CA2526783A1 - Nesting and stacking container - Google Patents

Nesting and stacking container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2526783A1
CA2526783A1 CA 2526783 CA2526783A CA2526783A1 CA 2526783 A1 CA2526783 A1 CA 2526783A1 CA 2526783 CA2526783 CA 2526783 CA 2526783 A CA2526783 A CA 2526783A CA 2526783 A1 CA2526783 A1 CA 2526783A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
container
supports
base
sidewalls
nesting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2526783
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gino Tuzi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA 2526783 priority Critical patent/CA2526783A1/en
Publication of CA2526783A1 publication Critical patent/CA2526783A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/04—Open-ended containers shaped to be nested when empty and to be superposed when full
    • B65D21/043—Identical stackable containers specially adapted for nesting after rotation around a vertical axis
    • B65D21/046—Identical stackable containers specially adapted for nesting after rotation around a vertical axis about 90°
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D7/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal
    • B65D7/12—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls
    • B65D7/14—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls of skeleton or like apertured construction, e.g. baskets or carriers formed of wire mesh, of interconnected bands, bars, or rods, or of perforated sheet metal
    • B65D7/20—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls of skeleton or like apertured construction, e.g. baskets or carriers formed of wire mesh, of interconnected bands, bars, or rods, or of perforated sheet metal made of wire

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)

Abstract

A container is provided. The container comprises a base; sidewalls extending from the base, the sidewalls defining a container opening opposite the base; and, supports connected to the sidewalls for supporting a second container. The base of the container comprises support engaging sections for engaging the supports of the second container and permitting stacking of the first and second containers, and support bypassing section for bypassing the supports of the second container and permitting nesting of the first and second containers.
The container is orientable relative to the second container between a stacking orientation, whereby the support engaging sections of the container base engage the supports of the second container, and a nesting orientation, whereby the support bypassing sections of the container base bypass the supports of the second container.

Description

NESTING AND STACKING CONTAINER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0001] The present invention relates to containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to nesting and stacking containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] Packing containers permit multiple items to be packed, stored and shipped as a single unit. Stackable packing containers, which compared to non-stackable containers, permit a greater percentage of available storage space to be used for stored items.
However, when stackable containers are not being used to store items, they occupy the same volume of space as the containers in use.
[0003] Various solutions to this space problem have been proposed. For example, containers that can be broken down when not in use have been developed. The acts of breaking down and re-building the containers can be labour intensive. Also, these breakable containers may not be compatible with automated packing lines. There exists a need for a container that obviates or mitigates at least some of the above-presented disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0004] A container is provided. The container comprises a base; sidewalls extending from the base, the sidewalls defining a container opening opposite the base;
and, supports connected to the sidewalls for supporting a second container. The base of the container comprises support engaging sections for engaging the supports of the second container and permitting stacking of the first and second containers, and support bypassing section for bypassing the supports of the second container and permitting nesting of the first and second containers. The container is orientable relative to the second container between a stacking orientation, whereby the support engaging sections of the container base engage the supports of the second container, and a nesting orientation, whereby the support bypassing sections of the container base bypass the supports of the second container.

The base and sidewalls may be comprised of a plurality of interconnected wire members.
[0005] The supports may be connected to the sidewalls about the opening.
[0006] The container may comprise four sidewalls.
[0007] The wire may be comprised of one of plastic, ceramic, metal and composites thereof.
[0008] The metal may be one of steel, aluminium, copper and alloys thereof.
[0009] The steel may be stainless steel.
[0010] A nesting and stacking container is provided. The container comprises a base;
four sidewalls extending from respective sides of the base, the sidewalls defining a container opening opposite the base; and, supports connected to two opposing sidewalls about the opening for supporting a second container. The base of the container comprises a support engaging section for engaging the supports of the second container and permitting stacking of the first and second containers, and a support bypassing section for bypassing the supports of the second container and permitting nesting of the first and second containers. The container is orientable relative to the second container between a stacking orientation, whereby the support engaging section of the container base engages the supports of the second container, and a nesting orientation, whereby the support bypassing section of the container base bypasses the supports of the second container.
[0011] A nesting and stacking container for use in a packing line is also provided. The container comprises a base; sidewalls extending from the base, the sidewalls defining a container opening opposite the base; and, supports connected to the sidewalls for supporting a second container. The base of the container comprises a support engaging section for engaging the supports of the second container and permitting stacking of the first and second containers, and a support bypassing section for bypassing the supports of the second container and permitting nesting of the first and second containers. The container is graspable and orientable relative to the second container from a nesting orientation, whereby the support bypassing section of the container base bypasses the supports of the second container, to a stacking orientation, whereby the support engaging section of the container base engages the supports of the second container.

LIST OF FIGURES:
[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a nesting and stacking container, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] Figure 2 is a is a perspective view illustrating a first and second nesting and stacking container in a stacking arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] Figure 3 is a is a perspective view illustrating a first and second nesting and stacking container in a nesting arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] Figure 4 is a side view illustrating a first and second nesting and stacking in a stacking arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] Figure 5 is a side view illustrating a first and second nesting and stacking container in a nesting arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and, [0018] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a nesting and stacking container, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0019] Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3 a perspective view of a nesting and stacking container 10 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The container 10 is preferably for use in the packing line of, for example, a manufacturing or packaging facility. For example, the container 10 may be configured and sized to hold milk cartons. Alternately, the container 10 may hold cartons of eggs.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the container 10 may be configured and sized to hold any of a number of items.
[0021] The container 10 comprises a base 11; sidewalls 13 extending from the base 11, the sidewalls 13 defining a container opening 15 opposite the base 11; and, supports 17 connected to the sidewalls 13 for supporting a second container 10b. The base 11 of the container 10 comprises a support engaging section 19 for engaging the supports 17b of the second container 14b and permitting stacking of the first and second containers (10, 10b), and a support bypassing section 21 for bypassing the supports 17b of the second container 10b and permitting nesting of the first and second containers (10, 10b). The container 10 is orientable relative to the second container 10b between a stacking orientation, whereby the support engaging section 19 of the container base 11 engages the supports 17b of the second container l Ob, and a nesting orientation, whereby the support bypassing section 21 of the container base 11 bypasses the supports 17b of the second container 10b.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the container 10 comprises a base 11; four sidewalls 13 extending from respective sides of the base 11, the sidewalls 13 defining a container opening 15 opposite the base 11; and, supports 17 connected to two opposing sidewalls 13 about the opening 15 for supporting the second container l Ob.
[0023] The container 10 may be wire framed. In a preferred embodiment, the container is comprised of a plurality of interconnected wire members 23. The wire members 23 may be comprised of a plastic, ceramic, metal or composites thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the wire members 23 are comprised of a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminium, copper and alloys thereof. For example, the steel may be stainless steel. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any wire material suitable to support the items to be stored in the container 10 may be employed. For example, if the container 10 is configured and sized to hold a relatively heavy item, such as a milk carton, stainless steel may be used as the wire material.
[0024] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, side views of the nesting and stacking container 10 are illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. The wire members 23 of the sidewalls 13 that are adjacent the support bypassing section 21 of the base 11 are spaced apart sufficiently to bypass the supports 17b of the second container 10b, thereby enabling nesting of the containers 10, 10b. In a preferred embodiment, the portions of the wire members 23 that are oriented vertically, vertical portions 25, are spaced so as to permit bypassing the supports 17b.

The vertical portions 25 may also be oriented sufficiently off vertical in a V-like configuration so as to guide the container 10 into a nesting arrangement with the second container l Ob.
[0025] Referring to Figure 1 in a preferred embodiment, the supports 17 are connected to the sidewalls 13 about the opening 15, toward the top of the container 10. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the supports 17 may be positioned anywhere on the sidewalls 13 that suits the needs of the individuals packing the container 10. Figure 1 also illustrates that the supports 17 preferably extend inwardly from the sidewalls 13.
[0026] The supports 17 are preferably connected to at least two opposing sidewalls 13.
For example, Figure 1 illustrates a container 10 comprising four sidewalls 13.
The resulting container opening 15 is approximately square-shaped, and the container 10 is approximately cube-shaped. In this example, the supports 17 are connected to two opposing sidewalls 13. It will be apparent, however, that the number of opposed sidewalls 13 to which the supports 17 are connected may vary with the number of sidewalls that the container 10 possess, as well as the stacking requirements of the container 10 user. In some instances, the supports 17 may not be positioned on opposed sidewalls 13. For example, if a five-sided container is used, there are no two sidewalls that are opposed. As such, the sidewalls 13, to which the supports 17 are connected, are selected so as to best support the container stacked atop.
[0027] Referring to Figures 1-5, the container 10 about the opening 15 is comprised of a rim 51. In a preferred embodiment, the rim 51 is a plate material, such as a steel plate material.
The rim 51, being so comprised, permits container supports 17 to be formed therefrom.
Alternatively, the supports 17 may be connected to the rim 51. The supports 17 preferably extend inwardly from the rim 51.
[0028] In the present embodiment, the support engaging section 19 comprises a plate or bar 59. The support engaging section 19 preferably comprises four plates or bars 59. The bar 59 may be connected to the base 11. Alternately, it may be integrally formed with the base 11. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any means of connecting or forming the bar 59 with the base 11 that permits the bar 59 to function as a support engaging section may be employed. The bar 59 comprises engaging end 61, which is configured to engage the support 17b of the second container lOb during the stacking operation. For example, the engaging end 61 may be stamped or otherwise deformed to form a recess or hook 63 that engages the corresponding support 17b of the second container 10b during the stacking operation.
[0029] Referring to Figures 1-5, the vertical portions 25 of the container 10 are preferably configured to have an offset or recess 53 at about the opening 15.
The recesses 53 combine to form a support or seat against which the respective second container sits when the containers are nested. With reference to container 10 in Figure 3, the wire members 23 adjacent the rim 51 define a recess 53 configured to engage the second container I Ob when the container is in the nesting orientation.
[0030] Referring to Figure 6, a perspective view of a nesting and stacking container 100 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. As with container 10, the container 100 is preferably for use in the packing line of, for example, a manufacturing or packaging facility.
[0031] The container 100 comprises a base I 11; sidewalls 113 extending from the base I 11, the sidewalls 113 defining a container opening 115 opposite the base 111; and, supports 117 connected to the sidewalls 113 for supporting a second container. The base 111 of the container 100 comprises a support engaging section 119 for engaging the supports of the second container and permitting stacking of the first and second containers, and a support bypassing section 121 for bypassing the supports of the second container and permitting nesting of the first and second containers. The container 100 is orientable relative to the second container between a stacking orientation, whereby the support engaging section 119 of the container base 111 engages the supports of the second container, and a nesting orientation, whereby the support bypassing section 121 of the container base 111 bypasses the supports of the second container.
[0032] The container 100 may be wire framed. In a preferred embodiment, the container 100 is comprised of a plurality of interconnected wire members 123. The wire members 123 may be comprised of a plastic, ceramic, metal or composites thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the wire members 123 are comprised of a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminium, copper and alloys thereof. For example, the steel may be stainless steel. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any wire material suitable to support the items to be stored in the container 100 may be employed. For example, if the container 100 is configured and sized to hold a relatively heavy item, such as a milk carton, stainless steel may be used as the wire material.
[0033] The wire members 123 of the sidewalls 113 that are adjacent the support bypassing section 121 of the base 111 are spaced apart sufficiently to bypass the supports of the second container, thereby enabling nesting of the containers. In a preferred embodiment, the portions of the wire members 123 that are oriented vertically, vertical portions 125, are spaced so as to permit bypassing the supports. The vertical portions 125 may also be oriented sufficiently off vertical in a V-like configuration so as to guide the container 100 into a nesting arrangement with the second container.
[0034] The supports 117 are connected to the sidewalls 113 about the opening 115. The supports 117 preferably extend inwardly from the sidewalls 113.
[0035] The container 100 about the opening 115 is comprised of a rim 151. The rim 151 is preferably a wire material. The rim 151, being so comprised, permits the container supports 117 to be formed therefrom.
[0036] The support engaging section 119 is preferably comprised of a wire material that is connected to the base 111. Alternately, it may be integrally formed with the base 111. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that any means of connecting or forming the support 119 with the base I 11 that permits the support 119 to function as a support engaging section may be employed. For example, the support 119 may be stamped or otherwise deformed to form a recess or hook that engages the corresponding support of the second container during the stacking operation.
[0037] The vertical portions 125 of the container 100 are preferably configured to have an offset or recess 153 at about the opening 115. The recesses 153 combine to form a support or seat against which the respective second container sits when the containers are nested. With reference to container 100, the wire members 123 adjacent the rim 151 define a recess 153 configured to engage the second container when the container 100 is in the nesting orientation.
[0038] When the nesting and stacking containers 10 and 100 are configured for use in a packing line, they are graspable by a packing line robotic unit (not shown).
Any means that are known to those skilled in the art for configuring the containers to be graspable on the packing line may be employed in order to suit the particular requirements of the packing line. For example, the containers 10 and 100 may further comprise a guide (not shown) positioned on each container. The guide, when the respective container is positioned on the packing line, interacts with a corresponding guide (not shown) on the packing line thereby permitting the container to be directed on the packing line.
[0039] The above description is intended in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
Variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims set out below.

Claims (28)

1. A container comprising:
a base;

sidewalls extending from the base, the sidewalls defining a container opening opposite the base;
and, supports connected to the sidewalls for supporting a second container, the base comprising a support engaging section for engaging the supports of the second container and permitting stacking of the first and second containers, and a support bypassing section for bypassing the supports of the second container and permitting nesting of the first and second containers, the container being orientable relative to the second container between a stacking orientation, whereby the support engaging section of the container base engages the supports of the second container, and a nesting orientation, whereby the support bypassing section of the container base bypasses the supports of the second container.
2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the container is wire framed.
3. A container according to claim 1, wherein the base and sidewalls are comprised of a plurality of interconnected wire members.
4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the wire members of the sidewalls adjacent the support bypassing sections of the base are spaced sufficiently apart to bypass the supports of the second container.
5. A container according to claim 1, wherein the supports are connected to the sidewalls about the opening.
6. A container according to claim 5, wherein the supports extend inwardly from the sidewalls.
7. A container according to claim 6, wherein the supports are connected to at least two opposing sidewalls.
8. A container according to claim 7, wherein the container comprises four sidewalls.
9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the supports are connected to two opposing sidewalls.
10. A container according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the sidewalls comprise a recess positioned about the perimeter of the container, the recess being configured to engage the second container when the container is in the nesting orientation.
11. A container according to claim 10, wherein the recess is positioned at a point between adjacent the opening and a mid-height point of the sidewall.
12. A container according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the wire is comprised of one of plastic, ceramic, metal and composites thereof.
13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the metal is one of steel, aluminium, copper and alloys thereof.
14. A container according to claim 13, wherein the steel is stainless steel.
15. A container comprising:

a base;

four sidewalls extending from respective sides of the base, the sidewalls defining a container opening opposite the base; and, supports connected to two opposing sidewalls about the opening for supporting a second container, the base comprising a support engaging section for engaging the supports of the second container and permitting stacking of the first and second containers, and a support bypassing section for bypassing the supports of the second container and permitting nesting of the first and second containers, the container being orientable relative to the second container between a stacking orientation, whereby the support engaging section of the container base engages the supports of the second container, and a nesting orientation, whereby the support bypassing section of the container base bypasses the supports of the second container.
16. A container according to claim 15, wherein the container is wire framed.
17. A container according to claim 15, wherein the base and sidewalls are comprised of a plurality of interconnected wire members.
18. A container according to claim 17, wherein the wire members of the sidewalls adjacent the support bypassing sections of the base are spaced sufficiently apart to bypass the supports of the second container.
19. A container according to claim 18, wherein the wire is comprised of one of plastic, ceramic, metal and composites thereof.
20. A container according to claim 19, wherein the steel is stainless steel.
21. A container according to claims 15 and 16, wherein the sidewalls comprise a recess positioned about the perimeter of the container, the recess being configured to engage the second container when the container is in the nesting orientation.
22. A nesting and stacking container for use in a packing line, the container comprising:
a base;

sidewalls extending from the base, the sidewalls defining a container opening opposite the base;
and, supports connected to the sidewalls for supporting a second container, the base comprising a support engaging section for engaging the supports of the second container and permitting stacking of the first and second containers, and a support bypassing section for bypassing the supports of the second container and permitting nesting of the first and second containers, the container being graspable and orientable relative to the second container from a nesting orientation, whereby the support bypassing section of the container base bypasses the supports of the second container, to a stacking orientation, whereby the support engaging section of the container base engages the supports of the second container.
23. A nesting and stacking container for use in a packing line according to claim 22, wherein the container is graspable by a packing line robotic unit.
24. A nesting and stacking container for use in a packing line according to claim 23, wherein the container further comprises a guide positioned on the container, the guide, when the container is positioned on the packing line, interacting with a corresponding guide on the packing line thereby permitting the container to be directed on the packing line.
25. A container according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls about the container opening comprises a rim plate.
26. A container according to claim 25 wherein the supports extend inwardly from the rim plate.
27. A container according to claim 26 wherein the sidewalls further comprise a plurality of wire members extending from the rim plate.
28. A container according to claim 27 wherein the wire members adjacent the rim plate define a recess configured to engage the second container when the container is in the nesting orientation.
CA 2526783 2005-11-14 2005-11-14 Nesting and stacking container Abandoned CA2526783A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2526783 CA2526783A1 (en) 2005-11-14 2005-11-14 Nesting and stacking container

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2526783 CA2526783A1 (en) 2005-11-14 2005-11-14 Nesting and stacking container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2526783A1 true CA2526783A1 (en) 2007-05-14

Family

ID=38051410

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2526783 Abandoned CA2526783A1 (en) 2005-11-14 2005-11-14 Nesting and stacking container

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2526783A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD930421S1 (en) 2019-02-27 2021-09-14 Spike Brewing LLC Container and lid assembly

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD930421S1 (en) 2019-02-27 2021-09-14 Spike Brewing LLC Container and lid assembly

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7467714B2 (en) Container stack and separating element therefor
US5979654A (en) Nestable display crate for bottle carriers
US7516854B2 (en) System bin
US20080000800A1 (en) Stacking tray assembly incorporating any number of vertically displaced tiers for supporting a plurality of loose items, such as in a gift basket arrangement
US20080067097A1 (en) Nestable display crate for bottle carriers
US8403144B2 (en) Liquid container: system for distribution
WO2005110874A1 (en) Stackable plastic container
MX2008003162A (en) Stackable liquid container.
US20100206759A1 (en) Stackable liquid container with tunnel-shaped base
WO2010006629A1 (en) Protection arrangement
EP2409929A1 (en) Egg package
CA2549637A1 (en) Interchangeable and nestable storage bin and lid
US3392874A (en) Container stack with common carrying handle
US8413840B2 (en) Handle for cookware
US20070045213A1 (en) Stackable plastic container
US8561799B2 (en) Nestable container
CA2526783A1 (en) Nesting and stacking container
JPH11503699A (en) Stackable display containers
CN101203434B (en) Small nested basket
US20120261291A1 (en) Stable stacked multipack assembly including stackable packing units and method for providing same
KR101396068B1 (en) a stackable basket
JP3095368U (en) Beverage can cap
WO1998041453A1 (en) Nestable display crate for bottle carriers
US9386885B1 (en) Food container organizer
JPH06329158A (en) Container for hauling

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Dead