Coaxial, Abutting Receptacles Patents (Class 206/430)
  • Patent number: 11014726
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton (90) for packaging one or more articles(IO) and to a blank (10) for forming the carton. The carton comprises a plurality of panels (12,14,16,18,20,22) for forming walls of the carton including: a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. The top wall (14,22) comprises a handle structure (H). The handle structure comprises at least one hand aperture (A1,A2) defined in the top wall. At least one primary fold line (39a,39b,49a,49b) is formed in the top wall and extends from a region of the at least one hand aperture towards at least one of the corners of the top wall. A diagonal severance line (47a, 47b, 57a, 57b) is formed in the top wall inwardly of and spaced from the at least one corner for separating the at least one primary fold line from the at least one corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: WESTROCK PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew T. Peeler, Matthew E. Zacherle, Bradford J. Walling
  • Patent number: 10906674
    Abstract: A method for reverse-filling cosmetic material having an irreversible property and a cosmetic container filled therewith, including the steps of: sealing the top part of the cosmetic inner container, the top and bottom of which are open, with a filling mold, and turning the cosmetic inner container upside down to reverse-position the cosmetic inner container so that the sealed top part of the cosmetic inner container is directed downward and the open bottom part thereof is directed upward; and filling the cosmetic inner container through the bottom part thereof with the cosmetic material. In so doing, the top surface of the cosmetic material filled in the cosmetic container is smooth without any bumps, moisture seepage phenomenon is prevented, and cosmetic material having excellent applicability can be provided as the hardness thereof is relatively low by reverse-filling the cosmetic container with cosmetic material having an irreversible property, such as agar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: COSMECCA KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Dae Cho, Hyoun Cheol An, Eun Ji Kim, Jin Kyu Sun, Bong Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 10486847
    Abstract: A container for fluid product includes a one piece body having first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls, an upper surface and a lower surface. Two of the sidewalls have non-linear, parallel conformations that each include a convex surface portion that merges into an adjacent concave surface portion for abutting engagement between adjacent containers and limit sliding movement of the abutting stacked containers. The upper and lower surfaces have a center pour opening and a recessed region, respectively, which cooperate to limit sliding movement of adjacent stacked containers relative to one another. A handle cylindrical portion is dimensioned to conform to a generally C-shape contour formed by a user's thumb and index finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: CREATIVE EDGE DESIGN GROUP, LTD.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Soehnlen, Alexander Campana
  • Patent number: 9867409
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a towel with a stabilizing fold for use mainly at a gym, at a pool, on a beach, and during sport activities, especially running and playing basketball. The towel, with an upper first end and a lower second end, having a front and a reverse side, comprises a stabilizing fold with a front side and a reverse side, a pocket attached to the reverse side of the stabilizing fold, a zipper attached to the front side of the stabilizing fold, a hanger having a first magnet and a second magnet, a cord connecting the first magnet and the second magnet, having a first end and a second end, and a means of attaching the stabilizing fold to the reverse side of the towel. The stabilizing fold is created by bending backwards the upper first end of the towel approximately at ? length of the towel measured from a top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Tomasz Mróz
  • Patent number: 9345820
    Abstract: A suction canister cover is intended to hide the contents of a suction canister during a medical procedure from patients and other non-medical personnel who may become queasy at the sight of bodily fluids. The suction canister cover includes a base cover, a tubular lateral cover, an annular restraint, and a viewport. The base cover hides the bottom of the suction canister while the tubular lateral cover obscures the patients view through the sides of the suction canister. The annular restraint secures the suction canister cover to the suction canister to prevent the suction canister cover from being easily removed or sliding from the suction canister. The viewport allows medical personnel to view the volume of contents within the suction canister while keeping the contents blocked from patients and non-medical personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Jacqueline D. Nobles
  • Patent number: 9004279
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging medication including a plurality of containers having a generally rectangular cross-section, each container for holding medication and one or more flexible sleeves, each flexible sleeve for accommodating two containers arranged in transverse ranks. The resulting package may be arrayed in multiple rows and ranks of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Ludwig, Leslie S. Marco, Robert C. Olsen
  • Patent number: 8871160
    Abstract: Provided is a biomaterial detecting device for confirming or detecting a biomaterial reaction, and more particularly to a biomaterial detecting device, which is formed in a stick type to thereby be immersed in a tube containing a biomaterial solution to be tested; has an upper portion with a cap structure to thereby induce reaction with a biomaterial, and thus facilitate confirmation and detection of the biomaterial; and is formed in a cap structure to thereby prevent evaporation of a sample and infiltration of an external material at the time of a biomaterial reaction in the tube, and thus improve reliability in analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: K-MAC
    Inventors: Sung-Min Seo, Jae-Hyung Park, Oleksandrov Sergiy, Joong Hwan Lee, Mun-Cheol Paek, Su-Jin Ku
  • Patent number: 8800796
    Abstract: A storage system for storing a plurality of fluids or other goods has a plurality of containers adapted to fit within a receptacle. Each of the containers has an inner sidewall, an outer sidewall, and a top sidewall having a spout sealable with a cap such that the container contains the fluid or other goods when the cap is engaged with the spout. The plurality of containers are shaped such that the containers are stackable or nestable within the receptacle such that the containers tessellate, the inner sidewalls of the containers abutting each other, and the outer sidewalls abutting the inner surface of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Wagner
  • Publication number: 20140065268
    Abstract: Packaging and methods of making and using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Russell Christopher Baker, Adam Nicholas Carroll
  • Patent number: 8491854
    Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventor: Abdullah Khalid Al-Rasheed
  • Patent number: 8439196
    Abstract: A food storage container system including a plurality of food containers and a tray is provided. Each food container includes a container body defining an interior space for holding a product therein and a lid configured to open and close the interior space. The container body is formed from a material including a silicone elastomer. The tray includes a plurality of holders. Each holder defines a recess sized and shaped to removably hold one container of the plurality of containers therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Handi-Craft Company
    Inventors: Bernard J. Kemper, Charles H. Miller, Janine Berger
  • Patent number: 8381932
    Abstract: A storage system for storing a plurality of fluids or other goods has a plurality of containers adapted to fit within a receptacle. Each of the containers has an inner sidewall, an outer sidewall, and a top sidewall having a spout sealable with a cap such that the container contains the fluid or other goods when the cap is engaged with the spout. The plurality of containers are shaped such that the containers are stackable or nestable within the receptacle such that the containers tessellate, the inner sidewalls of the containers abutting each other, and the outer sidewalls abutting the inner surface of the receptacle, filling substantially all of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Wagner
  • Patent number: 8365920
    Abstract: A carton includes opposite top and bottom end panels, and side panels extending between the top and bottom end panels. The side panels may at least partially define first, second and third openings. The first, second and third openings may be spaced apart from one another around the interior space of the carton. A container may simultaneously be both within the interior space of the carton, and projecting outwardly from the interior space of the carton through each of the first, second and third openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. House, Scott Thomas Strand
  • Patent number: 8061519
    Abstract: A sleeve for storing and permitting removal of containers having an outwardly extending upper flange includes a bottom panel with a pair of side edges, each connecting to a side panel, and a top panel that extends between the side panels. The bottom panel includes at least one opening spaced from the side edges. The opening is sized smaller than the flange, but large enough to permit the container to extend partially therethrough so that the bottom panel supports the flange. One or more slits can extend generally outward from the opening and are spaced from the side edges. The slits are configured to increase the size of the opening so that the flange can pass therethrough, allowing the container to be removed. The opening then at least partially returns to its initial size, so that a container subsequently received in the opening is supported by the bottom panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Joseph Taglione
  • Patent number: 7766219
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel and a first side panel and a second side panel. The carton has a dispenser for allowing access to the articles in the carton. The dispenser has a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening. The carton can also have a curved end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Manuel Gomes, Raymond Rudolph Spivey, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7722822
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing an analyte includes a first receptacle having a first aperture, the first aperture having a first configuration; and a second receptacle having a second aperture, the second aperture having a second configuration. The first configuration and the second configuration are complementary, such that the first and second apertures engage each other at a sealing surface, whereby analyte solution within the first receptacle passes into the second receptacle substantially without leaking at the engaged first and second apertures. A method for processing an analyte comprises engaging the first and second receptacles at the sealing surface; putting a first batch of analyte solution into the first receptacle, processing the analyte solution; transferring the processed analyte solution into the second receptacle, and disengaging the second receptacle from the first receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Logan
  • Publication number: 20090065388
    Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 7475778
    Abstract: A carton is provided for carrying articles or containers in two layers with three rows of containers in each layer. The carton can have a dispenser flap in one side panel which can be opened for dispensing containers when the carton is placed on the end adjacent to the dispenser opening. The two layers of containers are kept separate during the dispensing by an interlocking separator pad that is interlocked to the side end flaps on one end of the carton by punch locks going through the primary female openings of the leading flap attached to the separator pad. A secondary locking system is provided by a swing lock in each side end flap on the interlocking end of the carton which has a secondary male lock attached to it that is inserted into a secondary female opening in the separator pad. Each secondary male lock may have a locking slot that engages a locking edge of the secondary female opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20070289888
    Abstract: An assembly of a frame and doors with a lifting device to position the assembly in an open end of a storage container for conversion to access from opposing ends, the frame including side plates and end plates that abut respective side walls and end edges of end of the storage container from which an end panel is removed, and the lifting device attached to the assembly to hold the assembly in the end while rigidly connecting the assembly to the storage container. A method of converting a storage container for dual opposing access is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: John Stangel
  • Patent number: 7093713
    Abstract: A carton is provided for carrying articles or containers in two layers with three rows of containers in each layer. The carton can have a dispenser flap in one side panel which can be opened for dispensing containers when the carton is placed on the end adjacent to the dispenser opening. The two layers of containers are kept separate during the dispensing by an interlocking separator pad that is interlocked to the side end flaps on one end of the carton by punch locks going through the primary female openings of the leading flap attached to the separator pad. A secondary locking system is provided by a swing lock in each side end flap on the interlocking end of the carton which has a secondary male lock attached to it that is inserted into a secondary female opening in the separator pad. Each secondary male lock may have a locking slot that engages a locking edge of the secondary female opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 6991107
    Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider is provided to facilitate loading the two tiers of containers and an end of the divider is folded down to facilitate its correct placement on the bottom tier of cans. A slit is provided between the two end portions of the divider so cans can be removed from the dispenser without being impeded by the divider being in the way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 6955028
    Abstract: A method of forming a multiple food product container for dispensing one food product from at or near one region of the container, and dispensing another food product at or near the other region of the container, is provided. In the method the two containers are coupled together (i.e., permanently or separably coupled). A preferred embodiment comprises an upper food compartment, a lower food compartment, wherein a top of the lower food compartment is coupled to a bottom of the upper food compartment, a resealable opening disposed at a top of the first food compartment, a resealable second opening disposed proximate a bottom of the second food compartment, a first food disposed in the upper food compartment, and a second food disposed in the lower food compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Lendy Dunaway
  • Patent number: 6926258
    Abstract: A strap tension retaining device is configured for a use with a bulk unit secured by a strap under tension. Such a bulk unit load has a corner and defines a bulk unit perimeter. The strap tension retaining device includes a fixed base element, fixed relative to the bulk unit load, a floating element movable relative to the fixed base element, a biasing element mounted between the floating element and the fixed base element and a guide element mounting the floating element to the fixed base element to guide movement of the floating element relative to the fixed base element. The strap tension retaining device is positioned at about the corner of the bulk unit load with the strap positioned around the bulk unit perimeter of the bulk unit load, over the strap tension retaining device floating element. When the strap is tensioned a force is exerted by the strap on the floating element to force the biasing element against the bias direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Sowa, Michael Kaufman, Lawrence Promise, Mark Hughes
  • Patent number: 6723360
    Abstract: A multiple food product container for dispensing one food product from at or near one region of the container, and dispensing another food product at or near the other region of the container. A preferred embodiment comprises an upper food compartment, a lower food compartment, wherein a top of the lower food compartment is coupled to a bottom of the upper food compartment, a resealable opening disposed at a top of the first food compartment, a resealable second opening disposed proximate a bottom of the second food compartment, a first food disposed in the upper food compartment, and a second food disposed in the lower food compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Lendy Dunaway
  • Publication number: 20010045370
    Abstract: A liquid container for a comestible product such as milk or juice includes a base having a substantially planar region, a top surface having a substantially planar region parallel to the substantially planar region of the base and having a pour spout. A sidewall is integrally formed with and extends between the base and top surface, and includes a structural load distributing feature that transfers loads from the top surface to the base. A handle is interposed between the base and top surface and integrally formed with the base, top surface, and sidewall. The containers can be arrayed into units and stacked on top of one another. A first flexible material such as a shrink wrap holds the individual containers together and a second flexible material maintains the stacked array of containers together so that cases that typically hold the containers can be eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: GREGORY M. SOEHNLEN, DALE PANASEWICZ, LAWRENCE A. BECKS
  • Patent number: 6270005
    Abstract: A packaging assembly is provided for containers such as plastic tubs with snap-on removable lids. A carton is provided to receive multiple containers co-planar arranged to form a tier. The containers are also stacked one on top of another to form multiple tiers. The carton includes minor flaps having recesses for at least partially receiving removable lids on a lower iter, to prevent lateral shifting of one container in the tier with respect to another upon application of an inward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Enciso
  • Patent number: 6105774
    Abstract: An article carrier that is specially designed to permit easy packaging of articles such as pet food containers in a three-tier array. The article carrier is easy to assemble from the formed blank, and when assembled provides a sturdy structure which can be easily transported and stored. The assembled structure is such that substantial portions of the packaged article are exposed to view without degrading the overall structural integrity of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Lisa Jackson
  • Patent number: 5957288
    Abstract: A divider panel for stacked cans is disclosed. The divider panel has an elongate paperboard strip (10) which includes a plurality of divider pads (12), each divider pad providing two rows of can seats (11) defined therein for being disposed between two layers of vertically stacked cans. The divider pads are connected along their ends to adjacent ones of the divider pads along perforated lines (13) to assist in separating the divider pads from one another as desired. The use of the elongate divider panel of this invention allows for lower operating speeds in placing the divider panel on a generally continuous lower layer of cans prior to placing the upper layer of cans thereon as the divider panel and the cans move along a path of travel on a packaging machine when compared to sequentially placing one of a series of separate divider pads between the pairs of cans otherwise being moved along the path of travel on the packaging machine at a relatively faster rate of speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey Campbell
  • Patent number: 5944174
    Abstract: A multi-packaging device for carrying a plurality of containers. A panel is configured with an array of three-pointed apertures that are each engageable with a container neck portion. Each of the three-pointed apertures is formed by two longitudinal elongated openings and one lateral elongated opening in the panel, with extremities of the longitudinal elongated openings positioned along a longitudinal fold line of the panel. Side flaps are positioned adjacent to the fold line on either longitudinal side of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie S. Marco
  • Patent number: 5921392
    Abstract: A carton for packaging one or two layers of flanged tubs. The bottom panel is formed from adhesively connected overlapping flaps which contain cutouts. Lower portions of the tubs extend through openings in the bottom panel formed by the cutouts. Tabs foldably connected to the inner overlapping bottom panel flap prevent adhesive from contacting the tubs and also strengthen the bottom panel. When two layers of tubs are packaged support flaps connected to the side panels extend between the stacked tubs of the upper and lower layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Davis
  • Patent number: 5755326
    Abstract: A pack (10) of bottles (14) comprises a plurality of layers (12). Each layer (12) has its bottles (14) packed in a close packed side-by-side array, the array being hexagonal. The layers (12) are packed in a sleeve (18) of a plastics material. The sleeve (18) is selected to have a perimetral dimension slightly less than a peripheral dimension of each layer (12) such that the layers (12), once packed in the sleeve, are constrained against movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Metal Box South Africa Limited
    Inventor: James Michael O'Neill
  • Patent number: 5755324
    Abstract: A paperboard separating sheet (10) for separating two stacked layers of cans (11, 12) is disclosed. The sheet has a plurality of can receiving locations (13), each location having an inner opening (23) and an outer opening (24), respectively, each one of the openings being defined by a series of cuts (23, 24), respectively, in the paperboard sheet. The cuts define first, second, and third covering portions (20, 21, 22), respectively, which are joined together by a plurality of tabs (25, 26), respectively, which allow the respective covering portions to move into different planes relative to one another when the separating sheet is sandwiched between two stacked cans. In use, the third portion of the separating sheets rests on a top rim of a lower can (11), the second portion of the paperboard sheet sits between the top rim of the can and a recessed panel in which a can opening device is formed, and the first portion of the paperboard sheet covers the can opening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey Campbell
  • Patent number: 5730353
    Abstract: An elongated tubular carton (10) formed from a blank (12) is collapsible about a pair of diametrically opposed fold lines. The carton (10) has a segmented tear strip (60, 62, 64, 66) and display apertures (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Holley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5687847
    Abstract: A package includes a plurality of cylindrical beverage cans (10) arranged into at least two tiers with a carton disposed around the cans. A paperboard divider panel (30) is disposed between and in contact with the cans of adjacent tiers. The divider panel includes a plurality of apertures (32), each of the apertures having a generally circular edge concentric with the cylindrical axis of upper and lower cans and having a diameter (D4) smaller than the base of the upper can. The divider panel further includes a substantially circular embossment (38) concentric with each of the apertures, the embossment having an outer diameter generally equal to the diameter of the top flange of the lower can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: Will L. Culpepper, James R. Oliff
  • Patent number: 5638950
    Abstract: A packaging method for unitizing or interlocking a large number of beverage multipackages together on a portable platform or pallet. The invention also comprises an assembly of unitized packages on a portable platform and includes the use of packages with upstanding handles and close slots in the bottom walls thereof which permit the handle of one package to telescope into the close slot of another of the packages. The invention also uses sheets between interlocked packages to unitize adjacent interlocked packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Edward L. Benno
  • Patent number: 5439111
    Abstract: A novel, unitized package has an upper tier and a lower tier of containers, wherein each tier comprises substantially identical containers, such as beverage cans of a type having a chime at an upper end, in arranged a substantially rectangular array, and a carrier made from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene. A unitizing sheet made from a paperboard material is folded so as to form a cover panel, which covers the upper ends of the containers of the upper tier, two lateral panels, which extend downwardly from the cover panel, along and below the containers of the upper tier, and along the containers of the lower tier, and a divider integral with one of the lateral panels. The cover panel of the covering sheet has slits receiving portions of the chimes of the containers of the upper tier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Broskow, William N. Weaver, Victor G. DiVietro
  • Patent number: 5437370
    Abstract: In a novel, unitized package having an upper tier and a lower tier, each tier comprises substantially identical containers, such as beverage cans of a type having a chime at an upper end, arranged in a substantially rectangular array, and a carrier made from a single sheet of resilient polymeric material, such as low density polyethylene. A covering sheet and a second covering or dividing sheet are employed, each being made from a paperboard material. The covering sheet is folded so as to form a cover panel, which covers the upper ends of the containers of the upper tier, and two lateral panels, which extend downwardly from the cover panel, along and below the containers of the upper tier, and along the containers of the lower tier. The cover panel of the covering sheet has slots for receiving portions of the chimes of the containers of the upper tier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie S. Marco
  • Patent number: 5427242
    Abstract: A package comprises a plurality of beverage cans arranged into a group of at least two vertically-aligned tiers, a carton disposed around the exterior of the group of the cans, and a divider panel disposed between upper and lower adjacent tiers. Each can has a cylindrical side wall defining an axis. The cans in each tier have their axes disposed vertically and parallel to each other. The carton includes top and bottom panels interconnected by a pair of side panels to form a tubular structure, and a pair of end closure structures disposed to close opposite open ends of the tubular structure. The end closure structures are connected to the tubular structure and are disposed substantially adjacent the side walls of the cans of the group along opposite ends of the group. The divider panel is provided with a pair of anchor flaps which are secured to the end closure structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Oliff, James T. Stout
  • Patent number: 5417327
    Abstract: An insulated modular vessel for transporting beverage containers of a known size and shape, typically cans and bottles, is disclosed. The insulated modular vessel comprises at least one main body portion having first and second open ends and generally cylindrically shaped peripherally disposed outer wall extending between the first and second ends so as to define a centrally disposed cavity shaped and dimensioned to receive and retainer beverage containers therein. An insulating layer is disposed generally around the perimeter of the main body portion. The first and second open ends are shaped and dimensioned to permit the passage of beverage therethrough into and out of the centrally disposed cavity. Co-operating male and female threads are disposed at the first and second ends respectively of the main body portion so as to permit a plurality of main body portions to be removably matably attachable to one another in first-end-to-second-end relation so as to form the modular vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Denis A. Saumure
  • Patent number: 5377833
    Abstract: A device for holding and storing emptied beverage containers includes a bag having a plastic back panel and a transparent plastic front panel secured to the back panel at the opposite sides and bottom edges and at laterally spaced zones across the width of the bag to form a plurality of parallel, vertically extending pockets. The tops of the pockets are open for receiving containers in an upright end-to-end stacked relationship. The bottoms of the pockets are closed. A rip cord associated with each of the pockets is operable in response to the application of tensile force thereon to cause the pocket to tear along the length of the pocket, thereby enabling the discharge of the containers from the pockets. The bag may be removably supported on a hanger which in turn may be supported on a door, wall, or other structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Celeste A. Ranger
  • Patent number: 5370228
    Abstract: A receiving device for stackable containers is provided. The device comprises an upper end plate having openings formed therein with a diameter which is at least slightly larger than the largest diameter of the stackable containers. A plurality of substantially parallel receiver tubes are connected to the upper end plate and communicate with the openings in the upper end plate. The receiver tubes are formed of flexible material, they may be defined by a honeycomb insert, or they may be formed of strip sections. The receiver tubes and the upper end plate form an insert unit for insertion into a garbage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Wolfgang Manke
  • Patent number: 5368194
    Abstract: A package for beverage containers such as cans arranged in two or more axially-stacked tiers includes a carton having interconnected top, bottom and side walls. End closure structure connected to at least some of the walls closes one end of the carton. A dispenser for the containers includes first and second apertures defined in the end closure structure. The first aperture extends from one of the side walls and the bottom wall into the end closure structure, and the second aperture extends from the same side wall and the top wall into the end closure structure. The first and second apertures terminate remote from each other such that a portion of the end closure structure extends between the apertures and is connected to the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Oliff, James T. Stout
  • Patent number: 5330050
    Abstract: A palletized merchandising system comprises a pallet, a plurality of like containers stacked in layers on the pallet and a divider sheet interposed between the layers of like containers. The like containers comprise a unitary blow molded body of a generally parallelepiped shape. The like containers have a top face, bottom face, a front face and side walls and a diagonally extending parting line. A pour spout in the top face is spaced along the parting line towards one corner of the top face. A handle on the top face extends upwardly from the top face and is spaced along the parting line. A recess in the bottom face extends upwardly therefrom and is spaced along the parting line. The recess is sized to receive a handle of a like container in a stacking relation. The divider sheets have a plurality of apertures adapted to receive the handles of the like containers and to orient the front face of the like containers when an upper layer of like containers is stacked over a lower layer of like containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Cornos Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin H. Stansbury, Jr., Robert G. Dickie
  • Patent number: 5326152
    Abstract: A cover for a folding lawn chair is provided to allow a person to conveniently carry the folding lawn chair as well as to increase comfort when the person is using the lawn chair. The cover may include an enveloped or flapped portion on each on its ends into which each end of the lawn chair can be situated. The cover thus remains in position on the lawn regardless of wind and movement by the user. The cover further includes a strap to accommodate convenient carrying of the lawn chair. The cover may finally include a pillow positioned at the head portion of the cover, a pocket for carrying magazines and other accessories, and an insulated receptacle for carrying and holding beverages such as soda and beer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Richard K. Baron
  • Patent number: 5314067
    Abstract: A connection system adapted to be used with cylindrical containers includes a sleeve which is adapted to frictionally engage either end of a cylindrical container. A recess extends orthogonally inward from the surface of the sleeve and is adapted to receive a projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Sara Strock
  • Patent number: 5263602
    Abstract: A container system for recycling beverage cans and the like is provided, which consists of a plurality of containers, each having an upper flange and a contoured vertical inner surface, so as to permit the stacking of discarded beverage cans and the like one upon the other in side by side relationships and a stand for supporting each container by the upper flange one directly next to the other so as to take up minimum room in an orderly fashion. An inner disposable liner can than be removed with the discarded beverage cans contained therein while simultaneously preventing any remnants contained in any can from soiling the surrounding and appropriately sent to a proper recycling collection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Emmanuel D. Lathouris
  • Patent number: 5246113
    Abstract: A carrier containing a plurality of layers of articles, such as beverage cans, arranged in stacked end-to-end fashion. The carrier is fully enclosed and is formed with overlapping top panel flaps which produce an area of double thickness between handle openings in the flaps. A reinforcing sheet on the underside of the top panel in the double layer area protects against tearing, while stress relief lines in the form of score lines extending from the ends of the handle opening to the corners of the carrier provide for distribution of lifting and carrying stresses. A separator sheet preventing direct contact between stacked articles extends between layers and may include distortable areas aligned with the articles. Downward pressure on the upper layer causes the bottom of an article to force the distortable area into a recess in the top of the next lower article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Richard L. Schuster
  • Patent number: 5234102
    Abstract: A carrier containing a plurality of layers of articles arranged in stacked end-to-end fashion. The carrier is fully enclosed and is formed with overlapping top panel flaps which produce an area of double thickness between handle openings in the flaps. A reinforcing sheet on the underside of the top panel in the double layer area protects against tearing, while stress relief lines in the form of score lines extending from the ends of the handle opening to the corners of the carrier provide for distribution of lifting and carrying stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Schuster, Joseph A. Borocz
  • Patent number: 5076430
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly beverage pack is described in which beverage cans are stacked in axially aligned groups of three or more. A sealant is adhered around the rim at the bottom of each can before stacking, and each group is then subjected to a vacuum to evacuate the space between the top and bottom of adjacent cans defined by the upper and lower rims around each can. The vacuum holds adjacent cans together and they can be separated by a snapping wrist action for use. If desired, groups may be paired and secured in parallel relationship by hot melt adhesive and handle means may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Terry Philpot
  • Patent number: RE36425
    Abstract: A packaging method for unitizing or interlocking a large number of beverage multipackages together on a portable platform or pallet. The invention also comprises an assembly of unitized packages on a portable platform and includes the use of packages with upstanding handles and close slots in the bottom walls thereof which permit the handle of one package to telescope into the close slot of another of the packages. The invention also uses sheets between interlocked packages to unitize adjacent interlocked packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Edward L. Benno