Abstract: A bakery basket is molded of synthetic resin, plastic, and is provided with three levels: a fully nested level, and two different upper stacked levels, one being formed by rigid stacking surfaces engaging when the trays are rotated 180 degrees from their nesting position and the other stacking level being provided by flipping bails for either rotated position of the trays. A particular bail hinge construction is disclosed and bail position retainers in the middle of the bail to hold one of its positions, for example, the nesting position.

Abstract: A combination hand truck and display stand comprising a lower unit including a generally planar base adapted to rest on a supporting surface, and a pair of generally planar side walls having upper edges and forward edges and extending upwardly from the base, and a portion of the base extending forwardly of the side walls, and an upper unit having a shape substantially identical to the shape of the lower unit and including a generally planar base having a bottom surface, and a pair of generally planar side walls having upper edges and forward edges and extending upwardly from the base, the upper unit being releasably connected to the lower unit such that the bottom surface of the upper unit is supported by the upper edges of the side walls of the lower unit.

Abstract: A two-level stacking container is formed with a square bottom, a pair of first like sidewalls projecting upwardly from two opposed sides of the bottom and a pair of like second sidewalls projecting upwardly from the two remaining sides of the bottom. The first and second sidewalls are formed with a stacking web having top and bottom edges each having vertically spaced alternating upper and lower edge sections so arranged that when two containers are stacked first walls on first walls and second walls on second walls, the containers are in a high level stacked relationship; and when stacked first walls on second walls and second walls on first walls, the containers are in a low stacked relationship.

Abstract: A rectangular or square stackable plastic carrier, more particularly a plastic crate, comprises a support bottom part 1 formed of a bottom 2 with an upright edge 3 at its periphery.Corner columns 4 are able to fit at their top end and bottom end respectively, into the bottom and top side of a carrier disposed thereon and therebeneath.The length H of the corner columns is a multiple of the height h of the bottom part 1.The external distance L.sub.1 between two opposite set-back sides 5 of the bottom part 1 is substantially equal to or less than the internal distance L.sub.2 between two corner columns measured between the same opposite set-back sides 5, said set-back sides being provided with a handle 6. The set-back part 5 corresponds to the transverse dimension of a corner column. In the space between two corner columns 4 and the set-back part 5 free ends of corner columns of a carrier being therebeneath in a staggered relationship, may be received.

Abstract: There is disclosed a one piece synthetic resin molded bakery tray, without moving parts and without any additional parts, that can be stackable at a plurality of levels, and preferably nestable due to top to bottom functional symmetry. Substantial or even identical symmetry may be provided. Such symmetry may also be with respect to rotation of the tray about a central vertical axis. Interlocking portions are provided symmetrically on the top and bottom edges of high side walls, and a bakery product support partition is provided at a midplane of the walls. Stacking ledges may be provided at an intermediate height from the partition on each high wall for cooperating with the interlocking portions to provide an intermediate stacking position. Complementary interlocking portions may be provided on each surface of the partition adjacent each high side wall for cooperation with interlocking portions of the high side walls to obtain a low stacking position. Identical trays may be rotated 90.degree.

Abstract: A container, which is typically rectangular, includes a bottom and an upwardly extending sidewall. Upper and lower support surfaces, preferably adjacent the sidewall, allow the containers to be stacked. The container has an interlocking member for laterally coupling containers in one vertical column with containers in an adjacent vertical column. The interlocking member extends laterally from the outer surface of the sidewall. The interlocking member includes an upper portion extending a first distance above the upper support surface. The container includes a cavity extending upwardly from the bottom. The cavity is open at the bottom and is sized for insertion of the upper portion of an interlocking member therein. In so doing a container on one level becomes laterally interlocked with a container on a level either above or below it and to one side.

Abstract: A multi-level stacking container is constructed in a manner such that two like containers may be stacked one upon the other in either of a high-level or low-level stacked relationship wherein the end walls of the upper container are respectively stacked upon upper or lower portions of the underlying container or in an intermediate stacked position wherein the side walls of the upper container are parallel to the end walls of the lower container, that is stacked crosswise to each other. This provides the possibility of stacking the container of the present invention with prior art containers of different configuration which utilize the cross-stacking arrangement.

Abstract: Improved tray, suitable for packaging croissants.

Abstract: A nestable/stackable container for transporting, storing and displaying bakery goods, and other products, which may be stacked on top of like containers at different stacking levels for accommodating products of different heights, and which may be nested down into like containers when empty, all of the above being accomplished without any need to rotate the individual containers.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for releasible securement together of components and a latch member having at least one projection transverse of its axis, biasing means mounting the latch member on the first component for limited angular movement about its axis and biasing the latch member to a first angular position, a second component defining a bore to receive the latch member and defining one or more grooves extending along the bore to receive the projection to allow axial movement between the first and second components when the projection is in registration with the groove, and means defining a ledge adjacent the bore to receive the latch member to prevent relative axial movement between the components with the latch member in its first angular position. Manual movement of the latch member between its angular positions allows relative movement between components for separation.

Abstract: The invention comprises a package having a pair of concave mating portions and an elastic membrane secured in elastic tension to the periphery of the mouth of each mating portion, the tension being such as to permit the positioning of articles between the membranes. The package is adapted to function as a fluid damped device in which damping results from restricted gas flow and in which the membranes act as a damped compound spring to protect articles positioned therebetween from mechanical shock and vibration.

Abstract: A hollow housing is provided including a top wall having a plurality of horizontally spaced openings formed therein and each of the openings has a depending cylindrical wall structure operatively associated therewith and supported from the top wall. The lower ends of the cylindrical wall structures include diametric slots formed therein and perm rod support and elevator structure in the form of a grid structure is mounted within the housing with various grid bars thereof extending through and vertically shiftable in the cylindrical wall structure diametric slots. The grid bars form vertically shiftable floor portions for the cavities defined by the top wall openings and the cylindrical wall structures dependingly supported from the top wall. Vertically disposed perm rods are downwardly receivable within the aforementioned cavities and have their lower ends abutted against and supported from the grid bars.

Abstract: An integrally-formed plastic basket, moldable in a two-piece injection mold, combines light weight, strength, and large carrying capacity. Thin side walls with a draft no greater than 3.degree. are formed with overlapping cross-members. Between a pair of unslotted, substantially planar cross-members is a slotted, corrugated cross-member. Interior slots are formed by the core die of the injection mold, while exterior slots are formed by the cavity die.

Abstract: A stackable load carrier for transporting and furnishing objects comprises an open-top box-like member which has a side wall and a bottom from which there extends downwardly a frame having, on the one hand, two opposed similar open recesses extending from the lower edge surface of the frame substantially up to the bottom and adapted to permit the insertion of at least one fork of a hand-lift truck or the load-carrying part of a sack trolley underneath the bottom, and, on the other, two opposed similar windows laterally spaced apart from the recesses and arranged to permit the insertion of at least one fork of a fork-lift truck or the load-carrying part of a sack trolley underneath the bottom. One or more shoulders or projections disposed on the outer side of the side wall or the frame above or on a level with the upper edge of the windows are arranged for abutting engagement with the lower frame edge surface of another load carrier telescopically stacked on the first load carrier.

Abstract: A key lock for nestable/stackable plastic receptacles for use, for example, in the bakery industry, so that the receptacles are not interchangeable between competing bakeries. The key lock takes the form of a molded projection and mating slot in one or more of the interacting lugs of the receptacles at positions which vary from one bakery's receptacles to another.

Abstract: A nestable and stackable basket assembly for shipping or displaying bakery products includes a bottom wall, side walls and end walls. Stacking towers, including stepped slots formed in the end walls, project inwardly to define nesting stop surfaces at different and corresponding heights on the upper end thereof. A pair of movable lugs with upwardly facing support surfaces are provided on each end wall and are adjustable for selective engagement with corresponding stop surfaces. The lugs project inwardly from the end wall and are interconnected with a rack and pinion arrangement for equal and opposite sliding movement when one of the lugs is manually indexed. The lugs may be manually indexed along the end walls to achieve (1) a full nesting position, (2) two intermediate stacking positions, and (3) a full stacking position; all with the baskets being in a vertical in-line relationship and without end-to-end rotation of the baskets.

Abstract: A square nesting and stacking container wherein each wall of the container has a plurality of feet near the bottom of the container and a plurality of saddles near the top of the container. The saddles are located directly above the feet so that the feet will engage the saddles of a similarly oriented container of identical construction and support the same in a stacked relationship. There are clearances between the saddles so that when one container is turned 90.degree. with respect to another, it may be lowered into a nested relationship with the latter without interference because the feet will enter and pass through the clearances of the lower container.

Abstract: A multilevel stacking container is nestable in a like container when in like end to like end relationship thereto and stackable in an intermediate level relative to the underlying container upon reversal to a like end to unlike end relationship. A stacking shelf is hingedly mound on each end of the container between a stored position, which accommodates nesting or intermediate level stacking of like containers, and a support position which establishes a high level stacking configuration in which the upper of two stacked containers is stably supported at a substantially higher level relative to the underlying container as compared to the intermediate level stacked relationship.

Abstract: A nest-or-stack, lidless, open-stacking container for handling and storage of bulk material such as food products features a seamless, one piece plastic construction with channels formed into the bottom to permit the use of a forklift truck for moving, lifting and stacking of the container, and with stacking surfaces for stacking filled containers and nesting stop surfaces for nesting empty containers.

Abstract: A multilevel stacking container having opposed end walls of complementary configuration such that one container may be stacked upon a like container at a first level in a like end to like end relationship and stacked at a second level in a like end to complementary end relationship. The end walls are so configured as to accommodate transverse sliding of the upper container laterally across the lower container into either of the aforementioned stacked relationships without snagging prior to final vertical alignment. Abutment means are operable to maintain the stacked containers against movement out of vertical alignment once in a stacked relationship.

Abstract: A plurality of identical open top containers may be vertically stacked or vertically adjacent containers may be rotated 180.degree. relative to a vertical axis and nested, for the transport of items, such as fish, involving liquid that is desirably drained from each container. Drainage from one container into a lower container and therefore contamination of the lower container is prevented by drain holes in each of the stacking feet communicating directly with the upper inlet end of a downwardly and outwardly sloping channel in the support portion of the next lower container, in the stacked position, with an integral flange extending continuously around the entire top periphery of each box overlying the channel for strength and continuity.

Abstract: Each tray in a plurality of 90 degree nestable and stackable trays is formed with a specific key portion along the upper edge of the end walls and a corresponding specific groove and web structure along the lower edge of the end walls. A first group of trays has a specific key structure different from a second group of the trays, each group of trays having its own key structure. Trays of a first group cannot be stacked in vertical alignment with trays of the second group, since the key structure of the first group is adapted to be received by the web structure of the first group, and not by the web structure of the second group, and vice versa.

Abstract: Rectangular panels, such as standing seam roof panels, which have upstanding flanges or seam sections extending along two opposed longitudinal side edges are stacked in a nested relationship. Each panel in the stack is transversely bowed about its longitudinal axis to spread the upper edges of the upstanding flanges or seam sections apart by a distance sufficient to permit the next uppermost panel to be nested between the flanges or seam sections of the lower panel. A longitudinal support member is located under the longitudinal centerline of the lowermost panel of the stack to support that panel in its bowed position. The support member and panel stack are in turn supported on a rigid, flat support base, and straps passing transversely around the support base and panel stack bind these elements into a unitary package for shipping or storage.

Abstract: A nestable container or a storable-and-nestable container generally of the open-top, rectangular type, comprises along one of its walls a set-back forming a recess which lies inwardly of the remainder of the wall at a lower portion of the container. The recess is provided with means for holding an identifying card or other indicia, e.g. for disclosing the contents of the container so that the card is undamaged upon interfitting of the containers during nesting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container crate of the type that can be stacked or nested and made of molded plastic. According to the invention, the crate is divided into two compartments by an internal partition having a downwardly opening groove and containing apertures therein for ventilation. The crate has particular application for the shipment of small live animals.

Abstract: A plastic receptacle or basket is provided for transporting, storing and displaying bakery, and other products, and which may be stacked on top of other like receptacles at three different levels. The receptacle of the invention is constructed so that it may be stacked on another like receptacle at a first and a second stacking level without any need to slide or rotate the receptacles with respect to one another so that the receptacles may be conveniently stacked at the bakery manually or by simple mechanical means, or in the route trucks where space is at a premium. In addition, the receptacles may be stacked at a third stacking level, if so desired, by rotating the receptacles 180.degree. with respect to one another from position of first and second stacking levels.

Abstract: A multi-position container adapted to nest within a like-oriented lower container of like construction, and also adapted to stack on a said lower container in a "high-stack" position without rotating the upper container with respect to the lower container. In a preferred embodiment a said upper container can also be stacked within a said lower container at an "intermediate-stack" position without rotating the upper container with respect to the lower container. Thus, in the preferred embodiments, a three-position container is provided. In yet another embodiment an upper container can be stacked on a lower container in a high-stack position and in an intermediate-stack position, which also becomes the nest position in this embodiment.

Abstract: The crate is capable of being fitted in other crates to form a stack. The crate comprises an upper girdle portion, an apertured buttom portion, and lateral walls and inner partition walls formed by inclined arms which may form a vertical geometric projection in the empty spaces of the bottom portion in the plane of the latter. These arms form surfaces of pyramids for maintaining and separating the bottles or the like. The inclined arms are capable of sliding on those of another crate when a plurality of crates are fitted together. At least a part of the apices of the inclined arms is capable of coinciding of solid parts of the apertured bottom portion of an identical crate which is placed in a different orientation above the first crate.

Abstract: Pairs of complementary open-top containers are disclosed that can be stacked, one upon the other without covers or reorientation of one of the pair relative to the other. Similarly formed containers of multiple pairs can be nested for storage or transportation as empties. A pair of complementary containers are of similar polygonal shape in which the sidewalls are formed as complementary approximations of sine waves (sinusoids) having similar amplitudes, but whose frequencies are spacially displaced sufficiently so that interference is created between the ingoing and outgoing portions of a sufficient number of half waves forming the wave train so that the bottom portions of such waves on one container land on the top of oppositely phased waves on the complementary container.

Abstract: An eight bottle carrying case constructed from durable high density polyethylene is lightweight and easy to clean. The case can be nested when empty with similar cases to conserve space and, when full, can be stacked with like cases in an aligned array of cases or cross-stacked on two underlying like cases which are side-by-side and across the long axis of the above cross-stacked case or cases. To convert from aligned stacking of the cases to nesting thereof, alternate cases are turned 180 degrees relative to each other to alter the supportive and interfitting relationship of integral struts on the opposite long side walls of each case. The struts of each case also form bottle positioning means in the case.

Abstract: A lightweight, tough and durable bottle carrier is molded as a unit from high density plastics, is nestable with like carriers, and is stackable in two orthogonal directions with like carriers. The carrier has a central lifting handle flush with the top edge thereof and has plural discrete bottle cells in two rows on opposite sides of the handle. End stacking projections and cross stacking recesses are provided at the bottom of the carrier as well as individual bottle centering elements. Convenience and high versatility are featured. The carrier may be received in shallow or full depth, open or pocketed, cases.

Abstract: A three-position stacking tray having a series of angled ribs on each side of the tray which comprise the tray's sidewalls. Each sidewall's ribs are all parallel one to the other, are of identical structure and size, and are all in a common vertical plane relative to the floor. The angled ribs of one sidewall are disposed in mirror relation with the angled ribs of the other sidewall as to orientation and position. Each rib of each sidewall's angled ribs, on the same side edges thereof and intermediate the top and bottom ends thereof, is provided with a notched middle seat adapted to cooperate with a top seat on an opposite sidewall rib's top end when the trays are reverse oriented. In the intermediate stack position, and with upper and lower trays reverse oriented, the top end seats of the lower tray's angled ribs engage the notched middle seats defined in the upper tray's angled ribs.

Abstract: A nestable and stackable container for eggs packaged in cartons. The configuration of the container permits stacking when filled or nesting when empty and is provided with means for receiving and positioning packaging strapping material about the exterior of the container to facilitate assembly of multiple containers for palletizing and shipping.

Abstract: Container for the transport and consumption of pizza and food in general, consisting of a cover equipped with a small peripheral step (5) of same cover under the upper level (7) of the rim (8); this step is interrupted at constant angular intervals by niches (9) tapered towards the bottom, which end at the bottom of the container; these niches are intercalated with analogous niches (14) of inferior depth compared to that of the niches (9), limited by the level (13) and of such dimensions that they consent the outer walls of the niches (9) to fit into the inner part of the niches (14): the step (5) and the niches (9, 14) are protruding towards the outside compared with the walls (4) of the cover.Once arranged the food at the inside of the container, it is possible to place a lid (17) on it, the projections (18) of which come to lean on the bottom levels (13) of the niches (14), or it is possible to place another container on it, resting the bottom of the niches (9) on the levels (13) a.s.o.

Abstract: An upwardly open container has a flat base with upper and lower sides and an outer peripheral edge defining a predetermined shape. An array substantially of this shape of generally parallel strips extending generally perpendicularly upwardly from the base defines the sides of the container with each of the lower ends of each of the strips secured to the outer peripheral edge. These strips each have a predetermined width measured parallel to the edge and a predetermined thickness measured perpendicular to the edge, and are equispaced apart along the edge by a distance equal to at least this width. A flat rim has an inner edge of the above-mentioned shape and larger in at least one direction parallel to the base than the corresponding portion of the peripheral outer edge of the base by a difference equal to at least twice the strip thickness. The upper ends of these strips are secured to the inner edge.

Abstract: A container adapted to stack upon the endwalls of an identically oriented identical container, to partially nest within the endwalls of a reversely oriented identical container, and to have improved ability to resist the outward flexing of the endwalls that tends to occur due to the weight resting upon a container which is partially nested in the inventive container.

Abstract: A recording disk cartridge comprises a housing in which at least one recording disk may be mounted for rotation about its axis. The housing has a peripheral side wall about which a ridge is formed, the ridge being defined by a plurality of sections at least some of which are spaced from one another in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of a disk mounted in the housing. The dimensions and spacings of the ridge sections are such that the contour of the peripheral side wall at the lower surface of the ridge is the substantial complement of the contour of the peripheral side wall at the upper surface of the ridge. The cartridge also comprises a cover including a peripheral side wall having a contour at its upper surface substantially the same as that of the peripheral side wall of the housing at the lower and upper surfaces of the ridge.

Abstract: Generally elongated rectangular baskets formed of injection molded structural plastic foam. The baskets are designed so that they may be nested together or may be stacked with their longitudinal axes parallel or they may be cross-stacked so that access is afforded the contents of intermediate baskets in the stack.

Abstract: An upwardly open box is provided with an inset cover of substantial thickness perforated by a plurality of orifices adapted in size and spacing to the reception and retention of artist's crayons. The peripheral wall of the box, generally rectangular in plan, extends above the upper surface of the inset cover and protects the protruding ends of the crayons against breakage. The vertical location of the cover within the box is variable to accommodate to the changing length of the crayons with wear, by manually adjustable means including projections and recesses for removably securing the inset cover or holder plate in selected vertical positions relative to the box.

Abstract: A stack and cross nest unitary molded tray is designed so that it will also stack and cross nest interchangeably with a tray having rod members for stacking.

Abstract: An improved square tray structure in which a series of trays can be stacked one on top another when the trays are loaded, and which can be nested one within another when the trays are empty. The tray's end walls are of a height about one-half that of the tray's side walls, the end and side walls all extending up from the tray's floor. The tray's floor is positioned closely adjacent the tray' s bottom edges. The tray' s side walls each include a top rail and a top rib extending along the top edge thereof, and a bottom rail extending along the bottom edge thereof, the rails and rib being linear and extending from adjacent one end to the other of the side wall. The tray' s end walls each include a middle rail and a middle rib extending along the top edge thereof from adjacent one end to the other of the end wall.

Abstract: A three-level stacking container adapted to stack within a lower container of like construction in a low-level stack position or an intermediate-stack position, or stack on said lower container in a high-stack position, depending upon the orientation of said upper container with respect to said lower container. Opposing first and second wall structures of said container comprise bar members which extend in an upwardly direction between a lower border flange and an upper rim. Said bar members are arranged such that the bar members of an upper container parallel the bar members of a lower container when said upper container is stacked within said lower container.

Abstract: A nesting and stacking container adapted to nest within a like oriented lower container of like construction, and also adapted to stack on a said lower container in a "high-stack" position without rotating the upper container with respect to the lower container. In a preferred embodiment a said upper container can also be stacked within a said lower container at an "intermediate-stack" position without rotating the upper container with respect to the lower container. Thus, in the preferred embodiments, a three-position container is provided.

Abstract: A stackable, nestable shipping tray for fruit. The tray is formed from a single plastic sheet and has a plurality of pockets interspersed by posts which engage the underside of the pockets to support the trays when they are in stacked relation. Grooves and channels in the posts, holes in the pockets and recesses in a border flange around the sheets promote airflow around the fruit as well as drainage of moisture. The configuration of the trays and their relation to the container in which they are disposed for shipping provides maximum protection to the fruit.

Abstract: The container disclosed herein is adapted to nest in a similarly oriented lower container of identical construction when turned 90.degree. with respect thereto. The container is also adapted to stack at a higher level in the lower container when similarly oriented or when turned 180.degree.. The container has a substantially square bottom wall, side walls extending substantially vertically upwardly from opposite sides edges of the bottom wall, an open front, and a nesting support bar extending across the rear of the container in spaced relation above the bottom wall to define an open space between the bottom wall and the support bar. The container is nested with the lower container by engaging the support bar over the upper edge of one of the side walls of the lower container and resting the front portion of the container on seating means provided on the other side wall of the lower container.

Abstract: The container disclosed herein is adapted to stack or nest with a similarly oriented lower container of identical construction. The container side walls have stacking supports on their upper edges. Rests in the underside directly beneath these supports permit the container to be stacked at an upper level on a similarly or reversely oriented container of identical construction. The container end walls have second rests disposed above the level of the first mentioned rests and spaced apart the same distance as the stacking supports so that the container can be nested at a lower level with a 90.degree. turned lower container of identical construction.

Abstract: The crate comprises an apertured bottom portion and inclined interconnected arms forming a succession of V-shaped structures connecting the outside of the bottom portion to a quadrangular upper girdle disposed outside the arms. The arms are in vertical planes and define at their interconnections horizontal top stops and bottom stops. Opposite sides of the crate have respectively upper reference members and lower reference members. The upper reference member overlaps the lower reference member of an adjacent crate when the adjacent crate has the same orientation as the first-mentioned crate and is correctly positioned relative to the latter to ensure that the pitch of the V-shaped structures is maintained across the joint between the crates.

Abstract: There is disclosed a coil carrier of relatively simple tubular construction for receiving, storing and transporting coils of tubing or the like which are wound therearound, the carrier being of such a design that a plurality of carriers may be stacked upon one another, with or without coils disposed thereon, or may be compactly nested with respect to one another. Means are also provided for lifting the carrier by lifting forks or by a lifting hook.

Abstract: A container which is adapted to be stacked and nested vertically with a container of substantially identical shape is disclosed. The container has two pairs of interconnected opposed upright walls and a bottom wall to provide an open top container. A pair of the upright walls has inwardly projecting flutes, the upper portion of each flute presenting a support surface. Stacking guidance and engagement means are provided on the container to guide the stacking of an upper container down onto a lower container to bring the engagement means of the containers into engagement to ensure a proper stacking of the container. Means is provided on the container to preclude an upper container binding in a lower container when like containers are nested. The container is provided with ventilation means for ventilating the container interior and also drainage means for draining liquid from the container interior.

Abstract: A multilevel stacking container is nestable in a like container when in like end to like end relationship thereto and stackable in an intermediate level relative to the underlying container upon reversal to a like end to unlike end relationship. A stacking shelf is hingedly mound on each end of the container between a stored position, which accommodates nesting or intermediate level stacking of like containers, and a support position which establishes a high level stacking configuration in which the upper of two stacked containers is stably supported at a substantially higher level relative to the underlying container as compared to the intermediate level stacked relationship.