Patent Publication Number: US-2023142142-A1

Title: Stackable storage crate

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/277,270, filed on Nov. 9, 2021. The entire disclosure of the above application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to storage crates and, more particularly, to stackable storage crates. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Storage crates are commonly used in residential, and commercial settings to store objects like files, supplies, office materials, recreational equipment, or food. Often, multiple storage crates are used in a single setting together, so storage crates that can be stored in an organized and stable configuration are ideal. Storage crates are also commonly used in settings where the capability to transport many stored objects at once is necessary, and efficient. Such storage crates may be stored and transported in various arrangements, for example, by stacking storage crates on top of one another. 
     However, some storage crates lack the stability required to stack with other storage crates. Further, some storage crates may not be configured to hold each other in place while in a stacked formation during transport, which may result in broken items, and additional hassle. Using storage crates to store, and transport items effectively is further complicated by the integrity of a storage crate&#39;s handles. Storage crates are often used to carry heavy items, and handles may break after continued or strenuous use, reducing user satisfaction. 
     Accordingly, there is a continuing need for an improved stackable storage crate that is durable, and which is easily stored and transported in stacked formations in combination with other stackable storage crates. Desirably, the storage crate is constructed with a main body configured to support stable stacking, with extra support of the main body, and durable handles. 
     SUMMARY 
     In concordance with the instant disclosure, a durable stackable storage crate that can be easily stored and transported in stacked formations in combination with other storage crates, and which is constructed with a main body configured to support stable stacking, with extra support of the main body, and durable handles, has surprisingly been discovered. 
     In one embodiment, a stackable storage crate has a main body with a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, and a rear wall, an upper section, and a bottom section. The upper section has a top lip and an inner surface. The inner surface has a repeating sequence of lands and channels. The bottom section has a ridge with a matching shape that corresponds with and is configured to be disposed adjacent the repeating sequence of lands and channels of the inner surface of another stackable storage crate when in a stacked assembly. 
     In another embodiment, a stacked assembly is provided by a stackable storage crate being disposed on another stackable storage crate. Each of the stackable storage crate and the another stackable storage crate has a main body with a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, and a rear wall, an upper section, and a bottom section. The upper section has a top lip and an inner surface. The inner surface has a repeating sequence of lands and channels. The bottom section has a ridge with a matching shape. The stackable storage crate also abuts the another stackable storage crate. The matching shape of the ridge of the stackable storage crate corresponds with and is disposed adjacent the repeating sequence of lands and channels of the inner surface of the another stackable storage crate. 
     In a further embodiment, a method of forming a stacked assembly of storage crates includes a step of providing the stackable storage crate and the another stackable storage crate as described. The method further includes a step of aligning the stackable storage crate with the another stackable storage crate. The stackable storage crate is then disposed in a next step on the another stackable storage crate such that the stackable storage crate abuts the another stackable storage crate. The matching shape of the ridge of the stackable storage crate corresponds with and is disposed adjacent the repeating sequence of lands and channels of the inner surface of the another stackable storage crate. Advantageously, the placement of the ridge of the stackable storage crate relative to the inner surface of the upper section of the another stackable storage crate thereby militates against lateral movement of the stackable storage crate relative to the another stackable storage crate in both a side-to-side direction and a forward-to-backward direction. 
     In yet one more embodiment, a storage crate has a main body including a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom section, and an upper section. The storage crate includes a plurality of support panels, a plurality of horizontal supports, a plurality of vertical supports, and a bottom section ridge. The storage crate further includes at least one handle. 
     In yet another embodiment, one or more of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall may have the plurality of support panels extending outwardly from the main body of the storage crate. In certain embodiments, the support panels form also a plurality of corner sections in the main body of the storage crate. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the handles may be formed in at least one of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall. In certain embodiments, the handle may be formed in the upper section of the storage crate. The handle may be integral with or connected to the main body of the storage crate. 
     In certain embodiments, at least one opening may be formed adjacent the handle in one or more of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall. 
     In other embodiments, the upper section of the main body may form a portion of the handle in combination with one or more of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall. The handle may have a hollow section disposed between the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support of the upper section. The hollow section may include a plurality of support ridges extending from the first horizontal support to the second horizontal support. The support ridges may be adapted to provide additional support to the handle during lifting and transport of the storage crate. 
     In further embodiments, a first handle and a second handle may be disposed on opposite sides of the of the main body of the storage crate. The first and second handle may be configured to provide an ergonomic location for a user to lift the main body of the storage crate. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the storage crate includes a main body. The main body of the storage crate may be constructed using any durable, rigid material. As one non-limiting example, plastic may be used. However, one skilled in the art may select any suitable material for fabricating the storage crate. The storage crate may be any suitable size and shape, as desired. In certain embodiments, the storage crate has a substantially rectangular shape, as one non-limiting example. 
     According to certain embodiments, the main body of the storage crate may have a first side wall, a second side wall, a front side wall, and a rear side wall. The storage crate may further include a bottom section and an upper section, according to certain embodiments. The first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, the rear side wall, the bottom section, and the upper section may be integrally formed with one another, separate components connected to one another, or a combination of the two. 
     One or more of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall may have a plurality of support panels extending outwardly from the main body of the storage crate. The support panels may provide additional storage space, as well as structural support for the storage crate. In certain embodiments, the support panels also form a plurality of corner sections in the main body of the storage crate. 
     A plurality of horizontal supports may be disposed adjacent one or more of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall, according to certain embodiments. The horizontal supports may be ledges extending outwardly from the main body of the storage crate between some or each of the support panels, as one non-limiting example. Any suitable supports may be used to increase stability of the storage crate, as determined by one of skill in the art. 
     A plurality of vertical supports may also be disposed on the main body of the storage crate. The vertical supports may extend downwardly from the upper section of the main body along one or more of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall. The vertical supports may extend outwardly from the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall, according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the vertical supports may extend from the upper section to the bottom section of the storage crate. In certain embodiments, the vertical supports may also be disposed on one or more of the corner sections of the storage crate. 
     The bottom section of the storage crate may be a flat, rigid surface disposed adjacent a first end of each of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall. The bottom section, according to certain more particular embodiments, may include a bottom section ridge extending downwardly away from a bottom surface of the bottom section of the storage crate. The bottom section ridge may be a ridge having any desired shape and size. The bottom section ridge may be continuous, or broken up in sections. In certain embodiments, the bottom section ridge may have a grid-like configuration, as one non-limiting example. 
     The upper section may form a portion of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall, may be a separate component adjacent a second end of each of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall, or may be a combination of the two. In certain more particular embodiments, the upper section may include a first horizontal support and a second horizontal support below the first horizontal support. The second horizontal support may be disposed adjacent each of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall and extend outwardly from the main body of the storage crate. The upper section may also include one or more upper section vertical supports extending from the first horizontal support to the second horizontal support, as desired. The upper section, according to certain embodiments, may include upper section corner sections. 
     In certain embodiments, the main body may include at least one handle. The handle may be formed in at least one of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall. In certain embodiments, the handle may be formed in the upper section of the storage crate. The handle may be integral with or connected to the main body of the storage crate. The handle may be any ergonomic size and shape suitable for allowing a user to tightly grasp and transport the storage crate, as needed. 
     In certain more particular embodiments, at least one opening may be formed adjacent the handle in one or more of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall. The opening may be any suitable shape and size allowing a user to insert a hand through the opening to easily grasp the handle. 
     In certain more particular embodiments, the upper section of the main body may form a portion of the handle in combination with one or more of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall. The handle may have a hollow section disposed between the first horizontal support and the second horizontal support of the upper section, according to certain embodiments. The hollow section may include a plurality of support ridges extending from the first horizontal support to the second horizontal support. The support ridges may be adapted to provide additional support to the handle during lifting and transport of the storage crate. 
     In certain more particular embodiments, a first handle and a second handle may be disposed on opposite sides of the of the main body of the storage crate. As a non-limiting example, the first handle may be disposed adjacent the front side wall, and the second handle may be disposed adjacent the rear side wall. The first and second handles may be configured to provide an ergonomic location for a user to lift the main body of the storage crate. One skilled in the art may select any type and number of handles disposed on any portion of the storage crate, within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In use, the support panels, the horizontal supports, the vertical supports, the corner sections, and the upper section corner sections are adapted to provide additional support to the storage crate. When the storage crate is stacked on or below another storage crate, the bottom section ridge of one storage crate, fits recessed in between the first side wall, the second side wall, the front side wall, and the rear side wall of another storage crate. Likewise, according to certain embodiments, the bottom surface of the bottom section of one storage crate rests adjacent the upper section of another storage crate, or more specifically, the first horizontal support of the upper section of another storage crate, according to certain embodiments. Accordingly, when stacked in combination, each storage crate has optimal support and optimal stability during use. Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a top perspective view of the stackable storage crate; 
         FIG.  2   . is a bottom perspective view of the stackable storage crate shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a top plan view of the stackable storage crate shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom plan view of the stackable storage crate shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a right side elevational view of the stackable storage crate shown in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a front side elevational view of the stackable storage crate shown in  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIG.  7    is a top perspective view of a pair of the stackable storage crates shown in  FIG.  1   , and depicted spaced apart from one another oriented prior to stacking; 
         FIG.  8    is a top perspective view of the pair of stackable storage crates shown in  FIG.  7   , and depicted stacked together; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional right side elevational view of the pair of stackable storage crates depicted stacked together and taken at section line A-A in  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional front side elevational view of the pair of stackable storage crates depicted stacked together and taken at section line B-B in  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  11    is an enlarged, fragmentary, top plan view of the stackable storage crate taken at callout C in  FIG.  3   , and further illustrating a repeating sequence of lands and channels on an inner surface of a top section of the main body and a trapezoidal shape of a chamfered upper surface of an individual support panel; 
         FIG.  12    is an enlarged, fragmentary, bottom plan view of the stackable storage crate taken at callout D in  FIG.  4   , and further illustrating a matching shape in the form of a ridge that corresponds with and is configured to be disposed adjacent the repeating sequence of lands and channels of the inner surface of another stackable storage crate when in a stacked assembly; 
         FIG.  13    is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional right side elevational view of the pair of stackable storage crates taken at callout E in  FIG.  9   , and further illustrating a consistent gap G between the ridge of one of the storage crates and the inner surface of the top section of another of the storage crates when the storage crates are aligned and nested with one another in the stacked assembly; 
         FIG.  14    is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional front side elevational view of the pair of stackable storage crates taken at callout F in  FIG.  10   , and further illustrating the consistent gap G between the ridge of one of the storage crates and the inner surface of the top section of another of the storage crates when the storage crates are aligned and nested with one another in the stacked assembly; and 
         FIG.  15    is a flow diagram illustrating a method of forming a stacked assembly of the storage crates shown in  FIG.  1   , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. 
     Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 14   , the storage crate  100  includes a main body  102 . The storage crate  100  is especially designed for stacking with like storage crates such as, for example, the another storage crate  100 ′ shown in  FIGS.  8 - 10    to form a stacked assembly  101 . Like or similar structure of the storage crate  100  shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7    may be identified with a same reference number but with a prime symbol (′) with respect to the another storage crate  100 ′ shown in  FIGS.  8 - 14   , for purpose of clarity. 
     In particular, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 14   , each of the storage crate  100  and the another storage crate  100 ′ may be provided with a repeating sequence  103  of lands  105  and channels  107  and also a matching shape  109  that corresponds with and is configured to be disposed adjacent the repeating sequence  103  of the lands  105  and the channels  107 , as described further herein, when in the stacked assembly  101 . 
     Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that a placement of the matching shape of the stackable storage crate relative to the repeating sequence  103  of lands  105  and channels  107  of the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ militates against an undesirable lateral movement of the stackable storage crate  100  relative to the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ in both a side-to-side direction and a forward-to-backward direction, while also permitting for easy in stacking of the stackable storage crates  100 ,  100 ′ as described further herein with reference to method  200  in  FIG.  15   . 
     With renewed reference to  FIGS.  1 - 14   , the main body  102  of the storage crate  100  may be constructed using any durable, rigid material. As one non-limiting example, plastic may be used, and the plastic may be formed into the shape of the storage crate  100  by an injection-molding process. However, one skilled in the art may select any suitable materials and processes for fabricating the storage crate  100 . In certain embodiments, the storage crate  100  has a substantially rectangular shape, as one non-limiting example. The storage crate  100  may also be any other suitable size and shape, as desired. 
     According to certain embodiments, shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , the main body  102  of the storage crate  100  may have a first side wall  104 , a second side wall  106 , a front wall  108 , and a rear wall  110 . The storage crate  100  may further include a bottom section  112  and an upper section  114 , according to certain embodiments. The first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , the rear wall  110 , the bottom section  112 , and the upper section  114  may be integrally formed with one another, separate components connected to one another, or a combination of the two. 
     As further depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , one or more of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110  may have a plurality of support panels  116  extending outwardly from the main body  102  of the storage crate  100 . The support panels  116  may provide additional storage space, as well as structural support for the storage crate  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that the support panels  116  are also employed in the formation of the repeating sequence  103  of the lands  105  and the channels  107  of the main body  102 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  11   , an inner surface  111  of the upper section  114  may be defined by the plurality of support panels  116 . For example, the support panels  116  may be spaced apart substantially evenly along a length of each of the first side wall  104  and the second side wall  106 , as shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     More particularly, as also shown in  FIGS.  1  and  11   , the support panels  116  may extend outwardly from each of the first side wall  104  and the second side wall  106  to form the channels  107  on the inner surface  111  of the upper section  114  of the main body  102 . For example, as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  11   , an area  113  of the first side wall  104  and the second side wall  106  disposed between adjacent pairs of the support panels  116  may form the lands  105  on the inner surface  111  of the upper section  114  of the main body  102 . 
     As also shown in  FIGS.  1  and  11   , a top lip  133  of the main body  102  may be defined by an uppermost surface of each of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110  of the main body  102 . Each of the support panels  116  further has a chamfered upper surface  115  that is disposed adjacent the top lip  133  of the upper section  114  of the main body  102 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG.  14   , the top lip  133  of the main body  102  may be disposed on a first plane P 1 , and the chamfered upper surface of each of the support panels is disposed on a second plane P 2 . The second plane P 2  is disposed at a downward angle a relative to the first plane (P 1 ). The downward angle a may be between about thirty degrees (30°) and seventy degrees (70°), and more particularly between about forty degrees (40°) and sixty degrees (60°), and most particularly about fifty degrees (50°). One of ordinary skill in the art may also select other suitable angles for the downward angle a within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The chamfered upper surface  115  may also have a substantially trapezoidal shape, for example, as shown in  FIG.  11   . For example, each of the support panels  116  may have a substantially trapezoidal profile that defines the substantially trapezoidal shape of the chamfered upper surface  115 . Each of the support panels  116  may have a first wall  117 , a second wall  119 , and a third wall  121 . The third wall  121  connects the first wall  117  and the second wall  119 . Each of the first wall  117 , the second wall  119 , and the third wall  121  is also connected to the chamfered upper surface  115 , such that the chamfered upper surface  115  is bounded entirely by the first wall  117 , the second wall  119 , the third wall  121 , and the top lip  133  of the main body  102 , as shown in  FIG.  11   . 
     As further shown in  FIG.  1   , the first wall  117  may be disposed on a third plane P 3 , the second wall  119  may be disposed on a fourth plane P 4 , and the third wall  121  may be disposed on a fifth plane P 5 . Each of the fourth plane P 4  and the fifth plane P 5  may be oriented at an acute angle β relative to the third plane P 3 , thereby defining the substantially trapezoidal profile and shape of the chamfered upper surface  115 . 
     Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the combination of the angle of the chamfered upper surface  115  and the substantially trapezoidal shape facilitates both an alignment and insertion of one of the storage totes  100  in the another of the storage totes  100 ′ in operation to form the stacked assembly  101 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  2  and  12    the bottom section  112  may include a bottom wall  123  having a ridge  126 . The ridge  126  of the bottom section  112  may be disposed on a bottom surface  128  of the bottom wall  123  of the main body  102 , and extend downwardly from the bottom surface  128  of the bottom wall  123 . In particular examples, the ridge  126  is continuous and circumscribes a central area  135  of the bottom surface  128  of the bottom wall  123 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the ridge  126  defines the matching shape  109  that corresponds with and is configured to be disposed adjacent the repeating sequence  103  of the lands  105  and the channels  107  of the inner surface  111  of the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ when in the stacked assembly  101 . In particular, the matching shape  109  may be provided by a repeating sequence  137  of inner walls  139  and outer walls  141  connected by angled walls  143 , as shown in  FIG.  12   . When in the stacked assembly  101 , as shown in  FIG.  13   , each of the outer walls  141  of the ridge  126  may be configured to be disposed adjacent the third wall  121  of one of the support panels  116  of the another stackable storage crate  100 ′. Likewise, as also shown in  FIG.  13   , each of the inner walls  139  is configured to be disposed between one of the adjacent pairs of the support panels  116  of the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ when in the stacked assembly  101 . 
     In certain embodiments, the support panels  116  also form a plurality of corner sections  118  in the main body  102  of the storage crate  100 . In the embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen in  FIGS.  1  and  11   , the corner sections  118  are disposed at an angle relative to and joining the first side wall  104 , second side wall  106 , front wall  108 , and rear walls  110 . In particular, the plurality of corner sections  118  join the first side wall  104  and the second side wall  106  to the front wall  108  and the rear wall  110 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  11   , each of the corner sections  118  has a first inner surface  145 , a second inner surface  147 , and a third inner surface  149 . The third inner surface  149  connects the first inner surface  145  and the second inner surface  147 . As shown in  FIG.  12   , the ridge  126  has a plurality of matching corners  151 . Each of the matching corners  151  corresponds with and is configured to be disposed adjacent one of the corner sections  118  of the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ when in the stacked assembly  101 . In particular, the first inner surface  145  of each of the corner sections  118  is configured to be disposed adjacent one of the outer walls  141  of the ridge  126  when in the stacked assembly  101 . It should be appreciated that the corner section  118  having the three (3) inner surfaces  145 ,  147 ,  149  together with the matching corners  151  of the ridge  126  facilitate for a more stable stacking of the storage totes  100 ,  100 ′ and militate against undesirable moving in a side-to-side direction and a forward-to-backward direction while stacked. 
     Advantageously, there is also a consistent gap G as shown in  FIGS.  13  and  14    in the stacked assembly  101 . The consistent gap G is between an entirety of the inner surface  111  of the upper section  114  of the main body of the stackable storage crate  100  and the ridge  126  of the bottom section  112  of the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ when the crates  100 ,  100 ′ are aligned and in the stacked assembly  100 . The consistent gap G may be between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, more particularly between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, and most particularly about 1 mm. The presence of the consistent gap G means that there is no friction fit between the stackable storage crates  100 ,  100 ′ in the stacked assembly  101 . Other suitable dimensions for the consistent gap G may also be employed by a skilled artisan within the scope of the disclosure. 
     It should be appreciated that the presence of the consistent gap G permits for the nesting of the stackable storage crates  100 ,  100 ′ in the stacked assembly  101  while minimizing movement in the side-to-side direction and the forward-to-backward direction, and also while permitting for ease in unstacking the stackable storage crates  100 ,  100 ′ due to the absence of the friction fit between the stackable storage crates  100 ,  100 ′ in the stacked assembly  101 . 
     In certain embodiments, the support panels  116  are disposed in a repeating sequence on the first side wall  104 , and second side wall  106 , and together the matching shape  109  has a substantially saw-toothed pattern. 
     A plurality of horizontal supports  120  may be disposed adjacent one or more of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110 , according to certain embodiments. The horizontal supports  120  may be ledges extending outwardly from the main body  102  of the storage crate  100  between some or each of the support panels  116 , as one non-limiting example. Any number of additional suitable supports may be disposed between the upper section  114  and bottom section  112  to increase stability of the storage crate  100 , as determined by one of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, as seen in  FIGS.  1 , and  2   , a first horizontal support  132 , and underneath, a second horizontal support  134  may form the upper section  114  of the main body. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1 , and  2   , the upper section  114  may form a portion of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110 , or may be a separate component adjacent a top end  130  of each of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110 , or may be a combination of the two. In certain more particular embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  1 , and  2   , the upper section  114  may include a first horizontal support  132  and a second horizontal support  134  below the first horizontal support  132 . The first horizontal support  132 , also may form the top lip  133 , at the top end  130  of each the first side wall  104 , second side wall  106 , front wall  108 , and rear walls  110 , as seen in  FIG.  7   . The second horizontal support  134  may be disposed adjacent each of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110  and extend outwardly from the main body  102  of the storage crate  100 . The upper section  114  may also include one or more upper section vertical supports  136  extending from the first horizontal support  132  to the second horizontal support  134 , as desired. The upper section  114 , according to certain embodiments, may include upper section corner sections  138 . 
     A plurality of vertical supports  122  may also be disposed on the main body  102  of the storage crate  100 . The vertical supports  122  may extend downwardly from the upper section  114  of the main body  102  along one or more of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110 . The vertical supports  122  may extend outwardly from the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110 , according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the vertical supports  122  may extend from the upper section  114  to the bottom section  112  of the storage crate  100 . In certain embodiments, the vertical supports  122  may also be disposed on one or more of the corner sections  118  of the storage crate  100 . In a certain embodiment, as seen in  FIG.  5   , the vertical supports  122  are disposed at regular intervals, and in a most particular embodiment, vertical supports  122  are disposed in a repeating pattern at the vertical edges of each support panel  116 . 
     The bottom section  112  of the storage crate  100  may be a flat, rigid surface disposed adjacent a bottom end  124  of each of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110 . The bottom section  112 , according to certain more particular embodiments, may include the bottom section ridge  126  extending downwardly away from the bottom surface  128  of the bottom section  112  of the storage crate  100 . The bottom section ridge  126  may be an outwardly extending protrusion or wall having any desired shape and size. The bottom section ridge  126  may be continuous, as shown in  FIG.  4   , or broken up in sections (not shown). 
     In certain embodiments as shown in  FIG.  4   , the bottom section ridge  126  has an outer ridge  127 , and inner connecting ridges  129  that connect to the outer ridge  127 . The inner connecting ridges  129  may traverse the bottom surface  128  in a continuous grid-like configuration, as one non-limiting formation. In a preferred embodiment, as seen in  FIGS.  3   , and  4 , the outer ridge  127  is contoured with a plurality of protrusions  131  forming the shape  109 , that corresponds to the a repeating sequence  103  of lands  105  and channels  107  formed by the support panels  116  as disposed on the first side wall  104 , second side wall  106 , front wall  108 , and rear walls  110 , such that when a first storage crate  100 , is stacked onto a second storage crate  100 ′, the protrusions  131  of the outer ridge  127  of the first storage crate nest and abut the support panels  116  of the second storage crate  100 ′, as shown in  FIGS.  8 - 10   , thus providing support to the stacked assembly  101  of the crates  100 ,  100 ′ by limiting horizontal movement between the he crates  100 ,  100 ′, somewhat locking the first storage crate  100  onto the second storage crate  100 ′. 
     In some embodiments, the main body  102  may include at least one handle  140 . The handle  140  may be formed in at least one of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110 . In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2  and  6   , the handle  140  may be formed in the upper section  114  of the storage crate  100 . The handle  140  may be integral with or connected to the main body  102  of the storage crate  100 . The handle  140  may be any ergonomic size and shape suitable for allowing a user to tightly grasp and transport the storage crate  100 , as needed. 
     In particular embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  6   , at least one opening  142  may be formed adjacent the handle  140  in one or more of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110 . The opening  142  may be any suitable shape and size allowing a user to insert a hand through the opening  142  to easily grasp the handle  140 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  1 - 2  and  6 - 7   , the upper section  114  of the main body  102  may form a portion of the handle  140  in combination with one or more of the first side wall  104 , the second side wall  106 , the front wall  108 , and the rear wall  110 . The handle  140  may have a hollow section  144  extending from the first horizontal support  132  to the second horizontal support  134  of the upper section  114 , according to certain embodiments. The hollow section  144  may include a plurality of support ridges  146  extending from the first horizontal support  132  to the second horizontal support  134 . The support ridges  146  may be adapted to provide additional support to the handle  140  during lifting and transport of the storage crate  100 . 
     In certain more particular embodiments, with renewed reference to  FIGS.  1  and  7   , a first handle  148  and a second handle  150  may be disposed on opposite sides of the of the main body  102  of the storage crate  100 . In one example, the first handle  148  may be disposed in the front wall  108 , and the second handle may be disposed in the rear wall  110 . Each of the first handle  148  and the second handle  150  are formed centrally in the upper section  114  of the main body  102  and have the hollow section  144  with the opening  142  beneath the hollow section  144  to accommodate lifting by hand. The hollow section  144  further may have the plurality of support ridges  146  spaced apart along a length of the hollow section  144 . The support ridges  146  further extend vertically between the top lip  133  and the opening  142  beneath the hollow section  144 . In use, the first handle and the second handle  148 ,  150  may be configured to provide an ergonomic location for a user to lift the main body  102  of the storage crate  100 . Likewise, the opening  142  may be configured to accommodate lifting a storage crate  100  by hand, as a non-limiting configuration. One skilled in the art may select any type and number of handles  140  disposed on any portion of the storage crate  100 , within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The first storage crate  100  may be stacked on top of the second storage crate  100 ′, in the stacked assembly  101 . The support panels  116 , the horizontal supports  120 , the vertical supports  122 , the corner sections  118 , and the upper section corner sections  138  are adapted to provide additional support to the first storage crate  100 , and to the stacked assembly  101  of the first and second storage crates  100 ,  100 ′ when stacked. As shown in  FIG.  7 - 10   , when the first storage crate  100  is stacked on the second storage crate  100 ′, the first storage crate  100  has the bottom surface  128  resting on the top lip  133 ′ of the second storage crate  100 ′. 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the second storage crate  100 ′ also has a plurality of support panels  116 ′ disposed on each of a first side wall  104 ′, a second side wall  106 ′, a front wall  108 ′, and a rear wall  110 ′, together defining an inner surface  111 ′. Each of the support panels  116 ′ may have a chamfered upper surface  115 ′ that is disposed adjacent the top lip  133 ′ of the second storage crate  100 ′, for example, as shown in  FIG.  14   . The second storage crate  100 ′ may also have a plurality of horizontal supports  120 ′ including a second horizontal support  134 ′ disposed on each the first side wall  104 ′, the second side wall  106 ′, the front wall  108 ′, and the rear wall  110 ′. As shown in  FIG.  10   , the second storage crate  100 ′ may also have a bottom section ridge  126 ′ extending downwardly from a bottom surface  128 ′. To facilitate stacking with the first storage crate  100 , the ridge  126 ′ of the second storage crate  100 ′ may be formed with protrusions  131 ′ that correspond to the repeating sequence  103  of the lands  105  and the channels  107  formed by the support panels  116  of the first storage crate  100 . 
     In a particular embodiment, the first storage crate  100  outer ridge  127  is configured with protrusions  131 , that nest with and abut the support panels  116  of the second storage crate  100 ′ when stacked, for example, as seen in  FIGS.  3 - 4 , and  9 - 10   . Accordingly, the first storage crate  100  and second storage crate  100 ′ each have optimal support and stability when stacked, due to the partially nested configuration of stacked crates, which limits side-to-side, and front-to-rear shifting, or sliding between the first and second storage crates,  100 ,  100 ′. 
     The present disclosure further includes the method  200  of forming the stacked assembly  101  of the storage crates  100 ,  100 ′, as shown in  FIG.  15   . The method  200  includes a first step  202  of providing the stackable storage crate  100  and the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ as described hereinabove. Next, the method  200  includes a second step  204  of aligning the stackable storage crate  100  with the another stackable storage crate  100 ′. The method  200  further includes a third step  206  of disposing the stackable storage crate  100  on the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ such that the stackable storage crate  100  abuts the another stackable storage crate  100 ′. The matching shape  109  of the ridge  126  of the stackable storage crate  100  corresponds with and is disposed adjacent the repeating sequence  103  of the lands  105  and the channels  107  of the inner surface  111  of the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ when disposed thusly. It should be appreciated that the placement of the ridge  126  of the stackable storage crate  100  relative to the inner surface  111  of the upper section  114  of the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ militates against lateral movement of the stackable storage crate  100  relative to the another stackable storage crate  100 ′ in both the side-to-side direction and the forward-to-backward direction upon the stacked assembly  101  being assembled according to the method  200  of the present disclosure. 
     Advantageously, the stackable storage crate  100 ,  100 ′ as described herein is durable and can be easily stored and transported in stacked formations in combination with other storage crates  100 ,  100 ′. Further, the stackable storage crate  100 ,  100 ′ is constructed with a main body  102  configured to support stable stacking, with extra support of the main body  102 , and durable handles  140 ,  148 ,  150  as described, 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions, and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.