Stackable containers

Abstract

A supporting handle is rotatably connected to each of two opposing sidewalls forming a container with an open top so the handle rotates between a first supporting position inside the container and a second position outside the container. When in the supporting position each handle has a portion extending inward a distance sufficient to engage a bottom of a similarly sized stacked container that can be stacked on the stackable container during use. The inwardly extending portion is offset toward the bottom to form a ledge on which the supported container rests. The supporting handle also abuts a sidewall to limit rotation of the supporting handle during use and support the supported container.

1 . A stackable container having a first pair of opposing sidewalls and a second pair of opposing sidewalls joined at corners to form a four sided container which tapers toward a bottom that is joined to the sidewalls and is opposite an open top of the container, the container comprising:
 a supporting handle connected to each of the two first sidewalls, each supporting handle hinged to rotate about an axis between a first supporting position inside the container and a second position outside the container, each supporting handle when in the supporting position having a portion extending inward a distance sufficient to engage a bottom of a similarly sized stacked container that can be stacked on said stackable container during use, the inwardly extending portion being offset toward the bottom, the supporting member having an abutting portion located to abut a sidewall to limit rotation of the supporting handle during use.   
     
     
         2 . The stackable container of  claim 1 , further comprising a stop bracket fastened to the container wall below the axis about which each supporting handle rotates, the stop bracket located so the abutting portion pushes against the stop bracket during use to stop rotation of the supporting handle. 
     
     
         3 . The stackable container of  claim 1 , wherein the container has a rod extending along the top edge of each sidewall with the supporting handles rotating about a portion of the rod, and wherein the sidewalls are made of flexible material attached to the rod. 
     
     
         4 . The stackable container of  claim 1 , wherein the supporting handle comprises an open frame having two opposing side members joining the inward facing portion and the abutting portion and sized so a person can extend a hand to grab the inward facing portion and lift the container. 
     
     
         5 . The stackable container of  claim 4 , wherein the offset is provided by an inwardly extending member having one end rotating about the rod and the other end connected to a depending portion located to abut a sidewall of a the stacked container during use and to position that stacked container relative to the rod, the depending portion being fastened to one of the side members. 
     
     
         6 . The stackable container of  claim 5 , wherein there are two inwardly extending members, each connected to a different side member of the same open frame. 
     
     
         7 . The stackable container of  claim 5 , further comprising a stop bracket fastened to the container wall below the axis about which each supporting handle rotates, the stop bracket located so the abutting portion pushes against the stop bracket during use to stop rotation of the supporting handle. 
     
     
         8 . The stackable container of  claim 6 , further comprising a stop bracket fastened to the container wall below the axis about which each supporting handle rotates, the stop bracket located so the abutting portion pushes against the stop bracket during use to stop rotation of the supporting handle. 
     
     
         9 . The stackable container of  claim 8 , wherein the first sidewalls have a first height and at least one of the second sidewalls has a second height which is less than the height of the first sidewalls. 
     
     
         10 . The stackable container of  claim 1 , wherein the first sidewalls have a first height and at least one of the second sidewalls has a second height which is less than the height of the first sidewalls. 
     
     
         11 . The stackable container of  claim 1 , wherein the supporting handle has a portion configured to be gripped by a person's hand and lift the container. 
     
     
         12 . The stackable container of  claim 1 , wherein the inwardly extending portion extends a distance less than half the distance between the sidewalls to which the supporting handle are connected measured in the plane in which the extending portion is located when in a generally horizontal position.