摘要 |
A sequence of containers of equal width and rectangular form with flat horizontal bottoms and flat vertical sides and ends can be placed in sequence one directly above another to form a self-supporting stack of vertically expanded height. By reversing the sequence, the containers can be placed one directly above another to form a self-supporting nest of collapsed height. The individual containers are symmetrical in shape both longitudinally and laterally and, except for incremental differences in length, can be identical in construction. The end-to-end relationship of successive containers can be the same for both stacking and nesting or individual containers can be turned end-for-end at will for either stacking or nesting. The compressive strength of the end panels provides strong support for either stacked or nested containers through upper and lower integral abutments on the end panels which fit against the side panels of underlying containers, when nested, and overlying panels, when stacked. When stacked or nested, adjacent containers are locked against relative longitudinal displacement by overlapping end panels and are locked against relative lateral displacement by end panels fitting between side panels of adjacent containers. The containers are easily adapted to serve as a wardrobe and play beds for dolls, being fully enclosed when nested and laterally open when stacked.
|