Abstract: A multi-level stacking container is disclosed. The container comprises: a base; a pair of opposed sidewalls extending from the base; and a pair of moveable support bars operatively coupled to and extending across the pair of opposed sidewalls, the pair of support bars being moveable between at least three positions such that the container is stackable in at least three positions with a second like container.

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 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 nestable container has a bottom and four peripheral walls extending upwardly from said bottom. At least a portion of the four peripheral walls extends outwardly from the container bottom such that the angle between said container bottom and said portion of said opposing side and end walls is obtuse. The four peripheral walls may include interior projections positioned substantially at a right angle to said bottom. Said container may further include a pair of bails and external projections positioned along said exterior surface of at least one of said peripheral walls. Said external projections may be positioned slightly inward of said interior projections, so that at least a portion of said external projections aligns with said interior projections when said container is stacked on said bails of an identical container.

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 of the walls includes an inner wall portion and an outer wall portion. At least one of the inner and outer wall portions has an elongated pin opening. A pair of bail members are each movable among a nest position, an upper stack position, a middle stack position and a lower stack position. Each bail member includes a support portion and arm extending transversely from outer ends of the support portion. A pin extends transversely from an outer end of each arm. Each pin is received in one of the pin openings, with the arm received between the inner and outer wall portions.

Abstract: An example crate includes a wall having an opening and a retractable support that is movable between a retracted position and a support position. A tab extends from the retractable support into the opening when the retractable support is in the retracted position. The tab is accessible through the opening to move the retractable support from the retracted position toward the support position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nest stackable and interlocking container. The nest stackable and interlocking container comprises a base plate, four side walls, and an upper peripheral edge integrally formed on the side walls, wherein at least one bow is pivotably held in the edges. The bow protrudes into the open interior of the container in an extended position and is received in the edges in a retracted position. The bow comprises two elbow-shaped end areas, which are respectively guided in a semi-circular groove arranged in the side walls of the container. Latching positions are provided in the groove so that the bow may be latched in various positions.

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 is moveable between a low nest position and a high nest position. In the low nest position, minimal clearance between the floors of the stacked containers is provided, and the stacked containers have the lowest overall height. In the high nest position, a ledge protruding outwardly from an outer surface of a wall of the upper container is supported on a support portion of the bail arm.

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 is moveable between a low nest position and a high nest position. In the low nest position, minimal clearance between the floors of the stacked containers is provided, and the stacked containers have the lowest overall height. In the high nest position, a ledge protruding outwardly from an outer surface of a wall of the upper container is supported on a support portion of the bail arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container comprising a base configured to vertically support at least one object, a pair of opposed sidewalls projecting above the base and configured to retain the at least one vertically supported object on the base, each of the sidewalls having a top surface, an exterior surface, and a receptacle, wherein the exterior surface merges with the top surface to define an upper exterior edge, and wherein the exterior surface further merges with the receptacle to define a receptacle edge, and a support member pivotally mounted within the receptacles to facilitate pivotal movement of the support member relative to each of the sidewalls, the support member being configured to support a second identical container, wherein the upper exterior edge and the receptacle edge of at least one of the opposed sidewalls are configured to simultaneously oppose the support member during at least a portion of the pivotal movement such that the clearance between the support member and the upper edg

Abstract: An article-transport tray includes a floor, two side walls, and two end walls which cooperate to form an interior regions sized to contain bags of food or other articles. A partial cover is coupled to the side walls and is arranged to overlie the floor. The cover provides a top opening into the interior region formed in the tray.

Abstract: A multi-level stacking container is disclosed. The container comprises: a base; a pair of opposed sidewalls extending from the base; and a pair of moveable support bars operatively coupled to and extending across the pair of opposed sidewalls, the pair of support bars being moveable between at least three positions such that the container is stackable in at least three positions with a second like container.

Abstract: A storage container includes a corner support extending across each corner and supported on an upper edge of each of the two adjacent walls in the corner. Each corner support is hingeably connected to one of the two adjacent walls. The corner support is supported on an upper surface of a column projecting inward from each adjacent wall. A ledge also protrudes inward from each column and supports a leg extending downward from the corner support. A third ledge is formed on an inner surface of the corner and supports a third leg extending downward from the corner support. Each corner support is pivotable about its hinge between a use position, generally parallel to the base, and an open position, generally adjacent one of the edge walls.

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 fixture for recycling bottles made of plastics, which includes a base plate and means for anchoring the bottles arranged on the upper side of the base plate and engaging in indentations provided on the bottle bottoms, and a recycling bottle made of plastics to be used with such a fixture and including an indentation on its bottle bottom. In order to facilitate handling of the bottles for recycling purposes and to enable the automated determination of possible deposits for the bottles as well as the simple and rapid recyclability of the bottles, it is provided that the anchoring means, in a sense oriented away from the upper side of the base plate, have decreasing cross sections and barb-shaped formations. Thus, the optimum support of the bottles on the fixture is safeguarded. Preferably, the base plate is located within the projection of the bottles onto the base plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container comprising a base configured to vertically support at least one object, a pair of opposed sidewalls projecting above the base and configured to retain the at least one vertically supported object on the base, each of the sidewalls having a top surface, an exterior surface, and a receptacle, wherein the exterior surface merges with the top surface to define an upper exterior edge, and wherein the exterior surface further merges with the receptacle to define a receptacle edge, and a support member pivotally mounted within the receptacles to facilitate pivotal movement of the support member relative to each of the sidewalls, the support member being configured to support a second identical container, wherein the upper exterior edge and the receptacle edge of at least one of the opposed sidewalls are configured to simultaneously oppose the support member during at least a portion of the pivotal movement such that the clearance between the support member and the upper edg

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 number of racks make up a stack. An upper rack includes releasable catches received into orifices in the next lower rack to releasably attach the two racks to one another. A loader and receptacle cooperate with one another to release the bottommost rack from the stack and deposit it into the receptacle where pipette cones held therein are accessible for use. The bottom rack is placed into the loader where it is held by catches engaging ribs of the rack. The stack of racks with the loader attached is placed onto the receptacle. The stack of racks is pressed downwardly. The downward movement releases the bottom rack from the loader. At the same time, studs projecting up from the bottom of the receptacle engage catches of the second-from-the-bottom rack and free the bottom rack. The bottom rack now rests freely in the receptacle.

Abstract: A nesting stacking crate comprises a base member and upwardly outwardly flaring collapsible side walls and end walls, as well as semi-hexagonal corner members, all terminating at the top in a top rim. Attached to the top end of each hexagonal corner member is a stacking-support member consisting of a support housing, preferably shaped substantially like a capital H, and a support blade hingedly connected thereto which flips about the crossbar of the H, between a nesting condition and a stacking condition. In the nesting condition, the blades are rotated outwardly downwardly and lie extrinsic to the interior of the crate, thus allowing another like crate to be nested inside. In the stacking condition they are rotated inwardly horizontally pointing generally diagonally towards the opposite corner of the crate. In that condition the support blades provide a support base for another like crate to be stacked on top for transportation and storage of goods.

Abstract: A transportation container includes a body having a plurality of side walls, a bottom and an open upper end, a pair of handles mounted on the body so as to be rotated inside or outside the body and including grip portions having both ends respectively, a pair of arms formed on the respective ends of each grip portion of each handle, and a pair of engaging portions formed on an interface between each grip portion and the corresponding arm. The side walls of the body are inclined downwardly inward so that a cross-sectional area of the body is gradually decreased from the upper end to the bottom of the body. Each arm has a distal end mounted on an outer face of one of the side walls of the body so that each handle is rotated inside or outside the body. Each engaging portion engages the upper end of the body, and each grip portion extends across the open upper end of the body and is located lower than an upper end of the side wall when each handle is rotated inside the body.

Abstract: A stackable, nestable, and reusable container for storing, transporting, and dispersing elongated materials, such as wire or cable. The container includes a first substantially cylindrical portion, a second substantially cylindrical portion located concentrically within the first portion, a container bottom interconnecting the lower ends of the substantially cylindrical portions so as to define an annular channel therebetween for storing a coil of elongate material therein; and a mechanism provided with at least one of the first and second substantially cylindrical portions for securely supporting an identical second container thereon when the second container is in a rotatively aligned stacking configuration with the first container, and for compactly receiving the second container in the annular channel when the second container is in a rotatively aligned nesting configuration with the first container.

Abstract: A container 10 comprises walls 12 which are upstanding from a base 14 to define a space 16 within which items may be placed, such as for transportation or storage. The walls 12 are sloped to allow the container 10 to nest with a like container. The container 10 further comprises filler members 18 locatable within the space 16 at positions fixed relative to the walls 12. When so located, the fillers 18 define, in use, a substantially vertical boundary to the said space.

Abstract: A multi-purpose tray is provided which allows for stacking and cross-nesting of like trays, and allows for stacking, but not cross-nesting, of unlike trays. The tray includes a generally rectangular bottom surface having at least one cross-nesting aperture formed therein, and a pair of opposed end walls extending upwardly from the bottom surface. The opposed end walls include a plurality of feet formed along lower edges thereof and a plurality of pockets formed along upper edges thereof, wherein the pockets of the tray receive the feet of another tray when the trays are disposed in a stacked configuration. The tray further includes a pair of opposed side walls extending upwardly from the bottom surface and integrally joined with the pair of opposed end walls. One of the pair of opposed side walls includes at least one raised portion that is sized and located to be slidably received by the cross-nesting aperture of another like tray when the trays are disposed in a cross-nested configuration.

Abstract: A container 10 has walls 14 and a support member 16 in the form of a stacking bar. The bar 16 is mounted by a plate 20, slot 22 and pin 24 to move between different stacking positions providing multiple height stacking. At the lowest position shown, the weight of a container stacked on the bar 16 is transferred to the container wall 14 by a finger 40 at a higher position, where the container wall is stronger and thus better able to bear the weight.

Abstract: A multipurpose container having a lid and a receptacle. The receptacle has a base, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. The side walls are opposing each other and are integral to the base and to each other. At least one container wall has one half of a hinge mechanism integrally molded to a free end which mates with the other half of the hinge mechanism integrally molded with the lid to for the hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism removably and pivotally attaches the lid to the receptacle. The hinge prevents the lid from rotating past a prescribed angle while allowing the lid to remain open to aid in filling the container. The lid includes a living hinge which allows the lid to be reduced in size and fit within the container. The container is adapted to being stackable and nestable when the lid is removed and placed inside the container.

Abstract: An integrally-formed coin holder formed of plastic material has a generally V-shaped structure, in end view, and resiliently flexible arms to permit coins to be packaged in and removed from the coin holders. The coin holder has a series of open pockets, which provide a multiple-point support for the coins in the holder and a perfect coin count every time.

Abstract: An organizer tray which is insertable within the upper portion of an empty container such as a five gallon bucket for use in organizing tools and like articles typically transported by craftsmen in empty buckets. The organizer tray is provided with bottom open, arcuately shaped channels which enable the tray to be emplaced over the upper rim portion of the container for easy access to the top open storage compartments. The organizer tray can conveniently be stacked onto a tray of identical design in a stable, slightly spaced configuration. For this purpose, the tray includes a radially inwardly extending protuberance which is engagable by a spacing finger provided on a superiorly mounted tray.

Abstract: An open-topped container (10) has stacking bars (12) which have a series of equally spaced ribs (18) projecting upwardly to engage with ribs (22) formed in the base of a container stacked above.

Abstract: A combination shipping/display container that has gripping surfaces in two planes associated with the end walls of the container such that lifting of the container is facilitated for placing the containers on their bottom walls for shipping and for placing the containers on their side walls for display purposes.

Abstract: A refill pack for storing and dispensing pipette tips into an empty tip rack. The refill rack comprises a hand-gripable carrier for an array of pipette tips releasably secured relative to the carrier such that after hand positioning the array of tips on the empty tip rack, the carrier may be released from the tips which are then free to be seated on a lower end of a pipette and removed from the tip rack.

Abstract: A nestable display crate for bottle carriers having a floor and a wall structure with that is designed to reveal the labels on the bottle carriers. The wall structure is of double thickness and comprises a lower wall portion adjacent the floor and a plurality of integrally formed contoured upper wall portions extending upward from the lower wall portion. The wall structure is hollow throughout allowing the contoured upper wall portions to be received within the lower wall portion of a crate nested thereabove. The contoured upper wall portions are tapered to be smaller in cross section at the top and larger near the lower wall portion to enable easy nesting and to avoid nested crates from becoming wedged together due to interference. The upper wall portions are in the shape of gear teeth that are spaced along the opposing sidewalls and endwalls of the crate.

Abstract: A disk cartridge which includes an inner case for holding an optical disk, and an outer case for accommodating the inner case which has an opening for allowing the inner case to come in and out. The disk cartridge also includes lock means for locking the inner case in the outer case, provided in a vicinity of the opening; and coupling means for coupling the disk cartridge with another disk cartridge. A disk cartridge using the disk cartridge includes a mechanism for pulling out the inner case from the outer case by more than a half of the inner case but not by entirety thereof. The disk drive further includes a mechanism for holding the inner case at a position of being pulled out and rotating the optical disk. A disk changer apparatus includes a disk stacker for containing a plurality of the disk cartridges; the disk drive; and a mechanism for moving the disk drive device to a selected cartridge among the plurality of the disk cartridges.

Abstract: A bakery tray having a substantially rectangular floor has a retainer wall extending along a periphery of the floor. The retainer wall includes a front wall opposing a rear wall, and a first side wall opposing a second side wall. Two feet are spaced apart horizontally on the first side wall, and two feet are horizontally spaced apart on the second side wall. A first pair of nesting pockets are disposed along the exterior surface of the first side wall above the feet on the same wall; and a second pair of nesting pockets are disposed along an interior surface of the second side wall above the feet on the same wall. When bakery trays of a like configuration are stacked, the feet on the first side wall of a top tray seat within the nesting pockets on the second side wall, and the feet on the second side wall seat within the first nesting pockets on the first side wall of a bottom tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and dispensing articles such as bags includes a plurality of article supporting and dispensing racks that include a rack insert receiving member and a rack insert member on at least one end portion of each rack so that the racks can be stacked for holding and dispensing different sizes of articles. Each of the racks is provided with hooks that are removably and adjustably mounted on the respective racks. The hooks are adapted to be quickly and easily mounted on and removed from each of the racks so that the hooks can be positioned on a respective rack at selected positions to accommodate different size bags or articles. A locking member may be provided for locking at least two stacked racks to each other.

Abstract: A low depth, nestable display crate for bottles, preferably of single serve capacity, is integrally molded from plastic and comprises two basic components--a floor and a wall structure extending up from the floor and extending around the periphery of the floor. The floor preferably has an open lattice design and includes container support areas. The bottom surface of the floor is configured for accommodating the tops of bottles in a similar crate underneath. The wall structure comprises a lower wall portion adjacent the floor and a plurality of integrally formed pylons arranged around the periphery of the crate. The pylons are hollow and tapered so that pylons of empty crates can nest within one another. Handles are integrally formed to extend between pylons on opposing walls to provide handle bars flush with the tops of the pylons.

Abstract: An aerobic exercise step device includes a base and two end modules which may be engaged with the base at each end of the base in different positions for providing different elevations. In addition, a central module is provided which may be selectively mounted on top of the base to provide a further height adjustment or may be stored in the base with the feet in the central module being exposed to provide yet another height adjustment. The central module may also function as a separate step.

Abstract: The drawings show part of a nesting and stacking container. A support member 22 has a nesting position P1 which allows another container to nest in the container 10. The supporting member 22 can move to a chosen one of two stacking positions P2,P3 at which the member 22 can support the base of a container stacked above. Movement between the positions P1, P2 and P3 is achieved by a combination of pivotting the member 22 about an axis at 24, and moving the pivot axis relative to the container. Various other arrangements for mounting the support member 22 on the container are also described.

Abstract: A flexible and substantially non-resilient package containing a number of three-dimensional objects. The package is such that multiple packages can be stacked on top of one another. The package includes a flexible container comprising opposing top and bottom walls and at least one side wall, all of which are joined together to form an interior chamber for containing the non-rectangular objects. The package further includes a balance component integral with the top and bottom walls to stabilize the package and keep it from tipping over. The three-dimensional objects to be contained, such as soap bars, are substantially rigid and non-rectangular. The objects have two non-planar opposing oblong faces. The faces are connected by a pair of opposing major peripheral edges and a pair of opposing minor peripheral edges, with the minor peripheral edges being smaller than the major peripheral edges.

Abstract: A refill pack for storing and dispensing pipette tips into an empty tip rack. The refill rack comprises a hand-gripable carrier for an array of pipette tips releasably secured relative to the carrier such that after hand positioning the array of tips on the empty tip rack, the carrier may be released from the tips which are then free to be seated on a lower end of a pipette and removed from the tip rack.

Abstract: The drawings show part of a nesting and stacking container. A support member 22 has a nesting position P1 which allows another container to nest in the container 10. The supporting member 22 can move to a chosen one of two stacking positions P2, P3 at which the member 22 can support the base of a container stacked above. Movement between the positions P1, P2 and P3 is achieved by a combination of pivotting the member 22 about an axis at 24, and moving the pivot axis relative to the container. Various other arrangements for mounting the support member 22 on the container are also described.

Abstract: A stackable bin includes two spaced apart side walls, and a rear wall connecting rear edges of the side walls together. The side walls and rear wall are slightly inclined inwardly with respect to a vertical plane. A bottom wall is connected to lower portions of the side walls and rear wall and a central partition wall is connected with the bottom wall and rear wall to define first and second compartments open at front ends thereof. A channel extends parallel to and in alignment with the partition wall, and is formed at an underside of the bottom wall, for receiving an upper edge of a partition wall of a another stackable bin, for a supporting stackable arrangement therewith. Vertically oriented ribs are provided on outer surfaces of the side walls, for further supporting the stackable bin on the upper edges of side walls of the other stackable bin, and for increasing structural rigidity of the side walls.

Abstract: A movable fastener that permits, among other things, the interlocking of 3.5 inch flexible disk cartridges or "floppy disks." The fastener can project from the flexible disk cartridge when desired to fasten to another flexible disk cartridge. The fastener can be placed anywhere within the flexible disk cartridge where it will not interfere with the magnetic media, the shutter, the write protect hole and tab, the disk size indicator, or any other feature integral to the proper functioning of the flexible disk cartridge. Mortise and tenon, interference, and friction fit type fastener configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: A package of nested paperboard trays each formed from a unitary blank and having extension tabs on side panels for engaging a subjacent tray for restricting the amount of nesting, thereby improving the ease of mechanically or manually extricating individual trays from the package incident to a filling operation during which product is placed within the individual trays.

Abstract: A paint roller pan includes a relatively deep distal paint reservoir and a relatively shallow inclined roller ramp. The proximal end of the roller ramp is provided with a downward extending flared support with distally extending feet for engaging a step ladder. The reservoir and the ramp are separated by a dam having a central notch through which paint drains from the ramp into the reservoir. An inner side wall of the pan is provided with a vertical V-shaped notch on the proximal side of the dam for engaging the arm of a paint roller with an extended handle and holding it in a vertically fixed position. Two outer side walls of the pan have notched handle receiving slots. A handle with hooked ends engages the notched slots and is movable to engage appropriate notches so that the pan is balanced when lifted with one hand regardless of how much paint it is holding.

Abstract: A plastic recyclable container including a container body having a bottom and a continuous sidewall. A pair of ears are positioned on the sidewall and include opposed shaped openings. A plastic handle has a connector assembly at each end including a pair of inwardly directed projections received by the openings. The projections include holding members positioned within the ears. The cross-section of the projections is shaped complementary with the ear openings ensuring that the handle can be moved to different predetermined positions.

Abstract: Generic goods-containing crate that can be stacked during use and can be partially interlocked to form a pack during storage, which has the particularity that it comprises a central tray-like body which has a bottom that is delimited, along its perimeter, by inner side walls which are tilted outwards from the bottom towards the upper edge. At least portions of outer side walls extend from the upper edge, surround the inner side walls, and are inclined outwards from the upper edge towards the free edge. Stacking and reinforcement blocks are furthermore provided which can be arranged in an active position, in which they join the lower ends of the inner side walls and of the at least portions of outer side walls, and in a packing position, in which they arrange themselves below the bottom. The crate is configured so that it has the same overall dimensions both during use and when the crates are packed together.

Abstract: A height extension for use on top of a crate having a wall structure which extends the height of the wall structure of the crate to more stably retain containers. The extension of the present invention can be used with nestable and stackable crates to increase the heights of the crates without expensive replacement of the crates. It is particularly well suited for use with crates holding taller or differently shaped bottles. The extension also does not interfere with the nesting and stacking capabilities of the crates so that handling is not effected in any way since crates equipped with extensions are compatible with existing crates.

Abstract: A nestable and stackable tray for transporting and storing articles having a mechanism for easily adjusting the distance between the floors of trays which are nested or stacked. By adjusting the distance between the floors of nested or stacked trays, the trays can be selectively made to stack at different heights to thereby accommodate differently stacked articles. In a first preferred embodiment, two bail members employed and each preferably hingedly connected to an opposing sidewall. The bail members are movable between three positions: a nested position, a high-stacked position and a low-stacked position. Movement between the different positions is accomplished by rotating and laterally moving the bails. In a second preferred embodiment, the tray has opposing sidewalls of different heights, that is, one set of opposing sidewalls are taller than the other set. Bail members are hingedly connected to each sidewall and are selectively movable between two positions: a nested position and a stacked position.

Abstract: A refill pack for storing and dispensing pipette tips into a tip rack, comprising a support plate with an array of holes containing disposable pipette tips arranged in an organized array and a carrier for hand positioning the support plate over the tip rack for release of the array of pipette tips into the tip rack.

Abstract: A portable tool container including a cylindrically shaped base with a flat bottom and sides defining an upwardly opening main compartment. A plurality of trays are affixed to the sides of the base in stacked relationship for pivotal movement between a closed position overlying the main compartment and an open position in which the trays operate as counterweights to maintain the base securely in an upright position. A cover attached to an upper one of the trays and pivotal between a closed position overlying the upper one of the trays and an open position allowing access to all of the trays. A tubular member affixed within the main compartment and positioned to be coaxial with coaxial openings in the trays and the cover in the closed position and to receive an elongated tubular tank for a torch, the tank locking the trays and the cover in the closed position.