Nestable containers

Abstract

A nestable container designed for efficient storage when the containers is not in use and for safe handling when in use. The container has four outwardly bowed sidewalls flared upwardly from its bottom with each sidewall connected to adjacent sidewalls by an inwardly fluted web to form a essentially square cross section. The webs define finger gripping corners at the edges of the sidewalls that allow the container to gripped better by a user. The containers can be nested with other containers of different sizes without wasting space. The essentially square configuration of the containers also make them easy to pack with or within other containers, that are typically also square or rectangular.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 646,581, entitled “NESTABLE CONTAINERS,” filed on Aug. 22, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a nestable storage container and more particularly to nestable storage containers designed to receive a removable cover. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Nestable containers for storing contents are known in the prior art. Generally, such prior art containers are identical to one another to allow them to be nested together. Nesting the containers in such a manner reduces the amount of storage space required to hold the containers when they are not in use. However, the features in the prior art designs that allow the containers to be nested also create problems with the containers. For instance, they often reduce the structural integrity of the container and / or make them more difficult t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides containers that are efficient for storage and easy to handle. The containers have flared sidewalls with inwardly fluted webs that define finger gripping corners or comers. The containers can be nested, and in one embodiment, the upper end of each container is defined by a continuous upper edge that mates with a lid. The containers can be used for open, in cabinet storage when not in use. The technical effects of the invention include improved efficiency in storing and handling the containers."

Problems solved by technology

However, the features in the prior art designs that allow the containers to be nested also create problems with the containers.

For instance, they often reduce the structural integrity of the container and / or make them more difficult to handle.

Additionally, the identical designs of such containers limit them to containers of the same holding capacity.

Moreover, many stacking designs must be specifically pre-oriented to permit stacking and are frequently designed to receive covers or lids that are not easy to remove.

A common problem as well is the often existing variety of (food) containers stored in kitchen cupboards that are difficult to match up with the fitting lids of any particular container within such an assortment.

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