Stackable and nestable container

Abstract

A stackable and nestable container having a bottom, opposed first and second end walls and opposed first and second side walls extending upwardly from the bottom and collectively defining an open top. First and second bales are mounted on and extend between the first and second side walls for movement between a stacking position extending into the open top of the container and a nesting position resting on a top edge of the first end wall. First and second bale-receiving channels are formed in the bottom of the container and extend between the first and second side walls directly below the stacking position of the first and second bales and are sized and shaped to receive the first and second bales of a like container when in the stacking position to define a stack of containers.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A stackable and nestable container having a bottom, opposed first and second end walls and opposed first and second side walls extending upwardly from the bottom and collectively defining an open top and further comprising:
 (a) a first bale mounted on and extending between the first and second side walls proximate the first end wall and movable between a stacking position extending into the open top of the container and a nesting position resting on a top edge of the first end wall;   (b) a second bale mounted on and extending between the first and second side walls proximate the second end wall and movable between a stacking position extending into the open top of the container and a nesting position resting on a top edge of the second end wall;   (c) a first bale-receiving channel formed in the bottom of the container, extending between the first and second side walls directly below the stacking position of the first bale and sized and shaped to receive the first bale of a like container when in the stacking position to define a stack of containers;   (d) a second bale-receiving channel formed in the bottom of the container, extending between the first and second side walls directly below the stacking position of the second bale and sized and shaped to receive the second bale of a like container when in the stacking position to define a stack of containers; and   (e) the first and second bale-receiving channels defining respective complementary first and second ridges on the bottom of the container, extending upwardly into the container and that are received into complementary grooves formed on the first and second bales when in the stacking position.   
     
     
         2 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second side walls include recessed pockets in which an end portion of respective first and second bales is mounted on pivots for pivotal movement between the stacking and nesting positions. 
     
     
         3 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 2 , wherein the recessed pockets each include a base on which the respective bale rests in the stacking position. 
     
     
         4 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 3 , wherein the first and second bales each include a radially-outwardly projecting support tab for restricting lateral movement of a stacked like container by providing a stopping surface for the first and second side walls. 
     
     
         5 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second end walls each include first and second recessed pockets in which an end portion of respective first and second bales is received when the bales are in the nesting position. 
     
     
         6 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second bales are cylindrical and the first and second channels are semi-cylindrical. 
     
     
         7 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 1 , and including:
 (a) surface elements on the first and second bales; and   (b) surface elements on the first and second channels positioned to align and mate with the surface elements of the respective first and second bales of a like container when the container is in the stacking position.   
     
     
         8 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 7 , wherein the surface elements comprise a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart grooves that are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective bales and channels. 
     
     
         9 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 7 , wherein the surface elements comprise a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart, integrally-formed grooves that are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective bales and channels. 
     
     
         10 . A stackable and nestable container having a bottom, opposed first and second end walls and opposed first and second side walls extending upwardly from the bottom and collectively defining an open top and further comprising:
 (a) a first cylindrical bale mounted on and extending between the first and second side walls proximate the first end wall and movable between a stacking position extending into the open top of the container and a nesting position resting on a top edge of the first end wall;   (b) a second cylindrical bale mounted on and extending between the first and second side walls proximate the second end wall and moveable between a stacking position extending into the open top of the container and a nesting position resting on a top edge of the second end wall;   (c) recessed pockets in which the respective first and second bales are mounted for movement between the stacking and nesting positions and including a base on which the respective bales rest in the stacking position;   (d) a first bale-receiving, semi-cylindrical channel formed in the bottom of the container, extending between the first and second side walls directly below the stacking position of the first bale and sized and shaped to receive the first bale of a like container when in the stacking position to define a stack of containers;   (e) a second bale-receiving, semi-cylindrical channel formed in the bottom of the container, extending between the first and second side walls directly below the stacking position of the second bale and sized and shaped to receive the second bale of a like container when in the stacking position to define a stack of containers; and   (f) surface elements positioned on the first and second bales and complementary surface elements positioned on the first and second channels and adapted to align and mate with the surface elements of the respective first and second bales of a like container when the container is in the stacking position.   
     
     
         11 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 10 , wherein the surface elements comprise a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart grooves that are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective bales and channels. 
     
     
         12 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 10 , wherein the surface elements comprise a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart, integrally-formed grooves that are perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the respective bales and channels. 
     
     
         13 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 10 , wherein the first and second bales are mounted for pivoting movement between the stacking and nesting positions. 
     
     
         14 . A stackable and nestable container according to  claim 10 , wherein the first and second channels and first and second ridges are integrally formed in the bottom of the container and comprise opposed surfaces of first and second respective concave and convex structures.