Container combined with a stackable and nestable tray

Abstract

 A container (1), unusually capable of reduced bulk, comprises a substantially flat base (2) defining an axis (A-A) perpendicular to the said base and lateral walls (8a, 8b, 9) which extend from the base (2) to an edge (7) of the container. A tray (14) is intended to be inserted into the container parallel to the base (2) and is capable of being placed in a first position at a determinate distance from the base. A first (8a) and a second (8b) lateral wall of the container comprise projections (10a, 10b) facing towards the interior of the container and arranged in a manner such as not to overlap reciprocally as a result of a rotation of the container about the said axis (A-A) which would superpose the said first wall (8a) on the said second wall (8b). The tray (14) comprises at least one respective recess (23a, 23b) for each projection (10a, 10b) of the lateral walls (8a, 8b) of the container, the said tray being capable of being positioned in a second position rotated about the said axis (A-A) in which the said at least one recess (23a, 23b) is aligned with the respective projection so as to receive the said projection, enabling the said tray to slide freely until it rests on the base of the container.

Description

[0001] The subject of the present invention is a container comprising a base, lateral walls which extend from the base of the container, and a tray capable of being placed in a first position at a distance from the base in order to divide a first containment space from a second containment space.

[0002] Containers are known in which at least one tray is provided, to be supported on the edge of the container parallel to the base. The said tray is placed in a position such as to define a first containment space between the base of the container and the tray and a second containment space inside the said tray. The latter is, for example, produced with a base from which lateral walls extend, with which may be associated dividing walls defining a plurality of compartments. Generally, the container and tray are structured so that the first space occupies the majority of the volume of the container and the second space occupies a limited portion of the total volume of the container, further subdivided to contain articles of small size, commonly referred to as trinkets.

[0003] The known containers provided with a tray possess significant disadvantages such as, for example, the fact that the packaging and transportation of the container and of the associated tray involve substantial bulk and consequently substantial costs.

[0004] Furthermore, the containers and the associated trays of the known type are produced in a manner such that the tray is positioned in the vicinity of the edge of the container, partially projecting therefrom. This configuration causes a number of problems during the transportation of the filled container, in that the tray is precariously associated with its container.

[0005] As a consequence of the above, there is particular awareness of the need to produce containers and associated trays that restrict the bulk for packaging and transportation purposes, especially during the phase of transit from production to distribution.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to devise and make available a container which enables the abovementioned requirement to be met and, at the same time, makes it possible to overcome the said disadvantages with reference to the prior art.

[0007] This object is achieved by means of a container of the type specified above, characterized in that means are provided for identifying at least two predetermined stable positions of the tray, one being the said first placement position and the other being a second resting position of the tray on the base.

[0008] Further features and the advantages of the container according to the invention will be apparent from the description that follows, with reference to a preferred example of embodiment thereof, given by way of indication and without implying any limitation, and with reference to the attached figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view, in partial section, of a container provided with a tray laid internally on the base of the said container;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view, in partial section, of the container of Figure 1, provided with a tray positioned in a position of use;

Figure 3 shows a view of the tray of Figures 1 and 2 from above;

Figure 4 shows a view of the container of Figure 1 from below; and

Figure 5 shows the container of Figure 1 in the process of insertion of a further container.

[0009] With reference to the abovementioned figures, 1 has been used to designate as a whole a container according to the present invention, produced from plastic.

[0010] More specifically, the invention relates to containers which can be stacked one above the other in two different arrangements. In a first stacking arrangement, the containers are at least partially inserted one into another to restrict bulk. In a second stacking arrangement, the lateral walls of a container provide a stop for the base of the container immediately above, thus preventing the content of the lower container being crushed by the weight of the upper container.

[0011] The container 1 comprises a substantially flat base 2, in respect of which it is possible to define an axis A-A perpendicular to the said base. Preferably, the base has a substantially rectangular shape, which definition is to be understood as meaning a shape in which four sides can be defined which, although they are not strictly rectilinear, are mutually parallel in pairs and in which it is possible to define two longer sides 3a and 3b and two shorter sides 4.

[0012] According to the example shown in the figures, the two shorter sides 4 of the base 2 are rectilinear, while the two longer sides 3a and 3b are shaped in a conformation which will be described in detail, with reasons, in the text that follows. In particular, the two longer sides possess rectilinear stretches interspersed with loops 5a and 5b having a concavity facing the exterior of the said container.

[0013] In line with each rectilinear stretch of the longer sides 3a and 3b, the base 2 has two shoulders 6 which extend towards the exterior of the container in a direction substantially parallel to the axis A-A. In more detail, each of the shoulders 6 of one of the longer sides 3a and 3b at least partially faces one of the loops 5a or 5b of the other side.

[0014] A lateral wall extends from each side of the base and ends at an edge 7 of the container 1, preferably in the form of a folded-over edge. In more detail, the walls extend vertically from the base 2 at an angle of rake of a predetermined limited value. In the attached figures, the references 8a and 8b have been used to indicate, respectively, a first wall and a second wall respectively corresponding to the longer sides 3a and 3b, while the reference 9 has been used to designate the lateral walls corresponding to the shorter sides 4.

[0015] The lateral walls 9, corresponding to the shorter sides 4, extend substantially as flat walls, following the rectilinear course of the respective sides 4.

[0016] The lateral walls 8a and 8b, corresponding respectively to the longer sides 3a and 3b, have a looped course following the course of the respective longer sides 3a and 3b of the base 2.

[0017] In more detail, each of the two lateral walls 8a and 8b possesses two projections which extend towards the interior of the container 1. In the attached figures, the reference 10a has been used to designate the projections provided in the lateral wall 8a and the reference 10b has been used to designate the projections provided in the lateral wall 8b.

[0018] These projections extend over the height of the lateral wall to which they belong, starting from the base 2, and in particular from one of the loops 5a and 5b, and being interrupted at a lower level than the edge 7. From the base 2 to the upper end of the projections 10a and 10b, the latter possess decreasing width. By this definition is meant that, sectioning the lateral walls 8a and 8b with planes perpendicular to the axis A-A, the looped profile generated by the respective projection is of smaller size than the loop 5a or 5b of the respective longer sides 3a and 3b.

[0019] Each upper end of both the projections 10a and the projections 10b takes the form of a flat portion 11, parallel to the base 2. A shoulder 12 extends from each flat portion 11, in the direction parallel to the axis A-A.

[0020] In line with each projection 10a and 10b, the lateral walls 8a and 8b possess a recess, indicated respectively by 13a in the case of the lateral wall 8a and by 13b in the case of the lateral wall 8b.

[0021] Each recess is provided on the outer face of the container 1 and corresponds to the negative of each projection. Thus each recess extends from the respective longer side 3a and 3b to the flat portion 11, corresponding to the upper end of each projection. Furthermore, similarly to the projections, each recess possesses a decreasing width from the base 2 of the container 1 to the flat portion 11.

[0022] In particular, each recess is shaped so as to receive a corresponding projection of a container identical to the container 1 and into which the latter is inserted from above.

[0023] According to the example illustrated in the figures, the projections 10a, and the respective recesses 13a, belonging to the said lateral wall 8a are located on the respective longer side 3a in positions equidistant from the median line of the said longer side. Similarly, the projections 10b, and the respective recesses 13b, belonging to the said lateral wall 8b are located on the respective longer side 3b in positions equidistant from the median line of the said longer side, but farther apart from each other than the projections 10a.

[0024] This means that, when the container is rotated through 180° about the axis A-A, the shape of the first lateral wall 8a and of the second wall 8b do not reciprocally cover each other and are thus not symmetrical relative to the median plane of the shorter sides 4 and perpendicular to the base 2. In other words, when the container 1 is rotated about the axis A-A until the first wall 8a and the second wall 8b hypothetically overlap, the projections 10a of the first wall 8a would be offset relative to the projections 10b of the second wall 8b.

[0025] The container 1 further comprises a tray 14 produced by means of a base 15 whose outline is similar to the outline of the base 2 of the container 1. In particular, in the case of the tray 14 as well, the base 15 possesses a substantially rectangular shape in which it is possible to define two shorter sides 16 and two longer sides 17a and 17b. The shorter sides have a rectilinear shape, analogous to the respective shorter sides of the base 2 of the container, while the longer sides 17a and 17b are shaped analogously to the respective longer sides 3a and 3b of the container 1. Specifically, the longer sides 17a and 17b have rectilinear stretches interspersed with loops 18a and 18b having a concavity facing the exterior of the said tray.

[0026] Lateral walls extend from the base 15, their shape following that of the respective side of the base 15. In more detail, 19a and 19b have been used to designate lateral walls respectively corresponding to the longer side 17a and to the longer side 17b, while 20 has been used to designate lateral walls corresponding to the shorter sides 16.

[0027] By analogy with the shape of the container 1, the lateral walls 20 have a flat course which follows the rectilinear course of the respective shorter sides 16, while the lateral walls 18a and 19b possess a looped course which follows the course of the respective longer sides 17a and 17b.

[0028] Specifically, the lateral walls 19a and 19b each have two projections, designated respectively 21a and 21b, which extend towards the interior of the tray 14. The said projections cover the full height of the lateral walls, from the base 15 to the upper end of the tray which develops into an edge 22. This edge is projected perpendicularly from the said walls towards the exterior of the tray 14.

[0029] For each projection 21a and 21b, a recess 23a and 23b is provided in the outer face of the lateral walls 19a and 19b. The projections 21a and the respective recesses 23a are disposed along the lateral wall 19a at points equidistant from the median line of the longer side 17a. Similarly, the projections 21b and the respective recesses 23b are disposed along the lateral wall 19b at points equidistant from the median line of the longer side 17b, but farther apart from each other than the projections 21a.

[0030] In particular, as is shown in Figure 1, the recesses 23a of the tray are disposed at a distance apart corresponding to the distance apart existing between the projections 10a of the container 1 and, similarly, the recesses 23b of the tray are disposed at a distance apart corresponding to the distance apart existing between the projections 10b of the container 1. In more detail, the position of the projections 10a and 10b of the container 1 and the position of the recesses 23a and 23b of the tray is such that the latter can be inserted into the container 1 substantially until it rests on the base 2 (Figure 1).

[0031] The tray 14 further comprises dividing walls 24, variously inclined relative to the lateral walls. The said dividing walls define, within the tray 14, a number of compartments 25 of variable dimensions. Finally, the tray 14 provides a through aperture 26 which facilitates gripping of the said tray.

[0032] To complete the construction of the container 1, handles 27 are also provided, hinged on the edge 7 of the container, preferably at points forming part of the walls 8a and 8b.

[0033] A description will now be given of the mode of use of the container described above and in accordance with the present invention.

[0034] The projections 10a and 10b and the corresponding recesses 23a and 23b provide means for identifying at least two predetermined stable positions of the tray 14. The first position is illustrated in Figure 2 and corresponds to a first placement position. The other position is a second resting position of the tray 14 on the base 2; shown in Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 1 shows the position of the tray 14 within the container 1. In this position, the projections 10a and 10b of the lateral walls 8a and 8b of the container correspond, respectively, to the recesses 23a and 23b of the tray 14. This means that the tray 14 can slide within the container 1 in a direction substantially parallel to the axis A-A, resting on the base 2 of the said container, so that the projections 10a and 10b are respectively engaged within the recesses 23a and 23b of the tray.

[0036] This position thus allows the tray 14 to disappear completely within the container 1, occupying, on the base, a thickness equal to the height of the said tray. A substantial part of the volume of the container thus remains free, into which another identical container can be inserted from above (Figure 5, broken line 1a representing the base of a further container). In this case, the projections 10a and 10b of the lower container correspond to the recesses 13a and 13b of the upper container, as a result of which the latter can slide within the lower container along the lateral walls.

[0037] This condition corresponds to a transport configuration in which the containers 1 are at least partially inserted one into the other, comprising the relative trays within them.

[0038] If necessary, a single container can be removed from the others, together with the respective tray, and assume the position shown in Figure 2.

[0039] This position is obtained by inserting a hand into the aperture 26, extracting the tray 14 and causing it to rotate through 180° relative to the axis A-A.

[0040] This rotation brings the wall 19b of the tray in line with the wall 8a of the container, and vice versa, so that the projections of the container are not aligned with the recesses of the tray.

[0041] Consequently, the flat portions 11 constitute a support on which the edge 22 of the tray rests. Since the flat portions 11 are located at a lower level than the edge 7 of the container, the tray 14 is also positioned completely below the edge 7 of the container and completely within the latter.

[0042] In resting against the flat portions 11, the tray is positioned at a determinate distance from the base 2 defining a first containment space, included between the base and the tray, and a second containment space within the said tray.

[0043] Whether the tray is present or absent, the containers can also be placed one above the other so that the upper container rests on the flat portions 11 of the lower container. Specifically, when the containers are partially inserted one into the other in order to be transported, it is sufficient to remove the upper container and rotate it through 180° about the axis A-A relative to the lower container. The projections of the lower container are not aligned with the recesses of the upper container, so that the base 2, aligned with the shoulders 6, rests against the flat portions 11, in line with the shoulders 12.

[0044] As may be appreciated from the description, one of the advantages of the container according to the present invention lies in the fact that it enables the abovementioned requirements to be met, simultaneously overcoming the disadvantages presented by the containers of the prior art.

[0045] The provision of means 23a, 23b, 10a, 10b for identifying at least two predetermined stable positions of the tray 14 makes it possible to restrict the bulk during the transportation of the containers with their respective trays and at the same time to obtain a stable placement position of the tray in order to divide the first containment space from the second containment space.

[0046] Advantageously, the ability to stack a plurality of containers at least partially inserted one into the other and provided with respective trays makes it possible to transport and store the said containers stacked in a stable manner and with reduced bulk. In particular, it is possible to reduce the overall and transportation bulk by about six times compared with the known containers.

[0047] Another advantage of the container according to the invention lies in the fact that it is structurally simple and economical to produce, which is especially advantageous in that it is intended for mass production.

[0048] In addition to the above, when the tray rests against the flat portions 11, a stable structure is obtained which is easy to transport by means of the handles, since the said tray is positioned at a lower level than the edge of the container.

[0049] It is clear that variations and/or additions to what has been described and illustrated above are possible.

[0050] As an alternative to what is shown in the figures, the container may have a base of other than quadrangular shape, and in particular a rectangular shape. For example, the base of the container 1 could be in the shape of an equilateral triangle or hexagon.

[0051] In a conceptually equivalent manner, the position of the projections and of the recesses of the container may be changed, to produce a container in which the projections face towards the exterior of the said container while the recesses face towards the interior. Similarly, the projections and the recesses of the tray will also be inverted.

Claims

1. Container (1) comprising:

a base (2), lateral walls (8a, 8b, 9) which extend from the base (2) of the container, a tray (14) capable of being placed in a first position at a distance from the base in order to divide a first containment space from a second containment space,

   characterized in that
   means (23a, 23b, 10a, 10b) are provided for identifying at least two predetermined stable positions of the tray (14), one being the said first placement position and the other being a second resting position of the tray (14) on the base (2).

2. Container according to Claim 1, in which the said base (2) is substantially flat and defines an axis (A-A) perpendicular to the said base, in which at least a first (8a) and a second (8b) lateral wall of the container comprise projections (10a, 10b) facing towards the interior of the container and arranged so as to be alternatingly staggered as a result of a rotation thereof about the said axis (A-A) in order to superpose the said first wall (8a) on the said second wall (8b); and in which
   the tray (14) comprises at least one recess (23a, 23b), which, when the tray is positioned in a second position rotated about the said axis (A-A), is aligned with a respective projection (10a, 10b) so as to receive the said projection in order to enable the said tray to slide freely until it rests on the base of the container.

3. Container according to Claim 2, in which the tray (14) comprises lateral walls (19a, 19b, 20) which extend from a base (15) of the tray to an edge (22), the said edge extending transversely to the walls so as to be placed against an upper end of the projections (10a, 10b) of the container when the recesses (23a, 23b) of the tray are not covering the projections of the lateral walls of the container.

4. Container according to Claim 3, in which each upper end of the projections (10a, 10b) of the container comprises a flat portion (11) on which the edge (22) of the tray (14) is placed.

5. Container according to Claim 4, in which the flat portions (11) are positioned at a lower level than an edge (7) of the container.

6. Container according to one of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the said first and second lateral walls (8a, 8b) of the container respectively comprise recesses (13a, 13b) provided over the height of the said lateral wall and facing towards the exterior of the container, the said recesses being positioned to accept the projections (10a, 10b) of an identical further lower container, oriented so that the first and second walls of the further container cover, respectively, the first and second walls of the container.

7. Container according to Claim 6, wherein the said recesses (13a, 13b) provided in the lateral walls of the said container are respectively positioned in alignment with the projections (10a, 10b), the recesses facing one another outside and the projections facing one another inside the container.

8. Container according to one or more of Claims 2 to 7, wherein the base (2) of the container and the base of the tray are substantially quadrangular.

9. Container according to Claim 8, wherein the first and second lateral walls (8a, 8b) of the container are opposing walls.

10. Container according to Claim 9, wherein the projections (10a) of the first lateral wall (8a) of the container are positioned symmetrically relative to the centreline of the first lateral wall, and in which the projections (10b) of the second lateral wall (8b) of the container are positioned symmetrically relative to the centreline of the second lateral wall, farther apart from each other than the projections (10a) of the first lateral wall.

11. Tray (14) for a container (1), characterized in that means (23a, 23b, 10a, 10b) are provided for identifying at least two predetermined stable positions of the tray (14), one being a first placement position in which the tray is positioned at a distance from a base (2) of the container (1) in order to divide a first containment space from a second containment space and the other being a second resting position of the tray (14) on the base (2).

Drawing