WO2022063924A1

WO2022063924A1 - Stackable nestable container and method for its manufacturing

Info

Publication number: WO2022063924A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/076249
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruno VANDAELE
Original assignee: Bevax Bvba
Priority date: 2020-09-23
Filing date: 2021-09-23
Publication date: 2022-03-31
Also published as: BE1028635B1; EP4217283A1; BE1028635A1

Abstract

A stackable nestable container (1) for storing and transporting of materials including food. The container (1) comprises a base (2), and an upstanding wall structure (3), which extends away from the base (2) in an expanding manner, such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim (4) formed by the wall structure (3), has a larger cross section than the base (2). The container (1) may further comprise a plurality of extendable stacking members (6) defined close to the base (2), and a plurality of stacking recesses (7) defined close to the rim (4), wherein the members (6) are selectively extendable between a stacking position, thereby enabling the container (1) to be stacked on top of another container (1), and a nesting position, thereby enabling the container (1) to be nested inside another container (1). The invention further relates to a method and use of the container.

Description

STACKABLE NESTABLE CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURING

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a stackable nestable container and to a method for manufacturing and use of a stackable nestable container. In particular a stackable nestable container for storing and transporting materials including food.

BACKGROUND

Stackable nestable containers are known in the art. For example, EP3536625A1 describes a stackable nestable container having a base and an upstanding wall structure which extends away from the base in an expanding manner such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim formed by the wall structure, has a larger cross section than the base. The container further comprises at least one stacking member, which is selectively movable between a stacking position and a nesting position. In the stacking position, the stacking member is at least partially positioned inside or above the opening to support a base of another, preferably structurally identical or similar, container stacked thereon. In the nesting position, the stacking member is removed from the opening thereby enabling the other container to be nested inside the container. The container described above is disadvantageous because the stacking member is removable and is not an integral part of the container. For example, the stacking members need to be stored somewhere when the boxes are nested inside one another. Therefore the stacking members may break every time they are installed or removed. It also takes some time and effort to install such a stacking member whenever the containers need to be stacked on top of one another.

Stackable, nestable containers are further known from JP H10 24932 A, US 2019/322417 Al and GB 2 289 881 A. These documents describe a container compromising multiple elements connected to the bottom or upper edge of the container. Said elements are able to be lengthened, retracted or folded so that said container can stacked or nested. The aforementioned containers from JP H10 24932 A, US 2019/322417 Al and GB 2 289 881 A have a problem where the elements can move during stacking or nesting of the containers, which makes the stacking of nesting more difficult and time consuming. The present invention aims to resolve at least some of the problems mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a nestable container for storing materials including food, according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the container are provided in claims 2 to 11.

The container comprises a base, and an upstanding wall structure, which extends away from the base in an expanding manner, such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim formed by the wall structure, has a larger cross section than the base. The wall structure comprises a plurality of walls, wherein a corner is defined between each two neighboring walls.

The container is adapted for selectively extending the cross section of the base to a stacking position, in which said cross section is extended by at least 10% to match the cross section of the rim, thereby enabling the container to be stacked on top of another container.

The container may further be adapted for selectively retracting the cross section of the base to a nesting position, thereby enabling the container to be nested inside another container.

The container may further comprises a plurality of extendable stacking members defined close to the base, and a plurality of stacking recesses defined close to the rim. Each recess corresponds to one member and is capable of receiving said member and at least partially structurally complementing said member.

The members may be selectively extendable between a stacking position and a nesting position. In the stacking position, the members are extended, thereby increasing the cross section of the base by at least 10% to match the cross section of the rim, thereby enabling the container to be stacked on top of another container. In the nesting position, the members are contracted, thereby enabling the container to be nested inside another container. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the members may be easily extended or contracted, so as to easily and efficiently and quickly stack or nest containers, by the user. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the members are an integral part of the container, therefore retracting in the container, therefore not needing an additional storage space when the containers are nested inside one another. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the members can be efficiently and quickly be extended or contracted, saving the user's time and effort.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the container is space saving when empty e.g. when transporting. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the container improves vehicle fill while transporting and/or storing products.

The container may further comprise a lid, wherein the lid is configured to removably fit on top of the container. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the lid is fitted on top of the container so as to securely close the container.

The container and the lid have smooth and hygienic designs. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the container and the lid can be cleaned easily.

The container and the lid are made of a plastic material. It is further an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the container and lid are waterproof.

The plastic material may be a material such as for example high density polyethylene. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that high density polyethylene is disinfectable, hygienic, food-grade and washable, reusable, has good break and tear resistance, is easy to work with, has a high rigidity, is water and moisture resistant, a good chemical resistance and high compression strength, is light, recyclable, ecological, and provides optimum performance under chilled conditions. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the container may be used for three or four years.

The container may comprise at least four members and at least four recesses. The container may be rectangular and may comprise four walls and four corners. Preferably, the corners are rounded. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that rounded corners are more durable.

It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a stable structure is obtained when stacking more than one container on top of one another. It is further an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a rectangular container provides a stable structure.

The container may further comprise at least two handles on an outer side of the container adapted for handling the containers. The handles may be used for denesting containers from one another. The handles may further have rounded handgrips. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the at least two handles makes it easier to handle and de-nest containers, and provide more comfortable handling.

The container may further comprise a plurality of shock absorbing structures, at least one on each wall. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the shock absorbing structures may prevent parts of the container subject to a shock from breaking e.g. parts of the container to the rim in case of a tip over.

The base may be reinforced. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a strong base is obtained. The base may further comprise skids. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the skids facilitate sliding the container on the ground. The base may comprise structures e.g. cellular structures or alike, for extra strength.

The container may be symmetric or rotationally symmetric. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a good stability of stacked containers is obtained.

The members may be configured so as to be extended or retracted by clicking said members. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the members need to be clicked to extend them, such that they are not free to move if they are not clicked and therefore preventing them from breaking. The members may be configured so as to be extended or retracted by other similar ways e.g. have releasable knobs that easily lock or unlock the member. A conical empty space may be formed between any two containers stacked next to one another. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that an improved cold air flow between two containers stacked next to one another is obtained. It is further an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that products cool down faster and require less energy.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a stackable nestable container suitable for storing materials including food, according to claim 12. A preferred embodiment is provided in claims 13 and 14.

The method comprises the step of providing a container comprising a base, and an upstanding wall structure, which extends away from the base in an expanding manner, such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim formed by the wall structure, has a larger cross section than the base.

The method further comprises the step of adapting said container to selectively extend the cross section of the base to a stacking position.

The method may further comprise the step of adapting said container to selectively retract the cross section of the base to a nesting position.

The method may further comprise providing a plurality of extendable stacking members defined close to the base, wherein said members are capable of selectively matching the cross section of the base with the cross section of the rim. The method may further comprise providing a plurality of stacking recesses defined close to the rim, wherein each recess is capable of receiving one corresponding member and at least partially structurally complementing said member.

The method may further comprise providing a lid, said lid capable of removably fitting on top of the container.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use of a stackable nestable container according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or a use of a method according to the second aspect of the present invention, for storing materials including food, according to claim 15. Further advantages of the invention and in particular of preferred embodiments, are disclosed in the detailed description below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1-5 show a stackable nestable container for storing materials including food, or parts of such a container, according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a 3D view of a stackable nestable container (1) according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows a front view (a), a side view (b), and a top view (c) of a stackable nestable container (1), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows three stackable nestable containers (1) stacked on top of one another, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows three stackable nestable containers (1) nested inside of one another, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a cross section of two stackable nestable containers (1) stacked on top of one another, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows a bottom view of a stackable nestable container (1), according to embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 7 shows a top view of a stackable nestable container (1) and a cross-section across line M-M, according to embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a nestable container for storing materials including food, and a method of manufacturing and use of said container.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

"A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a contaminant" refers to one or more than one contaminant.

"About" as used herein referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/-10% or less, more preferably +/-5% or less, even more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, in so far such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically disclosed.

"Comprise," "comprising," and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

The term "container" as used herein, refers to a container suitable for storing and/or transportation of bulk goods. Such bulk goods can be any materials, such as for example meat products such as for example poultry. Containers are used in industry for the storage of up to 900 kg or more of bulk goods, including but not limited to liquid or semi-liquid products, such as for example crushed poultry. Other industries that may be use such a container are for example agriculture, beverage, food, and retail industries.

The term "pallet" as used herein, refers to a structure that supports objects such as containers in a stable manner, while being handled or transported by means of transport such as forklift trucks or conveyor belts. A pallet can support one or more layers of objects such as containers, preferably having a perimeter close to that of the pallet. The pallet is made of preferably a washable material, preferably from a plastic material. For example, the pallet can be washed after use and, if desired, also disinfected and then reused under hygienic conditions. The pallet is waterproof. In a preferred embodiment, polyethylene and more preferably high density polyethylene is selected as the material of a pallet. An embodiment of a pallet in high-density polyethylene is lightweight and can, for example, be designed in a weight of only 9 to 12 kg. The pallet is preferably stackable and even more preferably the pallet is nestable. Nestable and watertight plastic pallets with a high load-bearing capacity, for instance a load-bearing capacity of 1200 kg, are very suitable to be used to support a bulk container according to the invention. A plastic pallet is preferably designed such that it is strong enough to be placed in a drive-in rack without support in the middle. To obtain good nestability, an upstand or nest height of 40 to 60 mm from a pallet is very suitable. The pallet according to the present invention is preferably lightweight.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a stackable nestable container for materials including food, wherein the container (1) is made of a plastic material, the container (1) comprises a base (2), and an upstanding wall structure (3), which extends away from the base (2) in an expanding manner, such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim (4) formed by the wall structure (3), has a larger cross section than the base (2), wherein the wall structure (3) comprises a plurality of walls (3), wherein a corner (5) is defined between each two neighboring walls (3), wherein the container (1) is adapted for selectively extending the cross section of the base (2) to a stacking position, in which said cross section is extended by at least 10% to match the cross section of the rim (4), thereby enabling the container (1) to be stacked on top of another container.

The container comprises a base, and an upstanding wall structure, which extends away from the base in an expanding manner, such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim formed by the wall structure, has a larger cross section than the base. The wall structure comprises a plurality of walls, wherein a corner is defined between each two neighboring walls. The container is adapted for selectively extending the cross section of the base to a stacking position, in which said cross section is extended by at least 10% to match the cross section of the rim, thereby enabling the container to be stacked on top of another container. Matching the cross section of the rim with the cross section with the base may be done by matching the perimeter of the base with the perimeter of the rim, such that the base of one container can rest on the rim of another container.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may further be adapted for selectively retracting the cross section of the base to a nesting position, thereby enabling the container to be nested inside another container.

In a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the base may be matched to the cross section of the rim, or the cross section of the rim may be matched to the cross section of the base. This can be achieved by having e.g. flexible or elastic or clickable or extendable members, or alike, attached to either the rim or the base. For example, said members may be capable of changing the cross section of the base e.g. increasing the perimeter, allowing the base of one container to be stacked on the base of another container, or capable of changing the cross section of the rim e.g. decreasing the perimeter of the rim, allowing the rim of one container to receive a base of another container. It is preferable to extend the cross section of the base to match the cross section of the rim.

In a preferred embodiment, the container and the base may be optimized for extra strength, e.g. by having said container and base structured e.g. comprising cellular- like structures, or rectangular structures, or alike, so as to obtain extra strength.

In a preferred embodiment, the base may comprise a pallet. Said pallet provides support e.g. in full-load. The pallet may be comprise a structured base for extra strength. In a preferred embodiment, the pallet may act as a buffer between the base and the ground e.g. by slightly increasing the distance between the base and the ground, to preserve the base and prolong the life time of the container. The pallet may be replaceable.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may be sometimes stacked on top of another container, and other times nested inside another container, according to the desire of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the container may further comprise a plurality of extendable stacking members defined close to the base e.g. closer to the base than to the rim e.g. on the corners of the base or e.g. alongside or throughout the base, and a plurality of stacking recesses defined close to the rim e.g. closer to the rim than to the base e.g. on the corners of the rim or e.g. alongside or throughout the rim. Each recess corresponds to one member e.g. on the same side e.g. on the same corner, and is capable of receiving said member and at least partially or completely structurally complementing said member. The recesses of one container are capable of holding the weight of another container stacked on top. The weight of the container may in one embodiment be supported by said members, said members may be strong enough to support the full load without breaking. In another embodiment the weight may also be supported by the base e.g. a complete or a partial surface of the base, to help support the container but also to avoid extra load on the members that may lead to breaking them or reducing their quality.

In a preferred embodiment, when the members rest on the recesses, the container is stable and does not move e.g. the container does not tip over e.g. when in fullload. This can be done e.g. increasing the friction of the surface of the recesses e.g. by attaching a high friction material thereon, such that the members do not easily slide on the recesses and e.g. result in the containers falling or being non-stable.

In a preferred embodiment, the members may be selectively extendable between a stacking position and a nesting position. In the stacking position, the members are extended, thereby increasing the cross section of the base by at least 10% to match the cross section of the rim, preferably at least 15%, thereby enabling the container to be stacked on top of another container e.g. when loaded. In the nesting position, the members are contracted, thereby enabling the container to be nested inside another container e.g. when empty. Matching the cross section of the rim with the cross section with the base may be done by matching the perimeter of the base with the perimeter of the rim by extending or retracting said members, such that the members of the base of one container can rest on the recesses of the rim of another container. Stacking, or de-stacking, or nesting, or de-nesting containers may be done automatically, or manually by the user e.g. using a forklift.

The stacking position is suitable for e.g. storing or transporting containers having full-load, e.g. 1300 liters, while the nesting position is suitable for e.g. storing or transporting empty containers, thereby saving space. Having two such positions optimizes the vehicle fill while transporting and/or storing products in the containers.

In a preferred embodiment, the members may be an integral part of the container. In this case, the members may retract inside the container itself e.g. inside the base, or e.g. inside the corner, such that a flat base is provided. This reduces the space required for storing such members when they are nested on top of one another. The members can also quickly and easily extend and retract, which helps the user to efficiently and quickly change the mode of operation e.g. from a stacking position to a nesting position, or vice versa, without the need of installing or uninstalling extra parts.

Stacking or nesting more than one container on top of one another results in a stable structure e.g. safe to store and transport without spills or tipping over or other accidents. When transporting, the number of stacked and nested containers may be limited to a maximum number depending on the dimensions and load of the containers. For example, when transporting by a truck, the containers may be limited to a maximum of three stacked containers on top of one another and ten nested containers inside one another, depending e.g. on the dimensions and load of the containers and of the transportation means. When storing, the number of stacked and nested containers may be limited to e.g. a maximum of six stacked containers and ten nested containers, depending on the dimensions and load of the containers and the storage place.

In a preferred embodiment, when the containers are nested on one another, the containers may be adapted such that they don't get stuck to each other, such that it is easy to unstack them. For example, the containers may be adapted such that they are prevented from being pushed more than a predetermined distance into each other. For example, the base of one container has an offset from the base of the container below and from the base of the container above, such that they don't get stuck and can get easily de-nested.

In a preferred embodiment, the containers may be RFID compatible. For example, RFID slots are provided to improve traceability.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one label holder may be placed on the container for easy identification. In a preferred embodiment, the container may weigh under 90 kg, and may carry around 5.5 tons.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may be designed with folds in the walls or elsewhere for reinforcement.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may be provided close to the base with a valve which is suitable for unloading from the container when desired when the valve is opened without the container having to be e.g. tipped over for this purpose.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may further comprise a lid, wherein the lid is configured to removably fit on top of the container. The lid is fitted on top of the container so as to securely close the container, such that e.g. insects are kept away from getting in the container, e.g. such that the smell of the materials in the container remains in the container. The lid may provide watertight closure to the container. For example, the lid may comprise a continuous rim or flange all around, which lid and rim or flange are preferably dimensioned and shaped to provide a form-fitting seal when placed on the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the container and the lid have smooth and hygienic designs for easy cleaning thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the container and the lid are made of a plastic material. Such a material is typically waterproof. This enables securely storing liquid and/or semi-liquid materials without the risk of a spill.

In a preferred embodiment, the container is made of a plastic material, the plastic material may be a material such as for example polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the container and the lid are made of high density polyethylene. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that high density polyethylene is disinfectable, hygienic, foodgrade and washable, reusable, has good break and tear resistance, is easy to work with, has a high rigidity, is water and moisture resistant, a good chemical resistance and high compression strength, is light, recyclable, ecological, and provides optimum performance under chilled conditions. The containers are safe to use at least in temperature ranges between -7°C and 40°C. The container may be used for three or four years before discarding or recycling said container.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may comprise at least four members and at least four recesses. The container may be rectangular and may comprise four walls and four corners, each corner lies in between two neighboring walls. The corners preferably have an angle of 90 degrees. Preferably, the corners are rounded e.g. not a sharp corner with a sharp edge. Such a structure is more durable and resistant against breaking, especially in cases such as when loading a volume of e.g. 1300 liters or more in the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may further comprise at least two handles on an outer side of the container adapted for handling the container e.g. at least four handles. The handles may for example be arranged on opposite sides of one another for easy handling e.g. one handle on each wall. The handles may be useful for de-nesting containers from one another e.g. in cases such as for example the containers are stuck to one another because they were pushed too hard during nesting on one another, or e.g. simply for carrying and handling the containers.

In a preferred embodiment, the handles may further have rounded handgrips so as to provide more comfortable handling for the hands of the user e.g. if containers are stuck to one another, or e.g. when carrying said containers especially in fullload. The container may for example comprise two or four handles, e.g. one on each side of the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the container may further comprise a plurality of shock absorbing structures, at least one on each wall. Such structures are useful for absorbing shocks caused while e.g. unloading stacks by e.g. tipping the container over, or e.g. de-nesting by horizontally laying down said containers. This prevents parts that are subject to said shocks from breaking and therefore prolonging the life time of the container.

In a preferred embodiment, the base may be reinforced. So as to provide a strong base capable of holding e.g. 1300 liters of food. In a preferred embodiment, the base may further comprise skids to facilitate sliding the container on the ground. This can be useful e.g. when the container is very heavy e.g. in full-load. The base may alternatively comprise feet e.g. non sliding.

In a preferred embodiment, the containers may be symmetric or rotationally symmetric. Such provides a good stability when stacking containers on top of one another.

In a preferred embodiment, the members may be configured so as to be extended by clicking said members. On the other hand, the members may be configured so as to be retracted by again clicking said members. This prevents the members from breaking, since they need to be clicked to be extended or retracted. Therefore they are not on the way when nesting, or that they are stable and not freely moving when stacking. This also saves space that is needed for said members when not in use. A click may be substituted by any other similar mechanism or extending or releasing such a member.

In a preferred embodiment, a conical empty space may be formed between any two containers stacked next to one another. This results in an improved cold air flow between two containers stacked next to one another. As a result, products cool down faster and require less energy.

In a preferred embodiment, tapered folds are present in the container, to improve the mechanical strength thereof. Such folds may also be useful for shock absorbing.

In a preferred embodiment, the members may be connected to a movable support. Said support may be slideable or moveable so as to retract the members inwards to the base or expand the members outwards out of the base, as desired by the user.

In a preferred embodiment, a structured base may be present, adapted to provide an extra mechanical strength to the container, e.g. to withstand the weight of the containers stacked on top thereof. The structured base may be arranged as a grating. Said base is adapted for shock absorbing.

In a preferred embodiment, the container has the following dimensions: length 1.3 m, width 1.15 m, and height 1.25 m. When the containers are nested on one another, they have an offset of 21.5 cm. This offset helps in preventing the nested containers from sticking to one another. On the other hand, when the containers are stacked on one another, they have an offset of 1.185 m. Therefore, two containers stacked on one another have a height of 2.435 m, and three containers stacked on one another have a height of 3.62 m, and so on.

Further characteristics and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not restricted to the specific embodiments shown in these figures or described in the examples, but is only limited by the claims.

Fig. 1 shows a 3D view of the container (1) according to embodiments of the present invention. The container (1) comprises a base (2), and an upstanding wall structure (3), which extends away from the base (2) in an expanding manner, such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim (4) formed by the wall structure (3), has a larger cross section than the base (2). The wall structure (3) comprises a plurality of walls (3), wherein a corner (5) is defined between each two neighboring walls (3).

The container (1) further comprises a plurality of extendable stacking members (6) defined close to the base (2), and a plurality of stacking recesses (7) defined close to the rim (4).

The container (1) further comprises a plurality of shock absorbing structures (8), at least one on each wall (3). The structures (8) are useful for absorbing shocks and therefore preventing breaking and therefore prolonging the life time of the container (1). The shock absorbing structures (8) may be periodic structures, e.g. arranged in a grating fashion, so as to provide mechanical strength to the container (1).

The container (1) further comprises at least two handles (9) on an outer side of the container (1) adapted for handling the container (1). The handles (9) may be integrated with the shock absorbing structures (8).

As visible, the container (1) may have rectangular structured pattern (10) e.g. on the base or close to the rims, so as to provide extra strength for said container (1).

Fig. 2 shows a front view (a), a side view (b), and a top view (c) of a container (1) according to embodiments of the present invention. The dimensions of the container (1) are according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, having a length of 1.3 m, a width of 1.115 m, and a height of 1.25 m. Other dimensions can also be used, depending on the application and preferences.

Fig. 3 shows three containers (1) stacked on top of one another, according to embodiments of the present invention. When the containers (1) are stacked, they have an offset of 1.185 m, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Other dimensions can also be used, depending on the application and preferences.

When stacking containers on top of one another, the members (6) are extended, such that the container (1) has its weight on the four members, wherein the four members are resting on the recesses (7) of the container below. The recesses are adapted for receiving said members, by having a complemental structure to said members. The members may be clicked in order to extend said members. The members (6) are strong enough to support the container (1).

Fig. 4 shows three containers (1) nested inside of one another, according to embodiments of the present invention. When the containers (1) are nested, they have an offset of 0.215 m, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Such an offset helps to de-nest the containers, such that they are not stuck to one another.

When nesting containers (1) inside of one another, the members (6) are retracted, such that the container (1) has the cross section of the base (2) smaller than the cross section of the rim (4). Therefore, the container (1) is able to be nested inside another container (1) below. The members may be clicked in order to retract said members.

Fig. 5 shows a cross section of two containers (1) stacked on top of one another, according to embodiments of the present invention. The base, but also other parts of the container, may comprise rectangular structured pattern (10) e.g. on the base or close to the rims, so as to provide extra strength for said container (1). The pattern (10) may be in arranged as number of gratings e.g. periodic structures e.g. periodic structures separated by empty spaces. In addition, leg-like support (11), arranged in a periodic manner, provide stability and strength to the container (1). The members (6) may be connected and supported by a movable support (13). The support (13) may be slideable or moveable so as to retract the members (6) inwards to an initial position (14) wherein the member (6) rests in case the member (6) is retracted, or expand the member (6) outwards, whenever needed or desired by the user.

The members (6) may also comprise patterns that improve their mechanical stability and strength, or for shock absorbing.

Tapered folds (15) in the container (1) having higher width at the bottom thereof improve the mechanical strength thereof, or for shock absorbing.

Fig. 6 shows a bottom view of the container (1). A structured base (16) adapted to provide an extra mechanical strength to the container (1), e.g. to withstand the weight of the containers stacked on top thereof, especially in full-load. The structured base (16) may be arranged in a grating fashion, to provide mechanical stability and strength. This may also be useful for shock absorbing.

Fig. 7 a) show a top view, with a cross-section M-M. Fig. 7 b) shows the cross section M-M. Fig. 7 c, d) show a zoom-in to circles P and N in Fig. 7 b). A rounded corner (17) is also illustrated, which is useful to prevent breaking said corner.

It is noteworthy to mention that in Fig. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7, the members (6) are retracted e.g. are in the container (1). On the other hand, in Fig. 3 and 5, the members are expanded, so as for the container (1) to be stacked on top of another container (1).

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a stackable nestable container suitable for storing materials including food, the method comprises the steps of: providing a container comprising a base, and an upstanding wall structure, which extends away from the base in an expanding manner, such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim formed by the wall structure, has a larger cross section than the base; adapting said container to selectively extend the cross section of the base to a stacking position.. The method comprises the step of a providing a container comprising a base, and an upstanding wall structure, which extends away from the base in an expanding manner, such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim formed by the wall structure, has a larger cross section than the base.

The method further comprises the step of adapting said container to selectively extend the cross section of the base to a stacking position. This allows the containers to be stacked on top of one another.

The method may further comprise the step of adapting said container to selectively retract the cross section of the base to a nesting position. This allows the containers to be nested inside one another.

The method may further comprise providing a plurality of extendable stacking members defined close to the base, wherein said members are capable of selectively matching the cross section of the base with the cross section of the rim by extending the members.

The method may further comprise providing a plurality of stacking recesses defined close to the rim, wherein each recess is capable of receiving one corresponding member and at least partially structurally complementing said member. For example, said recess may be used for stacking containers on top of one another.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a use of a stackable nestable container according to the first aspect of the present invention and/or a use of a method according to the second aspect of the present invention, for storing materials including food, according to claim 15.

Owing to its washable and, according to preferred embodiments, even waterproof character, a stackable nestable container according to the first aspect of the present invention is particularly suitable for hygienic storage of food.

The proceeding description gives details of certain embodiments of the present invention. It will, however, be clear that no matter how detailed the above turns out to be in text, the invention may be applied in many ways. It should be noted that the use of certain terminology when describing certain characteristics or aspects of the invention should not be interpreted as implying that the terminology herein is defined again to be restricted to specific characteristics or aspects of the invention to which this terminology is coupled.

Claims

1. A stackable nestable container (1) for storing materials including food, the container (1) is made of a plastic material, the container (1) comprises a base (2), and an upstanding wall structure (3), which extends away from the base (2) in an expanding manner, such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim (4) formed by the wall structure (3), has a larger cross section than the base (2), wherein the wall structure (3) comprises a plurality of walls (3), wherein a corner (5) is defined between each two neighboring walls (3), wherein the container (1) is adapted for selectively extending the cross section of the base (2) to a stacking position, in which said cross section is extended by at least 10% to match the cross section of the rim (4), thereby enabling the container (1) to be stacked on top of another container, whereby the container (1) further comprises a plurality of extendable stacking members

(6) defined close to the base (2), and a plurality of stacking recesses (7) defined close to the rim (4), wherein each recess (7) corresponds to one member (6) and is capable of receiving said member (6) and at least partially structurally complementing said member (6), characterized in that the members (6) are clickable, wherein clicking said members (6) extends or retracts said members (6).

2. A stackable nestable container (1) according to the previous claim, wherein the container (1) is adapted for selectively retracting the cross section of the base (2) to a nesting position, thereby enabling the container (1) to be nested inside another container.

3. A stackable nestable container (1) according to claim 1-2, wherein the container (1) comprises at least four members (6), and at least four recesses

(7).

4. A stackable nestable container according to claims 1-3, wherein the container (1) is rectangular and comprises four walls (3) and four corners (5), wherein the members (6) are close to the corners (5), wherein each corner (5) is preferably rounded.

5. A stackable nestable container (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the container (1) is made of a plastic such as for example polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene, or a combination thereof.

6. A stackable nestable container (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the container (1) further comprises a lid, wherein the lid is configured to removably fit on top of the container (1), wherein the lid is preferably made of high density polyethylene.

7. A stackable nestable container according to any of the previous claims, wherein the container (1) further comprising at least two handles (9) adapted for handling the container.

8. A stackable nestable container (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the container (1) further comprises a plurality of shock absorbing structures (8), at least one on each wall (3).

9. A stackable nestable container according to any of the previous claims, wherein the base (2) is reinforced and/or comprises skids.

10. A method for manufacturing a stackable nestable container suitable for storing materials including food, the method comprises the steps of: providing a container comprising a base, and an upstanding wall structure, which extends away from the base in an expanding manner, such that a container opening, which is defined by a rim formed by the wall structure, has a larger cross section than the base;

- adapting said container to selectively extend the cross section of the base to a stacking position, providing a plurality of extendable stacking members defined close to the base, wherein said members capable of selectively matching the cross section of the base with the cross section of the rim; providing a plurality of stacking recesses defined close to the rim, wherein each recess is capable of receiving one corresponding member and at least partially structurally complementing said member. Wherein the members (6) are clickable, wherein clicking said members (6) extends or retracts said members (6).

11. A method for manufacturing a stackable nestable container according to claim 10, the method further comprises the step of adapting said container to selectively retract the cross section of the base to a nesting position.

12. Use of a stackable nestable container according to claims 1-9 and/or a method for manufacturing a stackable nestable container according to claims

10-11.