STACKING AND NESTING CONTAINERS

Abstract: A container (110) is formed to nest with a like container when the wo containers are in a first relative orientation. The containers may stack when turned through 180 DEG relative to each other. Stacking bars (112) can be stowed in the floor of the container, or raised to allow stacking at an intermediate height. According to the invention, hooks (152) are formed integally with the stacking means (112) and the container is formed so that when a container is nested into a container below, the hooks (152) of the upper container are released by the nesting action, allowing the stacking means (112) to hinge down to their stowed position.

Description: Stacking and Nesting Containers The present invention relates to containers which are designed to allow like containers to stack or nest with each other. One conventional style of container, an example of which is described in British Patent GB 1270340, can stack or nest, and is referred to herein as a stack/nest container. This style is designed to allow one container to nest into a container below, when in a first relative orientation, but to stack on the container below when the relative orientation has changed, usually by 180° about the vertical axis. In some designs, containers stack when all identically aligned and nest when alternately aligned. In other designs, containers nest when identically aligned and stack when alternately aligned. The invention provides a container formed to allow a like container to nest therein, and comprising stacking means having a stowed position in which nesting is allowed as aforesaid, and a stacking position in which the stacking means interfere with the entry of one container into another for nesting, thereby causing like containers to stack, the container further comprising releasable catch means operable to retain the stacking means in the stacking position, and having a release means operable to engage and release the catch means of a like container when the said like container is introduced into the container from above and with the two containers in the first relative orientation. Preferably the release means comprise a surface of the container. The catch means may comprise a hook member engageable with a hookable portion, the release means serving to move the hook member from engagement with the hookable portion. The hook member may be formed on the stacking means, and the hookable portion may be formed on or by a container wall. The hook member may project through the container wall when the catch means is engaged, and be releasable by engagement outside the container. The hook member may be resilient for release, and may be integral with the stacking means. The stacking means are preferably within the base of the container when in their stowed position. The stacking means are preferably mounted to turn from their stowed position to their stacking position, such as by hinge or pivot means. They may be mounted to the base or, where the container has a base and upstanding walls, they may be mounted to the bottom of a wall. Preferably there are recesses in the base to receive stacking means when in the stowed position. The recesses may be sufficiently deep to receive the stacking means without the stacking means projecting above the upper surface of the base when in the stowed position. There may be detent means to retain the stacking means in either or both of the stacking and stowed positions. The stacking means may support the base of a like container from below when in the stacking position. Preferably handle means are provided to facilitate movement of the stacking means between their stowed and stacking positions. Preferably the container is formed to allow a second like container to nest therein when the two containers are in a first relative orientation, and to cause a second like container to stack thereon when the two containers are in a second relative orientation. Preferably the stacking means interfere with nesting when the containers are in the first relative orientation. Preferably the stacking height given by the stacking means is different to the stacking height available when in the second relative orientation, and is preferably intermediate the nesting height and the stacking height available when in the second relative orientation. The stacking means may incorporate formations corresponding to formations which engage to cause stacking when containers are in the second relative orientation. Preferably the first and second relative orientations are separated by 180° about a vertical axis. The container may comprise further stacking formations which engage a second like container to allow the container to stack when in the second relative orientation. One embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a partly schematic perspective view of a container of the type to which the invention relates; Fig. 2 is an elevation of one end wall, of the container of Fig. 1, from within the container and divided at the central plane to indicate the arrangement when the stacking means are in their stacking position (to the right) and nesting position (to the left); Fig. 3 is a view corresponding to Fig. 2 and showing the other end wall; Fig. 4 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1, of a container according to the present invention; and Figs. 5 and 6 are elevations of the one and other end walls of the container of Fig. 4. For reasons of clarity, the container of Figs. 1 to 3 will first be fully described, following which the additional features of the invention will then be described. Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, a container 10 is formed in a manner which will be described more fully below, to allow a second like container to nest therein when the two containers are in a first relative orientation. A second like container may stack thereon when the two containers are in a second relative orientation. Stacking means shown generally at 12 are provided and have a stowed position (as shown in Fig. 1) in which stacking or nesting as aforesaid are possible, and a stacking position to be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, in which the stacking means interferes with nesting to cause the containers to stack when in the first relative orientation. In more detail, the container 10 is a stack/nest container which nests when containers are similarly aligned, and stacks when containers are alternately reversed by 180 ° rotation about the vertical. The container 10 has a base 14, two side walls 16 and two end walls 18. In this example, the walls 16 are relatively long and the walls 18 are relatively short, but this relationship could be reversed or the walls could all be of equal length. The walls are perforated in a number of ways for various reasons. A rim 20 extends around the entire periphery at the top of the walls 16. The walls 16,18 slope inwardly and the plan of the base 14 is smaller than the plan of the inner edge of the rim 20. Various notch formations 22 are provided around the mouth of the container, just inside the rim 20. At one end wall 18A, there are two notches 22 spaced from the extreme ends of the wall 18 A. On the other end wall 18B, two notches 22 are in the container corners, at the ends of the wall 18B. Three notches 22 are provided along each side wall 16 but not symmetrically about the centre. One merges with a notch in the end wall 18B and the other two are spaced along the wall 16 but there is no notch 22 at the corner joining the end wall 18 A. It is apparent from Fig. 1 that the distribution of notches 22 has asymmetry when viewed from above. Ten feet 24 are arrayed around the lower edge of the walls 16,18 at the outer faces. Each foot 24 corresponds with a notch 22 (so that two merged feet correspond with the merged notches at the junction of the side walls 16 and the end wall 18B). Each foot 24 is structurally connected to the corresponding notch 22 by a sloping strut 26 which allows weight supported by a notch 22 to be passed through to the corresponding foot 24. It can be seen that the struts 26 in the end walls 18 have small upwardly facing surfaces 27 adjacent the notches 22 and just inside the rim 20. The distribution of feet 24 is the same as the distribution of notches 22 except that the distribution has been rotated through 180° about a vertical axis. That is to say, if the rim 20 was notionally rotated by 180° about a vertical axis relative to the base 14, there would be a foot 24 directly beneath each notch 22. In consequence, if a first container is rotated by 180° about the vertical axis, relative to a second container, the two containers can then be stacked by lowering feet 24 on the upper container to engage the notches 22 on the lower container. A complete and secure stack can be formed by alternating the orientation of containers so that each stacks in this manner. The weight of the stack is then transferred down the stack through a zigzag series of struts 26. The details of how the feet 24 and notches 22 engage, and consequently of their design, are within the skill of the skilled reader and do not themselves form part of the present invention. Their design may vary according to expected loads, manufacturing materials and techniques, etc. The asymmetry just described also allows like containers to nest. When containers have the same orientation as each other, the feet 24 and struts 26 of the upper container can be lowered into the lower container because they will be clear of the notches 22. As the container is further lowered, the fully nested condition is reached in which the rims 20 of the upper and lower containers are immediately above one another (and may rest on each other), the struts 26 of the two containers are next to each other (and on a slant) and the feet 24 he immediately one above the other (and may rest on each other). Finally, the bases 14 of the two containers will be close together. This is the normal compact condition useful when transporting empty containers. The nesting and stacking arrangements described above provide compact nesting for storage and return transport, or stacking when containers are full. The stacking means 12 allow containers to be stacked at an intermediate height when only partly full, as will now be described. Each stacking means 12 has two end formations 30 connected by a bar 32 serving as a handle for easier manipulation. The end formations 30 are in the region of the corners of the container 10. The stacking means 12 are hinged or pivoted to the container base or the bottom edge of the end walls 18 to allow them to turn from a stowed position shown at the left of Figs. 2 and 3, to a stacking position shown at the right of those figures. (It is to be appreciated that the left and right sides of each of Figs. 2 and 3 would be a mirror image when in the stowed position or in the stacking position, so that the stowed and stacking positions can conveniently both be shown on the same drawing by dividing the drawing at the vertical plane midway along the end wall 18). The base 14 has a channel recess 34 complementary to the outline of the stacking means 12, to allow the stacking means 12 to lie in the channel 34 when in the stowed position. If desired, the channel 34 may be sufficiently deep for the upper surface of the stacking means 12, when stowed, to be flush with or below the level of the upper surface of the base 14. A simple snap catch may be provided to retain the stacking means 12 in the stowed position, if required. Each end formation 30 has a generally arched configuration which, in this example, consists of two upright legs 36 and a cross-bar 38. The bar 32 extends between the formations 30 to allow both formations 30 to be raised together, such as by raising the bar 32. The complete stacking means 12 may be a single component manufactured for instance by injection moulding. The stacking means 12 shown in Fig. 2 differs from that shown in Fig. 3 solely by the location of lugs 40. In Fig. 2, adjacent the end wall 18A, the lugs 40 extend up above the cross-bar 38 (when raised) at the top of the outermost uprights 36. In the stacking means 12 shown in Fig. 3, adjacent the end wall 18B, the lugs 40 extend up above the cross-bar 38 (when raised) at the top of the innermost uprights 36. Many other designs of formation 30 could be used, including rounded arches, or unperforated plate members etc., such as are shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. It can also be seen from Figs. 2 and 3 that the spacing of the lugs 40 from the centre line corresponds to the spacing of the feet 24 on the end walls 18, also from the centre line. In consequence, if a second container is lowered into a container below, with both containers having the same orientation, but with the stacking means 12 of the lower container in the raised, stacking position, the upper container will not be able to move down to the fully nested condition as described above. Instead, the stacking means 12 will interfere because the feet 24 will make contact with the lugs 40 and further downward movement will be arrested. The weight of the upper container will then be borne by the stacking means 12 and the upper container will be supported in an intermediate stacked position. This intermediate stacked position is part way between the fully nested condition described above, and the stacking position available when containers are rotated through 180° relative to each other. Conversely, if the stacking means are down, lying in the recess 34, nesting is unobstructed. The details of how the lugs 40 engage the feet 24, and whether notches are provided in the lugs or there is simple abutment of the base 14 from below, or some other arrangement is used, can be widely varied, particularly according to the nature of the notches 22 and feet 24 being used. It can be seen that the lugs 40 mimic notches 22 when the stacking means 12 are raised, in that lugs 40 then occupy positions directly below the position which notches 22 would occupy if the lower container was rotated through 180 ° . Turning to the remaining drawings, there is shown in Fig. 4 a perspective view of a container very similar to the container described above, but having an additional feature relating to the stacking means. This container and the container of Figs. 1 to 3 are so similar that where appropriate, the same reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding features, with the prefix "1" when used in relation to Figs. 4 to 6. Thus, in relation to any features shown in Figs. 4 to 6 but not specifically described below, reference can be made to the description above in relation to the coiresponding feature. The stacking means 112 have generally rectangular end formations 130 which are unperforated. Recesses 134 in the base 114 allow the stacking means 112 to he within the base. A region of the base between the recesses 134 is slightly recessed to accommodate the cross-bar 132, which is in turn relatively tliin and smooth in shape to allow it to he against the base without unacceptably interfering with the contents of the container. Each formation 130 carries a hook member 152 which, when the formations 130 are raised (as in Figs. 5 and 6) project through the end walls 118 to hook over the lower part 154 of the wall. The hooks 152 are formed integrally with the stacking means 112, the whole being formed of material such as a plastics material. Consequently, by hooking over the wall 154, the hooks 152 form a releasable catch means either by resilient flexing to provide a snap-action, or by using some looseness in the hinge arrangement to allow the hooks to lift on or off the wall. When engaged, the hooks retain the stacking means 112 in the stacking position shown in Figs. 5 and 6. If a group of containers all have their stacking means 112 raised, stacks can be formed with adjacent containers either at their uppermost (high) stack position or the intermediate stack position provided by the stacking means 112. In some applications, it may be convenient to leave the stacking means 112 raised and held in position by the catch means 152,154. If containers are to be nested, the stacking means 112 of a first container can be lowered by manually releasing the hooks 152 from the walls 154, allowing the stacking means 112 to fold down. They may be spring-assisted in this respect. Another container can then be nested by lowering into the first container, with both containers having the same orientation, as has been described. However, it will not be necessary to manually lower the stacking means 112 of the upper container, as a result of the location of the hooks 152. Each hook 152 is directly below a surface 127 in the adjacent strut 126. As a result, as the upper container is lowered into the lower container, the hooks 152 of the upper container will approach and meet the surfaces 127 of the lower container. Further downward movement (by manual downward pressure on the upper container) will then press the hooks 152 against the surfaces 127, causing the hooks 152 to move up and clear of the walls 154, thereby releasing the catch means and allowing the stacking means 112 of the upper container to fall or be sprung down to their lower position. Thus, it is only necessary to intervene with the lowermost container of the nested containers - all other containers will then automatically lower their stacking means 112 to allow a further container to be nested from above. If the hooks are resilient to provide a snap-action, engagement with the surfaces 127 will flex the hooks to spring them off the walls 154. Although described in relation to a container which provides a nesting, stacking and intermediate stacking position, the catch means just described could be employed in relation to other container arrangements, such as a container providing two positions for a member such as a bale arm, giving a nesting and a single stacking position. If the bale arm (or other member) was normally caught in one or other position by catch means, engagement with a further container (above or below) could be used to release a catch means in appropriate circumstances, and allow or force the bale member to move to an alternative position. It is envisaged that the containers described above can be readily manufactured by injection moulding from a plastics material, but other arrangements and materials could be used. Many modifications and variations to the container described could be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For instance, stacking means generally of the form described could be incorporated in a container which has notches and feet distributed to allow stacking when containers have like orientation, and nesting when rotated through 180°, or some other amount. The notches and feet could be replaced by many other alternatives, such as pillars and voids. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention beheved to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Apphcant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A container formed to allow a like container to nest therein, and comprising stacking means having a stowed position in which nesting is allowed as aforesaid, and a stacking position in which the stacking means interfere with the entry of one container into another for nesting, thereby causing like containers to stack, the container further comprising releasable catch means operable to retain the stacking means in the stacking position, and having a release means operable to engage and release the catch means of a hke container when the said like container is introduced into the container from above for nesting. 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the release means comprise a surface of the container. 3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the catch means comprise a hook member engageable with a hookable portion, the release means serving to move the hook member from engagement with the hookable portion. 4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the hook member is formed on the stacking means, and the hookable portion is formed on or by a container wall. 5. A container according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the hook member projects through the container wall when the catch means is engaged, to be releasable by engagement outside the container. 6. A container according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the hook member is resilient for release. 7. A container according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the hook member is integral with the stacking means. 8. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the stacking means are within the base of the container when in their stowed position. 9. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the stacking means are mounted to turn from their stowed position to their stacking position. 10. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the stacking means are mounted to the base. 11. A container according to claim 10, comprising recesses in the base to receive stacking means when in the stowed position. 12. A container according to claim 11, wherein the recesses are sufficiently deep to receive the stacking means without the stacking means projecting above the upper surface of the base when in the stowed position. 13. A container according to any preceding claim, comprising detent means to retain the stacking means in either or both of the stacking and stowed positions. 14. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the stacking means support the base of a like container from below when in the stacking position. 15. A container according to any preceding claim, comprising handle means to facilitate movement of the stacking means between their stowed and stacking positions. 16. A container according to any preceding claim, formed to allow a second like container to nest therein when the two containers are in a first relative orientation, and to cause a second like container to stack thereon when the two containers are in a second relative orientation. 17. A container according to claim 16, wherein the stacking means interfere with nesting when the containers are in the first relative orientation. 18. A container according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the stacking height given by the stacking means is different to the stacking height available when in the second relative orientation. 19. A container according to claim 18, wherein the stacking means stacking height is intermediate the nesting height and the stacking height available when in the second relative orientation. 20. A container according to any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the stacking means incorporate formations corresponding to formations which engage to cause stacking when containers are in the second relative orientation. 21. A container according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the first and second relative orientations are separated by 180° about a vertical axis. 22. A container according to any of claims 16 to 21, further comprising stacking formations which engage a second like container to allow the container to stack when in the second relative orientation. 23. A container substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. 24. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.

Inventors: LOFTUS STEPHEN CLIVE, TOWNSON DAVID JOHN, LOFTUS, STEPHEN, CLIVE, TOWNSON, DAVID, JOHN
Applicants: LOFTUS STEPHEN CLIVE, MCKECHNIE UK LTD, TOWNSON DAVID JOHN, LOFTUS, STEPHEN, CLIVE, MCKECHNIE UK LIMITED, TOWNSON, DAVID, JOHN
Application year: 1998
Main classification: B65D21
IPC codes: B65D21