WO2006091655A1

WO2006091655A1 - Sealing container with stackable tops and bottoms

Info

Publication number: WO2006091655A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/006248
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lawrence John Racana
Original assignee: The Glad Products Company
Priority date: 2005-02-23
Filing date: 2006-02-22
Publication date: 2006-08-31
Also published as: EP1851125A1; AU2006216694B2; MX2007010253A; JP2008531413A; ZA200706451B; CN101128362A; CA2596243C; CA2596243A1; KR20070119617A; AU2006216694A1; NZ560380A; EP1851125A4

Abstract

The sealing container includes a container bottom and a container top. The container top defines a first nesting portion and a second nesting portion. When the container top is inverted and inserted into the container bottom cavity, the first nesting portion and the second nesting portion make contact with the container bottom at two different portions of the container bottom.

Description

SEALING CONTAINER WITH STACKABLE TOPS AND BOTTOMS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention pertains to containers with stackable tops and bottoms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sealing containers are well known in the art. They are used to organize and store items, such as perishable foods. The sealing capabilities of these containers help to protect the contents of the container from exposure to elements of the environment surrounding the container including dust, for example. Sealable containers may be made of various materials and formed at various thicknesses to meet a user's needs. For example, some sealable containers are durable and meant for repeated usage, but can be expensive. Other sealable containers are extremely thin and inexpensive such that they are both affordable and disposable, but not durable. Finally, some plastic sealable containers are designed such that they are a suitable thickness to provide durability and yet are inexpensive enough for a consumer to dispose after limited or extended use, if desired. Additionally, organized storage of empty sealable containers as they exist in the art can be problematic because the container tops do not securely stack within each other.

[0003] The invention provides a container with functionality that is lacking in the art. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides a container comprising a container bottom and a container top. The container bottom defines a cavity and includes a container bottom closure portion. The container top defines a cavity and includes a container top closure portion, a first nesting portion disposed along the perimeter of the container top cavity, and a second nesting portion disposed along the perimeter of the container top cavity. When the container top is in an upright position, the container bottom closure portion may be connected to the container top closure portion to seal the plastic container. When the container top is inverted and inserted into the container bottom cavity, the first nesting portion and the second nesting portion make contact with the container bottom at two different portions of the container bottom.

[0005] The invention also provides a container top defining a cavity. The container top comprises a locking portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity for engaging an adjacent plastic container top and a receiving portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity for receiving a locking portion of an adjacent plastic container top. If a first adjacent container top is inserted into the cavity, the locking portion engages a receiving portion of the adjacent container top to form a stack of container tops. If the container top is inserted into the cavity of a second adjacent container top, the receiving portion of the container top is engaged by a locking portion of the second adjacent container top to form a stack of container tops.

[0006] The invention further provides a container top defining a cavity, which comprises an inward curved portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity, an outward curved portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity, and a nesting portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity. If a first adjacent container top is inserted into the cavity, the inward curved portion is in contact with an outward curved portion of the first adjacent container top and the nesting portion is in contact with a nesting portion of the first adjacent container top to form a stack of container tops. If the container top is inserted into the cavity of a second adjacent container top, the outward curved portion of the container top is in contact with an inward curved portion of the second adjacent container top and the nesting portion is in contact with a nesting portion of the second adjacent container top to form a stack of container tops.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container. [0008] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the container bottom in FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the container bottom in FIG. 2.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the container top in FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the container top in FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the container top in FIG. 1 shown in an inverted position.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 1 stacked on another container.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 1 with the container top inverted as shown in FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 1 with the container top inverted as shown in FIG. 6.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 1 stacked on another container with the container tops inverted as shown in FIG. 6.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the container top in FIG. 1 inverted as shown in Figure 6.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the container top in FIG. 1 inverted as shown in Figure 6 stacked with two other inverted container tops. [0021] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 1 stacked with another container, wherein the container tops are inverted and stacked on each other and on a stack of container bottoms.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 1 stacked with another container, wherein the container tops are inverted and stacked on each other and on a stack of container bottoms.

[0023] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a container.

[0024] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the container bottom in FIG. 17.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the container bottom in FIG. 17.

[0026] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the container top in FIG. 17.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a plan view of the container top in FIG. 17.

[0028] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the container top in FIG. 17 shown in an inverted position.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 17.

[0030] FIG. 24 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG.

17.

[0031] FIG. 25 is a side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 17 stacked on another container.

[0032] FIG. 26 is a side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 17 with the container top inverted as shown in FIG. 22.

[0033] FIG. 27 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 1 with the container top inverted as shown in FIG. 22. [0034] FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 17 stacked on another container with the container tops inverted as shown in FIG. 22.

[0035] FIG. 29 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the container top in FIG. 17 inverted as shown in Figure 22.

[0036] FIG. 30 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the container top in FIG. 17 inverted as shown in Figure 22 stacked with two other inverted container tops.

[0037] FIG. 31 is a side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 17 stacked with another container, wherein the container tops are inverted and stacked on each other and on a stack of container bottoms.

[0038] FIG. 32 is a fragmentary side cross-sectional view of the container in FIG. 17 stacked with another container, wherein the container tops are inverted and stacked on each other and on a stack of container bottoms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, the container 100 comprises a container top 102 and a container bottom 104. The container top 102 and container bottom 104 may be connected to one another forming a seal. The container is preferably made of a plastic material, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other materials may be used. Referring to FIG. 2, the container bottom has a bottom surface 106, a sidewall 108, and a closure portion 110. The sidewall 108 extends upward from the bottom surface 106 to define a cavity for storage. The closure portion 110 extends outward and above the sidewall 108. The bottom surface 106 may have a recessed portion 112. Referring to Figure 4, the container top 102 may include a decorative portion 114 on a top surface 116. The recessed portion 112 shown in Figure 2 may be used, by way of example and not limitation, for accommodating a decorative portion 114 on a top surface 116 of a container top 102 when stacked on another container 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the container bottom 104 may be approximately quadrilateral in shape. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, however, that the invention is applicable to other container shapes as well, including but not limited to circular, for example.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, the container top 102 has a top surface 116, a sidewall 118, and a closure portion 120. The sidewall 118 extends downward from the top surface 116 to define a cavity. The closure portion 120 extends outward and below the sidewall 118. The container 100 may be sealed by disposing the container top 102 near the container bottom 104 and applying a force. To separate the container top 102 from the container bottom 104, a release tab 122 may be provided such that a user has a surface to grasp when exerting force to separate the respective closure portions 120, 110 of the container top 102 and container bottom 104. The top surface 116 may have a recessed portion 124 surrounded by a stabilizing rim 126 for stabilizing a container 100 stacked above the container top 102. The container top 102 may also have some form of decorative portion 114. As shown in FIG. 5, the container top 102 may be approximately quadrilateral in shape. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, however, that the invention is applicable to other container shapes as well, including but not limited to circular, for example. FIG. 6 shows the container top 102 in an inverted position. When inverted, the cavity defined by the top surface 116 and sidewall 118 now faces upward instead of downward. In the inverted position, the container top 102 may be used as a plate or bowl.

[0041] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a container top 102 attached to a container bottom 104. The container top 102 has a container top closure portion 120. The container top closure portion 120 comprises an outward extending portion 128, an outward curved portion 130, an inward curved portion 132, and an upturned graspable portion 134. The container bottom 104 has a container bottom closure portion 110. The container bottom closure portion 110 comprises an outward extending portion 136, an outward curved portion 138, an inward curved portion 140, and a downward turned graspable portion 142. When the container top 102 is disposed adjacent to the container bottom 104, the inward curved portion 132 of the container top closure portion 120 is in contact with the outward curved portion 138 of the container bottom closure portion 110. As pressure is applied, the respective closure portions 120, 110 flex slightly enough for the inward curved portion 132 of the container top closure portion 120 to slide past the outward curved portion 138 of the container bottom closure portion 110 to seal the container 100. When the container 100 is sealed, the outward extending portion 128, the outward curved portion 130, and the inward curved portion 132 of the container top closure portion 120 is disposed adjacent to the outward extending portion 136, the outward curved portion 138, and the inward curved portion 140 of the container bottom closure portion 110, respectively. The cavity defined by the top surface 116 and sidewall 118 of the container top 102 accommodates overstuffing the container 100 by providing extra storing room for materials stacked above the sidewall 108 of the container bottom 104. The respective graspable portions 134, 142 may be used to grab or hold the container 100, and may also be used to help pull the container top 102 away from the container bottom 104.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of containers 100a, 100b may be stacked on top of one another to form a container stack 170. When on top of another container 100, the bottom surface 106a of the container bottom 104a of the superjacent container 100a rests within the recessed portion 124b of the top surface 116b of the container top 102b of the subjacent container 100b. The stabilizing rim 126b on the top surface 116b of the subjacent container 100b helps to limit lateral movement of the superjacent container 100a, thereby helping to stabilize the stack. The stabilizing rim 126b also helps to center the container stack 170 such that the center of gravity of the container stack 170 remains relatively centered to prevent tipping. As a container 100a is placed superjacent another container 100b, a user will know when the container stack is not centered properly because the bottom surface 106a of the superjacent container 100a will extend beyond the outside of the stabilizing rim 126b of the subjacent container 100b, or the stabilizing rim 106a of the subjacent container 100b will cause the superjacent container 100a to rest at an angle.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 10, in accordance with the invention, the container top 102 may be inverted and placed within the cavity of the container bottom 104 to accommodate under stuffing the container bottom 104. The cavity defined by the top surface 116 and the sidewall 118 of the container top 102 accommodates the storage of materials within this cavity. Thus, with the container top 102 in the inverted position, the container 100 has two areas for storage. For example, the container top 102 may be used to store potato chips and the container bottom 104 may be used to store dip. When not being used, the dip is protected by the container top 102. When a user wants to access to the dip, she can simply remove the container top 102.

[0044] The inverted container top 102 and container bottom 104 are in contact at a plurality of portions. Having a plurality of portions of contact enhances the stability and sealing capability of the container top 102 in the inverted position. As seen in FIG. 11, by way of example and not limitation, when the container top 102 is in the inverted position, the container top 102 makes contact with the container bottom 104 at two portions 148, 150 to help keep dust and other objects out and preserve the contents stored in the container bottom 104. A first portion of contact 148 occurs between a first nesting portion 172 disposed along the perimeter of the container top 102 and the sidewall 108 of the container bottom 104. A second portion of contact 150 occurs between a second nesting portion 174 disposed along the perimeter of the container top 102 and approximately near the intersection of the outward extending portion 136 of the closure portion 110 of the container bottom 104 and the sidewall 108 of the container bottom 104. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, would recognize that the relative position of the portions of contact could occur at different portions of the container top 102 and container bottom 104 than those depicted in the figures, and the number of portions of contact need not be restricted to two.

[0045] The ability to invert the container top 102 also provides the additional functionality of being able to stack containers at two different heights. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a superjacent container 100c rests within the cavity of the container top 102d of the subjacent container lOOd reducing the effective stacking height. This stacking arrangement may be desirable if the user wants to reduce the stacking height, and the user does not need the extra storage space provided by the container top 102d in the upright position. [0046] As shown in FIG. 13, the container top 102, shown inverted, has a locking portion 158 disposed along the perimeter of the cavity and a receiving portion 160 disposed along the perimeter of the cavity. As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of container tops 102a, 102b, 102c, shown inverted, may be stacked on top of one another to form a container top stack 156. In accordance with the invention, if a first container top 102a is inserted into the cavity of a second container top 102b, the locking portion 158b of the second container top 102b engages a receiving portion 160a of the first container top 102a to form a container top stack 156. As shown in FIG 13, the locking portion 158 comprises a protruding rib and the receiving portion 160 comprises a recessed groove. In other embodiments, the locking portion 158 may include one or more of the following features to enable engagement; convex portions or ribs, concave portions or ribs, linear or curvilinear undercuts, linear or curvilinear cross-sections, discreet snap elements or buttons, interference fits, textured surfaces, or elements that modify surface friction or tackiness at or around the point of engagement. The engaging areas that create a locking condition may be continuous about the perimeter of the cavity or discreetly segmented about the perimeter of the cavity. It may be beneficial to design the locking portion 158 of the top 102 so as to have tactile and audible feedback upon engagement of the locking portion 158. Additional container tops 102 may be added to the stack 156. For example, if the second container top 102b is inserted into the cavity of a third container top 102c, the receiving portion 160b of the second container top 102b is engaged by a locking portion 158c of the third container top 102c to expand the number of container tops 102 in the container top stack 156. By the locking portion 158 of a container top 102 engaging the receiving portion 160 of an adjacent container top 102, the container tops 102 become securely attached to one another such that a user does not have to worry about the container tops 102 sliding off of each other while storing them. The stack of tops 156 will resist jarring and dropping and still remain locked together without vertical or horizontal displacement of an individual top 102 within the stack 156 such that stack integrity is not compromised. An inward curved portion 132 and outward curved portion 130 may be disposed along the perimeter of the container top 102 to provide a second portion of contact with an adjacently disposed container top 102 to further enhance stability of the container top stack 156.

[0047] Turning to FIGS. 15 and 16, for efficient storing and stacking, a plurality of container bottoms 104d, 104e may be stacked with a plurality of container tops 102d, 102e placed above. With the locking portion 158e and receiving portion 16Od keeping the container tops 102d, 102e together and with the capability of the container tops 102d, 102e to fit within the cavity of the uppermost container bottom 104d with at least two portions of contact 148, 150, a large number of container tops 102 and container bottoms 104 may be stored securely in a single container top and container bottom stack 162. Several stacks of containers may also be disposed discretely adjacent to one another because the invention maintains the stacks vertically disposed in a relatively organized and centered position without leaning. This ability to discretely stack applies to the containers 100 regardless of whether the stack comprises a plurality of container bottoms 104 stacked within each other with container tops 102 disposed above, a plurality of containers 100 stacked with the container tops 102 in the upright position, or a plurality of containers 100 stacked with the container tops 102 in the inverted position.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 17, the container 200 comprises a container top 202 and a container bottom 204. The container 200 is similar to the container 100 in FIG. 1, however, the container top 202 does not lock together with an adjacent container top when stacked together. The container top 202 and container bottom 204 may be connected to one another forming a seal. The container is preferably made of a plastic material, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other materials may be used. Referring to FIG. 18, the container bottom 204 has a bottom surface 206, a sidewall 208, and a closure portion 210. The sidewall 208 extends upward from the bottom surface 206 to define a cavity for storage. The closure portion 210 extends outward and above the sidewall 208. The bottom surface 206 may have a recessed portion 212. The recessed portion 212 may be used, by way of example and not limitation, for accommodating a decorative portion 214 on a top surface of a container top 202 as shown in Figure 20 when stacked on top of another container 200. As shown in FIG. 19, the container bottom 204 may be approximately quadrilateral in shape. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, however, that the invention is applicable to other container shapes as well, including but not limited to circular, for example.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 20, the container top 202 has a top surface 216, a sidewall 218, and a closure portion 220. The sidewall 218 extends downward from the top surface 216 to define a cavity. The closure portion 220 extends outward and below the sidewall 218. The container 200 may be sealed by disposing the container top 202 on the container bottom 204 and applying a force. To separate the container top 202 from the container bottom 204, the user may grasp the respective closure portions 220, 210 of the container top 202 and container bottom 204. In another embodiment, a release tab, such as 122 shown in FIG. 4, may be provided such that a user has a surface to grasp when exerting force to separate the respective closure portions 220, 210 of the container top 202 and container bottom 204. The top surface 216 may have a recessed portion 224 surrounded by a stabilizing rim 226 for stabilizing a container 200 stacked above the container top 202. The container top 202 may also have some form of decorative portion 214. As shown in FIG. 21, the container top 202 may be approximately quadrilateral in shape. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, however, that the invention is applicable to other container shapes as well, including but not limited to circular, for example. FIG. 22 shows the container top 202 in an inverted position. When inverted, the cavity defined by the top surface 216 and sidewall 218 now faces upward instead of downward. In the inverted position, the container top 202 may be used as a plate or bowl.

[0050] FIGs. 23 and 24 show a container top 202 attached to a container bottom 204. The container top 202 has a container top closure portion 220. The container top closure portion 220 comprises an outward extending portion 228, an outward curved portion 230, an inward curved portion 232, and an upturned graspable portion 234. The container bottom 204 has a container bottom closure portion 210. The container bottom closure portion 210 comprises an outward extending portion 236, an outward curved portion 238, an inward curved portion 240, and a downward turned graspable portion 242. When the container top 202 is disposed adjacent to the container bottom 204, the inward curved portion 232 of the container top closure portion 220 is in contact with the outward curved portion 238 of the container bottom closure portion 210. As pressure is applied, the respective closure portions 220, 210 flex slightly enough for the inward curved portion 232 of the container top closure portion 210 to slide past the outward curved portion 238 of the container bottom closure portion 210 to seal the container 200. When the container 200 is sealed, the outward extending portion 228, the outward curved portion 230, and the inward curved portion 232 of the container top closure portion 220 are disposed adjacent to the outward extending portion 236, the outward curved portion 238, and the inward curved portion 240 of the container bottom closure portion 210, respectively. The cavity defined by the top surface 216 and sidewall 218 of the container top 202 accommodates overstuffing the container 200 by providing extra storage room for materials stacked above the sidewall 208 of the container bottom 204. The respective graspable portions 234, 242 may be used to grab or hold the container 200, and may also be used to help pull the container top 202 away from the container bottom 204.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 25, a plurality of containers 200a, 200b may be stacked on top of one another to form a container stack 270. When on top of another container 200, the bottom surface 206a of the container bottom 204a of the superjacent container 200a rests within the recessed portion 224b of the top surface 216b of the container top 202b of the subjacent container 200b. The stabilizing rim 226b on the top surface 216b of the subjacent container 200b helps to limit lateral movement of the superjacent container 200a, thereby helping to stabilize the stack. The stabilizing rim 226b also helps to center container stack 270 such that the center of gravity of the container stack 270 remains relatively centered to prevent tipping. As a container 200a is placed superjacent another container 200b, a user will know when the container stack 270 is not centered properly because the bottom surface 206a of the superjacent container 200a will extend beyond the outside of the stabilizing rim 226b of the subjacent container 200b, or the stabilizing rim 226b of the subjacent container 200b will cause the superjacent container 200a to rest at an angle.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 26, in accordance with the invention, the container top 202 may be inverted and placed within the cavity of the container bottom 204 to accommodate under stuffing the container bottom 204. The cavity defined by the top surface 216 and the sidewall 218 of the container top 202 accommodates the storage of materials within this cavity. Thus, with the container top 202 in the inverted position, the container 200 has two areas for storage. For example, the container top 202 may be used to store potato chips and the container bottom 204 may be used to store dip. When not being used, the dip is protected by the container top 202. When a user wants access to the dip, she can simply remove the container top 202.

[0053] The inverted container top 202 and container bottom 204 are in contact at a plurality of portions. Having a plurality of portions of contact enhances the stability and sealing capability of the container top 202 in the inverted position. As seen in FIG. 27, by way of example and not limitation, when the container top 202 is in the inverted position, the container top 202 makes contact with the container bottom 204 at two portions 248, 250 to help keep dust and other objects out and preserve the contents stored in the container bottom 204. A first portion of contact 248 occurs between a first nesting portion 272 disposed along the perimeter of the container top 202 and the sidewall 208 of the container bottom 204. A second portion of contact 250 occurs between a second nesting portion 274 disposed along the perimeter of the container top 202 and approximately near the intersection of the outward extending portion 236 of the closure portion 210 of the container bottom 204 and the sidewall 208 of the container bottom 204. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, would recognize that the relative position of the two portions of contact could occur at different portions of the container top 202 and container bottom 204 than those depicted in the figures, and the number of portions of contact need not be restricted to two. [0054] The ability to invert the container top 202 also provides the additional functionality of being able to stack containers at two different heights. For example, as shown in FIG. 28, the superjacent container 200c rests within the cavity of the container top 202d of the subjacent container 20Od reducing the effective stacking height. This stacking arrangement may be desirable if the user wants to reduce the stacking height, and the user does not need the extra storage space provided by the container top 202d in the upright position.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 29, the container top 202, shown inverted, has an inward curved portion 232, an outward curved portion 230, and a nesting portion 264 disposed along the perimeter of the cavity. As shown in FIG. 30, a plurality of tops, shown inverted, may be stacked on top of one another to form a container top stack 256. In accordance with the invention, if a first container top 202a is inserted into the cavity of a second container top 202b, the outward curved portion 230a of the first container top 202a is in contact with the inward curved portion 232b of the second container top 202b and the nesting portions 264a, 264b of the first and second container tops 202a, 202b are in contact with one another. In other embodiments, the contacting portions may include one or more of the following features to enable engagement; interference fits, linear cross-sections, curvilinear cross-sections, textured surfaces, or elements that modify surface friction or tackiness at or around the point of engagement. The engaging areas that create a contacting condition may be continuous about the nesting portion or discreetly segmented about the nesting portion. Additional container tops 202 may be added to the stack 256. For example, if the second container top 202b is inserted into the cavity of a third container top 202c, the outward curved portion 230b of the second container top 202b is in contact with the inward curved portion 232c of the third container top 202c and the respective nesting portions 264b, 264c of the second and third container tops 202b, 202c are in contact with one another. These two portions of contact 266, 268 between adjacent container tops 202a, 202b, 202c allow the container tops 202a, 202b, 202c to be securely disposed within one another such that a user does not have to worry about the container tops 202a, 202b, 202c sliding off of each other while storing them. [0056] Turning to FIGS. 31 and 32, for efficient storing and stacking, a plurality of container bottoms 204e, 204d may be stacked with a plurality of container tops 202d, 202e placed above. With the container tops 202d, 202e together and with the capability of the container tops 202d, 202e to fit within the cavity of the uppermost container bottom 204d with at least two portions of contact 248, 250, a large number of container tops 202 and container bottoms 204 may be stored securely in a single container top and container bottom stack 262. Several stacks of containers may also be disposed discretely adjacent to one another because the invention maintains the stacks vertically disposed in a relatively organized and centered position without leaning. This ability to discretely stack applies to the containers 200 regardless of whether the stack comprises a plurality of container bottoms 204 stacked within each other with container tops 202 disposed above, a plurality of containers 200 stacked with the container tops 202 in the upright position, or a plurality of containers 200 stacked with the container tops 202 in the inverted position.

[0057] One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the invention may be applicable to thin disposable containers, inexpensive durable disposable containers, and non-disposable reusable containers. One of ordinary skill in the art would also recognize that the invention could be utilized with a variety of other container types. By way of example and not limitation, the invention could be utilized with such containers as storage crates, pots and pans, and beverage containers.

[0058] Any letters used following a number to describe an element in the drawings is merely to reference the same element on different containers. Therefore, any statements made regarding an element in a drawing referred to by a number or a number followed by a letter may apply to any or all of the other containers, regardless of whether or not that numbered element is shown or described with a letter.

[0059] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. [0060] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0061] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A container comprising a container bottom and a container top,

the container bottom defining a cavity and including a container bottom closure portion,

the container top defining a cavity and including a container top closure portion, a first nesting portion disposed along the perimeter of the container top cavity, and a second nesting portion disposed along the perimeter of the container top cavity,

wherein when the container top is in an upright position, the container bottom closure portion may be connected to the container top closure portion to seal the plastic container, and wherein when the container top is inverted and inserted into the container bottom cavity, the first nesting portion and the second nesting portion make contact with the container bottom at two different portions of the container bottom.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the container top further comprises a release tab for a user to pull to release the container top from the container bottom.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein the container top further comprises a top surface with a recessed portion to accommodate a superjacent container.

4. The container of claim 1 wherein the container top further comprises a decorative portion.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the container top further comprises a locking portion and a receiving portion to accommodate stacking of a plurality of container tops.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein the container top further comprises an inward curved portion, an outward curved portion, and a third nesting portion to accommodate stacking of a plurality of container tops.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein the container top closure portion comprises an outward extending portion, an outward curved portion, an inward curved portion, and an upturned graspable portion.

8. The container of claim 1 wherein the container bottom closure portion comprises an outward extending portion, an outward curved portion, an inward curved portion, and a downward turned graspable portion.

9. The container of claim 1 wherein the container bottom further comprises a bottom surface with a recessed portion.

10. The container of claim 1 wherein the container top and container bottom are approximately quadrilateral shaped.

11. The container of claim 1 wherein the container top is plastic.

12. The container of claim 1 wherein the container bottom is plastic.

13. A container top defining a cavity comprising:

a locking portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity for engaging an adjacent container top, and

a receiving portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity for receiving a locking portion of an adjacent container top,

wherein if a first adjacent container top is inserted into the cavity, the locking portion engages a receiving portion of the adjacent container top to form a stack of container tops, and if the container top is inserted into the cavity of a second adjacent container top, the receiving portion of the container top is engaged by a locking portion of the second adjacent container top to form a stack of container tops.

14. The container top of claim 13 further comprising an inward curved portion and an outward curved portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity to provide a second portion of contact when adjacent to another container top,

15. The container top of claim 13 further comprising a release tab for a user to pull to release the container top from a container bottom.

16. The container top of claim 13 further comprising a closure portion for sealing the container top to a container bottom.

17. The container top of claim 13 further comprising a top surface with a recessed portion to accommodate a superjacent container.

18. The container top of claim 13 further comprising a decorative portion.

19. The container top of claim 13 wherein the container top is plastic.

20. A container top defining a cavity comprising:

an inward curved portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity

an outward curved portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity, and

a nesting portion disposed along the perimeter of the cavity,

wherein if a first adjacent container top is inserted into the cavity, the inward curved portion is in contact with an outward curved portion of the first adjacent container top and the nesting portion is in contact with a nesting portion of the first adjacent container top to form a stack of container tops, and if the container top is inserted into the cavity of a second adjacent container top, the outward curved portion of the container top is in contact with an inward curved portion of the second adjacent container top and the nesting portion is in contact with a nesting portion of the second adjacent container top to form a stack of container tops.

21. The container top of claim 20 further comprising a release tab for a user to pull to release the container top from a container bottom.

22. The container top of claim 20 further comprising a closure portion for sealing the container top to a container bottom.

23. The container top of claim 20 further comprising a top surface with a recessed portion to accommodate a superjacent container.

24. The container top of claim 20 further comprising a decorative portion.

25. The container top of claim 20 wherein the container top is plastic.