STACKING FEATURE FOR CONTAINERS

Abstract

A first container is provided for stacking with a second container. Each of the container include a base portion and one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a flange, and defining an interior volume. Each of the containers also includes an upper portion of the one or more walls that is disposed adjacent to the flange, and one or more stacking features extend from the upper portion toward the interior volume. Each of the stacking features has a top surface and a bottom surface. The one or more stacking features of the first container are arranged in a first configuration, and the one or more stacking features of the second container are arranged in a second configuration. The first configuration is different from the second configuration such that containers are prevented from nesting together when stacked.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to containers, and more particularly, to stacking feature(s) on or within containers to prevent nesting when the containers are stacked.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers for, e.g., food products are generally stacked during manufacturing and/or packaging processes before the food products are packaged therein. Sometimes the containers nest together when they are stacked, and such nesting causes difficulties when the containers need to be separated during the packaging process. For example, a first container that is nested within a second container requires a significantly greater force for removal from the second container than it would if the first container were stacked within or on top of the second container without nesting. Existing mechanisms to prevent nesting are insufficient at least because they only prevent nesting from certain directions. For example, although existing mechanisms may prevent a first container from nesting within a second container when a force is applied on a top of the first container, those existing mechanisms do not prevent the first container from nesting within the second container when twisting, side, or other unexpected forces are applied. Through ingenuity and hard work, the inventor hereof has developed containers which overcome these disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a stacking feature for trays which will eventually receive a product and be sealed closed. Specifically, the present invention includes one or more stacking features for each of a plurality of containers that work to prevent the plurality of containers from nesting together when the plurality of containers are stacked. In some embodiments, the one or more stacking features of each container extend from an upper portion of the container toward an interior volume of the container. Further, the plurality of containers may include a first container and a second container, and the one or more stacking features of the first container may be arranged in different configuration about an upper portion of the first container than are the one or more stacking features of the second container. For example, the one or more stacking features of the first container may be at least partially offset from the one or more stacking features of the second container. Moreover, a top surface of at least one of the one or more stacking features of the second container may be configured to contact a bottom wall of the upper portion of the first container when the first container is stacked on top of the second container. Notably, the upper portions of the containers may be vertical such that there are no backdrafts. The result may be that the first container is prevented from nesting into or within the second container in any circumstance, including when twisting, side, or other unexpected forces are applied thereto. The one or more stacking features of each of the first container and the second container do not lock the containers together, but instead allow for easy separation.

In an example embodiment, a first container for stacking with a second container is provided. The first container includes a base portion and one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a first flange, and defining a first upper portion of the one or more walls disposed adjacent the first flange. The one or more walls and the base portion form a first interior volume. The first container also includes one or more first stacking features extending from the first upper portion toward the first interior volume of the first container, and each of the one or more first stacking features has a top surface. The second container includes a base portion and one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a second flange, and defining a second upper portion of the one or more walls disposed adjacent the second flange. The one or more walls and the base portion form a second interior volume. The second container also includes one or more second stacking features extending from the second upper portion toward the second interior volume of the second container, and each of the one or more second stacking features has a top surface. The one or more first stacking features are arranged in a first configuration on the first upper portion, and the one or more second stacking features are arranged in a second configuration on the second upper portion. In some embodiments, the first configuration is different from the second configuration.

In some embodiments, the first flange and the second flange may be each outwardly extending from their respective one or more walls.

In some embodiments, the first upper portion may be perpendicular to a surface of the base portion of the first container, and the second upper portion may be perpendicular to a surface of the base portion of the second container.

In some embodiments, at least one top surface of the one or more second stacking features may be configured to be able to rest on a bottom wall of the first container when the first container is stacked on top of the second container, and the bottom wall may be defined by an outwardly extending portion of the first upper portion.

In some embodiments, the one or more first stacking features may extend from the first upper portion toward the first interior volume of the first container with a length that is less than 2 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the one or more first stacking features may each have a width that is less than 4 millimeters.

In another example embodiment, a first container for stacking with a second container is provided. The first container includes a base portion and one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a first flange, and defining a first upper portion of the one or more walls disposed adjacent the first flange. The one or more walls and the base portion form a first interior volume. The first container also includes one or more first stacking features extending from the first upper portion toward the first interior volume of the first container, and each of the one or more first stacking features has a top surface. The second container includes a base portion and one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a second flange, and defining a second upper portion of the one or more walls disposed adjacent the second flange. The one or more walls and the base portion form a second interior volume. The second container also includes one or more second stacking features extending from the second upper portion toward the second interior volume of the second container, and each of the one or more second stacking features has a top surface. At least one of the top surfaces of the one or more second stacking features is configured to rest against a bottom wall of the first upper portion of the first container when the first container is stacked onto the second container. The bottom wall is defined by an outwardly extending portion of the first upper portion. The first container and the second container are configured such that, when the first container and the second container are stacked, the at least one top surface of the one or more second stacking features of the second container is at least partially offset from each of the one or more first stacking features of the first container.

In some embodiments, the first flange and the second flange may be each outwardly extending from their respective one or more walls.

In some embodiments, the first upper portion may be perpendicular to a surface of the base portion of the first container, and the second upper portion may be perpendicular to a surface of the base portion of the second container.

In some embodiments, the one or more first stacking features may be arranged in a first configuration on the first upper portion, and the one or more second stacking features may be arranged in a second configuration on the second upper portion. The first configuration may be different from the second configuration.

In some embodiments, the one or more first stacking features may extend from the first upper portion toward the first interior volume of the first container with a length that is less than 2 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the one or more first stacking features may each have a width that is less than 4 millimeters.

In another example embodiment, a plurality of stackable containers is provided. Each container of the plurality of stackable containers includes a base portion and one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a flange, and defining an upper portion of the one or more walls disposed adjacent the flange. The one or more walls and the base portion form an interior volume. Each container of the plurality of stackable containers also includes one or more stacking features extending from the upper portion toward the interior volume of the container. Each of the one or more stacking features has a top surface, and the top surface is configured to be able to rest on a bottom wall of an upper portion of another container of the plurality of stackable containers when the plurality of stackable container are stacked. The one or more stacking features of each of the plurality of stackable containers are differently spaced along the upper portions such that the plurality of stackable containers are prevented from nesting together when the plurality of stackable containers are stacked.

In some embodiments, the plurality of stackable containers may include at least 32 stackable containers.

In some embodiments, the one or more stacking features of each of the at least 32 stackable containers may have different configurations with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, the one or more stacking features of at least half of the at least 32 stackable containers may have different configurations with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, the upper portion may be perpendicular to the base portion.

In some embodiments, the top surface of each of the one or more stacking features may be configured to be able to rest on a bottom wall of an upper portion of another container when the plurality of stackable containers are stacked, and the bottom wall may be defined by an outwardly extending portion of the upper portion of the another container.

In some embodiments, the one or more stacking features may extend from the upper portion toward the interior volume of the container with a length that is less than 2 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the one or more stacking features may each have a width that is less than 4 millimeters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example first container.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the first container of FIG. 1 stacked within an example second container.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first container of FIGS. 1-2 stacked within the second container of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded inside perspective view of a first stacking feature of the first container of FIGS. 1-3 and a first stacking feature of the second container of FIGS. 2-3 when the first container is stacked within the second container.

FIGS. 5A-5C show various cross-sectional views of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 6A-6C show varying profiles of stackable containers.

FIG. 7 is a zoomed-in perspective outside view of another example first container.

FIG. 8 is a zoomed-in perspective inside view of the example first container of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an inside view of the first container of FIGS. 7-8 stacked within another example second container.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the first container of FIGS. 7-9 stacked within the second container of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention may be embodied in many forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail one or more embodiments with the understanding that this disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first container 10 that is configured for stacking with other similarly configured containers. The first container 10 includes a base portion 20 with a first wall 16, a second wall 18, a third wall 22, and a fourth wall 24 extending upwardly therefrom. The base portion 20 and the first wall 16, the second wall 18, the third wall 22, and the fourth wall 24 may together form a first interior volume 17. The first wall 16, the second wall 18, the third wall 22, and the fourth wall 24 may further terminate in a first flange 12. In some embodiments, the first flange 12 may outwardly extend from the first wall 16, the second wall 18, the third wall 22, and the fourth wall 24. In other embodiments, the flange 12 may extend inwardly. The first container 10 also includes a first upper portion 15 of the at least one wall that extends circumferentially around the first wall 16, the second wall 18, the third wall 22, and the fourth wall 24. In some embodiments, the first upper portion 15 may be adjacent to the first flange 15, but in some other embodiments, the first upper portion 15 may be configured differently.

It should be appreciated that, although the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes the first wall 16, the second wall 18, the third wall 22, and the fourth wall 24 extending up from the base portion 20, in some other embodiments, the first container 10 may have any number of walls extending up from the base portion 20. For example, in some embodiments, the first container 10 may only have one wall (e.g., having a cylindrical body shape), or in some other embodiments, the first container may have eight walls extending up from the base portion 20. Other configurations are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the first upper portion 15 of the first container 10 may be configured such that it is perpendicular to a surface of the base portion 20 and/or a surface of the flange 12. For example, the first upper portion 15 may be vertically aligned and may have no backdraft (e.g., the first upper portion may not be slanted). This may contribute to the prevention of nesting when the first container is stacked within another container, such as will be described herein.

The first container 10 may further include one or more first stacking features 14 extending from the first upper portion 15 toward the first interior volume 17 of the first container 10. For example, the one or more first stacking features 14 may include a first stacking feature 14a, a second stacking feature 14b, a third stacking feature 14c, a fourth stacking feature 14d, a fifth stacking feature 14e, a sixth stacking feature 14f, a seventh stacking feature 14g, an eighth stacking feature 14h, a ninth stacking feature 14i, a tenth stacking feature 14j, an eleventh stacking feature 14k, and a twelfth stacking feature 14l. In some embodiments, the one or more stacking features 14 may extend inwardly from the first upper portion 15 toward the interior volume 17 such that the one or more first stacking features 14 are not flush with the first wall 16, the second wall 18, the third wall 22, and the fourth wall 24, respectively. In other embodiments, the one or more stacking features 14 may be flush with the first wall 16, the second wall 18, the third wall 22, and the fourth wall 24, respectively.

FIGS. 2-3 illustrates the first container 10 stacked within a second container 30. The second container 30 may be substantially the same as the first container 10, with the exception of the placement and/or configuration of the one or more stacking features 14. For example, the second container 30 may include a base portion with a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, and a fourth wall extending upwardly therefrom, and the base portion, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall may together form a second interior volume. The first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall may further terminate in a second flange, which may outwardly extend from the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall. The second container 30 may also include a second upper portion that extends circumferentially around the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall. In some embodiments, the second upper portion may be adjacent to the second flange, but in some other embodiments, the second upper portion may be configured differently.

In some embodiments, the second upper portion of the second container 30 may be configured such that it is perpendicular to a surface of the base portion of the second container 30 and/or the flange. For example, the second upper portion may be vertically aligned and may have no backdraft. This may contribute to the prevention of nesting when the second container is stacked with another container (e.g., when the first container is stacked within the second container).

The second container 30 may further include one or more second stacking features extending from the second upper portion toward the second interior volume of the second container 30. For example, the one or more second stacking features may include a first stacking feature, a second stacking feature, a third stacking feature, a fourth stacking feature, a fifth stacking feature, a sixth stacking feature, a seventh stacking feature, an eighth stacking feature, a ninth stacking feature, a tenth stacking feature, an eleventh stacking feature, and a twelfth stacking feature. In some embodiments, the one or more second stacking features may extend inwardly from the second upper portion toward the second interior volume such that the one or more second stacking features are not flush with the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall, respectively. In other embodiments, the one or more second stacking features may be flush with the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall, respectively.

The one or more first stacking features 14 may be arranged in a first configuration on the first upper portion 15, and the one or more second stacking features may be arranged in a second configuration on the second upper portion. The first upper portion 15 is, in an embodiment, recessed from the sidewalls of the container, outwardly, away from the first interior volume 17 of the first container 10. In this embodiment, the first upper portion 15 comprises a side surface 43 and a bottom wall 44. In other embodiments, the upper portion 15 may be recessed from the sidewalls of the first container 10, inwardly, toward the first interior volume 17 of the first container 10. In this embodiment, the first upper portion 15 also comprises a side surface 43 and a bottom wall 44. In an embodiment, the first upper portion 15 is continuous about the circumference of the container, between stacking features. In an embodiment, the first upper portion 15 may be flush with the container sidewalls. In an embodiment, the top surface of the first upper portion 15 comprises the flange 12.

The first configuration may be different from the second configuration such that, when the first container 10 is stacked within the second container 30, the first container 10 and the second container 30 are prevented from nesting together. Further, because the first configuration and the second configuration are different, nesting may also be prevented even when the stacked containers are subject to abnormal forces.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the first stacking feature 14a of the first container 10 in relation to a first stacking feature 38 of the second container 30 when the first container 10 is stacked on top of the second container 30. As shown, the first stacking feature 14a of the first container 10 extends from the first upper portion 15 of the first container 10. The first stacking feature 14a defines a top surface 32 and, in some embodiments, a bottom surface 34. In some embodiments, the top surface 32 is flush with a top surface of the flange 12. Further, first stacking feature 14a may have side walls 31 and 33. The sidewalls 31 and 33 are concavely curved in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the side walls 31 and 33 may be convexly curved, straight, or have any other shape. Further, the overall shape of the first stacking feature 14a may be rectangular, as shown in FIG. 4, but in other embodiments, the first stacking feature 14a may have any other shape.

Similarly, the first stacking feature 38 of the second container 30 extends from a second upper portion 42 of the second container 30. The first stacking feature 38 of the second container 30 defines a top surface 36 and, in some embodiments, a bottom surface 40. In some embodiments, the top surface 36 is flush with a top surface of the flange 13 of the second container 30. Further, first stacking feature 38 may have side walls 37 and 39. The sidewalls 37 and 39 are concavely curved in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the side walls 37 and 39 may be convexly curved, straight, or have any other shape. Further, the overall shape of the first stacking feature 38 may be rectangular, as shown in FIG. 4, but in other embodiments, the first stacking feature 38 may have any other shape.

The top surface 36 of the first stacking feature 38 of the second container 30 is configured to contact a bottom wall 44 of the first upper portion 15 of the first container 10 when the first container 10 is stacked on top of the second container 30. Said alternatively, the bottom wall 44 of the first upper portion 15 rests atop the first stacking feature 38 of the second container 30. As described above, and in more detail herein with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C, the bottom wall 44 may comprise an outwardly extending portion of the first upper portion 15. The first container 10 and the second container 30 may be further configured such that, when stacked, the top surface 36 of the first stacking feature 38 of the second container 30 is at least partially offset from each of the one or more first stacking features 14 of the first container 10 (e.g., first stacking feature 14a). In some embodiments, the stacking features of the first container 10 and the second container 30 may contact one another in part, but not entirely, when in a stacked configuration. That is, in an embodiment, the stacking features of the first container 10 and the second container 30 are not aligned directly atop one another.

It should be appreciated that the stacking features 14a and 38 may each have a width that is less than 4 millimeters. It should also be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the stacking features 14a and 38 may have any other dimensions and/or may take on any other shape.

FIGS. 5A-5C show cross-sections of the embodiment of FIG. 4 at the cross-sections A-A (FIG. 5A), B-B (FIG. 5B), and C-C (FIG. 5C). FIG. 5A, which is the A-A cross-section of FIG. 4, shows that the first container 10 has no stacking feature, and the second container 30 has first stacking feature 38. The first stacking feature 38 of the second container 30 has a top surface 36 and a bottom surface 40, and the bottom surface 40 extends inwardly into the interior volume of the second container 30 past wall 21. The bottom wall 44 of the first upper portion 15 of the first container 10 is resting atop of the top surface 36 of the first stacking feature 38, which in this embodiment, is flush with the flange 13.

FIG. 5B, which is the B-B cross-section of FIG. 4, shows that the first container 10 has the first stacking feature 14a, and the second container 30 has no stacking feature. Rather, at cross-section B-B, the second container 30 has the second upper portion 42 having a bottom wall 23. The first stacking feature 14a of the first container 10 has a top surface 32 and a bottom surface 34. Because the bottom wall 44 of the first container 10 is resting atop the stacking features of the second container 30 at other positions (e.g., at the cross-section A-A), the first container 10 remains in the position shown with respect to the second container 30.

FIG. 5C, which is the C-C cross-section of FIG. 4, shows that neither the first container 10 nor the second container 30 has a stacking feature. Because the bottom wall 44 of the first container 10 is resting atop the stacking features of the second container 30 at other positions (e.g., at the cross-section A-A), the first container 10 remains in the position shown with respect to the second container 30.

Referring still to FIGS. 4-5C, it should be appreciated that the upper portions 15 and 42 are substantially vertical with no backdraft (e.g., having no slant). This contributes to the prevention of nesting in that a backdraft of a first container could catch a flange of a second container that is above the first container, which causes separation difficulties and/or jamming.

Further, it should also be appreciated that the upper portions 15 and 42 and the bottom walls 44 and 23 thereof are continuous at least between the one or more stacking features of the first container 10 and the second container 30, respectively. This may ensure, e.g., that the bottom wall 44 can rest on the top surface 36 of the stacking feature 38, even when twisting, side, and/or other unexpected forces are applied to the stacked first and second containers 10 and 30. That is, there are no specific points along the bottom wall 44 on which the top surface 36 has to rest in order for nesting to be prevented. Rather, the top surface 36 can rest on and/or slide along any point or portion of the bottom wall 44, and nesting will still be prevented. This is especially useful, for example, in scenarios in which the first container 10 is stacked onto or within the second container 30 and the first container 10 is subsequently subject to a twisting force.

FIGS. 6A-6C show varying side profile views of a flange, a stacking feature, and a side wall of a container of the invention, in an embodiment. As shown, a stacking feature may extend from an upper portion of a container toward an interior volume of the container in varying ways. For example, FIG. 6A shows a wall 100 of a container. The wall 100 has an upper portion that terminates in a flange 106. Although not shown, in other cross-sections of the container, the upper portion has a bottom wall that extends perpendicularly to the wall 100, outwardly from the interior volume of the container. That is, the upper portion is recessed from the remainder of the wall 100. The wall 100 further includes a stacking feature 108, the profile(s) of which is shown in FIG. 6A. The stacking features 108 has a top surface 110 which is, in an embodiment, flush with the flange 106. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the stacking feature 108 extends beyond the wall 100 and into the interior space of the container, creating a bottom surface 112 having a length L₁. For example, the length L₁ may be less than 2 millimeters. However, in other embodiments, the length L₁ may be any other value.

FIG. 6B shows a wall 100′ of another container. The wall 100′ has an upper portion that terminates in a flange 106′. Although not shown, in other cross-sections of the container, the upper portion has a bottom wall that extends perpendicularly to the wall 100′, outwardly from the interior volume of the container. That is, the upper portion is recessed from the remainder of the wall 100′. The wall 100′ further includes a stacking feature 108′, the profile(s) of which is shown in FIG. 6B. The stacking features 108′ has a top surface 110′, which is, in an embodiment, flush with the flange 106′. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, the stacking feature 108′ is flush with the wall 100′. Thus, the stacking feature 108′ does not create a bottom surface.

FIG. 6C shows a wall 100″ of another container. The wall 100″ has an upper portion that terminates in a flange 106″. Although not shown, in other cross-sections of the container, the upper portion has a bottom wall that extends perpendicularly to the wall 100″, outwardly from the interior volume of the container. That is, the upper portion is recessed from the remainder of the wall 100″. The wall 100″ further includes a stacking feature 108″, the profile(s) of which is shown in FIG. 6C. The stacking feature 108″ has a top surface 110″, which is, in an embodiment, flush with the flange 106″. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, the stacking feature 108″ falls short of the wall 110″, creating a bottom surface 112″ having a length L₂. For example, the length L₂ may be less than 2 millimeters. However, in other embodiments, the length L₂ may be any other value.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrate another example first container 70. The first container 70 includes at least a first wall 72 that extends up from a base portion 71 and that terminates in a flange 82. The first container 70 also includes a first upper portion 74 that defines, at least, a first stacking feature 76, a second stacking feature 78, and a third stacking feature 80. FIG. 7 is an outside view of the first container 70, while FIG. 8 is an inside view of the first container 70. Notably, the first upper portion 74, the first stacking feature 76, the second stacking feature 78, and the third stacking feature 80 are configured such that the first stacking feature 76, the second stacking feature 78, and the third stacking feature 80 are flush or substantially flush with the first wall 72, while the first upper portion 74 extends outwardly (as shown in FIG. 3). The first upper portion 74 is substantially vertical (e.g., perpendicular to a surface of the base portion 71). The outward extension of the first upper portion 74 creates a bottom surface 75 of the first upper portion 74.

Notably, the first container 70 is different from the first container 10 (and the second container 30) as depicted in FIGS. 1-4 in that the one or more first stacking features 14 of the first container 10 are not flush with the first wall 16, the second wall 18, the third wall 22, and the fourth wall 24, but the stacking features 76, 78, and 80 of the first container 70 are flush with the first wall 72. In this way, the first container 10 (and the second container 30) of FIGS. 1-4 is configured with a profile similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 5A and 6A, while the first container 70 of FIGS. 7-8 is configured with a profile similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 5B and 6B.

FIGS. 9-10 illustrate the first container 70 stacked within another second container 52. Like the first container 70, the second container 52 includes at least a first wall that extends up from a base portion and that terminates in a flange. The second container 52 also includes a second upper portion 60 that defines, at least, a first stacking feature 56, a second stacking feature 57, and a third stacking feature 58. FIG. 9 is an inside view of the first container 70 stacked within the second container 52, while FIG. 10 is a top view of the first container 70 stacked within the second container 52. Notably, the second upper portion 60, the first stacking feature 56, the second stacking feature 57, and the third stacking feature 58 are also configured such that the first stacking feature 56, the second stacking feature 57, and the third stacking feature 58 are flush or substantially flush with the first wall of the second container 52. Moreover, the second container 52 is substantially the same as the first container 70, except for that the stacking features 76, 78, and 80 of the first container 70 are positioned in a different configuration along the first upper portion 74 than are the stacking feature 56, 57, and 58 of the second container 52 along the second upper portion 60.

The containers described herein can be configured as a plurality of stackable containers that are prevented from nesting when stacked. For example, in some embodiments, each of a plurality of stackable containers may include a base portion and one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion. The one or more walls may terminate in a flange, and the one or more walls may further define, adjacent the flange, an upper portion of the one or more walls. The one or more walls and the base portion may also form an interior volume. Further, one or more stacking features may extend from the upper portion toward the interior volume of each of the containers. Each of the one or more stacking features may have a top surface, and the top surface may be configured to be able to rest on a bottom wall of an upper portion of another container of the plurality of stackable containers when the plurality of stackable containers are stacked. The one or more stacking features of each of the plurality of stackable containers may be differently spaced along the upper portions such that the plurality of stackable containers are prevented from nesting together when the plurality of stackable containers are stacked, as described herein.

The plurality of stackable containers may include any number of stackable containers. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of stackable containers may include at least 2 stackable containers, 3 stackable containers, 4 stackable containers, 5 stackable containers, 8 stackable containers, 16 stackable containers, or 32 stackable containers. Any number of stackable containers is contemplated. Further, in an embodiment, the one or more stacking features of each of the stackable containers in the plurality has a different configuration from that of the other stackable containers in the plurality, such that the plurality of stackable containers are prevented from nesting with each other. Other configurations are also contemplated.

Thus, there has been described stackable containers that are configured to prevent nesting when stacked. In some example embodiments, the containers are made from a plastic material. For example, in some embodiments, the containers may be comprised of APET. However, the containers described herein can alternatively be made from any other material. Further, in some embodiments, the stacking features described herein may be integrally formed with the containers, but in some other embodiments, the stacking features may be added after the containers are formed.

It is understood that the embodiments of the invention described above are only particular examples which serve to illustrate the principles of the invention. Modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention are contemplated which do not depart from the scope of the invention as defined by the foregoing teachings and appended claims. It is intended that the claims cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments that fall within their scope.

Claims

1. A first container for stacking with a second container, the first container comprising: a base portion;one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a first flange, and defining a first upper portion of the one or more walls disposed adjacent the first flange, wherein the one or more walls and the base portion form a first interior volume; andone or more first stacking features extending from the first upper portion toward the first interior volume of the first container, wherein each of the one or more first stacking features has a top surface,the second container comprising:a base portion;one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a second flange, and defining a second upper portion of the one or more walls disposed adjacent the second flange, wherein the one or more walls and the base portion form a second interior volume; andone or more second stacking features extending from the second upper portion toward the second interior volume of the second container, wherein each of the one or more second stacking features has a top surface,wherein the one or more first stacking features are arranged in a first configuration on the first upper portion, wherein the one or more second stacking features are arranged in a second configuration on the second upper portion, and wherein the first configuration is different from the second configuration.

2. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 1, wherein the first flange and the second flange are each outwardly extending from their respective one or more walls.

3. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 1, wherein the first upper portion is perpendicular to a surface of the base portion of the first container, and wherein the second upper portion is perpendicular to a surface of the base portion of the second container.

4. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 1, wherein at least one top surface of the one or more second stacking features is configured to be able to rest on a bottom wall of the first container when the first container is stacked on top of the second container, and wherein the bottom wall is defined by an outwardly extending portion of the first upper portion.

5. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 1, wherein the one or more first stacking features extend from the first upper portion toward the first interior volume of the first container with a length that is less than 2 millimeters.

6. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 1, wherein the one or more first stacking features each have a width that is less than 4 millimeters.

7. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 1, wherein the first container and the second container are each comprised of APET.

8. A first container for stacking with a second container, the first container comprising: a base portion;one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a first flange, and defining a first upper portion of the one or more walls disposed adjacent the first flange, wherein the one or more walls and the base portion form a first interior volume; andone or more first stacking features extending from the first upper portion toward the first interior volume of the first container, wherein each of the one or more first stacking features has a top surface,the second container comprising:a base portion;one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a second flange, and defining a second upper portion of the one or more walls disposed adjacent the second flange, wherein the one or more walls and the base portion form a second interior volume; andone or more second stacking features extending from the second upper portion toward the second interior volume of the second container, wherein each of the one or more second stacking features has a top surface,wherein at least one of the top surfaces of the one or more second stacking features is configured to rest against a bottom wall of the first upper portion of the first container when the first container is stacked onto the second container, wherein the bottom wall is defined by an outwardly extending portion of the first upper portion, and wherein the first container and the second container are configured such that, when the first container and the second container are stacked, the at least one top surface of the one or more second stacking features of the second container is at least partially offset from each of the one or more first stacking features of the first container.

9. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 8, wherein the first flange and the second flange are each outwardly extending from their respective one or more walls.

10. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 8, wherein the first upper portion is perpendicular to a surface of the base portion of the first container, and wherein the second upper portion is perpendicular to a surface of the base portion of the second container.

11. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 8, wherein the one or more first stacking features are arranged in a first configuration on the first upper portion, wherein the one or more second stacking features are arranged in a second configuration on the second upper portion, and wherein the first configuration is different from the second configuration.

12. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 8, wherein the one or more first stacking features extend from the first upper portion toward the first interior volume of the first container with a length that is less than 2 millimeters.

13. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 8, wherein the one or more first stacking features each have a width that is less than 4 millimeters.

14. The first container for stacking with the second container of claim 8, wherein the first container and the second container are each comprised of APET.

15. A plurality of stackable containers, each container of the plurality of stackable containers comprising: a base portion;one or more walls extending upwardly from the base portion, terminating in a flange, and defining an upper portion of the one or more walls disposed adjacent the flange, wherein the one or more walls and the base portion form an interior volume; andone or more stacking features extending from the upper portion toward the interior volume of the container,wherein each of the one or more stacking features has a top surface, wherein the top surface is configured to be able to rest on a bottom wall of an upper portion of another container of the plurality of stackable containers when the plurality of stackable container are stacked, andwherein the one or more stacking features of each of the plurality of stackable containers are differently spaced along the upper portions such that the plurality of stackable containers are prevented from nesting together when the plurality of stackable containers are stacked.

16. The plurality of stackable containers of claim 15, wherein the one or more stacking features of each of the plurality of stackable containers have different configurations with respect to each other.

17. The plurality of stackable containers of claim 15, wherein the upper portion is perpendicular to the base portion.

18. The plurality of stackable containers of claim 15, wherein the top surface of each of the one or more stacking features is configured to be able to rest on a bottom wall of an upper portion of another container when the plurality of stackable containers are stacked, and wherein the bottom wall is defined by an outwardly extending portion of the upper portion of the another container.

19. The plurality of stackable containers of claim 15, wherein the one or more stacking features extend from the upper portion toward the interior volume of the container with a length that is less than 2 millimeters.

20. The plurality of stackable containers of claim 15, wherein the one or more stacking features each have a width that is less than 4 millimeters.