U.S. patent application number 12/001014 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for nestable container set.
Invention is credited to Andrew Steinmeyer.
Application Number | 20090145797 12/001014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40720515 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090145797 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Steinmeyer; Andrew |
June 11, 2009 |
Nestable container set
Abstract
A nestable container set is disclosed that provides for
efficient storage, and safe, easy and convenient handling during
use. Top-open containers can be nested in specific locations with
respect to each other. Each container includes a nesting apparatus,
allowing the containers to connect to each other. Preferred
embodiment nesting apparatuses include ridged container top rims,
ridged container sides, and ridged container bottoms. Containers
can be snapped in place, pressed firmly in place, or fit snugly in
place, with respect to each other. Containers can also be nested
together through a tight packing system. Lids are provided for
sealing containers shut, for storage, transportation, and/or use.
Embodiments include containers with a variety of shapes and sizes,
and made of materials of varying texture and rigidity. The
invention offers advantages over the prior art in storage,
transportation and use of the nestable containers.
Inventors: |
Steinmeyer; Andrew; (Mount
Plesant, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Russ Weinzimmer
614 Nashua Street, Suite 53
Milford
NH
03055
US
|
Family ID: |
40720515 |
Appl. No.: |
12/001014 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/507 ;
206/505; 206/518; 206/519 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/0233
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/507 ;
206/518; 206/519; 206/505 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/00 20060101
B65D021/00 |
Claims
1. A nestable container set, comprising: a plurality of top-open
containers, wherein each container of the plurality of containers
includes at least one nesting apparatus, for at least one of: the
container being nested into a specific location inside another
container of the plurality of containers, the other container being
of substantially larger volume; and the container nesting another
container of the plurality of containers into a specific location
inside itself, the other container being of substantially smaller
volume.
2. The nestable container set of claim 1, further comprising at
least one lid for covering at least one container of the plurality
of containers.
3. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
top-open containers includes a first container and a second
container, the second container being substantially smaller in
volume than the first container, the nesting apparatus of one of
the first and second containers including a rim with an indented
groove and the nesting apparatus of the other of the first and
second containers including a rim with a protruding ridge, the
groove and the ridge being configured so as to allow the ridge to
nest in the groove, thereby allowing the second container to nest
within the first container.
4. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
top-open containers includes a first container and a second
container, the second container being substantially smaller in
volume than the first container, the nesting apparatus of the first
container including ridges on an inwardly facing side and the
nesting apparatus of the second container including ridges on an
outwardly facing side, the ridges on the sides of the first and
second containers being configured so as to allow the ridges on the
outwardly facing side of the second container to nest against the
ridges on the inwardly facing side of the first container, thereby
allowing the second container to nest within the first
container.
5. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
top-open containers includes a first container and a second
container, the second container being substantially smaller in
volume than the first container, the nesting apparatus of the first
container including ridges on an upwardly facing bottom surface and
the nesting apparatus of the second container including ridges on a
downwardly facing bottom surface, the ridges on the bottom surfaces
of the first and second containers being configured so as to allow
the ridges on the downwardly facing bottom surface of the second
container to nest against the ridges on the upwardly facing bottom
surface of the first container, thereby allowing the second
container to nest within the first container.
6. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
top-open containers includes at least three containers with rigid
structures, the nesting apparatuses for each of the three
containers being configured so as to allow two of the three
containers to be packed tightly within the third of the three
containers.
7. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
open-top containers includes a first container and a second
container, the first container having a nesting apparatus that is a
snapping apparatus, the snapping apparatus being able to attach to
the second container by being snapped in place into a specific
location with respect to the second container.
8. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
open-top containers includes a first container and a second
container, the first container having a nesting apparatus that is a
pressing apparatus, the pressing apparatus being able to attach to
the second container by being pressed firmly into a specific
location with respect to the second container.
9. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
open-top containers includes a first container and a second
container, the first container having a nesting apparatus that is a
fitting apparatus, the fitting apparatus being able to attach to
the second container by being fit snuggly into a specific location
with respect to the second container.
10. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the shape of at
least one of the plurality of top-open containers at least
partially resembles at least one of a prism and a frustum.
11. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the shape of at
least one of the plurality of containers at least partially
resembles at least one of a cylindrical prism, a frusto-cone, a
rectangular prism, and a frusto-pyramid.
12. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the shape of at
least one of the plurality of containers at least partially
resembles a wedge.
13. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at the shape of
least one of the plurality of containers at least partially
resembles an ovoid.
14. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at least one of
the plurality of containers is made of a rigid material.
15. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at least one of
the plurality of containers is made of a flexible material.
16. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at least one of
the plurality of containers includes a textured surface.
17. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at least one of
the plurality of containers includes a smooth surface.
18. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at least one of
the plurality of containers includes at least one of a grasping
area and a grasping apparatus, for easy grasping by a user.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to sets of containers, and more
particularly to sets of nestable containers that can be nested
inside of each other in fixed locations.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many consumers own a variety of types of container sets for
either the storage or the immediate use of items. One inconvenience
of many types of container sets is the inability to store them
efficiently, using a small amount of space. Certain sets of
nestable containers that can be stored within each other are
already known in the prior art.
[0003] Usually, prior art nestable container sets feature
containers of identical designs, so they can be nested tightly for
maximal storage capacity. Nesting the containers one within another
reduces the amount of storage space necessary to hold all of the
containers when they are not in use. However, a fundamental problem
arises with this type of arrangement.
[0004] Container sets that allow for nesting multiple containers
within each other generally cannot be used to hold items while they
are in their nested form. The space inside most of the containers
in these types of container sets is simply occupied by other
containers. Furthermore, their lids cannot be affixed to the rims
of the open tops of the containers while they are nested
together.
[0005] Without the ability to house items in the containers while
the containers are nested together, their capacity for neatly
grouping together is only of use in terms of storage, and not of
usage. There remains a need for a set of containers that can be
nested together in an efficient, space-saving manner, both for
storage, while not in use, and also for housing items, during
use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The container set of the present invention is designed to
overcome the problem inherent in the prior art. The present
invention allows for efficient overall storage when not in use, but
also provides for safe, easy and convenient handling of an entire
nestable container set, or a significant portion thereof, during
actual personal use of the containers.
[0007] The set of nestable containers for personal use includes
several top-open containers that can be securely nested together
inside one or several larger containers. Each container contains a
nesting apparatus that allows it to be connected in a secure
location relative to one or several other containers. The
containers also can be lidded with semi-elastic or plastic lids,
separately as individual containers, or together as a collective
unit of containers.
[0008] The containers can be nestable through the use of various
different attachment apparatuses. For example, different containers
can be connected through ridged top rims, or ridges and/or
indentations in their respective bottoms. The containers can also
be nested through the use of ridged sides, by securely connecting
together grooved sides with ribbed sides. The attachment
apparatuses can be configured so as to snap into place, or be
pressed firmly into place, or to simply fit snugly into place, with
respect to each other.
[0009] Alternatively, containers can be nested together within
secure locations inside of one or several other larger containers
through a packing system. In such a packing arrangement, the
tightly fitted combination of containers would create mutually
reinforcing lateral stresses, thereby holding the containers in
their designated places.
[0010] The containers also can be available in different sizes, and
a variety of shapes, such as rectangular prism or frusto-pyramidal
containers, cylinder and/or wedge-shaped containers, or even
egg-shaped containers. Furthermore, the containers can be composed
of different materials of varying degrees of rigidity and texture,
depending on each container's intended use.
[0011] The nestable container set offers several advantages and
allows options over the prior art, while providing for more
advantageous personal use. Through the enhancements and advantages
claimed and described below, the invention ensures safe, easy, and
convenient handling during personal use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates a preferred embodiment with three
essentially rectangular containers of successively larger size that
can be nested within each other, the three containers being shown
separated from each other;
[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1A with the three
containers nested inside of each other;
[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates a preferred embodiment with three
containers shaped respectively as a circle, a semi-circle, and a
wedge, the three containers being shown separated from each
other;
[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 2A with the three
containers nested inside of each other;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, except that lids are included
for each of the three rectangular containers;
[0017] FIG. 4A illustrates a section of an outer container with a
ridged rim attachment apparatus for nesting other containers;
[0018] FIG. 4B illustrate an inner container with a ridged rim
suitable for attachment to the ridged rim of the outer container of
FIG. 4A;
[0019] FIG. 4C illustrates the outer container of FIG. 4A and the
inner container of FIG. 4B nested together;
[0020] FIG. 5A illustrates a section of an outer container with a
ridged side attachment apparatus for nesting other containers;
[0021] FIG. 5B illustrate an inner container with a ridged side
suitable for attachment to the ridged side of the outer container
of FIG. 5A;
[0022] FIG. 5C illustrates the outer container of FIG. 5A and the
inner container of FIG. 5B nested together;
[0023] FIG. 6A illustrates a section of an outer container with a
grooved floor attachment apparatus for nesting other
containers;
[0024] FIG. 6B illustrate an inner container with corner stubs
suitable for attachment to the grooved floor of the outer container
of FIG. 6A; and
[0025] FIG. 6C illustrates the outer container of FIG. 6A and the
inner container of FIG. 6B nested together;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] In the following detailed description of exemplary
embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings, which illustrate specific exemplary embodiments in which
the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention.
[0027] It is to be understood that other embodiments can be
utilized, and that logical changes can be made without departing
from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed
description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope
of the invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram that shows a possible general embodiment
of a nestable container set in accordance with the invention. The
containers in FIG. 1 are shown as having a generally cubic shape
resembling a frusto-pyramid. FIG. 1A shows three containers of
successively larger size, each container capable of being fitted
securely within the next. The smallest container 100 can be fitted
securely inside the medium-sized container 102, which in turn can
be fitted securely inside the largest container 104.
[0029] FIG. 1B illustrates the manner in which the containers could
be nested together. The smallest container 100 is shown nested
inside a portion of the medium-sized container 102, and the two
containers 100, 102 are also shown being nested together inside a
portion of the largest container 104. Attachment apparatuses are
not shown in this general embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a diagram that shows another possible general
embodiment of a nestable container set in accordance with the
invention. The containers in FIG. 2 are shown as having either a
cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape, or a wedge-like shape. The
containers are capable of being nested inside each other in
resemblance of a pie, with the vertex corners of the smaller
wedge-shaped containers converging at the center of the larger
cylindrical container.
[0031] FIG. 2A shows three containers of successively larger size,
each container capable of being fitted securely within the next.
The smallest container 200 can be fitted securely inside the
medium-sized container 202, which in turn can be fitted securely
inside the largest container 204. FIG. 2B illustrates the manner in
which the containers would be nested together. The smallest
container 200 is shown nested inside a portion of the medium-sized
container 202, and the two containers 200, 202 are also shown being
nested together inside a portion of the largest container 204.
Attachment apparatuses are not shown in this general
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram that shows the ways in which containers
of a nestable container set can be lidded in accordance with the
invention. Container lids can be made of a semi-elastic or plastic
material, which can conform to the shape of the rim of their
respective containers. A small lid 300 is portrayed covering the
smallest container 310, which can be used to seal the container 310
shut and use the container 310 by itself, for storing or housing
items.
[0033] The medium-sized container 312 also can be lidded. Since the
medium-sized container 312 can be used either by itself, or with
the smallest container 310 nested within it, the lid for either
container 300, 302 can be used. For example, if the smallest
container 310 is nested within the medium-sized container 312, the
small lid 300 can be used for the smallest container 310, or
alternatively, the medium lid 302 can cover both containers 310,
312, while providing a seal for the medium-sized container 312. The
medium-sized container 312 can also be used, along with the medium
lid 302, by itself, without the smallest container 310 nested
inside.
[0034] Finally, the largest container 314 can be lidded. Since the
largest container 314 can be used either by itself, or in
conjunction with at least one of the other two containers 310, 312,
the lid for either of the three containers 300, 302, 304 can be
used. As with the medium lid 302 with respect to the medium-sized
container 312, the large lid 304 can provide a seal for the largest
container 314, while also covering any other containers 310, 312
nested inside.
[0035] All container structures can be comprised of materials of
varying degrees of texture and rigidity. The containers can be
nested with respect to each other by means of various different
"nesting" apparatuses, or attachment apparatuses. Possible nesting
apparatuses include, but are not limited to: ridged rims that can
be connected together; ridged sides that can be connected together;
or ridged bottoms that can be connected together.
[0036] The ridged nesting apparatuses can be variously configured
to allow the respective containers to be either snapped into place,
pressed firmly into place, or simply fit snugly into place, with
respect to each other. Finally, the nesting apparatus of containers
can simply be their rigid external structures, which fit tightly
with respect to each other, inside of a larger container. Within a
given nestable container set, the same nesting apparatus can be
used for all containers, or alternatively, a combination of
possible nesting apparatuses can be used.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates the manner in which a container with a
ridged rim can be connected to a container of substantially larger
volume, also with a ridged rim. FIG. 4A depicts a possible cross
section of an outer container 400 with a ridged rim 402 as an
attachment apparatus. The rim 402 contains an indented groove 404,
within which the rim of the inner container 412 can fit.
[0038] FIG. 4B shows a possible inner container 410 with a ridged
rim 412 as a complementary attachment apparatus. The rim 412
contains an extended crest 414, within which the rim of the outer
container 402 can fit. The underside of the crest 414 of the inner
container's rim 412 can fit into the groove 404 of the outer
container's rim 402. FIG. 4C represents a side view of the outer
container 400 and the inner container 410 fitted together by their
respective ridged rims 402, 412. The crest 414 of the inner
container's rim 412 is shown fitting inside the groove 404 of the
outer container's rim 402.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates the manner in which a container with a
ridged side can be connected to a container of substantially larger
volume, also with a ridged side. FIG. 5A depicts a possible cross
section of an outer container 500 with a ridged inside 502 as an
attachment apparatus. The inner side 502 contains protruding ribs
504, upon which the outside of the inner container 512 can fit.
[0040] FIG. 5B shows a possible inner container 510 with indented
grooves 514 on the outside of the inner container 512, as a
complementary attachment apparatus that can fit into the ridged
inside of the outer container 502. FIG. 5C represents a side view
of the outer container 500 and the inner container 510 fitted
together by their respective ridged sides 502, 512. The grooves 514
on the outside 512 of the inner container 510 are shown being
fitted to the ribs 504 on the inside 502 of the outer container
500.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates the manner in which a container with a
ridged underside can be connected to a container of substantially
larger volume, with a ridged floor. FIG. 6A depicts a possible
section of the outer container 600 with a grooved floor 602 as an
attachment apparatus containing grooves 604 and corner holes
606.
[0042] FIG. 6B shows the ridged periphery 614, and corner stubs
616, of the underside 612 of the inside container 610 as a
complementary attachment apparatus. FIG. 6C represents a side view
of the two containers fitted together by their respective ridged
bottoms 602, 612. The ridged features 614, 616 on the bottom 612 of
the inner container 610 are shown being fitted to the grooved
features 604, 606 on the floor 602 of the outer container 600.
[0043] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the
same purpose can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.
This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations
of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that
this invention be limited only by the following claims, and
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *