Nestable container set

Abstract

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

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to sets of containers, and more particularly to sets of nestable containers that can be nested inside of each other in fixed locations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many consumers own a variety of types of container sets for either the storage or the immediate use of items. One inconvenience of many types of container sets is the inability to store them efficiently, using a small amount of space. Certain sets of nestable containers that can be stored within each other are already known in the prior art.

Usually, prior art nestable container sets feature containers of identical designs, so they can be nested tightly for maximal storage capacity. Nesting the containers one within another reduces the amount of storage space necessary to hold all of the containers when they are not in use. However, a fundamental problem arises with this type of arrangement.

Container sets that allow for nesting multiple containers within each other generally cannot be used to hold items while they are in their nested form. The space inside most of the containers in these types of container sets is simply occupied by other containers. Furthermore, their lids cannot be affixed to the rims of the open tops of the containers while they are nested together.

Without the ability to house items in the containers while the containers are nested together, their capacity for neatly grouping together is only of use in terms of storage, and not of usage. There remains a need for a set of containers that can be nested together in an efficient, space-saving manner, both for storage, while not in use, and also for housing items, during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The container set of the present invention is designed to overcome the problem inherent in the prior art. The present invention allows for efficient overall storage when not in use, but also provides for safe, easy and convenient handling of an entire nestable container set, or a significant portion thereof, during actual personal use of the containers.

The set of nestable containers for personal use includes several top-open containers that can be securely nested together inside one or several larger containers. Each container contains a nesting apparatus that allows it to be connected in a secure location relative to one or several other containers. The containers also can be lidded with semi-elastic or plastic lids, separately as individual containers, or together as a collective unit of containers.

The containers can be nestable through the use of various different attachment apparatuses. For example, different containers can be connected through ridged top rims, or ridges and/or indentations in their respective bottoms. The containers can also be nested through the use of ridged sides, by securely connecting together grooved sides with ribbed sides. The attachment apparatuses can be configured so as to snap into place, or be pressed firmly into place, or to simply fit snugly into place, with respect to each other.

Alternatively, containers can be nested together within secure locations inside of one or several other larger containers through a packing system. In such a packing arrangement, the tightly fitted combination of containers would create mutually reinforcing lateral stresses, thereby holding the containers in their designated places.

The containers also can be available in different sizes, and a variety of shapes, such as rectangular prism or frusto-pyramidal containers, cylinder and/or wedge-shaped containers, or even egg-shaped containers. Furthermore, the containers can be composed of different materials of varying degrees of rigidity and texture, depending on each container's intended use.

The nestable container set offers several advantages and allows options over the prior art, while providing for more advantageous personal use. Through the enhancements and advantages claimed and described below, the invention ensures safe, easy, and convenient handling during personal use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a preferred embodiment with three essentially rectangular containers of successively larger size that can be nested within each other, the three containers being shown separated from each other;

FIG. 1B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1A with the three containers nested inside of each other;

FIG. 2A illustrates a preferred embodiment with three containers shaped respectively as a circle, a semi-circle, and a wedge, the three containers being shown separated from each other;

FIG. 2B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 2A with the three containers nested inside of each other;

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, except that lids are included for each of the three rectangular containers;

FIG. 4A illustrates a section of an outer container with a ridged rim attachment apparatus for nesting other containers;

FIG. 4B illustrate an inner container with a ridged rim suitable for attachment to the ridged rim of the outer container of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C illustrates the outer container of FIG. 4A and the inner container of FIG. 4B nested together;

FIG. 5A illustrates a section of an outer container with a ridged side attachment apparatus for nesting other containers;

FIG. 5B illustrate an inner container with a ridged side suitable for attachment to the ridged side of the outer container of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C illustrates the outer container of FIG. 5A and the inner container of FIG. 5B nested together;

FIG. 6A illustrates a section of an outer container with a grooved floor attachment apparatus for nesting other containers;

FIG. 6B illustrate an inner container with corner stubs suitable for attachment to the grooved floor of the outer container of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 6C illustrates the outer container of FIG. 6A and the inner container of FIG. 6B nested together;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention.

It is to be understood that other embodiments can be utilized, and that logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a diagram that shows a possible general embodiment of a nestable container set in accordance with the invention. The containers in FIG. 1 are shown as having a generally cubic shape resembling a frusto-pyramid. FIG. 1A shows three containers of successively larger size, each container capable of being fitted securely within the next. The smallest container 100 can be fitted securely inside the medium-sized container 102, which in turn can be fitted securely inside the largest container 104.

FIG. 1B illustrates the manner in which the containers could be nested together. The smallest container 100 is shown nested inside a portion of the medium-sized container 102, and the two containers 100, 102 are also shown being nested together inside a portion of the largest container 104. Attachment apparatuses are not shown in this general embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram that shows another possible general embodiment of a nestable container set in accordance with the invention. The containers in FIG. 2 are shown as having either a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape, or a wedge-like shape. The containers are capable of being nested inside each other in resemblance of a pie, with the vertex corners of the smaller wedge-shaped containers converging at the center of the larger cylindrical container.

FIG. 2A shows three containers of successively larger size, each container capable of being fitted securely within the next. The smallest container 200 can be fitted securely inside the medium-sized container 202, which in turn can be fitted securely inside the largest container 204. FIG. 2B illustrates the manner in which the containers would be nested together. The smallest container 200 is shown nested inside a portion of the medium-sized container 202, and the two containers 200, 202 are also shown being nested together inside a portion of the largest container 204. Attachment apparatuses are not shown in this general embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram that shows the ways in which containers of a nestable container set can be lidded in accordance with the invention. Container lids can be made of a semi-elastic or plastic material, which can conform to the shape of the rim of their respective containers. A small lid 300 is portrayed covering the smallest container 310, which can be used to seal the container 310 shut and use the container 310 by itself, for storing or housing items.

The medium-sized container 312 also can be lidded. Since the medium-sized container 312 can be used either by itself, or with the smallest container 310 nested within it, the lid for either container 300, 302 can be used. For example, if the smallest container 310 is nested within the medium-sized container 312, the small lid 300 can be used for the smallest container 310, or alternatively, the medium lid 302 can cover both containers 310, 312, while providing a seal for the medium-sized container 312. The medium-sized container 312 can also be used, along with the medium lid 302, by itself, without the smallest container 310 nested inside.

Finally, the largest container 314 can be lidded. Since the largest container 314 can be used either by itself, or in conjunction with at least one of the other two containers 310, 312, the lid for either of the three containers 300, 302, 304 can be used. As with the medium lid 302 with respect to the medium-sized container 312, the large lid 304 can provide a seal for the largest container 314, while also covering any other containers 310, 312 nested inside.

All container structures can be comprised of materials of varying degrees of texture and rigidity. The containers can be nested with respect to each other by means of various different “nesting” apparatuses, or attachment apparatuses. Possible nesting apparatuses include, but are not limited to: ridged rims that can be connected together; ridged sides that can be connected together; or ridged bottoms that can be connected together.

The ridged nesting apparatuses can be variously configured to allow the respective containers to be either snapped into place, pressed firmly into place, or simply fit snugly into place, with respect to each other. Finally, the nesting apparatus of containers can simply be their rigid external structures, which fit tightly with respect to each other, inside of a larger container. Within a given nestable container set, the same nesting apparatus can be used for all containers, or alternatively, a combination of possible nesting apparatuses can be used.

FIG. 4 illustrates the manner in which a container with a ridged rim can be connected to a container of substantially larger volume, also with a ridged rim. FIG. 4A depicts a possible cross section of an outer container 400 with a ridged rim 402 as an attachment apparatus. The rim 402 contains an indented groove 404, within which the rim of the inner container 412 can fit.

FIG. 4B shows a possible inner container 410 with a ridged rim 412 as a complementary attachment apparatus. The rim 412 contains an extended crest 414, within which the rim of the outer container 402 can fit. The underside of the crest 414 of the inner container's rim 412 can fit into the groove 404 of the outer container's rim 402. FIG. 4C represents a side view of the outer container 400 and the inner container 410 fitted together by their respective ridged rims 402, 412. The crest 414 of the inner container's rim 412 is shown fitting inside the groove 404 of the outer container's rim 402.

FIG. 5 illustrates the manner in which a container with a ridged side can be connected to a container of substantially larger volume, also with a ridged side. FIG. 5A depicts a possible cross section of an outer container 500 with a ridged inside 502 as an attachment apparatus. The inner side 502 contains protruding ribs 504, upon which the outside of the inner container 512 can fit.

FIG. 5B shows a possible inner container 510 with indented grooves 514 on the outside of the inner container 512, as a complementary attachment apparatus that can fit into the ridged inside of the outer container 502. FIG. 5C represents a side view of the outer container 500 and the inner container 510 fitted together by their respective ridged sides 502, 512. The grooves 514 on the outside 512 of the inner container 510 are shown being fitted to the ribs 504 on the inside 502 of the outer container 500.

FIG. 6 illustrates the manner in which a container with a ridged underside can be connected to a container of substantially larger volume, with a ridged floor. FIG. 6A depicts a possible section of the outer container 600 with a grooved floor 602 as an attachment apparatus containing grooves 604 and corner holes 606.

FIG. 6B shows the ridged periphery 614, and corner stubs 616, of the underside 612 of the inside container 610 as a complementary attachment apparatus. FIG. 6C represents a side view of the two containers fitted together by their respective ridged bottoms 602, 612. The ridged features 614, 616 on the bottom 612 of the inner container 610 are shown being fitted to the grooved features 604, 606 on the floor 602 of the outer container 600.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A nestable container set, comprising:

a plurality of top-open containers, wherein each container of the plurality of containers includes at least one nesting apparatus, for at least one of:

the container being nested into a specific location inside another container of the plurality of containers, the other container being of substantially larger volume; and

the container nesting another container of the plurality of containers into a specific location inside itself, the other container being of substantially smaller volume.

2. The nestable container set of claim 1, further comprising at least one lid for covering at least one container of the plurality of containers.

3. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of top-open containers includes a first container and a second container, the second container being substantially smaller in volume than the first container, the nesting apparatus of one of the first and second containers including a rim with an indented groove and the nesting apparatus of the other of the first and second containers including a rim with a protruding ridge, the groove and the ridge being configured so as to allow the ridge to nest in the groove, thereby allowing the second container to nest within the first container.

4. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of top-open containers includes a first container and a second container, the second container being substantially smaller in volume than the first container, the nesting apparatus of the first container including ridges on an inwardly facing side and the nesting apparatus of the second container including ridges on an outwardly facing side, the ridges on the sides of the first and second containers being configured so as to allow the ridges on the outwardly facing side of the second container to nest against the ridges on the inwardly facing side of the first container, thereby allowing the second container to nest within the first container.

5. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of top-open containers includes a first container and a second container, the second container being substantially smaller in volume than the first container, the nesting apparatus of the first container including ridges on an upwardly facing bottom surface and the nesting apparatus of the second container including ridges on a downwardly facing bottom surface, the ridges on the bottom surfaces of the first and second containers being configured so as to allow the ridges on the downwardly facing bottom surface of the second container to nest against the ridges on the upwardly facing bottom surface of the first container, thereby allowing the second container to nest within the first container.

6. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of top-open containers includes at least three containers with rigid structures, the nesting apparatuses for each of the three containers being configured so as to allow two of the three containers to be packed tightly within the third of the three containers.

7. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of open-top containers includes a first container and a second container, the first container having a nesting apparatus that is a snapping apparatus, the snapping apparatus being able to attach to the second container by being snapped in place into a specific location with respect to the second container.

8. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of open-top containers includes a first container and a second container, the first container having a nesting apparatus that is a pressing apparatus, the pressing apparatus being able to attach to the second container by being pressed firmly into a specific location with respect to the second container.

9. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the plurality of open-top containers includes a first container and a second container, the first container having a nesting apparatus that is a fitting apparatus, the fitting apparatus being able to attach to the second container by being fit snuggly into a specific location with respect to the second container.

10. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the shape of at least one of the plurality of top-open containers at least partially resembles at least one of a prism and a frustum.

11. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the shape of at least one of the plurality of containers at least partially resembles at least one of a cylindrical prism, a frusto-cone, a rectangular prism, and a frusto-pyramid.

12. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein the shape of at least one of the plurality of containers at least partially resembles a wedge.

13. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at the shape of least one of the plurality of containers at least partially resembles an ovoid.

14. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of containers is made of a rigid material.

15. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of containers is made of a flexible material.

16. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of containers includes a textured surface.

17. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of containers includes a smooth surface.

18. The nestable container set of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of containers includes at least one of a grasping area and a grasping apparatus, for easy grasping by a user.