Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch mechanism configured to secure two bodies together by simply placing one body on top of the other and applying moderate downward pressure to the top body. The latch mechanism includes a housing and a latch partially disposed within the housing. The latch includes a main body, and a primary hook and an opposing secondary hook both extending from the main body. The latch is configured to be rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the primary hook is not obscured by the housing. In the second position, the primary hook is substantially obscured by the housing. The latch mechanism also includes a bias configured to bias the latch toward its first position.

Abstract: A collapsible container having a base, an upper frame, and a pair of opposed side walls pivotably connected to side edges of the upper frame. Each of the side walls including an upper panel hingeably connected to a lower panel. The lower panel is hingeably connected to the base. A pair of opposed end walls are pivotably connected to end edges of the upper frame. The end walls are pivotable between an upright position extending from the upper frame to the base between the side walls and a retracted position within the upper frame. A lid is pivotably secured to the upper frame. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A container for the transport and storage of goods includes an internal fillable tank and an external support structure surrounding the tank. The external support structure has a base structure arranged below the tank, such that a base of the tank is supported on the base structure. The external support structure also has an upper support structure arranged above the tank for absorbing loads exerted on the tank from above. The base structure includes a plurality of lower column portions, and the upper support structure includes a plurality of corresponding upper column portions, which each project from opposing faces of the base structure and the upper support structure respectively and which meet somewhere along the height of the tank, thereby forming a number of columns for laterally supporting the tank.

Abstract: A nestable and stackable straight wall tote with an expandable bottom is provided. The tote includes a bottom wall connected to each of a first end wall, a second end wall, a first side wall and a second side wall by an expandable and collapsible linking portion. The expandable and collapsible linking portions allows for expanding the bottom portion of the tote outward to enable the tote to either stack on a like tote when expanded or nest with a like tote (when collapsed. The tote can include a lock mechanism in the bottom to keep the walls in an expanded position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stackable container including a holding body, which has a bottom and a lateral wall, which bound a holding chamber. The holding body has stacking elements, which can be moved from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) and which alternatively allow at least two such stackable containers to be stacked one inside the other and to be stacked one on the other. The holding body also has at least one drain opening in the region of the bottom of the holding body, and the bottom is designed to hold moisture and/or liquid present in the holding chamber and to guide the moisture and/or liquid toward the at least one drain opening. At least one of the stacking elements has a drain groove, which is designed to hold and to lead away moisture and/or liquid.

Abstract: A container system including a storage base that includes a frame and a partition wall dividing the frame into first and second compartments, where each of the first and second compartments includes a cavity formed therein and the partition wall is formed to include a handle, and the handle is configured to removeably couple a first and second storage base to form a storage unit.

Abstract: A deck box includes individual panels and a lid that are able to be assembled to one another without the need for external hardware. A bottom panel has guides or rails extending along the length of the bottom panel at opposing edge regions thereof. A pair of side panels are provided with guides or rails to enable sliding engagement and assembly of the side panels with the bottom panel. The side panels are also provided with guides or rails that extend toward the bottom panel when the side panels are assembled to the bottom panel. Front and rear panels are provided with guides or rails so that each of the front and rear panel can assemble between the assembled side panels, sliding into engagement in a direction toward the bottom panel. A lid has an integrally-molded hinge member that engages with an integrally-molded hinge member of the rear panel.

Abstract: An ice bin (10) is disclosed which includes a storage bin (13) having a pair of side walls (14), and an pair of end walls (15) and a bottom wall (16). The side walls have a T-shaped recess (17) having a central base recess (18) and two arm recesses (19). Each central base recess is defined by a floor ledge (21) and a pair of side edges (22). The end walls also have grip recesses (20) which extend directly from the arm recesses. The arm recesses are defined by side top ledges (28) while the grip recesses are defined by end top ledges (29). The ice bin also includes a pair of pivotable handles (23) coupled to the storage bin. Each handle has a pair of leg portions (24), a pair of arm portions (25), and a grip portion (26) extending between the pair of arm portions.

Abstract: A container (10) comprises a base (12), upstanding walls (14) on the base and a lid arrangement (16) pivotally attacked to at least one of the walls at a hinge (17). The lid arrangement is pivotally moveable about the hinge from an open position to a closed position. When the lid arrangement (16) is in the open position, the container (10) can be nested within a similar further container having a similar further lid arrangement, and the lid arrangement (16) can be received within the further lid arrangement in a nested condition of the lid arrangements.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal basket contains the steps of preparing materials, initial welding, bending, and finish welding. In a step of preparing materials, multiple first metal bars, multiple second metal bars, and at least two peripheral bars are provided. In a step of initial welding, the multiple first metal bars and the multiple second metal bars are stacked crisscross and are welded together to produce a grid frame which has a base and multiple surrounding grids, and the at least two peripheral bars are welded with the multiple surrounding grids respectively. In a step of bending, the grid frame and the multiple surrounding grids are bent, such that the multiple surrounding grids are bent upwardly and are perpendicular to the base. In a step of finish welding, the at least two peripheral bars are welded together.

Abstract: A serving container and ring element system that includes a serving dish and a ring element having a ring element lip with a shape that substantially corresponds to a shape of a serving dish lip, wherein portions of the ring element lip are formed to be positionable around at least a portion of the serving dish lip to provide frictional engagement between portions of said ring element lip and at least a portion of said serving dish lip, such that said ring element is capable of securing a foil pan within said serving dish.

Abstract: Portable collapsible fluid containment devices are disclosed comprising sidewall support braces that rotate from a collapsed generally horizontal position to a raised generally vertical position and lock into place. The sidewall braces may be attached to at least one sidewall of the containment device, and when raised support the sidewall in a fluid containment configuration. The sidewall braces comprise a base support leg, a sidewall support arm rotatably mounted on the support leg, and a locking tab for holding the sidewall support arm in the generally vertical position.

Abstract: A collapsible bulk bin container with structures for improved strength is provided. The bulk bin container includes wrap-around portions in the short sidewalls with a horizontal top plate and a horizontal rib proximate the top plate. The bulk bin container also includes ramp structure in the long side sidewall and base for lifting and dropping the sidewall when pivoted upright. The upright sidewall and base include surfaces to inhibit or prevent buckling due to compressive loads. The bin can also include post and pocket interlock structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stackable container that includes a lower part, base or bottom (1), two long lateral walls or side panels (2) and two short lateral walls or front panels (3) that include a flat element that can consist of two end base planks (10), of two pairs of cornered base planks (10?) or one complete base plank (10?) shaped such that when a plurality of containers are stacked, the bottom of an upper container (1) rests on the flat element (10, 10?, 10?) of a lower container. The flat element (10, 10?, 10?) acts as a support surface for an upper container when it is stacked and as a reinforcement of the container structure, giving it strength and avoiding breakage during stacking.

Abstract: A container comprising a pair of bars extending across opposite sidewalls; wherein each one of the opposite sidewalls comprises an opening comprising a lower corner, an upper corner and an intermediate corner between said lower and upper corners the bars are movable between: i) a lower stacking bar position in which pivot ends thereof rest in the lower corner of the opening, ii) an upper stacking bar position in which the pivot ends rest in the intermediate corner of the opening and iii) a nesting position in which the pivot ends rest in the upper corner of the opening.

Abstract: A basket for shipping and displaying of baked products, wherein the basket comprises several features that substantially inhibit or reduce lateral motion, as well frontward and rearwards motion. Similar baskets can be stacked in a 0°, 90° or 180° configuration, and in the 0° and 180°, an upper basket can pivot and slide about a lower basket. Preferably, three window flaps are provided in one or more merchandising windows of the basket to allow consumers to retrieve baked product from an interior portion of the basket. The window flaps can moved from an open position to provide customers access to the tray, to a closed position to substantially inhibit or prevent product spillage when being transported or stored.

Abstract: A system includes trays of a plurality of different widths and an unloading system for unloading cartons from the trays. The trays (20; 20?; 20?) each comprise a base (22) and a pair of end walls (30) extending upward from the base. The unloading system (200; 200?) comprises a plurality of fingers (202A-202I). Each of the end walls comprise a plurality of vertical slots (40) open to an upper edge of the end wall. The fingers are positioned and dimensioned to pass through the slots of the trays as the trays are delivered by the tray delivery conveyor to lift contents of the trays. The fingers are positioned so that some fingers pass through the slots of each of the different widths, but others pass only through slots of wider said widths.

Abstract: A container comprising a first and a second pairs of opposite sidewalls extending from a base to a lip , the lip running around the perimeter of the container and delimiting an upper collar having a height from the lip to an upper rim of the container; a pair of bars extending across the first pair of opposite sidewalls; wherein each one of the first pair of opposite sidewalls comprises an outer wall and an inner wall separated by a recess; the inner wall comprising an upper supporting surface, a lower supporting surface and a nesting surface; the outer wall comprises a first opening located below the lip, and a second opening located between the upper rim of the container and the lip; pivot ends of each bar being received in opposite second openings; the bars being movable between: i) a lower stacking bar position, ii) an upper stacking bar position and iii) a nesting position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stackable container adapted to be stacked with a second substantially identical container in two positions. The container comprises a container body; and an arm movably connected to the container body. The container body comprising a base and walls extending upwardly from the base. The walls define an interior space and an opening. The arm is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the arm provides a support for the second substantially identical container wherein, when stacked, the second identical container is supported above the stackable container with at least part of the interior accessible. In the second position, the arm is positioned to allow the second identical container to nest within the stackable container with the interior space inaccessible.

Abstract: A collapsible container which includes a rectangular bottom wall and sidewalls pivotally joined to respective outer edges of the bottom wall and is changeable between an assembled state in which the sidewalls are raised from the bottom wall and a folded state in which the sidewalls are folded to be superimposed on the bottom wall comprises a pair of band plate members extending along upper edges of a pair of first sidewalls opposed to each other and a band plate hinge mechanism joining the band plate members near to top surfaces of the first sidewalls so that the band plate members are pivotable between a horizontal posture of protruding from the first sidewalls horizontally inward and a rising posture of rising from the first sidewalls vertically upward. The band plate hinge mechanism is capable of positioning the band plate members in the horizontal posture. The band plate members assuming the horizontal posture are arranged as displaced lower relative to the top surfaces of the first sidewalls.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a flexible or semi-flexible stackable package (1) for flowable products, comprising a package body (2) with side (3), top (4) and bottom (5) walls, and a neck (6) adapted to receive closing and/or dispensing means (15) that extends outwardly from one of said walls (3, 4, 5) characterized in that: (i) said neck (6) is off-centered and tilted relative to the vertical axis (V) of said package (1) with an angle (?) comprised between 1° and 179°, preferably comprised between 20° and 60°, more preferably an angle of 45°, and (ii) the package body walls (3, 4, 5) comprise at least one flattened, rounded, or recessed portion (7), such that when stacked in a package assembly (10), the neck (6) of said package (1) fits in between a space (8) defined by similar packages disposed adjacent to said neck (6).

Abstract: A watering can of appropriate shape consist of the main container (5) from which an open spout (6) extends, while the bottom wall (12) and the back edge of the main container continue into the extended can holder (7) with the holder opening (8). The main container widens from its bottom toward the top, while the extended can holder (7) becomes narrower from the bottom toward its top. The extended can holder wall creates a countersink (9) on the external side where into the extended handle of the next stacked can is put into. The open spout (6) has V-shaped cross section enabling the spout (6) to fit into the spout of the previous can during stacking.

Abstract: A tray includes a base having opposed front and rear walls and opposed side walls. The front and rear walls are shorter to provide access to products stored on the tray when in a stacked configuration. The tray includes reinforced intersections between the front and rear walls and side walls.

Abstract: A package comprises a lid and a container forming a lower contact area, the container having a receiving space bordered by a side wall, an apron extending along an upper region of the side wall, and a tamper-evident closure preferably including a tamper-evident tab which, after filling the packaging container, can be detached by a consumer. The lid is formed as a clamp-on or clip-on lid and can be fixed to the upper container rim, wherein the tamper-evident tab is transparent and the container has an optical indicator for marking the tamper-evident tab.

Abstract: A system is provided for analyzing a plurality of samples in a furnace. The system includes an upper holder including at least one opening adapted to engage at least one upper crucible. The system also includes a lower holder including at least one opening adapted to engage at least one lower crucible. The system includes a scale adapted to receive a lower crucible and weigh the lower crucible. The scale is further adapted to receive a combination of an upper crucible stacked on the lower crucible and weigh the combination. The system also includes means for moving the upper holder and the lower holder relative to each other and relative to the scale so that the scale selectively receives the lower crucible and the combination of the upper crucible stacked on the lower crucible. A method of testing samples in a furnace is provided.

Abstract: A material handling device includes a base, a side, a support member, and a resilient biasing member. The side extends from the base and defines a device interior with the base. The support member is disposed within the device interior proximate the side. The support member includes a cam and is rotatable between a material handling device stacking position and a material handling device nesting position. The biasing member is coupled to the side and is configured to engage the cam and thereby urge the support member into one of the stacking and nesting positions. The resilient biasing member is also configured to effect a translation of the support member towards the side as the support member rotates from a position intermediate the stacking and nesting positions to the one of the stacking position and nesting positions.

Abstract: A nestable container includes a base wall and a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls extending upward from the base wall. The walls are nestable within side walls and end walls of an identical container. The container includes one or more supports, each having a pair of support arms extending from a support bar. The support is movable between a nesting position where the support bar is outward of the base wall, a high stack position where the support bar is a first height over the base wall, and a low stack position where the support bar is a second height over the base wall. The support bar is not directly supported on the side walls when the support is in the high stack position. The support bar is supported on the side walls at a point spaced away from the support bar.

Abstract: A container includes a base and a plurality of walls extending upward from a periphery of the base. A pair of supports are movable between a nesting position and at least one stack position. In one embodiment, the container includes projections outwardly from opposed walls that can be supported on the supports of an identical container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a system for storing and/or transporting platforms of pipette tips. The system includes packaging in which a stacked tower of platforms may be transported. Embodiments of the present invention further include a loader for transferring platforms from the packaging to a rack for holding pipette tip platforms. The loader transfers the platforms by accessing the uppermost platform in the stack.

Abstract: A rectangular container has a child resistant lid assembly wherein the rectangular closure is provided with an opening. The child lid assembly is preferably removably mounted on the closure to close the opening and is preferably positioned during shipment and storage to be substantially planar with the closure. The side walls of the container may be tapered to facilitate nesting with a similar container. The locking mechanism on the closure engages an exterior portion of the lid, such as at least one of a plurality of teeth in a locked configuration.

Abstract: A container includes a base and a plurality of walls extending upward from a periphery of the base. A pair of supports are movable between a nesting position and at least one stack position. In one embodiment, the container includes projections outwardly from opposed walls that can be supported on the supports of an identical container.

Abstract: A container includes a base and a plurality of walls extending upward from the base. A support includes a support portion connected to the walls by a pair of arms. The arms each include a first arm portion connected to the support portion and a second arm portion pivotably connected to the first arm portion. The second arm portion is pivotably connected to the walls.

Abstract: A container includes a base and a plurality of walls extending upward from a periphery of the base. A pair of supports are movable between a nesting position and at least one stack position. In one embodiment, the container includes projections outwardly from opposed walls that can be supported on the supports of an identical container.

Abstract: An improved ice cream cone holder includes a conical portion with an open end and a closed end and at least one de-nesting formation about the open end to inhibit vacuum formation in stacks of the holders. Additionally, embodiments comprise at least one drainage formation at the open end to allow melt to enter the conical portion rather than to overflow a rim of a disc portion formed about the open end. Embodiments contemplate varying a distribution pattern of the drainage formations, the de-nesting formations, or both from holder to holder.

Abstract: A container includes a plurality of walls extending upward from a base. At least one support is movable between a retracted position and a support position. Resilient tabs are provided to prevent inadvertent movement of the support out of the support position.

Abstract: A container includes a plurality of walls extending upward from a base. At least one support is movable between a retracted position and a support position. The base includes projections downwardly from each corner of the base for interlocking with a larger container stacked thereunder.

Abstract: A basket for shipping and displaying of baked products, wherein the basket comprises several features that substantially inhibit or reduce lateral motion, as well frontward and rearwards motion. Similar baskets can be stacked in a 0°, 90° or 180° configuration, and in the 0° and 180°, an upper basket can pivot and slide about a lower basket. Preferably, three window flaps are provided in one or more merchandising windows of the basket to allow consumers to retrieve baked product from an interior portion of the basket. The window flaps can moved from an open position to provide customers access to the tray, to a closed position to substantially inhibit or prevent product spillage when being transported or stored.

Abstract: A storage container has a floor and two pairs of opposed walls extending upwardly from the floor. Included is a bail member having bail ends mountable to one of the pairs of walls, and movable among nest and stack positions. Also included are mounting portions on one of the pairs of walls for receiving the bail ends. Mounting portions include an opening defining a plurality of pivot axes about which the bail member pivots, each axis oriented at substantially similar heights above the floor. When bail ends are positioned at one pivot axis, bail member is movable between the nested and a first stack positions. When bail ends are positioned at an other pivot axis, bail member is oriented in the second stack position. To move the bail member between first and second pivot axes, the bail member is raised upwardly within the opening and moved around an interference portion.

Abstract: A tray for bakery items includes a floor and side walls extending around a periphery of the floor. The tray has a relatively thin upper edge with a bail member pivotably attached to the upper edge along at least one of the first and second pairs of side walls. The bail member is rotatable between a stack orientation wherein a like tray may be rested upon the bail member, and a nest orientation in which like trays may be nested within like trays. Further, one or more side walls also includes a relatively large continuous opening therein capable of retrieving bakery items stored in the tray through the at least one pair of side walls, the opening extending generally from the upper edge to the periphery of the floor. In another embodiment, at least one of the sidewalls is pivotably attached to the floor and is movable between an upright position and a collapsed position.

Abstract: A tray for bakery items includes a floor and side walls extending around a periphery of the floor. The tray has a relatively thin upper edge with a bail member pivotably attached to the upper edge along at least one of the first and second pairs of side walls. The bail member is rotatable between a stack orientation wherein a like tray may be rested upon the bail member, and a nest orientation in which like trays may be nested within like trays. Further, one or more side walls also includes a relatively large continuous opening therein capable of retrieving bakery items stored in the tray through the at least one pair of side walls, the opening extending generally from the upper edge to the periphery of the floor. In another embodiment, at least one of the sidewalls is pivotably attached to the floor and is movable between an upright position and a collapsed position.

Abstract: A storage container includes a base and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base. At least one of the walls includes a plurality of projections on its exterior at different heights. The interior of the wall includes a plurality of channels into which the projections of a like container would be slidably received when the empty containers are nested. A plurality of supports are pivotably connected to the container and can be selectably pivoted to block selected ones of the plurality of channels such that the projections are supported on the supports and do not enter the channels, thereby supporting the upper container at a selected height.

Abstract: A handbasket includes a container and a handle. The container includes an upper rim, a pair of opposed side panels, and a pair of opposed end panels, with each side panel including a generally concave exterior surface. The handle extends between, and is pivotally mounted relative to, the respective opposed end panels of the container. The handle is movable between a first generally vertically upright position relative to the container and a second position. In the second position, a first portion of the handle rests against the upper rim of the container and a second portion of the handle is spaced from the upper rim adjacent the generally concave exterior surface of one of the respective side panels to define a grasping zone for grasping the handle for movement between the first position and the second position of the handle relative to the container.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. At least one wall has a support pivotably mounted below a lip formed on an upper edge of the wall. The support is pivotable between a support position where it is partially supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. A stop on the adjacent wall prevents the support from retracting when another container is stacked thereon.

Abstract: A three level nestable stacking comprising a base, a pair of opposing sidewalls, a pair of opposing endwalls and at least two bail arms. Each of the opposing sidewalls comprises a plurality of peanut or kidney shaped receptacles, and in an alternative embodiment, a plurality of slot shaped receptacles. The receptacles allow for ease of rotational movement of the bail arms between any of at least three positions. The three positions for the bail arms provide three stacking configuration for a second, upper container, in regard to a first, lower container: a nearly fully nested configuration; a partially nested configuration; and a substantially un-nested configuration. The opposing sidewalls also comprise a sidewall interlock system, as well as a container stacking structure. The bails arms are completely contained within the area of the container, and mate with grooves in the base of the container.

Abstract: A cosmetic, medical/pharmaceutical, toy container consisting of a sealable element that may be connected to other package elements to form an assembly of cosmetic, medical, pharmaceutical, toy packages. The container permits the combination and substitution of package elements within the assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the package elements may be oriented in either direction within the assembly, irrespective of the location or orientation of adjacent elements.

Abstract: A portable storage container that both stacks and nests with similar containers includes a plurality of walls extending upwardly from a floor. At least one bail member is moveable between a plurality of positions for supporting the similar containers at varying heights. The bail member includes a support portion and two arms extending transversely from the support portion. A projection extends laterally from between axial ends of each arm.

Abstract: A tray includes a floor and a pair of opposed side walls, each having a cutout, one of which is larger to form the dropside. A pair of bail members are pivotably and slidably secured to opposed end walls. The bail members are supported by the end walls at a plurality of selected heights. The bail member is arranged to provide structural support to the dropside of a similar tray stacked thereon. The stiffness of the support is increased by the design of the bail member, which has a support portion with an elongated cross section. The elongated cross section is maintained in a vertical orientation when the bail member is in any of the stacking positions. In this manner, the dropside can have a large cutout without deflecting substantially during use.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to obtain in an inexpensive manner a case that allows adjacent cases to be connected to each other, and to provide an article accommodating case that can easily be recycled. In order to achieve this object, an article accommodating case 1 having the shape of a rectangular solid that has an opening 2 at the top is formed, this article accommodating case being characterized in that flanges 3 that protrude outward are formed on the outside surfaces of the opening edges of the respective side walls 1a, 1a, 1a, 1a, and the respective coupling elements of dovetail projections 4a and dovetail grooves 4b of dovetail coupling means 4 are formed in the flanges 3 of the side walls 1a, 1a that face each other.

Abstract: A collapsible crate includes a plurality of retractable supports movable from a retracted position generally within a first wall to a support position generally diagonally across the corner, wherein the support is supported in the first end by the first wall and a second end by the second wall. This support includes a first guide at the first end, the first guide being pivotally and slideably captured by a first track in the first wall. The support also includes a second guide at an opposite second end, the second guide being slideably and pivotally captured by a second track in the first wall when the support is in the retracted position. The second guide is also slidable from the second track in the first wall to a third track in the adjacent second wall to move the support from the retracted to the support position.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tray including a front, a back, a first side, a second side, and a bottom. The tray can include beams extending from the front of the tray and slots defined in the back of the tray. When two trays are stacked in opposite directions with respect to one another, the beams are received by the slots. The tray also includes a domed bottom. The domed bottom has a convex profile with respect to the interior of the tray and can include transverse ribs or longitudinal ribs. The tray also includes drain apertures positioned along the front and back of the tray. The drain apertures can enhance cleaning of the tray by communicating fluid from channels defined by the front and back. The tray also includes a stop for projection for limiting sliding movement of a top tray relative to a bottom tray when two trays are stacked in a similar orientation with respect to one another. The tray also includes handles in the first and second side and a gripping portion on one of the first and second handles.