim 30 and stepped section 32 comprising an
outer wall 32a and bottom 32b (FIG. 5a) of a container in most
embodiments will not fit inside of a corresponding nested
container. The top rim and stepped section is preferably in the
order of about 0.5'' to 1'', but most preferably in the order of
0.68 inches tall, meaning that each additional stacked container
only consumes about an additional corresponding 0.5'' to 1.0'' of
space in the stacking direction of the preferred embodiment. In
another embodiment, only the rim provides height that does not nest
within the adjacent container. The essentially square configuration
allows the containers to be stacked or nested on top of one another
in any one of four different rotational orientations, thus
eliminating the need to carefully orient the containers before
stacking or nesting.
[0024] The common top rim 30 and essentially square shape of each
container also allows containers of different sizes to be stacked
with one another. For example, a two quart container, and one quart
container as shown in FIG. 1, and a one pint container as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 may all be stacked with one another. Although the
containers may be stacked with the smaller container inside of the
larger container, or vice-versa, it is preferable that the smaller
container be placed inside of the larger container. This
configuration allows the top rims of each container contacting one
another and thus stabilizing the nested stack of containers, as is
shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6A and as is described in greater detail
below.
[0025] The top rim 30 of the illustrated containers, shown from a
top view in FIG. 4, has several features that improve stackability
among containers. It is identical to the top rim 30 of other
containers, regardless of the container volume. The common top rim
design, and the commonly angled body allows the container volume to
be altered by only changing the height of a particular container
and the footprint of the container base, while maintaining other
design features constant.
[0026] Extending downwardly from each top rim 30 and the stepped
section 32 are four engagement ribs 36, equally spaced on the
inside periphery as shown in FIG. 4A and adapted to contact the rim
30 of the nested container above.
[0027] In this arrangement, the stepped section 32 has an outer
wall 32A coextensive with the periphery of the rim 30 and with the
wall defined by lines near-parallel to the center axis of the
container, but inclined in the order of 1.degree. in molding
direction, as is common in plastic injection molding practice.
[0028] The bottom 32B of Section 32 connects the wall 32A and
sidewall 20 (FIGS. 3, 4B and 6).
[0029] When stacked as shown in FIG. 4B, bottom 32B of one
container mates only marginally with rim 30 of the stacked
container immediately below, due to the thin (0.040) wall section
and the 1.degree. inclination (draft) of the stepped section 32
wall. This is shown in FIG. 6a where the underside or wall 32B of
the stepped section 32 is in only marginal contact with the rim 30
of a nested container below (see also FIG. 4B).
[0030] In order to provide both a laterally definitive and
vertically secure nesting/stacking arrangement, the four engagement
ribs 36 are dimensioned to make contact with the bottom 32B of
Section 32. Although only one rib 36 is shown, centrally located on
each side, more than one rib may be selectively placed. To further
illustrate this nesting/stacking system, FIGS. 4A and 4B
(cross-section) are provided.
[0031] Each gripping groove or fluted section 22 terminates at the
lip or wall 28 that is coextensive with the upper end of each
container and in part defines the periphery of the annular top rim
30 (FIGS. 2 and 3). When the containers are stacked, these lips or
walls 28 define a surface that a user can flex with a finger or
thumb to pry nested containers apart, should that become necessary.
This will not generally be necessary as the preferred container
embodiments have 0.025 inches of clearance between the walls of
mating containers. Additionally, the lips or walls 28 will
ordinarily lie in facing relation with a lid secured on the
container. FIG. 5 shows that when a lid is so secured the lip or
wall 28 may be flexed with a finger or thumb together with the
lid-rim 38 to pop the lid downward protruding lid-rim and lid from
the container.
[0032] The common top rim 30 of each of the containers, regardless
of their size and volume, also allows a common lid design to be
used for all of the various containers. For instance, FIG. 2 shows
one lid placed on top of a one pint container; however, the same
lid may also be on a two quart container, a one quart container or
any other container having a common top rim as the invention is not
limited in this respect. Such common lids may also be placed
closely next to one another to take up a minimum amount of storage
space when stored alongside the stacked container columns. These
lids may be stored within "lid pockets" 39 on the periphery of a
turn and slide out unit that holds both the containers and lids
such as illustrated and disclosed in issued U.S. Pat. No.
6,585,119, issued Jul. 1, 2003. The lids 18 are preferably made
having matching radii at their comers and along their sides to
conform to the preferred shape of the container top rim 30.
[0033] Some lids, according to the present invention, are made of a
soft plastic material, such as polyethylene, that allows them to be
stretched over the top rim of a container, thereby providing a
snap-fit as illustrated in FIG. 5. Such a snap-fit provides the
seal between the lid and the container, thereby further preventing
leakage of any contents and/or spoilage of any contents inside the
container. Generally, such snap-fit arrangements require that the
entire outer edge of the top rim be bowed outwardly at all points
to conform to the similarly shaped top edge of a container, as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Otherwise, if large portions of the top rim
and lid were bowed inwardly, the pressure between the lid and the
top rim may be reduced at the inwardly bowed portion such that a
leak path could be formed. For these reasons, the top rim of the
containers and lids of the present invention are generally bowed
outward at all points.
[0034] The top rim of containers of the present invention, as shown
in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 also have a rim protrusion that helps provide
the snap-fit and also improves the sealing capabilities of the
container. The rim protrusion mates with a corresponding inner
surface protrusion on the lid, as shown by the lid cross section in
FIG. 5, to provide a noticeable `snap` that is felt when the lid is
secured in its locked position. If such a snap is not felt, the
user is alerted that the lid may not be properly in place. The rim
protrusion preferably comprises a 30 degree angled surface 38 at
its upper edge that creates an interference fit with a
corresponding overlapping surface on the inner portion 40 of the
rim of a lid 18.
[0035] The containers of the present invention are also easy to
handle when they are used. Each of the containers, regardless of
size, include an inwardly extending flute or gripping groove 22
arranged in between each of the four sidewalls 20. This gripping
groove 22 flared or is bowed inwardly relative to the sidewalls 20.
However, the gripping grooves are also preferably angled outwardly
in a direction from the bottom portion 24 of a container to the
open end 42 to allow for stacking. For the preferred container,
which is sized to have sidewalls spaced from one another by 5.55
inches at the top rim 30, the gripping grooves 22 are bowed
inwardly along a suitable radius and the sidewalls are bowed
outwardly with an equally suitable radius. For containers having
top rims with different sizes, the gripping grooves and the
sidewalls may be increased or decreased proportionally. One typical
size contemplates the gripping grooves having a 0.5'' radius and
the sidewalls having a 10 inch radius, although other proportions
are possible as the invention is not limited in this respect. The
grooves or flutes 22 provide the user with a firm surface to grip
and to apply pressure against with their thumb and fingers. The
grooves provide this benefit when the containers are picked up by
their bottom portion, as shown by the hand illustrated in FIG. 1,
or when handled in other manners, such as when heavy contents are
being poured from the container.
[0036] The gripping grooves also have features that prevent the
container from slipping from a user's grasp. Some embodiments of
the invention have a textured surface 26 as a part of the gripping
grooves to enhance the grip offered to a user. For instance, the
textured surface as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6 enhances the amount
of friction between the user and the container thus preventing any
slippage of the container from the user's hand. In the preferred
embodiment, this texture is integrally formed acid etched into the
mold within the container gripping grooves and extends into the
material to a maximum depth in accordance with best injection
molding practices. Such texturing surface may be a part of the
material that forms the body of the container, or it may be
provided by an adhesive or a film that is applied to the container
after it has been formed, as the invention is not limited in this
respect.
[0037] The inwardly bowed gripping grooves 22 of the container
improve the rigidity of the container structure. Many containers,
particularly large, thin-walled containers have a tendency to bow
or flex when gripped by a user. Such flexing allows the walls of a
container to give way when grasped by a user, making the container
difficult to hold and also potentially causing spillage. The
inwardly bowed grooves, as shown in embodiments of the present
invention, arranged in between the outwardly bowed sidewalls, held
to prevent the structure from bowing inwardly at each of the comers
of its essentially square construction. They also held to prevent
the outwardly bowed sidewalls from flexing to a certain extent.
More importantly, they provide a firm gripping surface that
obviates the need for a user to grab a container by its larger
sidewalls, which are more prone to flexing and the associated
gripping problems. In some embodiments, the gripping grooves, or
portions thereof, can have thicker walls to further improve
container rigidity.
[0038] Generally the containers of the present invention are
adapted to store most any contents that a user desires. However,
the containers are particularly adapted for the storage of
foodstuffs. For instance, food items that are regularly purchased
for use in the house or a restaurant may be supplied in packages
that are too large for normal every day use, or that are difficult
to reseal once opened. It is often convenient to store such items
in smaller or more easily sealable containers, like the containers
described herein. The essentially square configuration also allows
the containers to be packed amongst other storage containers in an
efficient manner, as most other storage containers are also
rectangular or square in design. Additionally, the containers are
particularly suited to storing meals, either before they have been
served or as leftovers to be saved for consumption at a later date
as people generally like to view the contents of foodstuff
contained at a glance, without opening them. To this end, the
containers are preferably conventionally made of a clear plastic,
such as ABS or polypropylene with wall thicknesses on the order of
0.040 to 0.050 inches, with highly polished surfaces to allow one
to see the contents of the container through its sidewalls.
[0039] The containers may be adapted to fit within a slide out tray
having a base with receptacles designed specifically to accept the
top rim 30, the bottom 24, or any other portions of the various
nestable containers. For instance, a slidable tray like that
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,119, which is hereby incorporated
in its entirety into the present application, maybe adapted for use
with the nestable containers (FIG. 7). In particular, such a tray
having a 11.75 to 12 inch diameter can accept three stacks of
essentially square containers of the same or different sizes at
positions 120 degrees apart from one another on the tray.
[0040] The periphery of this tray can also have 3 each distinct
"lid-pockets" 39 for accepting three stacks 13 of container lids
18. The lid pockets accept those lids in a vertically placed
staggered configuration. The stacked container open ends 42 are
facing down onto the tray and are positioned by upwardly extending
mandrils 11 (FIG. 7a). Such a configuration prevents loose debris
and contaminants from falling inside of the containers 10 and 14
that may otherwise contaminate contents placed inside of them. In
this manner, the tray with 3 each mandrils 11 provides additional
benefits of keeping the containers in a sanitary condition and
stable position.
[0041] As previously noted, one embodiment of this invention
contemplates a container having a frusto conic shape, as shown at
15 and 17, in FIG. 1. These containers are similar in structure,
design and function as containers 10 and 14 except for the use of a
frusto conic sidewall 20A instead of four sidewalls 20 in the
embodiments of containers 10 and 14. The cover 18A is designed to
snap fit over the circular rim 30 of containers 15 and 17.
[0042] Having thus described several aspects of at least one
embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various
alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to
those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and
improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are
intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of
example only.
[0043] This invention is not limited in its application to the
details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth
in the above description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or
of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having," "containing", "involving", and
variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
* * * * *