Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles which includes a floor member and first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls integrally formed with the floor member. Each sidewall includes a side band member which is defined by a centrally disposed upper edge and lower edge. The lower edge is spaced above the floor member by a predetermined distance to define a sidewall nesting area therebelow. The upper and lower edges each contoured downwardly to form a corner band portion having a corner upper edge and corner lower edge, wherein each nesting area matingly receives a corresponding side band member of a crate nested subjacent thereto.

Abstract: A tray for storing and transporting bottles includes a plurality of base walls each for supporting a bottle thereon. A plurality of interior columns extend upwardly between the base walls. Longitudinal dividers connect the interior columns. Lateral dividers connect the interior columns to side columns along side edges of the tray. At least one band extends along the side edges of the tray connecting the side columns.

Abstract: A nestable and integrated food tray with waste collection feature includes a housing, an integrally connected and pivotal bottom, the housing includes a top surface that has a pocket for holding food product, at least one integral pouch for holding condiment(s), and a reinforced opening within the top that allows entrance into the tray, for deposit of waste material. The tray is fully contoured around its perimeter, including its various pockets, to assure that a plurality of such trays may be stacked one upon the other when nested for shipment and storage. The bottom is pivoted laterally, to allow for nesting of a plurality of such trays as required.

Abstract: A clam shell type container having an injection moulded base, an injection moulded lid, and a web interconnecting the base and lid, wherein the web is formed from an in-mould label. The in-mould label is preferably deposited into a mould that simultaneously forms the base and lid, with the label being deposited into the mould prior to the injection of molten material. Upon formation, the label extends contiguously into the base and lid and becomes integrally adhered with the walls of the base and lid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package for flowable goods, in particular liquid, viscous and/or granular comestibles, such as baby food, pudding, sauce, oatmeal or the like. The package comprises a shallow tray and a cover which in closed condition slants towards a bottom wall of the tray thereby providing the package with a substantially wedge-shaped appearance. The package furthermore comprises two support faces to stand on alternately. A first support face is located at the bottom wall of the tray and a second support face is located at a bottom-surrounding wall of the tray, at the higher end of the wedge. During use, the package can be positioned on its second support face for presentation purposes, on its first support face for consumption purposes. During transport, pairs of packages may placed with their slanting covers against each other, in opposite lengthwise direction so that a high end of a wedge-shaped first package borders a low end of a wedge-shaped second package.

Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles includes a floor portion having a floor top surface, a floor bottom surface and a plurality of bottle support areas. A wall structure is connected to the floor portion and forms a containment area therewith. The wall structure has a peripherally extending upper band portion with an interior surface and an exterior surface, and also has a single-walled lower wall construction comprising adjacent column members which extend between the upper band the and floor portion. The wall structure includes sidewalls and end walls, and adjacent column members have curved facing surfaces extending inwardly into the containment area. The inner surface of the upper band portion, one of the plurality of bottle support areas, and the facing surfaces define a plurality of bottle receiving pockets extending around the periphery of the wall structure.

Abstract: A tray for storing and transporting bottles includes a plurality of spaced apart base walls each for supporting a bottle thereon. A pair of opposed side walls and a plurality of interior columns are connected by a plurality of dividers. The dividers also connect the columns and the side walls to the base wall. Each divider includes a lower end having spaced apart pocket walls each connected to a different one of the base walls.

Abstract: A stackable unit includes at least one cell for carrying a foodstuff during cooking. The cell includes a pressing structure for causing pressing of a foodstuff contained in a corresponding cell of a second identical stackable unit of a lower rank, the stackable unit including a support structure for seating the stackable unit on the second identical stackable unit and a centering structure for laterally positioning the stackable unit during stacking thereof on the second identical stackable unit such that the stackable unit can be disposed vertically in line with the second stackable unit. During stacking, a guidance structure guides the stackable unit onto the second identical stackable unit in at least one plane containing the vertical stacking direction.

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

Abstract: A container with an anti-nesting ledge includes a substantially tubular sidewall defining a container interior. The sidewall has a first end and a second end and is tapered from the first end toward the second end to accept a like container within the container interior. A base connected to the second end to form a bottom of the container. The sidewall includes an indentation formed between the first end and the second end. The indentation extends from the sidewall into the container interior to form an interior ledge for supporting the like container in the container interior.

Abstract: A nestable pallet includes a deck from which a plurality of feet extend downwardly. Each foot has a corresponding opening through the deck leading into an interior of the foot so that the feet of a similar pallet stacked thereon can be received therein, thereby reducing stacking height when empty. An exterior wall of the foot is shared with a peripheral wall of the pallet, such that the exterior wall of the foot has an inner surface defining the interior of the foot and an outer surface, which is the outer most surface of the pallet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stackable roll container 1, in particular, for the transporting of foods, cosmetic articles, or items of practical use in large bundles, with a preferably rectangular bottom 2, on which transport rollers 3 on the underside and two attachment walls 4, 5 opposite one another are located, wherein each of the attachment walls 4, 5 opposite one another has a retracted, rear, vertical end brace 7, 8, opposite a vertical base plane E-E, and a lower, horizontal base brace 10, 11 adjoining it.

Abstract: A container for containing and transporting baked goods is described herein. The container includes a front wall, left side wall, rear wall and a right side wall, wherein each of the walls is substantially orthogonal to a base. The base includes a substantially flat, smooth upper surface, whereby baked goods that are being stored and/or transported are prevented from being damaged. Integrally formed as part of and rising from the base are a plurality of base projections, each with a plurality of sloped curved wall surfaces that substantially prevent packages of the baked goods from shifting and/or sliding when in transit, thereby further preventing damage. The radii of curvature of the curved surfaces of the base projections is substantially similar to the radii of curvature of the packages of baked goods, as well as the baked goods themselves.

Abstract: A trash can having a foot pedal for actuating a lid atop the trash can into an open position. The foot pedal may be either retractable or foldable to provide a small footprint for boxing and to allow multiple trash cans to be stacked one inside another. The stackability provides several cans to be packaged together in shipment to retailers. The retractable or foldable foot pedal allows the retailer and end user to easily display or use the can without the need of tedious construction of the foot pedal.

Abstract: A telescoping egg container is disclosed comprising a plurality of slidable egg holder units that can nest one within another, such that the telescoping egg container can be extended or collapsed to accommodate various numbers of eggs to be stored.

Abstract: A surgical fluid basin includes a receptacle member having a lower wall and a peripheral wall extending from the lower wall and arranged about a longitudinal axis, and having an internal chamber within the peripheral wall for reception of fluids. The peripheral wall has at least one terrace defined within the peripheral wall corresponding to a volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The at least one terrace defines an internal rise surface and an internal run surface intersecting the internal rise surface. The internal run surface includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. A plurality of terraces may be defined within the peripheral wall with each terrace corresponding to a predetermined volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The internal run surface defined by each terrace includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber.

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: Embodiments include sets of nestable containers with each container having a cover comprises a fold. The covers are disposable between two of the nestable containers when the containers are nested with each other. Uses of the containers include, for example, food, craft, and home storage.

Abstract: An adjustable storage tray includes an inside tray and an outside tray. Each tray has a plurality longitudinally spaced transverse rib wherein protrusions associated with the ribs of the inside tray are shaped to fit within indentation associated with the ribs of the outside tray.

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 receptacle, which is adapted for nesting and stacking with similar receptacles. The invention, the receptacle is intended in particular to be utilized as a food pan for the receiving and storing of hot or cold food items, and, which may be employed in connection with buffet or steam tables, among other diverse uses thereof. The receptacle is preferably constituted of a metallic material, such as aluminum or stainless steel, which is compatible with food service requirements and sanitary prescriptions or regulations having a generally rectangular flat bottom, and wherein lower side and end walls extend upwardly in an outwardly angled slope from rounded edges connecting the receptacle bottom to the lower ends of the walls. At the upper ends of each of the side and end walls, these extend into outwardly and upwardly curved wall structures, which form a curvilinear ledge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of organizing a desk top is disclosed. A first tray includes a base with two walls extending upward. A tab extends out from the first wall, and is capable of having indicia disposed thereon. A support wall extends down from the base such that the base is disposed at an angle with respect to the desktop it is placed on, creating a high region and a low region. The upstanding walls extend from the low region. A file may be placed in the low region, then a second tray of similar shape may be placed on top of the first tray, the base of the second tray bearing down on the file retained in the first tray. A stack of files may be sorted and held accordingly.

Abstract: A nestable bottle crate provides increased stability to the containers and improved nesting relative to prior art crates. The crate also nests and stacks with the prior art crates. The crate includes a lower wall portion and an upper band portion. The lower wall portion includes a plurality of columns and four corner columns. The upper band portion includes alternating first and second portions. The first portions are each a single, solid wall having an interior concave bottle contact surface. The second portions are aligned with the columns. The columns project inwardly farther than the second portions so that each column forms a ledge between the column and the second portion above it. The ledge is at least substantially parallel to the floor and at least substantially perpendicular to the inner wall of the second portion.

Abstract: Embodiments include nestable containers and reversibly deformable closures for the containers that are disposable in the nested arrangement. For example, materials and methods are described for making and using a storage apparatus having storage containers and closures for the containers, the storage apparatus including a plurality of nested storage containers each having an opening, and a plurality of reversibly deformable closures for covering the openings, with the containers being nestable with each other with one of the closures disposed between each nested container.

Abstract: A stackable refuse cart includes a container, an axle, a set of wheels. The container includes first and second axle supports. The first axle support supports the axle in an operative position to rotatably support the container. The second axle support supports the axle in a stowage position enabling the container to be stacked with other containers without interference from the axles. In one embodiment, the second axle support includes a recess defined in the floor of the container. In another embodiment, the second axle support includes a pair of supports that hold the axle against a sidewall within the container. In yet another embodiment, the second axle support is a cradle integral with the container handle.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) holder having a pair of spaced apart frames with captivating mechanisms for supporting one or more PCBs independent of the number and geometry of the PCBs. Each frame is defined by a ridge member surrounding the periphery of the frame and the ridge member has at least one captivating mechanism to engage a portion of at least one PCB. One frame holds one end of a PCB and the other frame holds the opposite end of the PCB.

Abstract: Embodiments include nestable containers and reversibly deformable closures for the containers that are disposable in the nested arrangement. For example, materials and methods are described for making and using a food storage apparatus having food storage containers and closures for the containers, the food storage apparatus including a plurality of nested food storage containers each having an opening, and a plurality of reversibly deformable closures for covering the openings, with the containers being nestable with each other with one of the closures disposed between each nested container.

Abstract: A light weight low depth nestable tray for containers comprising an open lattice floor structure and a wall structure that is contoured to reduce the amount of material used for the tray. The wall structure comprises a plurality of columns interconnecting the floor to a band that is generally spaced above the floor and extends around the periphery. The band is contoured at a number of points along the periphery of the tray to reduce the number of columns as compared to the prior art trays which generally have columns at each of the corners and along the end walls and side walls. The reduction in the number of columns reduces the weight of the tray and therefore is more economical. The contour is V-shaped and the band actually connects directly to the floor at those points. The contoured wall structure provides a lighter tray that can be stacked, nested and handled in the same way as prior trays and while maintaining the structural integrity of the bulkier, heavier trays.

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 tray and method for packaging muffin pans and liners. The tray surrounds the outer bottom and side surfaces of the packaged muffin pans and muffin liners, protecting the same from damage. The tray includes an engagement portion with a lower surface and a lip, whereby rims defined by the packaged muffin pans are securely held therebetween. An integral hang tab extends outwardly from the packaging tray to enable the tray with packaged muffin pans and liners to be hung from a display rack. The muffin pans are snap-locked into the tray by pressing the rims against the lip, which flexes allowing the muffin pans to pass by and then snaps back to retain the muffin pans and muffin liners within the tray.

Abstract: A blending jar apparatus is disclosed and includes a plurality of walls and a handle secured to one of the plurality of walls. The handle includes an aperture receptive of a handle of another blending jar apparatus. One of the plurality of walls may include a truncated wall, to which the handle is secured.

Abstract: A shipping tray for bottles or other such fragile vessels suitably containing liquids therein employs a two-sided configuration with bottle receiving cradles and top and bottom stop members to prevent the bottle from sliding out of the tray. Shock absorbing members are provided about the perimeter of the tray, as well as a perimeter groove. Indentations at spaced locations on the tray perimeter function as shock absorbing spring members, and further allow displaced air to escape as the tray is lowered into a close fitting carton. The indentations further provide grip access to enable easy removal of a tray from within a close fitting carton. Both sides of a tray are functional, such that a series of trays may be packed with bottles with the trays in top side up or bottom side up configurations. A stack of trays nest together when not in use, for compact storage. When configured to receive wine bottles, the tray accepts multiple bottle shapes therein with adequate protection to each bottle style.

Abstract: A condiment container has a base and an upwardly extending sidewall that together define a storage space. The upwardly extending sidewall terminates in a perimeter lip that defines an opening for accessing the storage space. The condiment container also includes an attachment arm extending downwardly from the perimeter lip to a terminal end. A nesting aperture is positioned behind the attachment arm to enable nesting.

Abstract: A tray of molded material, in particular for fruit, comprising cells for receiving individual fruits, wherein the cells are disposed in successive rows of high cells and of low cells, the high cells and the low cells also presenting a relative disposition in a staggered configuration.

Abstract: A tray for use in an order-picking system comprises a base part on which order-picking articles as for example retail articles can be stored, a frame which is attached to said base part and a sliding means (4) for displacing the order-picking articles in the direction of a removal position of said order-picking articles. It is thus possible to always perform the picking operation of one of the articles in an economical favourable posture irrespective of how full or empty the trays.

Abstract: A nestable multiple compartment tray (10) for faux painting material and applicators is provided. The tray (10) comprises a rigid one-piece monolithic housing which comprises a bottom wall structure (11) presenting an outer perimeter defined by a plurality of spaced bottom wall segments (12) and a sidewall (14). The tray (10) is further comprised of a series of first divider walls (22 and 24) and at least one second divider wall (26). The sidewall (14) has a plurality of sidewall segments (15) which present front (16), rear (18), and opposing side (20) sections. The divider walls (22, 24, 26) cooperate with the sidewall segments (15) and bottom wall segments (12) to present individual fore (28) and aft (30) compartments. The fore compartments (28) are suited for receiving faux painting applicators and the aft compartments (30) are suited for receiving paint. Each divider wall (22, 24, 26) is constructed with at least partially spaced wall portions (32) which present corresponding cavities (34) therebetween.

Abstract: A nestable and stackable food storage container has a base with a bottom panel. The bottom panel has an upper side, a lower side, and a base perimeter. The base also has a cylindrical side wall extending generally upward from and around the base perimeter. The side wall terminates at a top edge and defines an open top. A lid has a top panel with a top side, a bottom side, and a lid perimeter. A nesting structure is provided at least in part on a portion of the base and at least in part on a portion of the lid. T he nesting structure permits removably nesting the lower side of the base with the lid in either a standard lid orientation or an inverted lid orientation.

Abstract: A tray of molded material, in particular for fruit, comprising cells for receiving individual fruits, wherein the cells are disposed in successive rows of high cells and of low cells, the high cells and the low cells also presenting a relative disposition in a staggered configuration.

Abstract: A pan for use with a well for receiving the pan is disclosed herein. The pan includes a bottom panel, a plurality of walls, and a ramp. The plurality of walls extend upwardly from the bottom panel and define a cavity. The plurality of walls also have an upper end which defines a top opening. The upper end has an extension away from the cavity which defines a rim. The ramp is proximate the rim and exterior to the cavity, whereby the pan rides up on the ramp when the pan is drawn up against the well.

Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles includes a floor portion having a floor top surface, a floor bottom surface and a plurality of bottle support areas. A wall structure is connected to the floor portion and forms a containment area therewith. The wall structure has a peripherally extending upper band portion with an interior surface and an exterior surface, and also has a single-walled lower wall construction comprising adjacent column members which extend between the upper band the and floor portion. The wall structure includes sidewalls and end walls, and adjacent column members have curved facing surfaces extending inwardly into the containment area. The inner surface of the upper band portion, one of the plurality of bottle support areas, and the facing surfaces define a plurality of bottle receiving pockets extending around the periphery of the wall structure.

Abstract: Packaging and processes for facilitating fast, efficient, and reliable production line packaging of products, and more particularly perishable products including meat products. Product trays according to the present invention are formed of non-foam plastic material with three dimensional structure and configuration that imparts an esthetically pleasing appearance and feel to the customer at the point of sale, as well as offering to the consumer a container that is microwavable, dishwasher safe and freezer safe in addition, if desired, to being recyclable. Such packaging and processes are particularly useful in newly emerging automated supply chains where inventory sales are tracked to support centralized processing of meat and other perishable products at centralized facilities for shipment to geographically distant points of sale.

Abstract: A pan for use with a well for receiving the pan is disclosed herein. The pan includes a bottom panel, a plurality of walls, and a ramp. The plurality of walls extend upwardly from the bottom panel and define a cavity. The plurality of walls also have an upper end which defines a top opening. The upper end has an extension away from the cavity which defines a rim. The ramp is proximate the rim and exterior to the cavity, whereby the pan rides up on the ramp when the pan is drawn up against the well.

Abstract: A stackable bakery tray which can be stacked upon an identical bakery tray to provide three levels of storage for bake goods. An identical upper tray can slide on rails of a lower tray when the upper tray and lower tray are each oriented in the same direction and when one tray is orientated 180° from the other tray. Two of the side walls are mirror images of each other and include extending feet and complementary level portions and openings so that extending feet of an upper tray matingly fit within either appropriate level portions or openings of lower tray. End extending feet can pivot within their appropriate level portions or openings to blendly stack and unstack the upper tray to and from the lower tray.

Abstract: Packing box (2) of polygonal general shape that widens out, is made from a flat cellular plastic blank that is cut and folded. The box (2) comprises a base (4) and side walls (5, 6) which are formed from side panels of the blank and are joined together, and an outer reinforcing frame (7), used for holding the box. The frame runs around the side walls (5, 6) and comprises frame members (8, 9) joined together and fixed to the side walls (5, 6). The frame members are formed from at least four flaps extending from side panels of the blank and rolled up spiral-fashion.

Abstract: A pan for use with a well for receiving the pan is disclosed herein. The pan includes a bottom panel, a plurality of walls, and a ramp. The plurality of walls extend upwardly from the bottom panel and define a cavity. The plurality of walls also have an upper end which defines a top opening. The upper end has an extension away from the cavity which defines a rim. The ramp is proximate the rim and exterior to the cavity, whereby the pan rides up on the ramp when the pan is drawn up against the well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paint supply and finishing system including a paint roller and a tray. The paint roller includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle along an access, a paint applying medium having a circumferential surface with a plurality of portion extending and rotatably disposed about the axis and an axial face coupled to the paint applying medium. The paint applying medium applies paint to a surface as a medium is rolled against the surface. The axial face includes at least one location memory indicia. Each indicia corresponds to a particular location on the circumferential surface of the medium. As a result, at least on indicia indicates which of the plurality of portions were last in contact with the surface. The tray includes a pan having a well at a first end and a ramp extending from the well to a second end, first and second spaced legs and a bar.

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 tub box for receiving a drain trap is formed from two substantially identical plastic housing portions each including one or more round knockouts in one or more side walls of the housing portions and one or more edge flange knockouts in an edge flange of each housing portion and side walls in line with and terminating in close proximity to the respective round knockouts. Pull tabs on the round knockouts facilitate removal of the round knockouts from the housing portions and limit the amount of nesting of the housing portions inside one another when stacked for storage and shipment so the housing portions can easily be pulled apart when desired. A lip protrudes axially outwardly from the radial outer edge of the edge flange of each housing portion around one half only of the periphery of each edge flange for overlapping engagement with the outer edge of the edge flange of an other housing portion when the edge flanges of two housing portions are placed in engagement with one another.

Abstract: A light weight low depth nestable tray for containers comprising an open lattice floor structure and a wall structure that is contoured to reduce the amount of material used for the tray. The wall structure comprises a plurality of columns interconnecting the floor to a band that is generally spaced above the floor and extends around the periphery. The band is contoured at a number of points along the periphery of the tray to reduce the number of columns as compared to the prior art trays which generally have columns at each of the corners and along the end walls and side walls. The reduction in the number of columns reduces the weight of the tray and therefore is more economical. The contour is V-shaped and the band actually connects directly to the floor at those points. The contoured wall structure provides a lighter tray that can be stacked, nested and handled in the same way as prior trays and while maintaining the structural integrity of the bulkier, heavier trays.

Abstract: A compartmentalized plastic food package includes a container and sealed cover which have a plurality of individually sealed chambers for distinct foodstuffs. The container includes a top flange or surface which extends about the individual chambers onto which the removable cover is secured by an adhesive or heat sealing. The top flange includes a peripheral shoulder and lip which cooperates with the rear or bottom edge of certain of the chambers to facilitate substantially upright self-display of the container and contents. The sidewalls of the chambers are tapered and include notched or stepped spacers such that the containers may be controllably nested, the spacers preventing overly tight nesting and thus facilitating separation prior to filling and sealing. A plurality of distinct foodstuffs such as meat, cheese, crackers and cookies, for example, may be individually sealed in the chambers, thereby maintaining each foods flavor, aroma and desired moisture content.