Stacked container array and method of forming same

Abstract

A stacked container array has at least a first and a second container each having a closure having a recess on which a portion of the other container is seated for nesting. The recess has a dimension that enables the closed base of the other container and a portion of the upright standing side walls supporting the closed base to nest thereon with minimal translation movement.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A stacked container array, comprising: 
 a first container and at least a second container for stacking with said first container, said first container and said at least second container each including a closed base, upright standing side walls surrounding said closed base, an opening formed by said upright standing side walls opposite said closed base and a closure for closing said opening; wherein said closure of either of said first container and said at least a second container includes a recess having an upwardly extending outer wall at least partially surrounding said recess, said recess having an interior dimension for receiving both the closed base and a portion of the upstanding side walls surrounding said closed base of the other of said first container and said at least second container thereby forming a stacked container array.    
     
     
         2 . The stacked container array recited in    claim 1    wherein said recess in either of said first and second closures is formed by a bead protruding from said closure, said bead at least partially forming a boundary wall for limiting translation movement of said closed base seated in said recess.  
     
     
         3 . The stacked container array recited in    claim 1    wherein said recess has a generally planar surface and said closed base is generally flat.  
     
     
         4 . The stacked container array recited in    claim 1    wherein said upwardly extending outer wall fully surrounds said recess.  
     
     
         5 . A stacked container array recited in    claim 1    wherein said upright standing side walls surrounding said closed base is oriented at a slight acute angle to said base.  
     
     
         6 . The stacked container array recited in    claim 1    wherein said first and at least second containers and respective closures each has a plurality of cooperating threads for securing said respective closure to a respective container.  
     
     
         7 . A method of stacking containers in a stacked array, comprising the steps of: 
 providing at least a first and second container each including a closed base, upright standing side walls surrounding said closed base, an opening formed by said side walls opposite said closed base and a closure fitted about said sidewalls for closing said opening; wherein said closure of either of said first container and said at least a second container includes a recess having an upwardly extending outer wall at least partially surrounding said recess, said recess having an interior dimension for receiving both the closed base and a portion of the upstanding side walls surrounding said closed base of the other of said first container and said at least second container; and,    stacking the closed base of either of said first and second containers on the recess of the closure of the other of said first and second containers thereby forming a stacked array.