Nestable containers with folding coverings

Abstract

Some embodiments relate to nestable containers having a reversibly deformable covering that is reversibly deformable from a covering position to a storage position, wherein the covering has a projected surface area in the storage position that is less than a projected surface area of the closure in the covering position such that the covering is storable inside the container while other containers of identical size and shape are nested in the container. The covering may include a fastener that, when fastened, prevents movement of the covering from the storage position to the covering position. And the covering and/or container may include a gasket for sealing.

1 . (canceled)  
   
   
       2 . A storage apparatus having a container with an opening and a covering reversibly deformable between a storage position and a covering position for covering the opening, the apparatus comprising: 
 a storage container having an opening and being nestable with other containers of identical size and shape,    a reversibly deformable covering for forming a substantially water-tight seal with the opening in a covering position, the covering being detachable from the container and reversibly deformable from the covering position to a storage position,    wherein the covering has a projected surface area in the storage position that is less than a projected surface area of the covering in the covering position such that the covering is storable entirely within the container while other containers of identical size and shape are nested in the container, and    wherein the covering comprises a reversibly fastenable fastener that, when fastened, prevents movement of the covering from the storage position to the covering position.    
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the reversibly deformable covering comprises an elastic material for reversibly deforming the covering.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the reversibly deformable covering comprises a hinge for reversibly deforming the covering.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the fastener comprises two parts, with a first part disposed on a first portion of the covering and a second part disposed on a second portion of the covering, with the hinge demarking separation of the first portion of the covering from the second portion of the covering.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein a projected surface area of the reversibly deformable covering is increased by at least about 25% when the covering is disposed over an opening compared to the projected surface area of the covering in a storage position.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the covering fits entirely within a volume defined by filling the container about 40% full of water.  
   
   
       8 . A storage device comprising: 
 a reusable, nestable container and a reusable, detachable cover for covering the container to form a reversible and substantially water-tight seal between the cover and the container, with the cover comprising a first portion comprising rigid plastic joined to a second portion comprising rigid plastic by a reversibly bendable joint, and with the cover being bendable at the bendable joint to fit entirely within a volume defined by filling the container about 40% full of water;    wherein the device further comprises a gasket that participates in the seal when the cover is covering the container.    
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the gasket is attached to the cover when the cover and the container are separated.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the gasket is attached to the container when the cover and the container are separated.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 8  wherein the container comprises a rim that defines the opening and the gasket is disposed at a point between the rim and the bendable joint when the cover is sealed to the container.  
   
   
       12 . The device of claim  111  wherein the gasket is not a complete ring.