Patents by Inventor Frano Luburic

Frano Luburic has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8210391
    Abstract: A container comprising a pail, removable cover, and a gasket disposed between the cover and the pail is disclosed. The pail has an angled bead at the proximal end of the pail and a plurality of satellite rings that extend circumferentially around the pail and form a wall junction with the pail. The wall junction has a substantially constant wall thickness. A bail ear is formed to connect at least two of the satellite rings to define an opening between the bail ear and the body. The pail also includes a shock absorbing wall section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: ROPAK Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20120085774
    Abstract: A one-piece handle with a strap, a pair of clip members and a gripping integrally formed to create the one-piece handle. The strap has a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion and each of the pair of clip members is formed on an end portion of the strap for attaching the handle to a container; and a gripping member formed in the middle portion of the strap. The gripping member has a closed side, an open side, and an interior portion with an exposed internal support structure. The internal support structure comprises at least one horizontal rib and at least one cross-sectional rib. The horizontal rib extends in a lengthwise direction while the cross-sectional rib is perpendicular to the horizontal rib and intersects the horizontal rib to create a plurality of hollow recesses in the interior portion of the gripping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: ROPAK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frano Luburic, Josef Bingisser
  • Publication number: 20110253717
    Abstract: A lid for a container includes a central portion; a channel at a periphery of the central portion configured to form a substantially liquid-tight gasketless seal with the container, the channel including an inner skirt for contacting an inner surface of the container and an outer skirt; and a protrusion protruding from the inner skirt and being configured to form an interference fit with the inner surface of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: ROPAK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frano Luburic, Terrance Iker, Josef Bingisser, Kirk Samlalsingh, Dennis Willis
  • Publication number: 20110155733
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, for storing a product comprising a lid including a tongue; and a clamp; and a container including a groove, wherein the tongue and the groove form a seal when the lid is coupled to the container; and a bead, wherein the clamp engages with the bead when the lid is coupled to the container. An apparatus, according to another embodiment, for storing a product comprising a lid; a container configured to engage with the lid and form a secondary seal between the lid and the container; and a film seal coupled to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: ROPAK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 7926674
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, for storing a product comprising a lid including a tongue; and a clamp; and a container including a groove, wherein the tongue and the groove form a seal when the lid is coupled to the container; and a bead, wherein the clamp engages with the bead when the lid is coupled to the container. An apparatus, according to another embodiment, for storing a product comprising a lid; a container configured to engage with the lid and form a secondary seal between the lid and the container; and a film seal coupled to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20110024421
    Abstract: A container and lid includes: a container body having an opening; a lid body configured to cover the opening of the container body; a lid skirt at a periphery of the lid body, the lid skirt having a tooth slot therein; and a container tooth at a periphery of the container body configured to extend into the tooth slot of the lid skirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20110024942
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for improved containers and lids, and combinations thereof. Multiple compartments are provided in a container, one of which can be formed as the container's handle. The lid incorporates a plurality of hinged openings situated on the periphery of the cover, and the container includes a molded unitary body plastic container comprised of at least two chambers or compartments. The lid openings can be located strategically over or adjacent the container chambers/compartments, to provide independent access thereto. The compartments or chambers within the container separate the contents thereof, while multiple hinged openings may allow access to individual or multiple chambers or compartments within the container. Tamper evidencing structures in conjunction with detents or engagement structures may hold the lid and container openings in the desired relationship during shipping, handling, storage, and/or use. Related methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Frano LUBURIC
  • Publication number: 20110017740
    Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for a container lid include a pull structure affixed to at least one end of a tamper evident tearstrip and positioned in an outer flange of the lid, the pull structure having a portion shaped to receive and engage a manipulator such as at least one finger of a user's hand, to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip from the lid. The shaped portion of the pull structure is configured to eliminate the need to grip the tearstrip between opposing digits of the user's hand. The lid may further include an extendible connection member positioned on at least one end of the tearstrip in an area or space generally defined as a “well.” Among other things, the extendible connection member can provide additional flex to a hinge portion of the lid, without destroying the subsequent tamper-evidencing value of the lid. A satellite ring may be attached to or provided on the lid or container to provide further tamper evidencing and protection to the lid assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Frano LUBURIC
  • Publication number: 20100295215
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods relate to containers having a sidewall portion with at least one generally vertical corrugation therein. The containers can be of a variety of shapes, sizes, cross-sections, and materials. The corrugation improves the container sidewall strength and resistance to buckling under compressive loads such as stacking of multiple containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Frano LUBURIC
  • Patent number: 7837052
    Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for a container lid include a pull structure affixed to at least one end of a tamper evident tearstrip and positioned in an outer flange of the lid, the pull structure having a portion shaped to receive and engage a manipulator such as at least one finger of a user's hand, to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip from the lid. The shaped portion of the pull structure is configured to eliminate the need to grip the tearstrip between opposing digits of the user's hand. The lid may further include an extendible connection member positioned on at least one end of the tearstrip in an area or space generally defined as a “well.” Among other things, the extendible connection member can provide additional flex to a hinge portion of the lid, without destroying the subsequent tamper-evidencing value of the lid. A satellite ring may be attached to or provided on the lid or container to provide further tamper evidencing and protection to the lid assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 7784635
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for improved containers and lids, and combinations thereof. Multiple compartments are provided in a container, one of which can be formed as the container's handle. The lid incorporates a plurality of hinged openings situated on the periphery of the cover, and the container includes a molded unitary body plastic container comprised of at least two chambers or compartments. The lid openings can be located strategically over or adjacent the container chambers/compartments, to provide independent access thereto. The compartments or chambers within the container separate the contents thereof, while multiple hinged openings may allow access to individual or multiple chambers or compartments within the container. Tamper evidencing structures in conjunction with detents or engagement structures may hold the lid and container openings in the desired relationship during shipping, handling, storage, and/or use. Related methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 7784633
    Abstract: A device used to aid in the opening of a container that further protects against the inadvertent opening of the container, as well as provides greater hoop strength when compared to similar containers for use in, among other things, the containment, storage, transport and/or handling of a material, is described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20100193981
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for multi-piece tubing are disclosed. Optional nestable embodiments (12, 14, 16, and 18) provide benefits in storage, transportation, and use. Optional interlocking elements (30, 32) provide benefits in ease of assembly and use, and possible disassembly, including with other tubing or non-tubing elements such as a base (20). End cover elements (19) can protect tube's interior from undesired dirt, liquid, or other contaminants, and can be removable. Methods include use in forming concrete pier footings or other building supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Frano Luburic, David W. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7740149
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods relate to containers having a sidewall portion with at least one generally vertical corrugation therein. The containers can be of a variety of shapes, sizes, cross-sections, and materials. The corrugation improves the container sidewall strength and resistance to buckling under compressive loads such as stacking of multiple containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20100132290
    Abstract: A multi-piece interconnected body for use in at least structural support and/or in creating internal cavities for an improved strength-to-weight ratio in a variety of structures is nestable prior to its assembly and use. When assembled, the device preferably forms a generally spherical and hollow body, with (1) one or more ribs or similar structural support network associated with and/or integrally formed in the body; (2) at least one latch mechanism to help hold the pieces in a desired assembled relationship with each other; and (3) a hinge or other interconnecting element that facilitates nesting and/or stacking of a plurality of the bodies with each other prior to assembly, association of the multiple parts of each body with each other prior to assembly, and ready repositioning of those parts into a desired assembled position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: ROPAK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20090152280
    Abstract: A container includes: a base; one or more sidewalls integrally formed with and extending upwardly from the base, wherein the sidewalls surround an internal cavity and wherein one or more of the sidewalls include a reinforcing web of increased wall thickness; and an upper edge on the sidewalls defining a top opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20090032534
    Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for a container lid include a pull structure affixed to at least one end of a tamper evident tearstrip and positioned in an outer flange of the lid, the pull structure having a portion shaped to receive and engage a manipulator such as at least one finger of a user's hand, to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip from the lid. The shaped portion of the pull structure is configured to eliminate the need to grip the tearstrip between opposing digits of the user's hand. The lid may further include an extendible connection member positioned on at least one end of the tearstrip in an area or space generally defined as a “well.” Among other things, the extendible connection member can provide additional flex to a hinge portion of the lid, without destroying the subsequent tamper-evidencing value of the lid. A satellite ring may be attached to or provided on the lid or container to provide further tamper evidencing and protection to the lid assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: D631746
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: D635366
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: D639449
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic