Having Vertical Projecting Element Or Recess For Interlock Patents (Class 206/509)
  • Patent number: 10336530
    Abstract: A disassembleable, reusable plastic container that can be used for the manufacture, storage and transportation of cheese products. The container may utilize wrap-around interlocks. The endwalls of the container may be flexible to allow the container to undergo minimal deformation when filled with cheese products. The container may also have a recessed pressboard that allows for increased capacity in the container. The container may also utilize positive corner interlocks that minimize unintentional disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: A.R. Arena Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Wilcox, Charles S. Arena
  • Patent number: 10278497
    Abstract: A display tray with multiple side panels attached to one another to form tray sides. The display tray includes a tray surface having an area defined by the first, second, third, and fourth four side panels. Additionally, the display tray includes multiple corner columns, with a corner column located in each corner of the tray. Each corner column upwardly extends from the tray surface and is sturdy enough to support the stacking of another design tray on top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: MID-ATLANTIC PACKAGING SPECIALTIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brady, Carl Jeffrey Jolley
  • Patent number: 10244651
    Abstract: A power supply system includes a chassis defining a bay. Power supply form factor element(s) are located on the chassis adjacent the bay. The power supply form factor element(s) may be used to guide a first form factor power supply through the bay and into engagement with a connector when the first form factor power supply is moved through a bay entrance, or guide a second form factor power supply through the bay and into engagement with a portion of the connector when the second form factor power supply is moved through a first section of the bay entrance. Furthermore, the power supply form factor element(s) prevent movement of the second form factor power supply through the bay and into engagement with the connector when the second form factor power supply attempts to move through a second section of the bay entrance that is different than the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Corey Dean Hartman, Mark A. Muccini
  • Patent number: 10238985
    Abstract: The present application relates to a hard-core and soft-shell toy building blocks set, comprising polycarbonate matrix having tenon on its top and several mortise holes on its bottom; the outside surface of said polycarbonate matrix is cladded with thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer rubber layer. Said hard-core and soft-shell toy building blocks set provided in the this embodiment unitizes both conventional hard and soft kinds of cordwood toy by cladding thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer rubber layer on the outside surface of polycarbonate matrix, learning strong points from both to overcome their weaknesses, it produces high bounce ability, high resistance to wearing, bending, high temperature and oxidation, particularly, it is well worth mentioning that the new product is nonpoisonous, non-absorption of water and oil, no harm to health of children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Vault Limited
    Inventor: Chi Keung Raymond Hui
  • Patent number: 10232971
    Abstract: A measuring and dispensing container having a flexible walled reservoir chamber, a measuring and dispensing chamber and a conduit for transferring liquid from said reservoir chamber to said measuring and dispensing chamber. The reservoir is provided with a non-squeezable handle by which it can be grasped when tilting the container to dispense liquid from the dispensing chamber so as to reduce the risk that excess force applied to the reservoir by a hand holding it will squeeze more liquid than intended into measuring and dispensing chamber. Such handle may be formed by reinforcement of at least one wall of the reservoir to provide sufficient rigidity to prevent squeezing at the reinforcement or by providing a “cut-out” in the reservoir chamber through which a user's fingers may pass and providing reinforcement on or in one or more walls of the reservoir chamber proximate to the cut out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventors: Robert M. Jennings, David A. Jennings
  • Patent number: 10228418
    Abstract: Embodiments of alignment fixtures for integrated circuit (IC) packages, and related techniques, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an alignment fixture for an IC package may include: a first socket having a recess dimensioned to receive a first surface of the IC package and having a first magnet arrangement disposed outside of the recess, wherein the IC package has a second surface opposite to the first surface and has a first electrical contact element on the second surface; and a second socket having a second electrical contact element and having a second magnet arrangement. The first and second electrical contact elements may be aligned when the IC package is disposed in the recess, the IC package is disposed between the first and second sockets, and the first magnet arrangement is in a predetermined equilibrium relation with the second magnet arrangement to mate the first and second sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sruti Chigullapalli, Rene J. Sanchez, Nader N. Abazarnia, Todd R. Coons, Tuan Hoong Goh
  • Patent number: 10227169
    Abstract: Containers for baked goods such as cookies may include liners and bags. A liner may be formed from paperboard and include an enclosure that is defined by a plurality of panels. A lower portion of a baked good or another food product may be received within the enclosure, and an upper portion of the baked good may extend above the enclosure and be visibly supported by one or the panels. The liner may have dimensions that are selected to standardize the size of a baked good, and may be inserted into an appropriately sized bag that may be folded over the liner or otherwise sealed. The enclosure of the liner enables the baked good to be presented vertically on a shelf, rather than horizontally, and in series with other baked goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Mueller, Herman Hou Meng Chan, Sigifredo Carriedo Nunez, Shannon Quek
  • Patent number: 10196175
    Abstract: A tool chest may include a base portion and two opposing sidewalls. The sidewalls may extend substantially perpendicularly upward from the base portion to define a tool repository between the sidewalls. Each of the sidewalls may include a lift-handle assembly that includes a first handle and a second handle. Each of the sidewalls may include at least one recessed portion configured to receive at least one of the first handle or the second handle. The first and second handles may be rotatable between a rest position and a transport position such that the at least one of the first handle or the second handle extends through a plane defined by one of the sidewalls when in the transport position and does not extend through the plane when in the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: APEX BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Cody Edward Milburn
  • Patent number: 10183777
    Abstract: A pallet-sized shipping and display tray includes a base portion having an interior space and opposed sides ends. The respective spaced-apart first and second vertical columns each of which is configured to be positioned in the opposed ends of the interior space of the base portion. Each of the respective first and second spaced-apart vertical columns includes two shoulder panels, two coterminous spine panels, and two arm panels all of which are foldably joined to one another. At least one deck is configured to be attached to the respective spaced-apart first and second vertical columns to form a bridge. The at least one deck includes a supporting panel having two side depending flanges and two end depending flanges all of which foldably joined to one another so as to adequately support a weight of one or more upper display trays when they are stacked upon one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
    Inventor: Wesley N. Adams
  • Patent number: 10138019
    Abstract: A top cap for a tray includes an upper surface for supporting goods and a lower surface including an attachment portion for locating the top cap relative to an upper portion of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Suzanne Whitfield Clark, Jon P. Hassell, Dane Gin Mun Kalinowski, Glenn Rindfleisch
  • Patent number: 10131515
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing wire or cable, the apparatus including an enclosure with a top and a bottom portion and at least three side portions of a first height, a plurality of holes located in both the top and bottom portions of the enclosure, and a core of a second height located within the enclosure, wherein the core forms an area, wherein at least one of the plurality of holes has a first hole diameter and is located in the top and bottom of the enclosure and is located within the area formed by the core, and wherein the wire or cable is placed around the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Encore Wire Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Weatherford, William T. Bigbee, Jr., Clifton S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10093446
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a container includes a plurality of side panels and a glue panel coupled together in series along a plurality of generally parallel fold lines. At least one of the generally parallel fold lines has an increased stiffness. The blank also includes a plurality of bottom panels. At least one of the bottom panels includes at least one bottom corner portion that extends adjacent to and beneath a free bottom edge of a corresponding one of the corner panels and the glue panel. The blank further includes a plurality of top panels. At least one of the top panels includes at least one top corner portion that extends adjacent to and above a free top edge of a corresponding one of the corner panels and the glue panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: David Joe Brundage
  • Patent number: 10082238
    Abstract: A steel stand for supporting heavy structures such as road construction and excavating equipment, either with or without a jacking device, wherein the stand has a central tubular steel core member, wherein ends of the core member are welded to parallel steel plates, and, wherein the stand has a perimetrically positioned plurality of steel, vertical side members spaced substantially circumferentially around the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald M. Norris
  • Patent number: 10052675
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a two-piece food can having improved corrosion resistance is provided, wherein the two-piece food can using a metal sheet coated with a thermoplastic resin and having annular uneven beads and/or a bottom rim. After forming a bottomed cylindrical can body by drawing and ironing, by heating at a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic resin for a predetermined time before forming uneven beads and/or a bottom rim to the can body and quenching within a predetermined time after heating, the inner resin coating hardly peel off during the following formation of uneven beads and/or the bottom rim. As a result, a two-piece food can having excellent corrosion resistance may be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: DAIWA CAN COMPANY
    Inventors: Hiroko Namekawa, Koichiro Nakamura, Shigeru Noto, Yuichiro Murayama, Chiharu Nabeta, Tomohiko Oyanagi
  • Patent number: 10054351
    Abstract: A tray for forming frozen solids such as ice cubes is described. The tray includes a plurality of cavities, each cavity having a base, sidewalls, and a top edge. An overflow notch including an aperture is located in the top edge of each cavity. The overflow notch is of a sufficient depth such that when the tray is filled with liquid up to the level of the overflow notch, and then placed in a freezer to form cubes of frozen solids, connections of frozen solid are not formed between the cubes, even if the liquid expands when it freezes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Winston Saeks
  • Patent number: 10046881
    Abstract: A resin container of the invention is the resin container capable of storing a predetermined amount of fluid having flexibility, the resin container including a first surface part formed with an inlet/outlet part for the fluid, a second surface part connected to the first surface part and forming a peripheral surface, and a third surface part arranged at an opposite side of the first surface part and connected to the second surface part, wherein the first surface part is formed with a first recess recessed from the first surface part toward a third surface part side, and the second surface part is formed with a second recess recessed toward the center of the container from the first surface part to the third surface part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: NISSEI ASB MACHINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuaki Saito, Toshiaki Misaizu
  • Patent number: 9926127
    Abstract: A method of using a corner board protector to protect a corner on a palletized stack of containers. The method includes the steps of forming a one piece, corner board locator having a connection portion and an insert portion, and the corner board locator having an opening formed therethrough. Positioning the insert portion between two vertically aligned containers of the palletized stack of containers. Forming a corner board having two angled panels and a length. Inserting the two angled panels through the opening formed in the corner board locator to retain the corner board at a select height relative to the palletized stack of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: All About Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent J. Grinwald, Craig A. Olson
  • Patent number: 9902531
    Abstract: A container for produce adapted to open along a short end of the rectangular container. A produce packing system wherein the produce containers may be placed into a tray in such a fashion that the likelihood of a container's lid blocking another container is greatly reduced, if not wholly eliminated. The containers may have a plurality of vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Pacific Agricultural Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: David Franz Baum, Frank Nunes
  • Patent number: 9889967
    Abstract: A component tray system, the system including a tray having one or more pockets, each pocket adapted to receive at least one component, and a removable, thermoformed sheet adapted to cooperate with said tray to reduce at least the depth of said on or more pockets. In some embodiments, the tray has a top surface and a bottom surface, pockets being defined on either or both of the top and bottom surfaces. In some embodiments, the thermoformed sheet is adapted to cooperate with the top surface or the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Leong Chow Cheah, Hong Yung Bee, Muda Alang @ Sabri Bin Ahmad
  • Patent number: 9873538
    Abstract: A polygonal bottle, and mouth, shoulder, drum, and bottom sections are formed in a bottle axial direction, the drum section including main wall sections connected via connecting sections in a circumferential direction about a bottle axis, in a lateral cross sectional view perpendicular thereto, a polygonal shape is formed, in which a panel section recessed inward in a radial direction, extending in the bottle axial direction and arriving at an upper portion of the mouth section side of the main wall section formed at the main wall sections of the drum section. A reinforcement protrusion protruding outward in the radial direction is formed at shoulder section connecting portions, a top surface directed outward in the radial direction is continued to an outer circumferential surface of the drum section with no step difference, and an upper surface directed upward is formed in a curved surface shape protruding upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norio Yokota, Takashi Harada
  • Patent number: 9873540
    Abstract: A container (10) consists of a substantially planar blank having a plurality of regions, the regions including a base (18), side walls (14), end walls (16) and a lid (12). Each of the regions is connectable to at least one of the other regions by a hinge (20) formed within the blank. The blank is able to be converted into a first unassembled configuration in which regions of the blank are pivoted around the hinges (20) connecting the regions in relation to other regions, to form a rectangular slab in which compact mode blanks are able to be stacked, and a second configuration in which the blank is erected to form the container (10), which has a cuboidal structure of substantially uniform cross-section, for the storage of articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: ICEE HOLDINGS PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Leslie John Skinner
  • Patent number: 9834393
    Abstract: A system for holding items includes a base tier including two or more totes and one or more higher tiers stacked on the base tier. Each of the higher tiers includes one or more totes stacked on a tote of a lower tier. Totes in of the tiers are laterally cross coupled to one another. The totes include lateral openings that allow removal of items through the lateral opening while the totes are stacked in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Bryan, Darryl I. Jensen, Hunter Dean Helal, Mangesh S. Kolharkar, David H. Clark
  • Patent number: 9834358
    Abstract: Pressure reduction-absorbing bottle includes: cylindrical shoulder portion; cylindrical body portion connecting to the shoulder portion lower end; and bottom portion formed in cylindrical shape with bottom and connecting to the body portion lower end. The bottom portion includes: heel portion connected to the body portion lower opening section, and bottom wall portion closing the heel portion lower opening section. The bottom wall portion includes: grounding portion, rising circumferential wall portion, movable wall portion, and recessed circumferential wall portion. The movable wall portion capable of rotating around the connection portion with the rising circumferential wall portion to move the recessed circumferential wall portion in up-and-down direction. The body portion includes straight cylindrical part connecting to the shoulder portion lower end and extending downward. The straight cylindrical part outer diameter is greater than or equal to 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Matsuo
  • Patent number: 9828231
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing a fluid from a flexible portable fluid container is provided. The apparatus includes a bottom surface and at least one sidewall that defining a cavity configured to receive a flexible portable fluid container. A support member extends from the bottom surface of the body into the cavity to help support the flexible portable fluid container. An extruding member extends outwardly from the outside portion of the sidewall and defines a channel that extends from the inside portion of the sidewall through the extruding member. The channel is sized to receive the spout of the flexible portable fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: BAM! & CO., LLC
    Inventors: Berrishea Carter, Michelle Bunton
  • Patent number: 9826843
    Abstract: A tray and corner post type packaging system for shipping and displaying palletized products is provided. The packaging system is made from three folded and glued blanks and includes four corner posts and a central support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Valentine Tomaszewski, Glen Bersamin
  • Patent number: 9776758
    Abstract: A container system includes a first corrugated paper container and a second corrugated paper container. The first corrugated paper container has a slot formed in a first side thereof. The second corrugated paper container is disposed adjacent to the first corrugated paper container. The second corrugated paper container has a retaining tab formed from a side of the second corrugated paper container. The retaining tab extends into the slot of the first container so as to couple the first corrugated paper container to the second corrugated paper container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Innovative Packaging Solutions
    Inventors: Michael Rentzel, Josh Gordon, Charles Kelley
  • Patent number: 9745167
    Abstract: A cable reel for holding a cable wound thereon that includes a cylindrical drum having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end spaced from the first end. The cable reel also includes a first flange that is coupled to the first end of the cylindrical drum and a second flange that is coupled to the second end of the cylindrical drum. The cable reel further includes a spacer that extends axially outward from the first flange. The spacer is configured to support the reel with the first flange spaced above a support surface when the longitudinal axis of the reel is in a substantially vertical orientation and with the reel being supported on the support surface by the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaokai Niu
  • Patent number: 9672522
    Abstract: The present invention generates and places a Quick Response (QR) matrix barcode on a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and/or label placed on a gas cylinder at a vendor's facility. The gas cylinder is then delivered to a customer. The customer can download onto his/her mobile device an Application from the vendor, by way of a communications network. Using the Application, the QR code can be scanned, decoded, and viewed by the customer. The customer can also download the decoded information into a database, or upload the same information to a third party's database. The information remains accurate, starting at the vendor's facility, arriving at the customer's facility and, finally, reaching the third party's facility. The information is securely transferred, without any possibility of making a mistake in the information transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: AIRGAS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony W. Reccek, Jr., Denver J. Curtis, Anand V. Shah
  • Patent number: 9655446
    Abstract: A display tray with multiple side panels attached to one another to form tray sides. The display tray includes a tray surface having an area defined by the first, second, third, and fourth four side panels. Additionally, the display tray includes multiple corner columns, with a corner column located in each corner of the tray. Each corner column upwardly extends from the tray surface and is sturdy enough to support the stacking of another design tray on top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE PACKAGING DESIGNS L.P.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Brady, Carl Jeffrey Jolley
  • Patent number: 9656712
    Abstract: A removable storage compartment system for bicycles is provided. The removable storage compartment system has a plurality of generally cylindrical containers wherein each of the individual containers is secured to another container or to the frame of the bicycle. The generally cylindrical individual containers may be insulated so as to allow a user to transport warm or cool items. Each of the plurality of individual storage compartments may be of different sizes so as to allow a user to best select the total desired storage area for the bicycle and to allow a user to store the individual storage compartments inside one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: THE CLEVER STORE, LLC
    Inventor: Julie Pusateri
  • Patent number: 9656777
    Abstract: A container blank, a stackable container, and a method for making a stackable container are disclosed. The container blank includes a base having first and second pairs of opposed base edges, end walls foldably attached to the first base edges, and side walls foldably attached to the second base edges. Each side wall has an outer wall foldably attached to the second base edge along a first fold line, at least one index fold-down flap attached to the outer wall along a second fold line, and an inner wall or inner wall flaps foldably attached to the outer wall along a third fold line. Each index flap has a distal portion with notched or expanding extensions, and optionally, a border at a first angle of less than 90° from the second fold line. The stackable container is made from the container blank (e.g., by the method).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Maxco Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Max Flaming
  • Patent number: 9605988
    Abstract: A measuring cup may have volumetric indicia printed along upper and lower surfaces of a reference member or centerpiece disposed near a central portion of a space encircled by a sidewall of the measuring cup. The volumetric indicia may be viewable from above the measuring cup while the cup is disposed on a horizontal countertop or work surface. When inverted, the volumetric indicia printed along a lower surface of the reference member may likewise be viewable from above. In essence, the measuring cup contains first and second receptacles for measuring volumes of substances. The first receptacle is accessible from a “top” of the measuring cup, while the second receptacle is accessible from a “bottom” of the measuring cup. The measuring cup may also include additional measuring receptacles that are removably retained in the second receptacle accessible through the bottom of the measuring cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Urban Trend, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Kushner, Christopher Anzalone
  • Patent number: 9566756
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a container includes a plurality of side panels and a glue panel coupled together in series along a plurality of generally parallel fold lines. At least one of the generally parallel fold lines has an increased stiffness. The blank also includes a plurality of bottom panels. At least one of the bottom panels includes at least one bottom corner portion that extends adjacent to and beneath a free bottom edge of a corresponding one of the corner panels and the glue panel. The blank further includes a plurality of top panels. At least one of the top panels includes at least one top corner portion that extends adjacent to and above a free top edge of a corresponding one of the corner panels and the glue panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: David Joe Brundage
  • Patent number: 9555925
    Abstract: A stacking apparatus including a stacking sleeve comprising walls and a top side, and a sleeve-pallet comprising a platform configured to support goods. The stacking sleeve being configured to surround goods on a first sleeve-pallet and support a second sleeve-pallet on the top side. The stacking sleeve may further comprise braces and access holes. The stacking sleeve may be configured to enable nesting of a second sleeve-pallet supported by the stacking sleeve. The platform of the sleeve-pallet may be further configured to support a stacking sleeve. The sleeve-pallet may further comprise a securing structure to secure a stacking sleeve supported by the platform. The platform of the sleeve-pallet may be further configured to nest in a stacking sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Joseph Marchek, Abraham Israel Jimenez
  • Patent number: 9511899
    Abstract: A pallet skirt comprising a first side-panel section separated from a second side-panel section via a perforated segment. Each of the first and second side-panel sections includes a side portion fold line extending laterally across the side-panel sections, such that each side-panel section presents two side portions. Furthermore, the pallet skirt includes a pair of end flaps extending along lateral edges of the first and second side-panel sections and separated from the side-panel sections via primary fold lines, with the end flaps operable to connect the first and second side-panel sections together. The pallet skirt is configured to be erected from a knockdown configuration by folding together the first side-panel section and the second side-panel section, and extending the first side-panel section and the second side-panel section away from each other such that the pallet skirt forms a rectangular perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Vanguard Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: David Anthony Valentini, Jerry Ryan Frost
  • Patent number: 9480932
    Abstract: A stackable block is provided which may be constructed as a traditional toy or as a beverage container. The block includes six sides. Furthermore, the block includes at least one projection which projects from one of the block's sides. Each projection is square so as to include a face and four sidewalls. Furthermore, it is preferred that each projection include a ridge forming a recess between the square projection's face and a block's side. Furthermore, each block includes at least one slot formed into one of the block's sides. This slot extends the entire side of a block and forms an elongate cavity sized for receipt of a projection. Preferably, each slot includes parallel opposed flanges sized to project into a projection's recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: DRINK BLOCKS, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Weiss
  • Patent number: 9434488
    Abstract: The packaging for at least one layer of at least two objects includes in combination an assembled blank produced from a flat blank and a cover which are secured rigidly together head-to-tail, the flat blank including at least one pair of two panels for receiving objects, two external edge panels, at least one pair of two internal spacer panels, at least one of the edge panels and the spacer panels including, on its top, supporting side, its top, supporting folding line, at least one projecting part, at least one of the receiving panels including, next to its bottom folding line, at least one penetrating part, the projecting and penetrating parts being dimensioned and positioned such as to be able, when the blank is assembled, to engage respectively with a penetrating part of another assembled blank located vertically above and with a projecting part of another assembled blank located vertically beneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: TECMA PACK
    Inventor: Gerard Laudet
  • Patent number: 9402783
    Abstract: A multi-compartment container for the secure storage of therapeutic agents comprises at least a base portion having at least two cavities, said at least two cavities serving as the location where said therapeutic agents are stored, and a child resistant device. Said child resistant device allows for the secure storage of said therapeutic agents. Said child resistant device may be in the form of a typical prescription pill container cap or may be more complex, such as a combination lock. Other features may include covers to keep said therapeutic agents in place, hinges to open said multi-compartment container, and labels corresponding to related cycles for said therapeutic agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Erik Laibe
  • Patent number: 9321555
    Abstract: There is provided a stackable drinking vessel comprising a rim at an open end of the vessel, a base, and a vessel body between the rim and the base, wherein the base comprises stack-elements simultaneously engageable with at least a rim of a first similar drinking vessel and a rim of a second similar drinking vessel, whereby the vessel can be stacked upon the at least two similar drinking vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Coöperatieve Vereniging 4WiHo U.A.
    Inventors: Stijn Roodnat, Erna Gerritdina Hendrika Wilbrink
  • Patent number: 9308149
    Abstract: Referring to the invention, there is shown an assembled container for use in dispensing medicine, pharmaceutics, or similar-sized items. The multi-faceted two-part container is a novel truncated pyramidal shape and is an innovative solution to prior pill bottle designs, based on several factors: the container has better container stability over prior bottle shapes; it may be stacked at an angle in a user's home; a hinged lid opening creates easier user access; and the container shape yields greater internal volume (over prior container designs). Further, the container has a large labeling surface area, possesses angled surfaces that allow for easy viewing of redundant labeling medication information on the container by a user, and has container parts that can be manufactured, shipped and assembled in novel ways and at lower costs than traditional pill bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventors: Charles Jeffrey Niskey, Jr., Adam Jason Strichman
  • Patent number: 9302809
    Abstract: Molded plastic fuel containers comprise a plastic, with a pair of sides and gently inclined, integral front and rear faces. An integral handle spanning the top of the body extends over and between front and rear faces. A channel-like trough is defined at the bottom, beneath spaced-apart bottom portions. The trough is configured to snugly receive a handle when units are stacked vertically. Front portions of the handles and each trough are wider than corresponding rears. When a handle mated to and seated within a trough during stacking, stability is increased because both lateral (i.e., side-to-side) movements and linear (i.e., forward and rearward) movements are resisted by the locking action of the mating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Timothy W. Hooper
  • Patent number: 9296509
    Abstract: A plurality of cartons, preferably fabricated from paper, paperboard and/or corrugated paperboard, and particularly of tray or wrapper-style construction, are provided, having integral lid constructions, and outer overlap panels, operably associated with the at least one top panel, to enable articulation of the carton into a substantially completed structure, without interfering with the subsequent articulation of the at least one top panel to enable loading of the carton subsequent to articulation and affixation of the outer overlap panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Michael McLeod
  • Patent number: 9281224
    Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method for receiving and positioning a plurality of spaced-apart power semiconductor modules using a molded positioning body. The molded positioning body has a planar first main face and a plurality of receptacles for receiving the power semiconductor modules therein. Each receptacle has a stop means, by which a main face of each power semiconductor module is positioned plane-parallel with one another and in alignment with the first main face of the molded positioning body. The receptacle is embodied as tapering inwardly in the direction of the first main face, beginning at the second main face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Semikron Elektronik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Jakob Jost
  • Patent number: 9278827
    Abstract: A cable reel for holding a cable wound thereon that includes a cylindrical drum having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end spaced from the first end. The cable reel also includes a first flange that is coupled to the first end of the cylindrical drum and a second flange that is coupled to the second end of the cylindrical drum. The cable reel further includes a spacer that extends axially outward from the first flange. The spacer is configured to support the reel with the first flange spaced above a support surface when the longitudinal axis of the reel is in a substantially vertical orientation and with the reel being supported on the support surface by the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Xiaokai Niu
  • Patent number: 9156578
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a polygonal container is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two opposing end panels each extending from an end edge of the bottom panel, two opposing outer side panels each extending from a side edge of the bottom panel, and an inner side panel extending from each top edge of one outer side panel of the two outer side panels. Each inner side panel includes a central portion, a corner portion extending from each side of the central portion, an inner end portion extending from each side of one of the corner portions, and a plurality of elongated relief cutouts. One elongated relief cutout of the plurality of elongated relief cutouts is defined between each corner portion and the central portion and between each inner end portion and an adjacent corner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Charles Smith
  • Patent number: 9144619
    Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization system and method is provided. The system includes a sterilization container having a first container portion engagable with a second container portion to enclose an interior compartment from an exterior atmosphere. At least one insert is locatable within the interior compartment of the sterilization container, the at least one insert having a medical instrument holding area surrounded by a plurality of sidewalls, wherein the medical instrument holding area is sized to hold at least one medical instrument. A filter is secured within a wall of the first container portion, wherein the filter is in communication with the interior compartment and the exterior atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Symmetry Medical Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Roy Duddy, Tony Foley, Gary T. Dane
  • Patent number: 9131770
    Abstract: Container with a bottom wall, two side walls, and a back wall connecting them, and at least one drawer which can be pulled from the opening of the container, opposite this back wall, wherein on the upper edges of the two side walls, at least one locking device is provided. Such known containers are not flexible enough for practical use. The goal of refining a generic container in such a way that there are more combination possibilities in handling is attained in that the upper side of the container, opposite the bottom wall, is open and another container or a lid, covering the open upper side, can be optionally locked in via the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: SORTIMO INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Franz Stegherr
  • Patent number: 9090391
    Abstract: An improved container provides a container body and a closure. In some embodiments, a scooping utensil retainer is disposed on the closure. The scooping utensil retainer includes opposing flanges protruding from the closure surface. A flange rib protrudes from the first flange into the flange gap, extending from the closure surface to the distal end of the flange. A tapered retainer gap is provided between flanges for resiliently clamping the handle of a scooping utensil. In some embodiments, the closure can include an annular ridge shaped for engaging a downwardly extending skirt on a like container when two like containers are vertically stacked. In some embodiments the container body includes an in-mold label affixed to a substantially straight side wall, the in-mold label covering at least about 95% of the exterior surface area of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Mead Johnson Nutrition Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Horton, Robin P. Wiggins, Jeffrey Minnette, Randall Julian
  • Publication number: 20150136630
    Abstract: An improved drinking can enables a user to have fluid return into the can after drinking The improved drinking can comprises a can body comprising a contoured bottom edge immediately adjacent to a bottom recess. The can body further comprising a can top mechanically coupled to a spout. Where the spout is shaped to funnel fluid back into the can body. The bottom recess is shaped to enable a first improved drinking can to sit upon a second improved drinking can where bottom recess covers can top. This protects the drinking area from becoming contaminated during shipment, storage, and display. The can body is covered with a mural where the mural is covered by a mural cover comprising a tab such that the mural cover can be removed by applying force to the tab displaying the mural.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: DERRICK T. MILLER, JR.
  • Patent number: 9016474
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport container comprising a rectangular base, with feet located at the underside thereof, with side walls that can pivot about hinges and that rise from said base, wherein the side walls, which lie on top in the folded-together state, and the bordering base edge comprising the hinges form support surfaces for the feet of an identical second container, the feet thereof being located below the base, characterized in that recesses are provided in the left and the right side area of the side walls, which lie on top in the folded-together state, the recesses being separated from one another by ribs and being used to receive protrusions formed on the bottom side of the feet, the height of the protrusions being less than the depth of the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Georg Utz Holding AG
    Inventors: Axel Ritzberger, Wolfgang Faust, Gerhard Eckbrett-Welz