Abstract: The scratch prevention pan liner in one aspect includes a monolithic body having a configuration conforming to the inner non-stick coated surface of a unit of cookware, the monolithic body being formed with a recess in its upper surface to receive the bottom surface of a superposed cookware unit. In a second aspect, the liner is formed from a dish-shaped member provided with a central pad from which radiate ribs configured to form a recess within which a superposed unit of cookware may be nested. To align and retain the handles of multiple cookware units oriented in a common vertical plane, U-shaped members are provided to cradle and embrace such handles.

Abstract: A stackable container has an open top and a substantially open front defined by a flange, with a transparent cover securable over the front opening to allow viewing of the contents of the container. The container has a removable lid with formed structures for stacking additional containers thereon, with the cover hinged from the lid. The container also has strengthening ribs which are incorporated in the sides and back of the container, with the ribs providing complementary recesses for nesting the containers when empty.

Abstract: A brake rotor and brake drum stacking device, which is particularly useful for use in salvage yards and the like, comprises a unitary plastic member having a circular outer rim connected by means spaced-apart spokes with a holllow central hub. The hub is in the form of a stepped inverted cup, so that disc brake rotors have the disc surface supported by the spokes, with the studs and crown extending into hollow central hub. A sandwich arrangement of alternating stacking devices and disc brake rotors may be made, with the studs of the disc brake rotors supporting the next higher stacking device, with the crown of the rotor extending into the interior of the central hub. The dimensions of the stacking device permit a single sized stacking device to be used to stack disc brake rotors made by different manufacturers and used with vehicles of different sizes.

Abstract: A double receptacle is provided having two separate openings for disposing of biological and nonbiological waste in separate containers lined with readily removable plastic bags at least one of which is suitable for autoclaving. The unit comprises a base module, a center module, and a lid module, the center and lid each having openings for the bags. The lower plastic bag lines or fills the base module and has its opening in the center module; the upper plastic bag resides in the center module and access is provided from the lid module. The bags are held in place snugly at the nesting surfaces of the modules.

Abstract: A simple device for separating pans of food stored in a vertical array, preventing the contents of the pan below from contacting the bottom of the pan above. The pan stacking device is used two at a time along with conventional food storage pans as commonly found in the food preparation industry. The ends of the devices include preferably intermittent or staggered shoulders for fitting snugly to the flange rims of the pan below and the outer surface of the pan above, thereby maintaining the stacked pans in relatively sturdy, stable position. The preferred embodiment of the pan stacking device is adjustable so as to fit food storage pans and containers of various sizes.

Abstract: A piggyback food container having a polymeric bowl forming a first food compartment and a removable cover thereover, a polymeric overcap on said bowl forming a central second food compartment and a peripheral wall, a breakaway juncture between this central compartment and the peripheral wall, enabling the wall to add volume capacity to the uncovered bowl.

Abstract: A modular cooler that is made of individually insulated modular cooler compartment units that can be stacked together to make a custom sized cooler for any occasion needed. The basic unit is a cylindrical bottom container having specific interlocking structure on its top edge. A tubular compartment unit having mating interlocking structure on its bottom edge is detachably engaged with the interlocking structure of the bottom container unit. A locking ring surrounds both of these interlocking structures and by rotating it a short predetermined distance the two units can be locked together or unlocked. One form of locking ring has a solid central wall that forms it into a compartment divider. Additional units can be stacked together by using additional tubular compartment units and locking rings. A disc-shaped top cover has interlocking structure on its bottom edge. O-rings are positioned between the interlocking structures to make the adjacent compartment watertight and airtight.

Abstract: An extension ring has four panels for extending a height dimension of a box having lids hinged to the rim of the box. The lids of the box are removed, and two of the extension ring panels are secured to the rim of the box through engagement with the hinge elements of the box. The other two panels are assembled to the panels secured to the rim of the box to form the extension ring by forming pinned joints at the four corners of the extension ring. Once the extension ring is assembled and connected to the box, the lids are hinged to the top of the extension ring so that they function in the same way as when they were hinged to the box.

Abstract: A pyramid cosmetic container of a pyramid structure which is divided into a top housing for retaining a lipstick and a base housing of truncated pyramid in shape including a plurality of compartments in slidable engagement therebetween thus enabling easy access to each of the articles stored therein and is aesthetically attractive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of packaging kiwifruit in packaging means formed or provided with one or more pockets therein, the method including locating at least one kiwifruit in at least one pocket, so that the longitudinal axis of the kiwifruit are substantially vertical or upright. In one form of the invention, the method uses packaging means in the form of a tray including a plurality of juxtaposed pockets, each pocket having at least one deformable nipple on the base thereof. The invention also provides packaging means for kiwifruit which include at least one pocket, the pocket being adapted to house at least one kiwifruit in a position such that the longitudinal axis thereof is substantially vertical or upright. In a preferred form of the invention, the packaging means is in the form of a tray incorporating a plurality of juxtaposed pockets. At least one pocket is provided with at least one deformable nipple on its base.

Abstract: A lightweight paint carrier system for use with artist's acrylic paint containers or bottles of a fixed size and cylindrical shape. A number of generally circular trays are provided with a central post. The trays nest together with one tray nesting atop another to form either a single layer assembly or two or three layer assembly. The trays of the second and higher layers mount onto the post of the tray below and are supported therefrom in a cantilever fashion. The trays are of two types--a base which includes an artist's water basin surrounded by twelve wells for receiving the bottom of the bottles and an intermediate layer tray which has wells uniformly distributed on its upper surface for receiving eighteen of the paint containers. A top is provided for either the one base tray or the stack of nested trays and a handle having a rod of a length sized to accommodate a single tray stack or a multiple stack array is provided.

Abstract: In air conditioning supply carrier and organizer including a lower tray, an upper tray and an intermediate tray in stacked relation, each tray being of substantially similar area and configuration wherein the interior of each tray is separated by septums into a plurality of compartments and wherein an upstanding handle on the lower tray extends through openings in the intermediate and upper trays for orienting the trays in stacked relation and for carrying either one, two or all three trays at one time to a job site.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a portable meal preparation assembly which includes a microwave oven unit, a refrigeration or ice chest unit, a container unit for carrying articles necessary for meal preparation, and a power supply unit. Each of the units has the same rectangular dimensions so they are adapted to be stacked one upon the other vertically. A case is provided for removably containing or storing the vertically stacked units and transporting same. The case may be provided with a handle for manually carrying the stacked units or it may be provided with straps for carrying the stacked unit in a backpack manner. A frame is provided which includes generally vertically-oriented sides and an annular flange extending into the hollow interior of the frame and generally perpendicular to the sides.

Abstract: A vertical compact device assembled with several body portions, which are designed to accommodate eyelash pencil, rouge cream or lipstick, and cosmetic tools, etc. The compact can be coated in different colors to indicate the same color cosmetics therein for the convenience of the user. The compact so assembled is a portable compact, taking a small space.

Abstract: Stackable crates of synthetic material for bottles, especially wine bottles, having a compartmental subdivision for the accommodation of one bottle each in one compartment, first supporting surfaces for stacking the crates one upon another in a vertical position, second supporting surfaces at at least two opposite side walls for stacking the crates in a horizontal position, with each compartment comprising portions of elastically shapable material adapted to be brought into engagement with the bottle wall at circumferentially spaced intervals, and with two sizes of crates provided, of which the smaller crates--measured outside--are half the length of the greater crates but the same width, and in that the second supporting surface are arranged in such a manner that the supporting surfaces of the smaller crates may respectively be supported by supporting surfaces of both halves of the side walls of the greater crates, and the greater crates may respectively be supported in the horizontal position while being re

Abstract: A container and ice cube tray assembly to store a plurality of relatively small similarly shaped items with easy user manual access. The container has a corrugated bottom wall and two spaced apart side walls integrally connected to the bottom wall and terminating at the top thereof in an outwardly directed flange. Located near the junction of the side walls and outwardly directed flanges is a longitudinal groove extending therealong. The container has two spaced apart end walls, said end walls integrally connected to the bottom and side walls and extend up the side walls a substantial distance and each has a terminal end extending in a horizontal plane parallel to the bottom wall the full width of the container to allow user manual access from either end of the container to the small items stored in the container.

Abstract: A package assembly includes a pallet, an outer shell supported on the pallet, and a plurality of inner cells disposed within the outer shell. A plurality of package elements are utilized to separate and support a stack of video glass funnel parts within each inner cell. The upper pyramidal surface of a package element has step means formed therein for receiving and supporting the edge of a larger end of a glass funnel part, while a lower surface of the pyramidal element is configured to receive and mate with upper surfaces of the contoured sides of a glass funnel part. Stiffening support posts may be disposed in the corners of the inner cells. A cover has a top panel and downwardly depending side walls which extend around the upper edges of the sides of the outer shell.

Abstract: A tray for transporting internal combustion engine pistons is provided. The tray comprises a generally rectangular tray body having a bottom wall. A plurality of spaced apart generally cylindrical first pockets extend downwardly from the bottom wall. Second pocket sidewall structure extends upwardly from the bottom wall concentrically around each of the first pockets to define a plurality of spaced apart generally cylindrical second pockets extending upwardly from the bottom wall.

Abstract: A method for forming paperboard slip sheets for receiving, handling, storing and shipping a unitized load of products. The method includes embossing in a surface of the paperboard sheets a pattern of indentations, the pattern being such that when the slip sheets are stacked the indentations are not in registry and do not nest one with another. The depth of the indentations is sufficient such that when a suction is applied to a surface of the top sheet of the stack to grip the top sheet for transfer, only the top sheet is gripped thereby thus preventing the transport of more than one slip sheet at a time.

Abstract: A one piece, paperboard, combination display tray-connector device having upwardly extending front and side walls and downwardly extending rear and side walls and being adapted to be used alone on a counter as display tray, for holding articles, or as a connector for interconnecting other containers or similar devices in a vertically stacked display arrangement.

Abstract: A case in which stacks of dough rising pans are held, the case being divided into vertical compartments for the stacks, an access opening on top of the case for placement of the pans thereinto, caster wheels under the case and handles on a side to pull the case and move it from place to place.

Abstract: A stacking system consists of a tray-like component that accommodates articles in interior troughs and of a stacking component. The object is to provide a stacking system that can be adapted to different heights depending on the type of article being stored. The accommodating components can be stacked nested and the stacking components can be stacked nested. The top of an accommodating component engages the bottom of a stacking component and the top of each stacking component conforms to the bottom of each accommodating component. The distance between the top and bottom of each stacking component is independent of the height of any accommodating component.

Abstract: A vacuum-formed lid for a large drinks container is disclosed made from extruded sheet plastic. The lid has provision for the user to remove a tear-out portion to leave a hole through which liquid may be poured out of the container. The lid includes a ridge which is gripped between finger and thumb. A slit is located just under the thumb, so that squeezing the ridge is effective to open the slit. The slit runs across the "grain" of the extruded plastic. The effect is that tearing the lid can be easily accomplished, yet the tear may be directed and controlled easily.

Abstract: A baggage set comprises in combination, a plurality of substantially parallelpipedic case elements of different sizes, at least one prismatic sloping case element, and at least one stepped case element having a side configured to present a stepped profile. The combination, when stacked in a predetermined manner, permits the baggage set to fill a volume dimensioned to substantially match that of a storage compartment of a particular vehicle.

Abstract: A tray of rectangular configuration having an array of open-topped compartments serves to hold a supply of medication arranged by day and time of taking. Associated with the tray is a support base having provision for storage of medication containers. A case may be provided for the tray and includes a cover to permit the tray to be carried without danger of the pills moving from the individual compartments.Preferably, the assembly is made by a plastic thermoforming process and an improved latch mechanism formed of mating walls of V-shaped configuration is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner locking device that is particularly adapted to lock an industrial vacuum cleaner of the type having an upper container and lower container disposed in a stacked relationship wherein each container includes a pair of handles which are aligned with the handles of the other container. The vacuum cleaner locking device includes a pair of L-shaped locking bars having vertical and horizontal sections. Each vertical section extends vertically along one side of the vacuum cleaner and through a respective handle on the upper container and engages a respective handle on the lower container. A hook is formed in the lower end of each vertical section for extending around and underneath the respective lower handles for engaging the same. The horizontal sections extend from the upper end of the vertical section over the top of the upper container to a point where they meet. At this point the ends of the horizontal sections turn upward and abut against each other.

Abstract: An accessory tray particularly adapted for holding in an organized manner computer discs, owner's manual and other accessories frequently used with a portable computer. The accessory tray is attachable to the portable computer in such a manner that the accessory tray becomes a part of the carrying case of the portable computer.

Abstract: A utensil holder which includes three separate annular sections of different diameters, can be assembled in interlocking superposed relationship as a one-tier holder, a two-tier holder or a three-tier holder. For shipping purposes, all three sections nest one within the other to provide an assembly which is the size of the largest section.

Abstract: A described container assembly has an open top lower container and a cover adapted to be releasably assembled and locked on top of the container by their relative rotation. The container has outwardly extending opposed locking grooves within its inner side walls, and the cover has opposed outwardly extending locking flanges for cooperating with the container opposed grooves for assembly upon relative rotation from an initial position to a locked position.

Abstract: Improvement in a series of containers vertically stackable includes said containers inter-sealing in combination to form several compartments, and including top element in the form of a feeding pan downwardly oriented, upper element in the form of an open top container closable by the top element and with a downwardly oriented feeding pan on the bottom, intermediate element of the feeding pans back-to-back, and lower element in the form of an open top container connectable by the intermediate element to the lower element.

Abstract: A commodity can assembly comprising upper and lower cylindrical cans having beads around opposed ends which are releasably gripped by a storage unit connector. The connector is molded of stiff but slightly resilient plastic and includes a cylindrical wall having annular lips inside it which grip the can beads. Between the lips a spaced pair of inwardly extending shoulders serve as stop for the can ends and define a compartment between them in which a third commodity is stored for marketing.

Abstract: A serving tray arrangement including a tray divided by a bifurcated wall member which together with the angled side wall structure of the tray is adapted to support a plurality of differently sized containers in a variety of positions thereon so as to further compartmentalize the assembly in one of many possible arrays for food service.

Abstract: A pallet system including two embodiments of a pallet having a deck including four sides and providing a load-supporting surface. A plurality of spaced hollow legs project from the opposite side of the deck and a plurality of hollow reinforcing ribs project from the opposite surface to define channels in the load-supporting surface. A hollow ridge projects from the opposite surface and extends along the sides at the periphery of the deck to define a groove in the load-supporting surface for receiving the bottom edge of a wall. There is at least one transverse rib projecting from the opposite surface and extending between opposite sides of the deck to define a transverse groove in the load-supporting surface for receiving the bottom edge of a transverse wall whereby walls may extend upwardly from the deck to divide and separate the load-supporting surface into discrete areas.

Abstract: A serving plate set having two similar receptacles which in one form is separated by a sealing member that segregates the receptacle contents, such member also being of a plate-like configuration and which in another form employs the two receptacles to create a closured container.

Abstract: A plurality of frame members. Each of the frame members have a truncated pyramid shape of successively reduced size. The members are able in one condition, to be stacked one upon the other to form an enlarged truncated pyramid shape box and in a second condition to be nested one within the other. A cover for the uppermost one of the members and a plate insertable in a slot in a wall of the frame member to partition the box are provided.

Abstract: A plastic packaging product is disclosed. In its final form it can be used in packaging to locate, separate and suspend items to be packaged. The packaging product comprises a plurality of extruded members in one direction linked with a plurality of extruded members in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A stack and cross nest unitary molded tray is designed so that it will also stack and cross nest interchangeably with a tray having rod members for stacking.

Abstract: A re-usable plastic container for the transportation and handling of articles such as fruit and vegetables, and having a base, two opposed side walls and two opposed end walls, all of which walls are inclined downwardly and inwardly to allow nesting of containers one within the other when necessary. The containers also have support wires pivotally mounted on the end walls of the container to be pivotable between positions hanging down alongside the respective end walls to allow another container to be nested therein, and a position overlying or bridging the tops of the ends of the container to support another container thereon in a stacked relationship. The container further includes an arrangement of reinforcing webs in the side walls beneath the points at which the support wires overlie or bridge the container walls, that is, at the position where the load of one or more containers stacked above will be applied, to assist in the support and distribution of the load.

Abstract: Improvements in multiple vessel container assemblies made up of one vessel removably mountable and secureable on top of another vessel, with the bottom end of the upper vessel and the top end of the lower vessel interconnectable with one another; multiple vessel container assemblies adapted to carry liquids, which vessels optionally may be insulated from one another or to heat exchange one another; multiple vessel container assemblies of versatile use and carrying capacity with respect to ice and liquids for drinking purposes, each vessel separately chargeable with and able to dispense either or both of ice and liquids.

Abstract: A container to facilitate the serving of hot liquids comprising a first container member and a second container member, the said second container member being divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with these compartments being separated by a common wall, the second container adapted to removably interlock with the first container.

Abstract: An improved teapot set that includes a separate vessel placeable upon its top and which extends downward into the interior of the teapot so that steaming tea water in the teapot heats up milk or honey that is contained inside the vessel, the set also including a lid or cover that is placeable on top of the vessel or else directly on top of the teapot, in case the vessel is not used.

Abstract: A contact lens storage unit which is formed of first and second mating members. On one of these members, which may be the cap of the lens storage unit, a dome-like contact lens supporting element is provided. A cover, having a concave surface which cooperates with the dome-like contact lens supporting element to encage a contact lens is also provided. Finally, the unit includes a raised annular ring disposed about the dome-like contact lens supporting element. Complementing threads provided on both members and a seal complete the lens storage unit.

Abstract: A food service cover integrally constructed of a plastic material and including a top portion having radially extending stabilizing arms to hold a food plate stacked thereon and a side wall depending from the peripheral rim of the top portion and having a bottom peripheral lip carrying a protrusion ring to engage the outer rim of a food plate such that the food plate service cover is prevented from sliding on the food plate.