Nestable container set

Abstract

A nestable container set is disclosed that provides for efficient storage, and safe, easy and convenient handling during use. Top-open containers can be nested in specific locations with respect to each other. Each container includes a nesting apparatus, allowing the containers to connect to each other. Preferred embodiment nesting apparatuses include ridged container top rims, ridged container sides, and ridged container bottoms. Containers can be snapped in place, pressed firmly in place, or fit snugly in place, with respect to each other. Containers can also be nested together through a tight packing system. Lids are provided for sealing containers shut, for storage, transportation, and/or use. Embodiments include containers with a variety of shapes and sizes, and made of materials of varying texture and rigidity. The invention offers advantages over the prior art in storage, transportation and use of the nestable containers.

1 . A nestable container set, comprising:
 a plurality of top-open containers, wherein each container of the plurality of containers includes at least one nesting apparatus, for at least one of:   the container being nested into a specific location inside another container of the plurality of containers, the other container being of substantially larger volume; and   the container nesting another container of the plurality of containers into a specific location inside itself, the other container being of substantially smaller volume.   
   
   
       2 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one lid for covering at least one container of the plurality of containers. 
   
   
       3 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of top-open containers includes a first container and a second container, the second container being substantially smaller in volume than the first container, the nesting apparatus of one of the first and second containers including a rim with an indented groove and the nesting apparatus of the other of the first and second containers including a rim with a protruding ridge, the groove and the ridge being configured so as to allow the ridge to nest in the groove, thereby allowing the second container to nest within the first container. 
   
   
       4 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of top-open containers includes a first container and a second container, the second container being substantially smaller in volume than the first container, the nesting apparatus of the first container including ridges on an inwardly facing side and the nesting apparatus of the second container including ridges on an outwardly facing side, the ridges on the sides of the first and second containers being configured so as to allow the ridges on the outwardly facing side of the second container to nest against the ridges on the inwardly facing side of the first container, thereby allowing the second container to nest within the first container. 
   
   
       5 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of top-open containers includes a first container and a second container, the second container being substantially smaller in volume than the first container, the nesting apparatus of the first container including ridges on an upwardly facing bottom surface and the nesting apparatus of the second container including ridges on a downwardly facing bottom surface, the ridges on the bottom surfaces of the first and second containers being configured so as to allow the ridges on the downwardly facing bottom surface of the second container to nest against the ridges on the upwardly facing bottom surface of the first container, thereby allowing the second container to nest within the first container. 
   
   
       6 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of top-open containers includes at least three containers with rigid structures, the nesting apparatuses for each of the three containers being configured so as to allow two of the three containers to be packed tightly within the third of the three containers. 
   
   
       7 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of open-top containers includes a first container and a second container, the first container having a nesting apparatus that is a snapping apparatus, the snapping apparatus being able to attach to the second container by being snapped in place into a specific location with respect to the second container. 
   
   
       8 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of open-top containers includes a first container and a second container, the first container having a nesting apparatus that is a pressing apparatus, the pressing apparatus being able to attach to the second container by being pressed firmly into a specific location with respect to the second container. 
   
   
       9 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of open-top containers includes a first container and a second container, the first container having a nesting apparatus that is a fitting apparatus, the fitting apparatus being able to attach to the second container by being fit snuggly into a specific location with respect to the second container. 
   
   
       10 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein the shape of at least one of the plurality of top-open containers at least partially resembles at least one of a prism and a frustum. 
   
   
       11 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein the shape of at least one of the plurality of containers at least partially resembles at least one of a cylindrical prism, a frusto-cone, a rectangular prism, and a frusto-pyramid. 
   
   
       12 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein the shape of at least one of the plurality of containers at least partially resembles a wedge. 
   
   
       13 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein at the shape of least one of the plurality of containers at least partially resembles an ovoid. 
   
   
       14 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of containers is made of a rigid material. 
   
   
       15 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of containers is made of a flexible material. 
   
   
       16 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of containers includes a textured surface. 
   
   
       17 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of containers includes a smooth surface. 
   
   
       18 . The nestable container set of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of containers includes at least one of a grasping area and a grasping apparatus, for easy grasping by a user.