Set of nestable containers, as for waste
A set of nestable containers may be nested. Adhering means, such as an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener, may be provided on the exterior of an outer container of the nest. One(s) of the containers may have anti-jamming means, such as scoring, embossing, a spacer, a hole, a projection, a recess, a friction reducer, and the like, for easing the release of containers from a nest of containers. Containers may be nested in a collapsed condition.
[0001] This Application claims the benefit of the priority of: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/461,241 filed Apr. 8, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/482,691 filed Jun. 26, 2003.
[0002] The present invention relates to containers and, in particular, to a set of nestable containers.
[0003] In many everyday locations there arises a need for a container for receiving one or more objects for various reasons and purposes. For example, in a vehicle there is a need for a waste receptacle so that trash generated by the driver and/or passengers can be neatly collected and stored until it is to be removed for disposal. Similar needs arise in home and/or business locations of all types.
[0004] Conventional waste receptacles, e.g., for vehicles, include plastic bags that may be hung from a projection in the passenger compartment. However, aside from the fact that plastic bags typically are flaccid or flimsy and so don't present a convenient opening for deposit of trash, modern vehicles tend to have flat and/or smooth surfaces in the passenger compartment and so have fewer, if any, projections on which to hang a trash bag. In addition, if such trash bags are disposable, they need to be replaced when full, which can occur relatively often, and, if they are reusable, they can become soiled and unsanitary.
[0005] Another conventional trash container is a rigid plastic container of a cylindrical or parallelepiped shape that is held in position by gravity, and is stabilized by a flexible saddle attached to its bottom wherein the ends of the flaps of the saddle are usually weighted to hang over a hump on the vehicle floor. Aside from being heavy and a possible projectile in a collision, such container has the disadvantages that it may easily be tipped over thereby to spill its contents and that it must either be lined with a replaceable liner or be cleaned to avoid undesirable soiling.
[0006] Permanent reusable containers are typically more expensive and require plastic liners or other liners for sanitary and cleanliness reasons. Plastic liners often stick to themselves and/or cling to the container, and so are difficult to install and secure in the permanent container. Because the liners are usually much less sturdy than is the container, it is not unusual for the filled liner to tear or burst when it is being removed and/or disposed of, thereby spilling its contents.
[0007] Similar disadvantages frequently attend containers for use in a home and/or business environment, as well as for containers utilized for purposes other than the collection and disposal of waste and/or trash.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a container arrangement that can be disposable and/or that can reduce the frequency of replacement and/or that is less susceptible to being tipped over.
[0009] To this end, a set of nestable containers may comprise a plurality of nestable self-supporting containers each being open at one end and having a closed end, and adhering means for adhering the set of nestable containers to an object, wherein said adhering means is exposed when said plurality of nestable containers is nested.
[0010] According to another aspect, a set of nestable containers may comprise a plurality of collapsed nestable self-supporting containers being of size and shape for being nested one in another, each of the collapsed nestable containers including an anti-jamming member extending into an interior thereof into which at least one other collapsed nestable container may nest.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING[0011] The detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more easily and better understood when read in conjunction with the FIGURES of the Drawing which include:
[0012] FIGS. 1A and 1B are isometric views of example sets of nestable containers;
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic diagrams of various example shapes of a container of the set of containers of FIG 1A and 1B;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematic diagram of a set of nestable containers in a nested condition;
[0015] FIGS. 4A and 4B are an isometric view and a top view schematic diagram, respectively, of an example embodiment of a container having anti-jamming means or features for a set of nestable containers;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top view schematic diagram of a nest of containers including the example embodiment of a nestable container having anti-jamming means or features of FIGS. 4A-4B;
[0017] FIGS. 6A and 6B are top view schematic diagrams of example embodiments of nestable containers having anti-jamming means or features;
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7J are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of various anti-jamming means or features for a set of nestable containers;
[0019] FIGS. 8A-8H are schematic diagrams illustrating further examples of various anti-jamming means or features for a set of nestable containers;
[0020] FIGS. 9A-9D are schematic isometric diagrams illustrating further examples of anti-jamming means or features for a set of nestable containers;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank of sheet material for forming a nestable container;
[0022] FIGS. 11A-11D are schematic diagrams of cut-out blanks of sheet material for forming respective nestable containers;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank of sheet material for forming a nestable container having a closure;
[0024] FIG. 13 is an isometric view schematic diagram of a nestable container in a partially folded or collapsed condition;
[0025] FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are top, side and bottom view schematic diagrams, respectively, of the nestable container of FIG. 13 in a folded state; and
[0026] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view schematic diagram of the nestable container of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C.
[0027] In the Drawing, where an element or feature is shown in more than one drawing figure, the same alphanumeric designation may be used to designate such element or feature in each figure, and where a closely related or modified element is shown in a figure, the same alphanumerical designation primed or designated “a” or “b” or the like may be used to designate the modified element or feature. Similarly, similar elements or features may be designated by like alphanumeric designations in different figures of the Drawing and with similar nomenclature in the specification. It is noted that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale, and the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT[0028] FIGS. 1A and 1B are isometric views of example sets 10 of nestable containers 20 wherein a plurality of nestable containers 20, individually designated 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and so forth, are nested. Each of containers 20 is nestable in that it has a size and/or shape for fitting into an open end of another of containers 20 in a nesting manner. Each of containers 20 has one or more sides, has an open end, and has a closed end, wherein the side(s) and closed end are joined to define a container volume into which one or more objects and/or material(s) may be placed. Herein, while individual containers may be referred to specifically, e.g., as container(s) 20a, 20b, and so forth, any one or more of containers 20a, 20b and so forth and/or one or more containers in general may be referred to as a container or containers 20.
[0029] Containers 20a-20f of FIG. 1A, for example, comprise a nest or set 10 of six nestable parallelepiped-shaped containers 20 of which each has an open end and a closed end, and is of rectangular cross-sectional shape, and wherein container 20a is larger than container 20b which is larger than container 20c and so forth. A first or outer container 20a has adhering means 40 on the exterior of the closed bottom end thereof. A set or nest 10 may comprise a greater or lesser number of nestable containers 20, as may be desirable and/or convenient.
[0030] Containers 20a-20e of FIG. 1B, for example, comprise a nest or set 10 of five nestable frustro-conical-shaped containers 20 of which each has an open end and is of circular cross-sectional shape, and wherein containers 20a through 20e are the same size. A first or outer container 20a has adhering means 40 on the exterior of the closed or bottom end 26 thereof. A frustro-conical-shaped container has a shape that is a section or a frustrum of a cone, typically the cone is cut in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the cone.
[0031] Adhering means 40 may be utilized for adhering container set 10 to a surface and may be a sheet or layer of an adhesive or adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape having adhesive on both sides thereof, or may be a hook part or a loop part of a hook and loop fastener. Suitable adhesive tapes include, e.g., type 442 KW tape, which is a double sided tape with a rubber adhesive, available from 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minn. Suitable hook and loop fasteners include, e.g., a Velcro® fastener available from Velcro USA located in Manchester, N.H.
[0032] Preferably, adhering means 40 adheres sufficiently to an object to support nest 10 in a desired position for use and is releasable so that container 20a may be removed from the object. For example, the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener is suitable for releasably adhering nest 10 to carpet or fabric. A tacky adhesive is suitable for adhering nest 10 to a smooth or non-smooth object, such as a floor or wall, as well as to a carpet, and is preferably of an adhesive type that does not leave a residue on the object when it is removed.
[0033] Adhering means 40 may be a sheet or layer or member of like size and shape to the bottom of container 20a or may be one or more sheets or layers or pieces thereof that is/are smaller than the bottom of container 20a. Alternatively, adhering means 40 may comprise one or more pieces of any of the described examples of adhering means. For example, a number of small adhesive pads or hook-fastener pieces (e.g., about 2.5 cm (about 1-inch) in diameter) may be utilized on the bottom of container 20a that is about 10-20 cm (about 4-8 inches) across.
[0034] Alternatively and/or additionally, adhering means 40 of any of the foregoing examples of adhering means may be provided as adhering means 42 on any one or more sides of container 20a. Because each of containers 20b, 20c and so forth is desired to be easily removable from the nest or set 10 of containers 20, none typically includes adhering means.
[0035] Set 10 of nestable containers 20 may be utilized in any one or more of a wide variety of environments and locations, e.g., on a horizontal surface such as a floor of a vehicle or of a home or of a business or other location and/or on a vertical surface such as a side or door panel of a vehicle or the wall of a home or of a business or other location, whereat containers 20 may be withdrawn from nest 10. In a typical example of using nest 10, nest 10 may be adhered to the floor of a vehicle and containers 20 may be utilized for holding trash or other waste material. When the inner container 20f is filled or other wise ready for disposal, it is removed from nest 10 and is disposed of whereupon the next container 20e is now presented as ready to receive trash.
[0036] Thus, each of containers 20f-20a may be used and disposed of, usually in sequence, until at last container 20a is ready for disposal and is removed from the vehicle or other location. After the last container 20a is used, container 20a is removed from the object and a new nest 20 may be put into place. By way of another example, nest 20 may be adhered to a wall, work surface or other surface convenient to a point of use by adhering means 42 from which location containers 20 are dispensed for use, e.g., as take-out food or beverage containers. While relatively smaller containers 20 may be utilized for waste collection and for food and beverages, relatively larger containers 20 may be utilized for larger capacity waste collection and other uses, e.g., in a home or business location.
[0037] FIGS. 2A-2D are schematic diagrams of various example shapes of a container 20 of the set 10 of containers of FIG. 1A and 1B. Containers 20R and 20R′ of FIGS. 2A and 2B are generally parallelepiped-shaped having, for example, four generally rectangular sides 22 defining a rectangular cross-section, a rectangular open end 24 and a rectangular closed or bottom end 26. Container 20R of FIG. 2A is rectangular and a set 10 of containers 20R comprises a plurality of nestable containers 20R of like shape but that are of different cross-sectional dimension, from a larger container 20R to a smaller container 20R, so as to nest one with another. Containers 20R may be of the same or of different dimension between their open end 24 and closed end 26.
[0038] Container 20R′ of FIG. 2B is also rectangular in cross-section, but is tapered between its open and closed ends 24 and 26, having, for example, four trapezoidal sides 22 defining a rectangular cross-section, a rectangular open end 24 and a rectangular closed or bottom end 26. Container 20R′ is a frustrum of a pyramid, e.g., a four-sided pyramid or a tetrahedron. A set 10 of containers 20R′ comprises a plurality of nestable containers 20R′ of like shape and size, wherein the smaller closed end of one fits into the open end 24 of another, so as to nest one with another. Containers 20R′ may be of the same or of different dimension between their open end 24 and closed end 26, but are typically of the same dimension.
[0039] Although containers 20R and 20R′ are shown as having four sides by way of example, any number of sides greater than or equal to three may be employed, as may be desired. Typically, four sides of like size are employed, although other numbers, such as six or eight, may be employed. As described below in relation to FIGS. 4A-4B and 5, for example, modifications to a four-sided container may be employed wherein the container has four major or relatively large sides and one or more relatively small or minor sides.
[0040] Containers 20C and 20C′ of FIGS. 2C and 2D are generally cylindrical-shaped having, for example, curved sides 22 defining a circular cross-section, a circular open end 24 and a circular closed or bottom end 26. Container 20C of FIG. 2C is cylindrical and a set 10 of containers 20C comprises a plurality of nestable containers 20C of like shape, but that are of different diameter from a larger diameter container 20C to a smaller diameter container 20C, so as to nest one with another. Containers 20C may be of the same or of different dimension between their open end 24 and closed end 26.
[0041] Container 20C′ of FIG. 2D is a tapered cylinder or a frustrum of a cone and a set 10 of containers 20C′ comprises a plurality of nestable containers 20C′ of like shape and size, e.g., each has the same larger diameter at the open end 24 thereof and has the same smaller diameter at the closed end 26 thereof, so as to nest one with another. Containers 20C′ may be of the same or of different dimension between their respective open ends 24 and closed ends 26.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematic diagram of an example set 10 of nestable containers 20 in a nested condition, wherein the example containers 20 may be of the sort illustrated in relation to container 20′a-20′e, 20R′ or 20C′ described above. Containers 20a-20c are nested and ones thereof may be removed from the nest 10, preferably with relative ease. In using nest 10, however, one typically presses down on the open end of nest 10, e.g., on the edge of side 22 at the open end 24 of the innermost container 20c or of containers 20c-20b in pressing nest 10 to adhere adhering means 40 to an object.
[0043] This force applied for adhering nest 10 to an object also tends to press the containers 20 thereof into each other and as a result they may become “stuck together” or “jammed.” As used herein, “jam” and “jammed” and “jamming” refer to the condition wherein nested containers become pressed together to the extent that they are more difficult than desired to separate one from another. This effect may be more pronounced where containers fit very closely together, e.g., so closely that they stick together, or where a person perceives that pressing the nest of containers harder against the object will result in a more secure attachment, even if that is not true.
[0044] Jamming may result from friction between adjacent nested containers or by a partial vacuum created when a container is withdrawn from within another container with which it closely fits, or from a combination thereof. It is noted that the object to which a nest of containers may be adhered may be relatively smooth or relatively non-smooth or of in-between smoothness, or may be a combination thereof, and/or may be relatively hard or relatively soft or of in-between hardness, and/or a may be a combination thereof.
[0045] Typically, jamming may occur as the result of one or both of two physical conditions—(1) because of friction between contacting or proximate surfaces of adjacent containers 20 and/or (2) because of reduced pressure created by attempting to remove a container that conforms to and/or is in relatively intimate contact with the surface(s) of an adjacent container with which it is nested. To avoid and/or alleviate and/or reduce jamming, set or nest 10 may desirably be provided with one or more anti-jamming means or features. As used herein, “anti-jamming” refers to any way to avoid, minimize, reduce and/or eliminate jamming, whether due to friction, pressure difference and/or other cause. Typically, e.g., anti-jamming means or features may break the close fit of containers that would otherwise fit very closely together, thereby to make separating the nested containers easier.
[0046] Anti-jamming means or features for containers 20b and 20c of FIG. 3 may include, for example, one or more holes 27 in the respective bottoms 26 of containers 20 for providing a passage for relieving reduced pressure that otherwise might occur when container 20c is being removed from within container 20b and when container 20b is being removed from container 20a. It is noted that any one or more anti-jamming means or features may be employed on any given container and/or nest, and need not be the same for all containers of a nest 10 of containers, although it is expected that similar anti-jamming means or features are likely to be provided for the containers of a given nest 10.
[0047] FIGS. 4A and 4B are an isometric view and a top view schematic diagram, respectively, of an example embodiment of a container 20D having anti-jamming means or features 23 for a set of nestable containers 20D. Specifically, anti-jamming means 23 includes a smaller side that is disposed at a diagonal, e.g., at a 45° angle, between two adjacent sides 22 at one corner of container 20D, and so may be referred to as a “cut corner” 23. Where container 20D is a rectangular parallelepiped, small side 23 is rectangular as are sides 22. Where container 20D is a tapered parallelepiped, small side 23 is trapezoidal as are sides 22.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a top view schematic diagram of a nest 10 including the example embodiment of a cut-corner nestable container 20D of FIGS. 4A-4B having anti-jamming means or features. Each cut corner 23 provides a passage for relieving pressure with the container 20 nested inside container 20D and with the container 20 in which container 20D is nested. Thus, when plural containers 20 are nested in nest 10, only every other one of the containers 20 need be a container 20D having a cut corner panel 23 to provide anti-jamming means. Cut corner panel 23 of container 20Db provides a passage between container 20a and 20Db and between container 20Db and container 2ODc. Container 2ODc provides a passage between container 2ODc and container 20d. Similarly, container 2ODe provides passages between container 2ODe and containers 20d and 20e. While every container 20 could be a cut-corner container 20D, such is not necessary for effective anti-jamming.
[0049] Further, various non-adjacent ones of containers 20D may be oriented in like orientation so that the cut corners 23 thereof are at the same corner of nest 10, as are containers 2ODc and 2ODe, or they may be in different orientations, as are containers 20Db and 2ODc, and still provide effective anti-jamming means. The sequence of different orientations of containers 20D may be repetitive and/or regular, or may be non-repetitive and irregular. In other words, the orientation of containers 20D in nest 10 simply doesn't matter with respect to anti-jamming, i.e. providing a passage for relieving reduced pressure, so long as every other container 20 is a container 20D having a cut corner panel 23.
[0050] In an example embodiment of a nest 10 including containers 20D, each container 20, 20D is tapered having a top opening that is about 12.7 cm (about 5 inches) square and a closed end (bottom) that is about 11.5 cm (about 4.5 inches) square, having a height of about 15.25 cm (about 6 inches), with a cut corner panel at a 45° angle with a dimension of about 1.25 cm (about ½ inch) at top opening 24 and about 1 cm (about 0.4 inch) at bottom 26.
[0051] Typical waste containers 20, 20D for vehicles are about 10-13 cm (about 4-5 inches) square or about 10-13 cm (about 4-5 inches) in diameter at the open end 24, and are about 15-20.5 cm (about 6-8 inches) deep, and typically have a taper of about 1-1.5 cm (about ½ inch) on each side.
[0052] Typical waste containers 20, 20D for home or business use are about 25 by 14 cm (about 10 by 5.5 inches) rectangular at the open end 24, and are about 25 cm (about 10 inches) deep, and typically taper to a closed end of about 22.9 by 11.4-12 cm (about 9 by 4½-4¾inch) on each side.
[0053] Suitable materials for containers 20, 20D, and any other container of the sort described herein, include lightweight paperboard (e.g., about 120-130 pound weight paperboard), cardboard, corrugated cardboard (e.g., especially for containers of larger size), plastics, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and the like, and thin aluminum, such as that utilized for disposable cookware.
[0054] FIGS. 6A and 6B are top view schematic diagrams of example embodiments of containers 20G, 20G′ having anti-jamming means or features for a set 10 of nestable containers wherein a glued corner seam between adjacent sides 22 is employed as anti-jamming means. Specifically, tab or flap 25 extending from one of two adjacent sides 22 at a corner of container 20G of FIG. 6A is folded inside container 20G and is glued or otherwise adhered to the interior surface of adjacent side 22 to form a corner.
[0055] Due to the thickness of tab 25, a space through which air may flow to relieve pressure differences will remain between container 20G and a container 20 placed into container 20G, thereby to provide anti-jamming means. Where flap 25 is folded outside of container 20G and is glued or otherwise adhered to the exterior surface of adjacent side 22 to form a corner, the thickness of tab 25 will define a space between container 20G and a container 20 into which container 20G is placed through which air may flow to relieve pressure differences, thereby to provide anti-jamming means.
[0056] Similarly, tabs or flaps 25 extending from each of two adjacent sides 22 at a corner of container 20G′ are folded and glued or otherwise adhered to each other to form a fin seam at a corner of container 20G′. Glued or adhered tabs or flaps 25 may extend outwardly from container 20G′ of FIG. 6B, as illustrated, or may extend inwardly into the interior of container 20G′. Due to the extension of the fin seam formed by glued tabs 25, an anti-jamming means in the form of a space through which air may flow to relieve pressure differences will remain between container 20G′ and an adjacent nested container 20 and/or friction therebetween is reduced.
[0057] Where the fin seam of glued flaps 25 extends outwardly, as illustrated, an anti-jamming space will remain between container 20G′ and an adjacent nested container 20 into which container 20G′ is placed, thereby to provide anti-jamming means. Where the fin seam of glued flaps 25″ extend inwardly, an anti-jamming space will remain between container 20G′ and a container 20 placed into container 20G′, thereby to provide anti-jamming means. A fin seam 25 may be made at any location along one or more sides 22 (e.g., fin seam 25′) or at a corner (e.g., fin seams 25, 25″) and any fin seam may extend outward (e.g., fin seams 25, 25′) or inward (e.g., fin seam 25″), although only one fin seam or other seam would typically be utilized on any given container.
[0058] Typically, in this example embodiment, all containers 20 in a nest or set 10 of containers would be containers 20G or 20G′ or similar and the glued corner flap(s) 25 of containers 20G or 20G′ in a nest 10 may be in the same corner or may be in different corners, whether in a regular sequence or a random sequence, as may be desired. The glued flap 25 arrangement of containers 20G, 20G′ may be utilized with a container 20 of any size and/or shape, and tabs or flaps 25 may a single tab or flap 25 extending substantially the height of container 20G, 20G′ or may be shorter or may comprise a plurality of tabs or flaps 25, as may be desired.
[0059] FIGS. 7A-7J are schematic diagrams illustrating other examples of various anti-jamming means or features for a set of nestable containers 10. FIG. 7A illustrates an embossed feature 32 in side 22 of a container 20 for spacing the side 22 of one container 20 away from an adjacent nested container 20 in a nest 10, thereby to define an anti-jamming air passage for relieving pressure differences. One or more embossed features 32 may be provided in a container 20, and may also provide identifying, decorative and/or aesthetic features, such as a logo, trademark, trade name, flower and/or animal shape. Embossed features 32 may extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or both. Embossed features 32 need only be deep enough so as to space two adjacent containers 20 apart sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction therebetween.
[0060] FIG. 7B illustrates a spacer 34 attached to the side 22 of a container 20 for spacing the side 22 of one container 20 away from an adjacent nested container 20 in a nest 10, thereby to define an anti-jamming air passage for relieving pressure differences. One or more spacers 34 may be provided on a container 20, and may also be provided with decorative and aesthetic features, such as a logo, trademark, flower and/or animal shape. Spacer 34 may be a circular or rectangular patch, or may be an elongated strip, or any other shape, as may be desired. Spacers 34 may be on a surface of side 22 interior to container 20 or on a surface of side 22 exterior to container 20, or both, and may be attached with glue or adhesive or other suitable means. Spacer 34 need only be deep enough so as to space two adjacent containers 20 apart sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction therebetween.
[0061] FIG. 7C illustrates an example embossed feature 32 in the form of a ridge or channel 36 embossed in side 22 and preferably, but not necessarily, extending substantially from open end 24 to closed end 26 of container 20, thereby to define an anti-jamming air passage for relieving pressure differences. One or more embossed ridges or channels 36 may be provided in a container 20, and may also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic effect. Embossed ridge or channel 36 may extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or both, and/or may be uniform or irregular in size and/or shape. Embossed ridge or channel 36 need not be deep so as to provide a channel for air passage, but need only space two adjacent containers 20 apart sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction therebetween.
[0062] FIG. 7D illustrates an example embossed feature 32 in the form of a spiral ridge or channel 36 embossed in side 22 and preferably, but not necessarily, extending substantially from open end 24 to closed end 26 of container 20, thereby to define an anti-jamming air passage for relieving pressure differences. One or more spiral embossed ridges or channels 36 may be provided in a container 20, and may also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic effect. Spiral embossed ridge or channel 36 may extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or both. Spiral ridge or channel 36 need not be deep so as to itself provide a channel for air passage, but need only space two adjacent containers 20 apart sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction therebetween.
[0063] Ridge or channel 36 may be plural diagonal ridges or channels 36, as would be preferred for a rectangular cross-section container 20. In addition, ridges or channels 36 may be disposed diagonally at one angle on one side and may be disposed diagonally at another different angle on another side, e.g., an adjacent side. In another example, ridges or channels 36 may be on a diagonal in one direction on one side (e.g., bottom left to upper right) and may be on a diagonal in the opposite direction on another side (e.g., upper left to bottom right on an adjacent side). Further, ridges or channels 36 may be lines and/or may be an embossed pattern, which may be a regular pattern or an irregular pattern.
[0064] FIG. 7E illustrates an example embossed feature 32 in the form of irregular ridges and/or channels 38 embossed and/or scored into side 22 and preferably, but not necessarily, extending substantially from open end 24 to closed end 26 of container 20, thereby to define one or more anti-jamming air passages for relieving pressure differences. Ridges and/or channels 38 may be irregular in depth, direction, length, size and/or shape, and/or my be intersecting or non-intersecting, and may also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic effect. Ridges and/or channels 38 may extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or both. Ridge or channel 38 need not be deep so as to provide a channel for air passage, but need only space two adjacent containers 20 apart sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction therebetween.
[0065] FIG. 7F illustrates an example anti-jamming means in the form of a lip 22L extending all or part way around the periphery of an edge and/or end of side 22 of a container 20 to space container 20 away from an adjacent nested container 20, thereby to define one or more anti-jamming air passages for relieving pressure differences. Lip 22L, which may be a rolled lip 22L, may be regular or irregular in dimension, length, size and/or shape, and may also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic effect. Lip 22L may extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or both, and need only to space adjacent containers 20 apart sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction therebetween.
[0066] FIG. 7G illustrates an example anti-jamming means in the form of a rim or flange 22F extending all or part way around the periphery of an edge and/or end of side 22 of a container 20 to space container 20 away from an adjacent nested container 20, thereby to define one or more anti-jamming air passages for relieving pressure differences. Rim or flange 22F may be scored (e.g., single scored or double scored), folded and glued in place, or may be otherwise formed, or may be a separate piece that is glued or otherwise adhered to side 22. Rim or flange 22F may be regular or irregular in dimension, length, size and/or shape, and may also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic effect. Rim or flange 22F may extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or both. Rim or flange 22F need only to space adjacent containers 20 apart sufficiently to allow air to pass therebetween and/or to reduce friction therebetween.
[0067] FIG. 7H illustrates a removable spacer 34 disposed between the sides 22 of two adjacent containers 20 in a nest 10 for spacing the two containers 20 away from each other, thereby to define an anti-jamming air passage for relieving pressure differences and/or to reduce friction between adjacent containers. One or more removable spacers 34 may be provided between adjacent containers 20, and may also be provided with useful, decorative and/or aesthetic features, such as a logo, trademark, advertisement, information sheet, coupon sheet, flower and/or animal shape. Removable spacer 34 may be a sheet good that has another use after it has served its purpose as anti-jamming means, for example, a place mat, napkin, towel, wipe or the like, where containers 20 are to be utilized for food or beverage or another substance, and/or where cleaning may be desired. Removable spacer 34 may be tacked with glue or adhesive or other suitable means where desired for production reasons, but is typically held in position by the sides 22 of adjacent containers 20.
[0068] FIG. 7I illustrates an example anti-jamming means in the form of a projection 22T extending from an edge and/or end of side 22 of a container 20 to space container 20 away from an adjacent nested container 20, thereby to define one or more anti-jamming air passages for relieving pressure differences and/or to reduce friction between adjacent containers. Projection 22T is, for example, a tab 22T that is coplanar with one side 22 that is preferably formed by cutting a hole 22H in an adjacent side 22 before the two sides 22 are folded to form a corner 22C therebetween.
[0069] Tab 22T may be a separate piece that is cut and glued in place, or otherwise adhered to side 22. Tab 22T may be regular or irregular in dimension, length, size and/or shape, and if glued or otherwise affixed to container 22, may extend inwardly into container 20 or outwardly therefrom, or both. Typically, tab 22T may be about 0.5-1 cm (about 0.2-0.4 inch) wide and about 2-4 cm (about ¾-1½ inch) long, and may be located about 1-2 cm (about 0.4-0.8 inch) away from open end 24.
[0070] FIG. 7J illustrates an example anti-jamming means in the form of a pair of projecting features 221, 22P extending in one or more sides 22 all or part way around the periphery thereof, preferably parallel to the edge and/or end of side 22 at top end 24 of a container 20. One of embossed features 221, 22P preferably projects into the interior of container 20 and the other of features 221, 22P projects outward from the exterior thereof. When containers 20 are nested, an outwardly projecting feature 22P of one container comes into contact with an inwardly projecting feature 221 of the adjacent container in the nest to prevent the inner container from fully seating into and jamming with the outer container, and also to space adjacent containers 20 away from each other, thereby to define one or more anti-jamming air passages for relieving pressure differences and/or for reducing friction between adjacent containers.
[0071] Preferably, inwardly projecting feature 22I is parallel to and closer to the edge of side 22 at open end 24 than is outwardly projecting feature 22P parallel thereto, and each is preferably provided at each corner 22C of container 20. Projecting features 221, 22P may be scored or embossed into sides 22 or may be otherwise formed, and may be regular or irregular in dimension, length, size and/or shape, and may also be arranged to provide a decorative or aesthetic effect.
[0072] In all of the foregoing examples of embossed features, it is usually desirable that the embossed features be irregular in size and/or spacing and/or pattern by at least a small amount, even if the amount of irregularity is so small as not to be evident without careful scrutiny. This is desirable so that adjacent containers 20 cannot become aligned with the embossed feature of one container matching and jamming with the embossed feature of an adjacent container 20, whereby the space through which air may pass is reduced and/or friction is not reduced, which would tend to not produce the desired anti-jamming effect. Alternatively and/or additionally, the containers 20 may be rotated in relative orientation (e.g., by 90° or 180° for rectangular cross-section containers 20, or by any convenient angle for circular cross-section containers 20) when they are nested so that the embossed features or other anti-jamming means do not align and nest in the nest 10.
[0073] Anti-jamming means or features includes not only means providing physical separation as described above, but also includes means that reduce the tendency for containers to jam or become jammed. Where containers are of plastic, e.g., a polymer, the condition where polymers adhere to each other is known as “blocking” and so materials for reducing or avoiding blocking may be referred to as “anti-blocking agents.” Herein, anti-jamming means and features include anti-blocking agents.
[0074] For example, particulate matter may be introduced between containers for spacing the containers apart for providing passage for air to flow and/or for reducing friction between adjacent nested containers, thereby to facilitate dispensing containers from a nest of nestable containers. Suitable particulates preferably have a grain or particle size that is greater than the size of pores in the material from which the container is made.
[0075] For example, introducing talc or cornstarch or other particulate matter tends to increase the “slipperiness” of one container against another container. Typically, cornstarch is preferable to talc for most paper and paperboard materials because it has a bigger particle size. Also for example, container surfaces may be coated with a slippery material, such as a paperboard coated with one or more of polyethylene, a polyolefin, polypropylene, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, and the like, and/or an anti-blocking agent, such as talc or silicone.
[0076] Coatings may be applied to the surfaces of containers 20 to similar ends. For example, a plastic coating or lining, or a metalized coating or lining, may not only provide anti-jamming or anti-blocking means, but may also serve to waterproof the container so that it may carry liquids as well as solids, and/or may provide thermally insulative and/or decorative benefits. Examples include polyethylene coatings, both with and without a silicone wash, for additional slipperiness. Polyethylene containers may be coated with a silicone, e.g., applied by spray or by rolling.
[0077] Coated containers 20, which may have insulating properties to a greater or lesser degree, may find use as a take-out food container, for hot and cold foods and/or beverages such as hamburgers, pizza, ice cream and the like, that serves to keep the contents hot or cold, as desired, and that, when empty, also serves as a trash container. Liners and coatings may, for example, be provided on the inside and/or outside surfaces of containers 20, for providing decorative, insulating, and/or other desired properties. Containers 20 may also be utilized as a substitute for grocery bags and similar packaging used at markets, dry goods stores, department stores and other merchants.
[0078] Similarly, it is thought that making the first or outer container 20a of nest 10 of a more sturdy material than that utilized for containers 20b, 20c and so forth, would tend to make the relatively flimsy inner containers 20b, 20c, . . . come apart and separate from the nest 10 more readily.
[0079] FIGS. 8A-8H are schematic diagrams illustrating further examples of various anti-jamming means or features or features for a set 10 of nestable containers 20. FIG. 8A-8C illustrate handle arrangements wherein opposing sides 22 of a container 20H include a handle 22H that provides a handle that is folded over while the container 20H is disposed in a nest 10 of containers 20. Handle 22H provides a convenient handle for a user to utilize in carrying a container 20H and, in addition, while folded in a nest 10 of containers 20, provides anti-jamming means because it tends to space adjacent containers 20H in a nest 10 apart from each other, thereby to define space between adjacent containers 20H which allows for the passage of air and/or reduces friction between adjacent containers 22H.
[0080] Handles 22H may be an integral extension of side 22 that is, e.g., scored and folded inside container 20H as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8C, or may be a die-cut handle member 22H that is glued or otherwise adhered to side 22 proximate the open end 24 thereof as illustrated in FIG. 8B. Handle 22H may be adhered to the inside surface of container 20H or may be adhered to the outside surface of container 20H, as desired. Handle 22H may be folded inside of container 20H or may be folded outside the container 20H, as desired, although folding handle 22H inside of container 20H is more convenient for a user to grasp handle 22H, and handle 22H may include a hole as illustrated for ease of grasping in use.
[0081] In addition, when handle 22H is folded inside of container 20H as is preferable, (whether handle 22H is integral to side 22 or is a separate member adhered thereto), it tends naturally to unfold as illustrated by arrow UF in FIG. 8C, thereby to provide a spring-like assist for urging the container that is nested inside thereof in the direction for removal from nest 10, e.g., a desirable anti-jamming means.
[0082] FIGS. 8D-8H illustrate other spring-like arrangements that may be employed with a container 20. For example, FIG. 8D illustrates a container 20S having sides 22 and open end 24 wherein a folded member 26S adhered to closed end 26 thereof provides a spring-like assist for urging the container nested inside container 20S in a direction for removal from nest 10, thereby to provide desirable anti-jamming means. Spring-like member 26S may be a part of closed end 26 or may be a separate member, e.g., a die-cut member that is glued or otherwise attached thereto.
[0083] FIGS. 8E and 8F illustrate containers 20S having sides 22 and open end 24 wherein a folded member 26S′ and/or 26″ adhered to closed end 26 thereof provides a spring-like assist for urging the container nested inside container 20S in a direction for removal from nest 10, thereby to provide desirable anti-jamming means. Specifically, member 26S′ is folded and attached to closed end 26 to provide two members disposed approximately perpendicularly to closed end 26 that will act as a spring as described and/or as a spacer.
[0084] Where greater spring-like action is desired, e.g., for larger size containers 20, a double-folded or triple folded member 26S, 26S′, 26S″ may be provided, as illustrated in FIG. 8F. Spring-like members 26S, 26S′ and 26S″ may be made as a part of closed end 26 or may be a separate member, e.g., a die-cut member that is glued or otherwise attached thereto.
[0085] Alternatively and/or additionally, spring-like action tending to urge separation of containers 20 from a nest thereof 10 may be provided by a bowed or domed bottom or closed end 26D as shown in FIG. 8G. Typically, closed end 26D is a separate member that is glued or otherwise attached to the sides 22 of container 20S, and bowing or a domed shape obtains where closed end member 26D is made larger than the size of the closed end defined by the edges of sides 22 of container 20S.
[0086] FIG. 8H illustrates container 20S having sides 22 and open end 24 wherein the folded flaps 26a and 26b are folded to form closed end 26. Member 26T extending from closed end 26 is folded to extend into the interior of container 20S to provide a spacer and/or a spring-like assist for spacing and/or urging the container nested inside container 20S in a direction for removal from nest 10, thereby to provide desirable anti-jamming means. Specifically, one or more folded flaps 26b, for example, has a member 26T extending therefrom. Preferably two opposing flaps 26b have a member 26T extending therefrom, wherein the two members 26T are folded to extend from closed end 26 to be disposed approximately perpendicularly to closed end 26 to act as a spacer and/or spring as described. The two members 26T may be, but need not be, attached to each other, e.g., adhesively.
[0087] An advantage of the foregoing arrangements is that the spring-like members provide anti-jamming force that results from the manufacturing of the containers with elements that provide the desired forces, without elaborate or complex structures or additional elements that could be added at additional cost. Even where additional members are employed to provide the spring-like elements, they can be manufactured utilizing the same materials, processes and equipment that are utilized for the manufacture of the containers themselves.
[0088] FIGS. 9A-9D are schematic isometric diagrams illustrating four further examples of anti-jamming means or features for a set 10 of nestable containers 20. Anti-jamming means provided by spacers 126 act to prevent the compressing of nested containers 20 together which is believed to be the principal cause that results in jamming. Spacer ring 126C and spacer rectangle 126R are placed inside each container 20 at the closed end thereof prior to another container being nested therein. Typically, but not necessarily, spacer ring 126C is for nests of containers having a circular cross-section and spacer rectangle 126R is for containers having a rectangular cross-section.
[0089] Preferably, spacers 126C, 126R have an outer diameter or dimension that is slightly smaller than the interior diameter or dimension of the closed end 26 of the container 20 in which it is to be placed, although smaller spacers 126C, 126R may be employed if desired. Thus, spacers 126 act as separators between the closed ends 26 of adjacent containers 20, thereby providing a space therebetween that permits passage of air and/or reduces friction therebetween. When a user applies force in adhering a nest 10 of containers 20 to an object, spacers 126C, 126R directly transmit the force applied to each container to the closed end of the next container, whereby the applied force is transmitted directly to adhering means 40 and the object, thereby to prevent the containers from becoming pressed together and jammed due to the applied force.
[0090] Spacers 126C, 126C′ of FIGS. 9A, 9B are cylindrical spacers 126 or spacer rings 126 of different relative aspect ratios. Spacer 126C is relatively “taller” with a height that is greater than its wall thickness, as might obtain where a strip of paper or plastic is formed into a circular shape and the opposing ends of the strip are adhered together. An example spacer 126C suitable for use with a container having a closed end that is, for example, about 10 by 10 cm (about 4 by 4 inches), is of paperboard and has a diameter of about 11½ cm (about 4½ inches) and has a height of about 1½ cm (about ½ inch). Spacer 126C′ is relatively “flat” with its height smaller than its wall thickness, as might obtain where spacer 126C′ is stamped or punched or otherwise cut out of a relatively thick stock, e.g., such as a paperboard, cardboard or corrugated cardboard. Spacer 126R of FIG. 9C is a rectangular spacer 126 that may be shaped and/or formed similarly to spacers 126C, 126C′.
[0091] Spacers 126′ of FIG. 9D are useful where containers 20 of nest 10 each have adhering means on the exterior of the closed ends thereof. Plural spacers 126′ are attached to the adhesive bottom, preferably near the periphery thereof, either directly to the adhesive thereon or to a release liner covering the adhesive prior to use, thereby to act in like manner to spacers 126C, 126C′, 126R described above. While two spacers 126′ are sufficient, typically 3-4 spacers 126′ are employed for each container 20. Spacers 126′ may also be employed where only the outermost container 20 has adhering means 40 on the closed end 26 thereof, e.g., by utilizing glue or adhesive to attach spacers 126′ to the closed ends of respective containers 20.
[0092] Spacers 126C, 126C′, 126R, 126′ may be made from the same sorts of material(s) as are described for containers 20, although the spacers 126C, 126C′, 126R, 126′ utilized with any container 20 and/or set 10 of containers 20 need not be of the same material as are the container 20 and/or set 10 of containers 20. In addition, the spacers described may include an adhesive, a sheet of magnetic material, and/or the hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener so as to serve as both an anti-jamming spacer and as adhering means.
[0093] Other anti-jamming means or features may also be employed wherein various ones of containers 20 are made of different size and/or shape from others of containers 20 in a nest 10 thereof. For example, containers 20 may be made of different size in height (e.g., the dimension between the open and closed ends 24, 26 thereof) so that open ends 24 of inner containers 20 do not extend out from the open end 24 of the outermost container 20, so that pressure applied to adhere a nest 10 to an object may easily be applied to the outermost container 20 only, whereby the inner containers 20 tend not to be pressed into one another. In addition, containers 20 having different cross-sectional dimension proximate the closed end 26 thereof may be nested together with the cross-sectional dimension being smallest for the innermost container 20 and being increasingly larger for each container 20 in order, with the outermost container 20 having the largest cross-sectional dimension.
[0094] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank 20BL-C of sheet material for forming a nestable container 20 having a circular cross-section. Cut-out blank 20BL-C comprises an arcuate piece 22BL and a circular piece circular piece 26BL. Arcuate piece 22BL is bendable to form side 22 of container 20 and has a tab or flap 25 extending from one of the straight edges thereof for being glued or otherwise attached along the other straight edge thereof to form side 22 of container 20. Circular piece 26BL has a plurality of radially extending tabs 26T foldable in the same direction for being glued or otherwise attached along the shorter arcuate edge of blank 22BL to provide the closed end 26 of container 20. In FIG. 10, the dashed lines indicate fold lines, and fold lines are preferably scored for easier and more precise folding. The longer arcuate edge of blank 20BL-C defines an open end 24.
[0095] FIGS. 11A-11D are schematic diagrams of cut-out blanks 20BL-R, 20BL-R′, 20BL-R″, 20BL-RT of sheet material for forming respective nestable containers 20. In FIGS. 11A-11D, the dashed lines indicate fold lines, and fold lines are preferably scored for easier and more precise folding.
[0096] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank 20BL-R, 20BL-R′, 20BL-R″ of sheet material that is foldable to form a container 20 having a rectangular cross-section. Blank 20BL-R comprises four relatively larger sections 22 that are slightly tapered so as to be trapezoidal and that when folded provide four sides 22 of container 20. Blank 20BL-R further comprises a flap or tab 25 extending from one of side sections 22 that is folded and positioned to overlap the straight edge of the furthest distal section 22 to be glued or otherwise adhered thereto to form a corner between two adjacent sides 22. Blank 20BL-R further comprises four relatively smaller flaps or sections 26a, 26b that are foldable to provide closed end 26 when glued or otherwise adhered to each other. Flaps 26a are rectangular and flaps 26b are tapered so as to be trapezoidal, but any of the flaps 26a, 26b may be made rectangular or trapezoidal as desired.
[0097] Typically, flaps 26b are folded first and then flaps 26a are folded so that one or both (depending on their dimensions) of flaps 26b provide the exterior surface of closed end 26 of container 20. Where the container 20 is the outermost container of a nest 10 of nestable containers 20, adhering means are provided on one or both of exterior flaps 26a. Where a rectangular container 20 is desired, side sections 22 are rectangular, and where a tapered container 20 is desired, side sections 22 are tapered or trapezoidal. The longer straight edges of blank 20BL-R opposite flaps 26a, 26b, define an open end 24.
[0098] Optionally and/or additionally, anti-jamming means may be provided by cutting a pair of parallel slits 22S intersecting a scored corner fold line between adjacent sides 22 in a location proximate the fold line between sides 22 and bottom flaps 26a, 26b. When blank 20BL-R is folded to form a container 20, the corner fold lines between adjacent sides 22 are folded in a first direction, except that the portion thereof between the two parallel slits 22S is folded in the opposite direction. As a result, the portion of sides 22 between parallel slits 22S extends into the interior of container 20, thereby to provide a pedestal or ledge upon which a container placed inside the folded container 20 may rest so as to resist jamming therewith.
[0099] FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank 20BL-R′ of sheet material that is identical to blank 20BL-R described above except as follows. Blank 20BL-R′ includes a number of die-cut slits defining tabs 22T adjacent the fold lines defining corners between adjacent sides 22 of container 20. One or more die-cut slits may be provided at each fold line between adjacent corner sections 22 to provide any desired number of tabs 22T at each corner between adjacent sides 22, and/or to provide tabs 22T at any one or more of the corners between adjacent sides 22, as may be desired. Preferably, scoring between adjacent side sections 22 does not extend across tabs 22T. When blank 20BL-R′ is folded to form container 20, tabs 22T are not folded and so project in plane from one side 22, thereby to provide tabs 22T as shown in FIG. 7I above. One or more tabs may be provided, and may be located at diagonally opposite corners as illustrated or at adjacent corners, as desired.
[0100] FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank 20BL-R″ of sheet material that is identical to blank 20BL-R described above except as follows. Blank 20BL-R″ includes a number of scored or embossed lines defining inward projecting features 221 and outward projecting features 22P transverse to the fold lines defining corners between adjacent sides 22 of container 20. One or more scored or embossed lines may be provided at each fold line between adjacent corner sections 22 to provide any desired number of scored or embossed lines 221, 22P at each corner between adjacent sides 22, and/or to provide scored or embossed lines 221, 22P at any one or more of the corners between adjacent sides 22, as may be desired.
[0101] Preferably, scored or embossed lines 221, 22P are provided parallel to and proximate the edges of blank 20BL-R″ that define open end 24, and at each corner between adjacent sides 22. When blank 20BL-R″ is folded to form container 20, scored or embossed lines 221, 22P bend around each corner and so project both inward and outward from each side 22, thereby to provide scored or embossed lines 221, 22P as shown in FIG. 7J above.
[0102] FIG. 11D is a schematic diagram of cut-out blank 20BL-RT of sheet material for forming a respective nestable container 20 having folded spacer and/or spring-like members 26T as illustrated in FIG. 8H. Blank 20BL-RT is similar to blank 20BL-R of FIG. 11A except that optional slits 22 are not provided and flaps 26b are extended and include a tab 26T at the distal end thereof.
[0103] Blank 20BL-RT comprises four relatively larger sections 22 that are slightly tapered so as to be trapezoidal and that when folded provide four sides 22 of container 20. Blank 20BL-RT further comprises a flap or tab 25 extending from one of side sections 22 that is folded and positioned to overlap the straight edge of the furthest distal section 22 to be glued or otherwise adhered thereto to form a corner between two adjacent sides 22. Blank 20BL-RT further comprises four relatively smaller flaps or sections 26a, 26b that are foldable to provide closed end 26 when glued or otherwise adhered to each other. Flaps 26b have a scored or embossed fold line defining a tab 26T at the distal end thereof that is folded so as to extend inward into the interior of a container 20 made from blank 20BL-RT. Typically, flaps 26a are rectangular and flaps 26b are tapered so as to be trapezoidal, but any of the flaps 26a, 26b may be made rectangular or trapezoidal as desired.
[0104] Typically, after side sections 22 are folded and tab 25 is glued, flaps 26b are folded and tabs 26T thereof are folded in the same direction, so that flaps 26b provide the interior of closed end 26 and tabs 26T extend inwardly into the interior of the container, thereby to provide a spacer and/or spring-like member 26T. The two flaps 26T are juxtaposed adjacent each other and need not be glued or otherwise adhered to each other, however, tabs 26T may be glued or otherwise adhered together, as may be desirable for a relatively larger size container. Then flaps 26a are folded so that one or both (depending on their dimensions) of flaps 26b provide the exterior surface of closed end 26 of container 20. Where the container 20 is the outermost container of a nest 10 of nestable containers 20, adhering means are provided on one or both of exterior flaps 26a. Where a fully rectangular container 20 is desired, side sections 22 are rectangular, and where a tapered container 20 is desired, side sections 22 are tapered or trapezoidal. The longer straight edges of blank 20BL-RT opposite flaps 26a, 26b, define an open end 24.
[0105] An example rectangular container made from a paperboard blank of the sort of blank 20BL-RT is, for example, about 15½ cm (about 6 inches) high, has a closed end of about 10 by 18 cm (about 4 by 7⅛ inches), and has an open end of about 12½ by 23 cm (about 5 by 9 inches), and has trapezoidal sides. Tabs 26T thereof are glued to each other, are about 5½ cm (about 2¼ inches) long, and extend about 1½ cm (about ⅝ inch) into the interior of the container. An example square container made from a paperboard blank of the sort of blank 20BL-RT is, for example, about 15½ cm (about 6 inches) high, has a closed end of about 10 by 10 cm (about 4 by 4 inches), and has an open end of about 12½ by 12½ cm (about 5 by 5 inches), and has trapezoidal sides. Tabs 26T thereof are not glued to each other, are about 8 cm (about 3¼ inches) long, and extend about 1½ cm (about ⅝ inch) into the interior of the container. Another example rectangular container made from a paperboard blank of the sort of blank 20BL-R or 20BL-RT is, for example, about 33 cm (about 13 inches) high, has a closed end of about 12½ by 20¾ cm (about 5 by 8 inches), and has an open end of about 5¼ by 25 cm (about 6 by 10 inches), has trapezoidal sides, and may employ one or more anti-jamming features of the sort described herein, e.g., tabs 26T or a spacer 126. Typical tabs 26T thereof are in a range of about 8-10 cm (about 3¼-4⅛ inches) in length and extend about 1½-2 cm (about ⅝-¾ inch) into the interior of the container, and in some examples are not glued to each other and in other examples are glued to each other.
[0106] In some example containers, an adhesive strip is provided on the exterior surface of the closed end along the central seam in the direction of the longer dimension thereof, and in other example containers two parallel adhesive strips are provided on the exterior surface of the closed end adjacent the longer edges thereof. Typically, the length dimension of the adhesive strip(s) is substantially the full dimension of the closed end, but may be shorter, if desired.
[0107] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a cut-out blank 20BL-RC of sheet material for forming a nestable container 20 having a closure. In FIG. 12, the dashed lines indicate fold lines, and the fold lines are preferably scored for easier and more precise folding. Cut-out blank 20BL-RC is identical to any one of cut-out blanks 20BL-R, 20BL-R′, 20BL-R″ described above (i.e. it may or may not include optional features 221, 22P and/or 22T), except that it includes closure means 124 for open end 24 of container 20.
[0108] Closure means 124 comprises, for example, four cover flaps 124a, 124b extending from the edges of sides 22 that would otherwise define the open end 24 of container 20. One cover flap 124a includes a tab 125 extending from the shorter edge thereof that when folded is glued or otherwise adhered to the shorter edge of cover flap 124b most distal therefrom, so that when blank 20BL-RC is folded to form container 20, cover flaps 1214a, 124b extend from sides 22 and substantially in plane therewith. Cover flaps 124a, 124b are preferably scored where they join sides 22 and where they join each other.
[0109] Preferably, smaller cover flaps 124b extending from smaller sides 22 have additional scored lines extending diagonally from the intersection of the score lines between cover flaps 124a and 124b and the score lines between cover flaps 124a, 124b and sides 22. The diagonal scored lines converge and end proximate each other at the edge of cover flaps 124b for defining a gripping region 124c thereat. Thus, when blank 20BL-RC is folded to form container 20, the four cover flaps 124a, 124b extend from and substantially in plane with the four sides 22, whereby the depth of container 20 is the combined length dimensions of sides 22 and closure means 124.
[0110] To close closure means 124, one grips the opposing cover flaps 124b at their respective grip regions 124c and moves the respective grip regions away from each other and downward towards the closed end of container 20. Because all of cover flaps 124a, 124b are joined at respective score lines, cover flaps 124a move inward to cover the open end 24 of container 20 while cover flaps 124b move outward and fold along the diagonal score lines. When gripping regions 124c have been moved to about the plane defined by the score lines defining open end 24, cover flaps 124a are substantially co-planar to cover the open end 24 of container 20 and cover flaps 124b have folded along the diagonal score lines to be triangular. Folded cover flaps 124b may then be folded against side 22 and the apex of triangular-folded cover flaps 124b may be inserted into die-cut slit 22s provided therein, whereby cover flaps 124b are held in the folded position which holds cover flaps 124a covering the open end 24 of container 20.
[0111] FIG. 13 is an isometric view schematic diagram of a nestable container 20 in a partially folded or collapsed condition, and FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are top, side and bottom view schematic diagrams, respectively, of nestable container 20 in a folded or collapsed condition. Folding or collapsing container 20 is desirable to reduce the volume it occupies, e.g., during storage and shipping. In the folded arrangement illustrated, containers 20 may be expanded to an un-collapsed condition for use either before or after being withdrawn from the nest of containers. The illustrated container 20 is generally rectangular and may have tapered sides, similar to the containers illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A-4C, 5, 6A-6B, 8D-8H, 11A-11D and 12.
[0112] In other words, a stack or nest of collapsed containers 20 may be utilized in its collapsed condition with individual containers un-collapsed or the stack or nest of collapsed containers 20 may be expanded or un-collapsed so that each of the containers 20 thereof is in its expanded condition prior to using or withdrawing any container 20 of the stack or nest thereof. One could utilize part of a stack of containers 20 while the stack is in the collapsed condition and part while the stack is in the un-collapsed condition, and may even un-collapse and collapse the stack or part thereof as is needed and/or convenient.
[0113] Container 20 has four generally rectangular sides 22 and a rectangular closed end 26. Typically, sides 22 are slightly trapezoidal so that container 20 is slightly tapered, being smaller at closed end 26 than at open end 24. Closed end 26 comprises four flaps 26a, 26b that are folded and glued. Optionally, flaps 26b each have a tab 26T that is folded inward to provide an anti-jamming feature at the interior of closed end 26.
[0114] Container 20 is collapsed or folded by folding closed end 26 inwardly (as indicated by the arrows pointing upward from dashed line 226 in FIG. 13) and folding opposing sides 22 outwardly (as indicated by the arrows pointing to the left and right from lines 222 in FIG. 13), substantially at the same time.
[0115] In particular, closed end 26 is preferably folded along a line in a direction parallel to the lengths of tabs 26T if tabs 26T are provided. In the example illustrated, the fold 226 in closed end 26 is along a line parallel to and in between the two anti-jamming tabs 26T, as is preferred where anti-jamming tabs 26T are provided. Two opposing sides 22 are each folded in an outward direction along a respective fold line running in the direction between closed end 26 and open end 24 at respective folds 222, thereby defining partial sides 22a and 22b on opposite sides of fold 222. Fold 226 meets respective folds 222 at respective locations 223 on opposing sides 22 part way between closed end 26 and open end 24.
[0116] The intersections of closed end 26 with the folds between each two adjacent sides 22 defines four corners 225 of closed end 26. Two diagonal folds 224 in each respective side 22 are along respective lines 224 connecting location 223 thereof with adjacent corners 225 defined at the intersection of that side 22 and closed end 26. Thus, folds 222 and 224 in each of sides 22 together define a “Y” shaped fold therein, wherein the “Y” is inverted when closed end 26 is the downward or bottom of container 20, i.e. the top of the “Y” is at closed end 26 and the central leg of the “Y” is at open end 24.
[0117] Container 20 is typically made by folding a container blank 20BL at its score or crease lines into the shape of container 20 and gluing or other wise securing tab 25 to side 22 and closed end flaps 26a, 26b in proper position. Then container 20 is folded or collapsed by folding outwardly along lines 222, 224 and inwardly along line 226. Any one or more or all of folds 222, 224, 226 may be made along scored, creased or embossed lines of blank 20BL. Plural containers 20 so made and collapsed are then nested to provide a nest of containers.
[0118] In folding or collapsing container 20, both the outward folding of opposing sides 22 along fold lines 222, 224, and the inward folding of closed end 26 along fold line 226, are done together, i.e. substantially contemporaneously. Typically, the collapsed container 20 will tend to spring open or expand slightly from the collapsed state, which may be advantageous in placing collapsed containers 20 into a nested arrangement of containers. A set of nested containers 20 may be packed in a box or other container, or may be over wrapped by plastic or other packaging material, e.g., for shipping, storage, and/or for retail display, and the packaging material may tend to maintain containers 20 in the collapsed condition until they are unwrapped and put into use.
[0119] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematic diagram illustrating two of the nestable container 20 of FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C in nested arrangement. In FIG. 15, the inner or top one of the containers 20 is designated 20b and the outer or bottom one thereof is designated 20a. Of course, any number of containers 20 may be nested as may be convenient or desired, however, two are illustrated by way of example for illustrating the relative arrangement of the features interior thereto.
[0120] In particular, anti-jamming tabs 26T of container 20a bear against the exterior of closed end 26 of container 20b to maintain space therebetween, thereby to facilitate and ease separation of containers 20a and 20b in use. In addition, the tendency of containers 20a, 20b to spring back or expand slightly from the collapsed condition may also tend to ease the removal of containers 20 from the nested stack thereof.
[0121] Container 20a may include adhesive or other adhering means 40 on an outside surface thereof, e.g., on the outer surface of closed end 26, e.g., on outer flaps 26a. Such adhesive or adhering means may include any form and/or material, e.g., as described herein. Such adhesive or adhering means may be provided on containers 20 of a nest of containers in addition to the exposed container, and may be of sufficient thickness as to resist the jamming of containers 20 in a nest 10 of containers 20.
[0122] It is preferred, although not necessary, that the inward fold of the closed end 26 of container 20 as described be made in a direction that permits any anti-jamming means associated with closed end 26, e.g., tabs 26T, to provide anti-jamming when container 20 is in the folded condition. It is noted that any of the example anti-jamming arrangements described may be employed where the container is folded or collapsed.
[0123] While the particular container(s) 20 that are illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C and 14 are container(s) 20 corresponding to the container blank 20BL-RT shown in FIG. 11D, the folding arrangement and method described may be employed with containers 20 corresponding to the container blanks 20BL shown in any of FIGS. 10, 11A-11D and 12, and/or with other containers described herein, as well as with containers not described herein. The term “blank 20BL” is employed to refer to any or all of example container blanks 20BL-C, 20BL-R, 20BL-R′, 20BL-R″, 20BL-RT, 20BL-RC, as well as to blanks not illustrated.
[0124] As used herein, the term “about” means that dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, a dimension, size, formulation, parameter, shape or other quantity or characteristic is “about” or “approximate” whether or not expressly stated to be such.
[0125] While the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, variations within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the claims following will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while the utility of the described nest of nestable containers has been described mostly in terms of a waste container for a vehicle, such as a family automobile or the like, such nestable containers may be utilized in a wide variety of environments, such as in rental vehicles and as promotions or gifts with new vehicles, or in hotels, hospitals and other facilities where waste is produced and need be disposed of.
[0126] Where an adhesive is provided as the adhering means, it may be preferred to cover the adhesive with a sheet of release paper or other release liner that is easily removable when it is desired to utilize the adhering means to adhere the set of containers to an object. Typically, the adhering means preferably has stronger adhesion to the material of the container than to the object to which the nest of containers adhere. Thus, one or more strips or patches of hook and loop fastener having adhesive on one side thereof for adhering to the container may be employed, as may be one or more strips or patches of adhesive tape comprising two or more layers, e.g., one layer that adheres strongly to the container material and another layer that adheres releasably to the object. Other adhering means may also be employed. For example, a sheet magnet material, such as a plastic or rubber sheet having magnetized material and/or particles therein, of the sort that is used for “refrigerator magnets” may be adhered to container 20 intended to be mounted to an object of iron, steel or other material attracted to a magnet.
[0127] Adhering means may be provided as one or more strips or patches of adhesive, hook and loop fastener and/or any other suitable adhering material, or as a sheet thereof. On the other hand, adhering means could be omitted from one, some or all of the containers.
[0128] Further, the nest of nestable containers described may be utilized for containing any other material in place of and/or in addition to waste, such as food, beverage, and at any point of sale or distribution, in sizes either larger or smaller than the typical sizes described. In addition, the number of containers in a nest may vary over a wide range, e.g., from about 5-8 containers for typical vehicle and/or home and/or business uses, and to greater or lesser numbers for these and/or other uses.
[0129] While an adhering means is typically to be provided on an exterior surface of only the outermost container of a stack of containers, it may be desirable to provide adhering means on other ones and/or on all of the containers of a stack of containers. This may simplify manufacturing because all containers may be the same, or may be advantageous for a particular use thereof. In addition, the adhering means, be it an adhesive or a hook and loop fastener, may be of sufficient thickness to resist jamming of plural nestable containers when the plural nestable containers are nested. If the adhering means is adhesive, a release liner or other peelable covering may be provided, as is typical for the adhesive adhering means herein.
[0130] One example of such particular use could be where food is dispensed to a person likely to consume the food aboard a moving and/or movable conveyance, such as a train or airplane. In such case, the adhering means could be employed to attach the container to a seat tray or other surface, e.g., whether the container is utilized as a holder for food to be consumed or as a holder for another a food tray or plate, whereby the container would not slide around while the person was attempting to consume its contents.
[0131] While the nestable containers described are generally glued or otherwise adhered together from a folded blank or from plural pieces of flat material to form a container, nestable containers that are only folded may also be nestable as described herein, and may be provided in a set or nest with adhering means and/or anti-jamming means or features as described. Such containers might find use, for example, as food containers wherein food is dispensed in a folded nestable container, e.g., one with a closure as described, is opened and unfolded to serve as a plate or place mat when consuming its contents, and may then be refolded to serve as a waste container.
[0132] Other closures, such as the slot and tab type of closures provided on conventional cereal and cracker boxes, may be utilized with the nestable containers described herein, or separate lids, e.g., lids that are themselves nestable containers as described herein, may be utilized.
[0133] It is noted that containers are described herein as being “nestable,” or being “nested,” or being a “nest” of containers, i.e. for being or being capable of being placed one into another, which Applicant's consider a preferred terminology. Such arrangements may also be referred to as being “stackable,” or being “stacked,” or as being a “stack” of containers within the scope of the claims following.
[0134] In relation to the container(s) described herein, the terms inward and outward generally refer to a direction as would be perceived from the vantage of a person observing or using such container, i.e. inward is towards the interior of the container, e.g., the volume defined by the side or sides and the closed end thereof.
Claims
1. A set of nested containers comprising:
- a plurality of containers each being open at one end and having a closed bottom, each of said plurality of containers being self supporting and of a size and shape for nesting with another of said plurality of containers, said plurality of containers being nested;
- adhering means on an exterior surface of the bottom of a first one of said plurality of containers, wherein the exterior surface of the bottom of the first one of said plurality of containers is exposed when said plurality of containers is nested,
- whereby the nested plurality of containers may be adhered to an object by the adhering means.
2. The set of nested containers of claim 1 wherein one or more of said plurality of containers include anti-jamming means.
3. The set of nested containers of claim 2 wherein said anti-jamming means includes means for providing an air passage and/or means for reducing friction between adjacent ones of said containers.
4. The set of nested containers of claim 2 wherein said anti-jamming means includes one or more of scoring, embossing, irregular embossing, spiral embossing, a spacer, plural spacers, the bottom having a hole therethrough, a cut corner, a fin seam, a rim at the open end, a lip at the open end, a flange at the open end, a folded member, a foldable member, an inward folded tab, a spring-like member, a low-friction coating, a friction reducing element, an anti-blocking agent, particulate matter, a handle, a folded handle, a foldable handle, a spring member, a spacer ring, a spacer frame, a spacer disk, a domed bottom, bottoms of different sizes, and/or a slip sheet.
5. The set of nested containers of claim 1 wherein said adhering means includes one or more of an adhesive layer, a plurality of adhesive spots, adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape having adhesive on both sides thereof, an adhesive spacer, a sheet of magnet material, a hook portion of a hook and loop fastener, and/or a loop portion of a hook and loop fastener.
6. The set of nested containers of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of containers includes proximate the open end thereof one or more of a handle, a folded handle, a foldable handle, a closure, a spacer, plural spacers, a rim, a lip, a flange, a fin seam, a folded member and/or a foldable member.
7. The set of nested containers of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of containers includes adhering means on an exterior surface thereof.
8. The set of nested containers of claim 7 wherein said adhering means on an exterior surface of each of said plurality of containers is of sufficient thickness to resist jamming of said plurality of containers when said plurality of containers is nested.
9. The set of nested containers of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of containers has a collapsed condition and an expanded condition, wherein each container of said set of nested containers is in the collapsed condition when said plurality of containers is nested.
10. The set of nested containers of claim 9 wherein each of said plurality of containers when in the collapsed condition has two opposing sides folded in an outward direction and has the closed bottom thereof folded in an inward direction, wherein the inward fold in the closed bottom meets the outward folds at the two opposing sides.
11. A set of nested containers comprising:
- a plurality of nestable self-supporting containers each being open at one end and having a closed end, said plurality of nestable containers being nested;
- adhering means on the exterior of a first or outer one of said plurality of nestable containers, wherein said adhering means is exposed when said plurality of nestable containers is nested,
- whereby the nest of nestable containers may be adhered to an object by the adhering means.
12. The set of nested containers of claim 11 wherein one or more of said plurality of nestable containers include anti-jamming means.
13. The set of nested containers of claim 12 wherein said anti-jamming means includes means for providing an air passage and/or means for reducing friction between adjacent ones of the plurality of nestable containers.
14. The set of nested containers of claim 12 wherein said anti-jamming means includes one or more of scoring, embossing, irregular embossing, spiral embossing, a spacer, plural spacers, the closed end having a hole therethrough, a cut corner, a fin seam, a rim at the open end, a lip at the open end, a flange at the open end, a folded member, a foldable member, an inward folded tab, a spring-like member, a low-friction coating, a friction reducing element, an anti-blocking agent, particulate matter, a handle, a folded handle, a foldable handle, a spring member, a spacer ring, a spacer frame, a spacer disk, a domed closed end, closed ends of different sizes, and/or a slip sheet.
15. The set of nested containers of claim 11 wherein said adhering means includes one or more of an adhesive layer, a plurality of adhesive spots, adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape having adhesive on both sides thereof, an adhesive spacer, a sheet of magnet material, a hook portion of a hook and loop fastener, and/or a loop portion of a hook and loop fastener.
16. The set of nested containers of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality of nestable containers includes proximate the open end thereof one or more of a handle, a folded handle, a foldable handle, a closure, a spacer, plural spacers, a rim, a lip, a flange, a fin seam, a folded member and/or a foldable member.
17. The set of nested containers of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality of nestable containers includes adhering means on an exterior surface thereof.
18. The set of nested containers of claim 17 wherein said adhering means on an exterior surface of each of said plurality of nestable containers is of sufficient thickness to resist jamming of said plurality of nestable containers when said plurality of nestable containers is nested.
19. The set of nested containers of claim 11 wherein each of said plurality of nestable containers has a collapsed condition and an expanded condition, wherein each nestable container of said set of nested containers is in the collapsed condition when said plurality of nestable containers is nested.
20. The set of nested containers of claim 19 wherein each of said plurality of nestable containers when in the collapsed condition has two opposing sides folded in an outward direction and has the closed end thereof folded in an inward direction, wherein the inward fold in the closed end meets an outward fold at each of the two opposing sides.
21. A set of nestable containers comprising a plurality of nestable self-supporting containers each being open at one end and having a closed end, and adhering means for adhering the set of nestable containers to an object, wherein said adhering means is exposed when said plurality of nestable containers is nested.
22. A set of nestable containers comprising a plurality of collapsed nestable self-supporting containers each being open at one end and having a closed end, wherein each container is collapsed by having two opposing sides folded in an outward direction and by having the closed end thereof folded in an inward direction, and adhering means for adhering the set of nestable containers to an object, wherein said adhering means is exposed when said plurality of nestable containers is nested.
23. A set of nestable containers comprising:
- a plurality of nestable self-supporting containers each being open at one end and having a closed end, said plurality of nestable containers being of size and shape for being nested one in another;
- adhering means for adhering the set of nestable containers to an object, said adhering means being disposed on the exterior of a first one of said plurality of nestable containers into which other ones of said plurality of nestable containers nest, wherein said adhering means is exposed when said plurality of nestable containers is nested,
- whereby the set of nestable containers may be nested and adhered to an object by the adhering means.
24. A set of nestable containers comprising:
- a plurality of nestable self-supporting containers each being open at one end and having a closed end, said plurality of nestable containers being of size and shape for being nested one in another;
- one or more of an adhesive and a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener on the exterior of a first one of said plurality of nestable containers into which other ones of said plurality of nestable containers nest, wherein said one or more of an adhesive and a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener is exposed when said plurality of nestable containers is nested,
- whereby the set of nestable containers may be nested and adhered to an object by the exposed adhesive and/or hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener.
25. The set of nestable containers of claim 24 wherein one or more of said plurality of nestable containers include an anti-jamming feature.
26. The set of nestable containers of claim 25 wherein said anti-jamming feature provides a passage for air between adjacent ones of said plurality of nestable containers when nested, and/or reduces friction between adjacent ones of said nestable containers when nested.
27. The set of nestable containers of claim 25 wherein said anti-jamming feature includes one or more of scoring, embossing, irregular embossing, spiral embossing, a spacer, plural spacers, the bottom having a hole therethrough, a cut corner, a fin seam, a rim at the open end, a lip at the open end, a flange at the open end, a folded member, a foldable member, an inward folded tab, a spring-like member, a low-friction coating, a friction reducing element, an anti-blocking agent, particulate matter, a handle, a folded handle, a foldable handle, a spring member, a spacer ring, a spacer frame, a spacer disk, a domed bottom, bottoms of different sizes, and/or a slip sheet.
28. The set of nestable containers of claim 24 wherein said adhesive includes one or more of an adhesive layer, a plurality of adhesive spots, adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape having adhesive on both sides thereof, an adhesive spacer, and/or a sheet of magnet material.
29. The set of nestable containers of claim 24 wherein each of the plurality of nestable containers includes proximate the open end thereof one or more of a handle, a folded handle, a foldable handle, a closure, a spacer, plural spacers, a rim, a lip, a flange, a fin seam, a folded member and/or a foldable member.
30. The set of nestable containers of claim 24 wherein each of the plurality of nestable containers includes one or more of an adhesive and a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener on the exterior thereof.
31. The set of nestable containers of claim 30 wherein said one or more of an adhesive and a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener on an exterior surface of each of said plurality of nestable containers is of sufficient thickness to resist jamming of said plurality of nestable containers when said plurality of nestable containers is nested.
32. The set of nestable containers of claim 24 wherein each of said plurality of nestable containers has a collapsed condition and an expanded condition, wherein each nestable container of said set of nested containers is in the collapsed condition when said plurality of nestable containers is nested.
33. The set of nestable containers of claim 32 wherein each of said plurality of nestable containers when in the collapsed condition has two opposing sides folded in an outward direction and has the closed end thereof folded in an inward direction, wherein the inward fold in the closed end meets an outward fold at each of the two opposing sides.
34. A set of nestable containers comprising:
- a plurality of collapsed nestable self-supporting containers each being open at one end and having a closed end, said plurality of nestable containers being of size and shape for being nested one in another,
- wherein each of said plurality of collapsed nestable containers has two opposing sides folded in an outward direction and has the closed end thereof folded in an inward direction so that the inward fold in the closed end meets an outward fold at each of the two opposing sides; and
- each of said plurality of collapsed nestable containers including an anti-jamming member extending into an interior thereof into which at least one other of said plurality of collapsed nestable containers may nest,
- whereby the set of nestable containers may be nested without jamming.
35. The set of nestable containers of claim 34 further comprising one or more of an adhesive and a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener on the exterior of a first one of said plurality of collapsed nestable containers into which other ones of said plurality of collapsed nestable containers nest, wherein said one or more of an adhesive and a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener is exposed when said plurality of collapsed nestable containers is nested.
36. The set of nestable containers of claim 35 wherein said adhesive includes one or more of an adhesive layer, a plurality of adhesive spots, adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape having adhesive on both sides thereof, an adhesive spacer, and/or a sheet of magnet material.
37. The set of nestable containers of claim 34 wherein each of the plurality of collapsed nestable containers includes proximate the open end thereof one or more of a handle, a folded handle, a foldable handle, a closure, a spacer, plural spacers, a rim, a lip, a flange, a fin seam, a folded member and/or a foldable member.
38. The set of nestable containers of claim 34 wherein said anti-jamming member includes one or more of scoring, embossing, irregular embossing, spiral embossing, a spacer, plural spacers, a cut corner, a fin seam, a rim at the open end, a lip at the open end, a flange at the open end, a folded member, a foldable member, an inward folded tab, a spring-like member, a friction reducing element, a handle, a folded handle, a foldable handle, a spring member, a spacer ring, a spacer frame, a spacer disk, and/or a slip sheet.
39. A set of nested containers comprising:
- a plurality of containers each being open at one end and having a closed bottom, each of said plurality of containers being self supporting and of a size and shape for nesting with another of said plurality of containers, said plurality of containers being nested;
- adhering means on an exterior surface of each of said plurality of containers, wherein the exterior surface of a first one of said plurality of containers is exposed when said plurality of containers is nested, and
- wherein said adhering means is of sufficient thickness to resist jamming of said plurality of nestable containers when said plurality of nestable containers is nested,
- whereby the nested plurality of containers may be adhered to an object by the adhering means on the first one of said plurality of containers.
40. The set of nested containers of claim 39 wherein said adhering means includes one or more of an adhesive layer, a plurality of adhesive spots, adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape having adhesive on both sides thereof, an adhesive spacer, and/or a sheet of magnet material.
41. A set of nestable containers comprising:
- a plurality of nestable self-supporting containers each being open at one end and having a closed end, said plurality of nestable containers being of size and shape for being nested one in another;
- one or more of an adhesive and a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener on the exterior of each of said plurality of nestable containers into which other ones of said plurality of nestable containers nest,
- wherein said one or more of an adhesive and a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener on one of said plurality of nestable containers is exposed when said plurality of nestable containers is nested, and
- wherein said one or more of an adhesive and a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener on the exterior of each of said plurality of nestable containers is of sufficient thickness to resist jamming of said plurality of nestable containers when said plurality of nestable containers is nested,
- whereby the set of nestable containers may be nested and adhered to an object by the exposed adhesive and/or hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener.
42. The set of nestable containers of claim 41 wherein said adhesive includes one or more of an adhesive layer, a plurality of adhesive spots, adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape having adhesive on both sides thereof, an adhesive spacer, and/or a sheet of magnet material.
43. A set of nestable containers comprising:
- a plurality of nestable self-supporting containers each being open at one end and having a closed end, said plurality of nestable containers being of size and shape for being nested one in another;
- a spacer on the exterior of each of said plurality of nestable containers into which other ones of said plurality of nestable containers nest,
- wherein said spacer on the exterior of each of said plurality of nestable containers is of sufficient thickness to resist jamming of said plurality of nestable containers when said plurality of nestable containers is nested, and
- wherein at least said spacer on a one of said plurality of nestable containers that is exposed when said plurality of nestable containers is nested includes one or more of an adhesive and a hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener,
- whereby the set of nestable containers may be nested and adhered to an object by the exposed adhesive and/or hook or loop portion of a hook and loop fastener of said spacer.
44. The set of nestable containers of claim 43 wherein said adhesive includes one or more of an adhesive layer, a plurality of adhesive spots, adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape, a piece of adhesive tape having adhesive on both sides thereof, an adhesive spacer, and/or a sheet of magnet material.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 7, 2004
Publication Date: Nov 18, 2004
Inventors: Janica S. Behnke (Appleton, WI), Timothy P. Hartjas (Kimberly, WI), Mark B. Littlejohn (Appleton, WI), Joseph R. Pounder (Greenville, WI), Erland R. Sandstrom (Sister Bay, WI), Michael A. Schmeizer (Appleton, WI), Dean P. Swoboda (DePere, WI), Rebecca E. Whitmore (Chilton, WI)
Application Number: 10819692
International Classification: B65D021/00;
