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.

1 . An array of containers, comprising: 
 a plurality of stacks of containers with the containers within each stack nested together;    each of the containers having open ends of the same dimensions to accommodate stacking but with one group of containers having a depth different from a second group of containers, whereby the volume in the containers of one group is greater than the volume of containers in the second group, one group comprising one stack and the second group comprising a second stack; and    means for commonly supporting the stacks in adjacent relation.    
   
   
       2 . An array of containers as set forth in  claim 1 , in combination with a stack of lids, the lids adapted to fit containers of both groups.  
   
   
       3 . An array of containers as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a third stack of containers, in combination with a stack of lids, the lids adapted to fit containers of all three stacks.  
   
   
       4 . An array of containers as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first stack of containers is substantially parallel to the second stack of containers.  
   
   
       5 . A combination as set forth in  claim 2 , further comprising means for commonly supporting the stacks of containers and lids in adjacent relation.  
   
   
       6 . A combination as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein the stack of lids is substantially perpendicular to the stacks of containers.  
   
   
       7 . An array of containers, comprising: 
 a plurality of stacks of containers with the containers within each stack nested together;    each of the containers having open ends of the same dimensions to accommodate stacking but with at least some of the containers in one group of containers having a different volume from at least some of the containers in a second group of containers whereby the volume of at least some of the containers of one group is greater than the volume of at least some of the containers of the second group, one group at least partially arranged in one stack and the second group at least partially arranged in the second stack; and    a common support for positioning the plurality of stacks in adjacent relation.    
   
   
       8 . An array of containers as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein all of the containers in one group of containers each have a different volume from all of the containers in the second group of containers.  
   
   
       9 . An array of containers as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein the common support comprises a base that is portable with the plurality of stacks, and is configured to secure the stacks initially in a fixed relation to one another.  
   
   
       10 . A storage system for multiple stacks of containers comprising; 
 a base;    a stackholder assembly; and    means for interengaging the base and the stackholder assembly for movement of the stackholder assembly to and from a position in vertical alignment with the base;    said stackholder assembly having a plurality of upwardly extending mandrils, shaped and sized to removably secure a container with its open end downwardly faced.    
   
   
       11 . A storage system for multiple stacks of containers as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein the stackholder assembly further comprises at least one pocket, shaped and sized to hold a plurality of common lids sized to fit with the containers.  
   
   
       12 . An array of containers and lids, comprising: 
 a plurality of stacks of containers with the containers within each stack nested together;    each of the containers having open ends of the same dimensions to accommodate stacking but with at least some of the containers in one group of containers having a different volume from at least some of the containers in a second group of containers whereby the volume of at least some of the containers of one group is greater than the volume of at least some of the containers of the second group, one group at least partially arranged in one stack and the second group at least partially arranged in the second stack;    a stack of lids sized to fit containers of both groups; and    a stackholder assembly for commonly supporting the stacks of lids and containers in adjacent relation.