Container with recessed handle cavities

Abstract

A container comprises a base and a container sidewall extending from one side of the base about a perimeter thereof to define an interior volume of the container. Opposed outward protrusions are formed in the container sidewall adjacent and spaced from the distal edge thereof. Opposed receiving slots are defined through the container sidewall for receiving and retaining T-shaped handle ends, with the receiving slots being at least partly defined in the outward protrusions. The outward protrusions each form a cavity recessed from the inside surface of the container sidewall to accommodate the T-shaped handle ends and limit protrusion thereof beyond the inside surface of the container sidewall to limit damage to the container contents caused by contact of the T-shaped handle ends with the container contents.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A container, comprising:
 a base;   a container sidewall extending from one side of the base about a perimeter thereof to define an interior volume of the container;   the container sidewall having a distal edge opposite the base;   opposed outward protrusions being formed in the container sidewall adjacent and spaced from the distal edge of the container sidewall;   opposed receiving slots defined through the container sidewall for receiving and retaining T-shaped handle ends, the receiving slots being at least partly defined in the outward protrusions;   the outward protrusions each forming a cavity recessed from an inside surface of the container sidewall to accommodate the T-shaped handle ends and limit protrusion thereof beyond the inside surface of the container sidewall for avoiding damage to contents of the container from contact with the T-shaped handle ends.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein:
 in a rest position, the outward protrusions are generally wedge-shaped with a wider end toward the base and a narrower end toward the distal edge; and   when the T-shaped handle ends are received in the cavities formed by the outward protrusions, movement of the T-shaped handle ends away from the base distorts the outward protrusions from being wedge-shaped and enlarges portions of the cavities closest to the distal edge by pulling the container sidewall outwardly between the narrower ends of the outward protrusions and the distal edge.   
     
     
         3 . An assembly comprising the container of  claim 1  and further comprising a handle having the T-shaped handle ends, with the T-shaped handle ends being received and retained by the receiving slots and disposed within the cavities. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the recessed cavities are open to the interior volume of the container. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 3 , further comprising a quantity of produce disposed in the interior volume of the container.