Noncircular Receptacles (e.g., Trays) Patents (Class 206/518)
  • Patent number: 11768194
    Abstract: A cell monitoring plate comprises a flat surface on which multiple cell culturing vessels may be stacked. The flats surface has multiple optical imaging systems embedded therein to fully image a cell culture vessels stacked on the plate. Each one of the multiple optical imaging systems provides both illumination and imaging through a single aperture in the surface of the monitoring plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joshua Monroe Cobb, Gregory Roger Martin, Robert Raymond Raczkowski, Mark Christian Sanson, Horst Schreiber, Todd Michael Upton
  • Patent number: 11584561
    Abstract: A container for holding a food product. The container can comprise a flange comprising a central panel. An opening can extend in the central panel. The container further can comprise a sidewall comprising at least a panel foldably connected to the central panel and a denesting feature extending outwardly from the sidewall. The denesting feature can be for engaging a nested container positioned below the container in a stacked arrangement and for forming a denesting gap between the flange and the nested container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Tye, Elliot Hithersay
  • Patent number: 11305911
    Abstract: A packaging for modified atmosphere packaging includes a flangeless cardboard tray having a bottom and an upstanding peripheral wall. A plastic flange is arranged on top of the edge of the peripheral wall. The plastic flange has in cross-section a first part extending horizontally, substantially parallel to the bottom of the tray, a second part depending from the first part downward along the outside of the peripheral wall and a third part depending from the first part, opposite of the second part, along the inside of the peripheral wall. A plastic barrier foil is adhered to and lines the inside of the cardboard tray and extends over the plastic flange to fix the plastic flange onto the flangeless cardboard tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Packable B.V.
    Inventor: Ronald Zwaga
  • Patent number: 10836534
    Abstract: A tray includes a base having an upper support surface and a central portion extending downward to define a lowermost surface of the tray. The base includes a peripheral portion recessed relative to the central portion. A pair of opposed first walls extend along opposed first edges of the base. A pair of opposed second walls extending along opposed second edges of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Brian Robert Guerry, Sydney Marie Ogawa-Garcia, Suzanne Whitfield Clark
  • Patent number: 10829283
    Abstract: A container carrier and manufacturing method for a container carrier are provided. The container carrier includes an integrally molded body with a plurality of annular structures connected by a bridges. The annular structures each include a side wall formed of side wall portions separated by side wall voids and a top surface. Flanges are positioned at the bottom of each side wall void to collectively engage the containers. The flanges are configured to project inwardly and orient upwardly at an angle so as to flex when accepting or releasing a container. The top surfaces of the annular structures include notched voids continuous with respective side wall voids such that the flanges positioned at the bottoms of the side wall voids are accommodated by the notched voids in the top surface of a second, same-shaped container carrier when stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: OREGON PRECISION INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Zakary James Borg, Ronald Lee Mellor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10780610
    Abstract: Provided is a structure in which an inserted article is easily inserted and a product is easily released from a die after molding. The structure includes a positioning mechanism which is vertically arranged on one split die, includes a positioning pin having a tapered distal end, and positions the inserted article by engaging the inserted article with the positioning pin, a stop mechanism that has a spring means assembled with the one split die and a stopper portion held by the spring means, and temporarily stops movement of the other split die when the other split die comes into contact with the stopper portion at the time of mold clamping, and a pressing mechanism that has a spring assembled with the other split die, a pusher pin, a spring assembled with the one split die, and a pusher pin, and elastically presses the inserted article by the pusher pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: NOK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Masaka, Shigeru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10703538
    Abstract: A compartmentalization system for an industrial tote includes a base; side walls, which include recesses for retaining bins within the tote; and end walls. The tote may include eight recesses in each side wall for receiving a pair of inserts on a bin. The bins typically include two or four tabs. The bins that are used with the tote system include a base, opposed side walls, and end walls that define the interior of the bin. Typically, a lip formed at the top of the side and end walls to improve strength and stability. The tabs are formed on the exterior of at least one side wall. The tab is inserted into the recess in the tote. Each tab includes a riser that is substantially normal to the sidewall and a tab formed at the end of the riser so that the tab is spaced apart from the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: AKRO-MILS, a division of Myers Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis Shamp, Albert Kobilarcik
  • Patent number: 10519291
    Abstract: The invention relates to modifying synthetic fiber sponge, such as polyester or polyurethane foam, with an epoxy-, polyester, or acrylic-resin to induce an engineered rock product for use as stone replacement in a variety of applications. The method for manufacturing comprises: producing a foam block; shaping the foam block into any regular or irregular shape; weathering the shaped foam block; infusing the weathered foam block with a resin; curing the infused foam block; and finishing the cured foam block. The artificial rock comprises a foam block shaped to resemble a rock, an exterior of the foam block infused with a resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventor: Silia Abou Arbid
  • Patent number: 10512517
    Abstract: A containment case assembly, including a tray and closing lid, comprises an upper frame that is configured to support from one to a plurality of removable screw decks is described. The screw decks have a column of first openings into which removable silicon plugs or inserts are positioned. The removable inserts include indicia or labels that indicate to a user the size of a surgical screw that is positioned in a row of second openings that are aligned in the screw deck immediately adjacent to one of the first openings. The upper frame of the containment case also has an inlet provided with a series of adjacent indicia or labels that are spaced at regular millimeter intervals for use in verifying the length of a surgical screw. The upper frame is further provided with a series of regularly spaced openings that have progressively larger sizes. These openings enable a user to verify the diameter of a surgical screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: VIANT AS&O HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Lewis Orr, Tyler P. Turk
  • Patent number: 10301097
    Abstract: The purpose of the claimed invention is to have a protective internal structure using multiple corrugated paperboard inserts that will fit into a RSC (regular slotted container) case. These inserts and the internal structure that it creates, enable a user to ship their product via common or contract carrier without damage to the user's product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
    Inventors: Trevor James Groff, Waylande Juan Sanchez
  • Patent number: 10159628
    Abstract: Closures are provided consisting of a lid or cap member and a container member. These are inter-engageable with one another. The lid or cap member has a skirt and the container member has an upstanding rim, each of which is of generally polygonal (preferably square) shape. Located on each of the facing walls on each side of the polygonal shape are inter-engageable projections. The inter-engaging surfaces of the projections run substantially in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the polygonal shape and are of relatively small angular extent about that axis. The material of one or both of the skirt and container portion is resiliently elastic. The closure may be assembled with an axial push, and removed by twisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: FITSON SINGAPORE PTE LTD
    Inventors: David Anthony Edgerley, Graham Antony Tulett, Ching Chan
  • Publication number: 20150129451
    Abstract: A container comprising a first and a second pairs of opposite sidewalls extending from a base to a lip , the lip running around the perimeter of the container and delimiting an upper collar having a height from the lip to an upper rim of the container; a pair of bars extending across the first pair of opposite sidewalls; wherein each one of the first pair of opposite sidewalls comprises an outer wall and an inner wall separated by a recess; the inner wall comprising an upper supporting surface, a lower supporting surface and a nesting surface; the outer wall comprises a first opening located below the lip, and a second opening located between the upper rim of the container and the lip; pivot ends of each bar being received in opposite second openings; the bars being movable between: i) a lower stacking bar position, ii) an upper stacking bar position and iii) a nesting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: ROCH NOLET, LUC PETITPAS, FRANCIS CÔTÉ
  • Patent number: 8985334
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a nestable containing for storing and dispensing wipes. The nestable container includes a container body comprising a bottom wall, side walls, and a corner region including an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. The nestable container includes a first ledge and a second ledge. The first and second ledges each have a proximal end region and a distal end region. The proximal end region of the first ledge is connected with the exterior surface of the corner region. The proximal end region of the first ledge comprises a groove and the distal end region of the first ledge comprises a ridge. The proximal end region of the second ledge is connected with the interior surface of the corner region. The proximal end region of the second ledge comprises a groove and the distal end region of the second ledge comprises a ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard Shane Mays, Richard Lawrence Horstman, Lucio Frias, William Kater LaSala, James Matthew Owen
  • Patent number: 8899438
    Abstract: A chafing dish with handles allows a safe, efficient, and professional-appearing exchange and serving of food, keeping the servers hands away from the outer edge of the chafing dish where hot steam rises from the water pan. The chafing dish handles of the present invention are formed as part of a closed loop frame. The frame consists of rail members that are configured to align with and to be positioned beneath the chafing dish ledge. The rail members form a rectangular, depending on the shape of the chafing dish, structure. Handle members extend from the rail members on opposed sides of the frame and extend in a manner that does not prevent the lid placement or the nesting of chafing dishes in storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Get-A-Grip Chafing Pans, LLC
    Inventors: Lois V. Leonard, Joseph L. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8869682
    Abstract: A food pan is configured for use with a serving station having wells within which to support the food pan. The food pan includes a bottom, a side wall, a rim, and four corner structures. The bottom has a substantially rectangular periphery. The side wall is connected to the bottom, and projects from the rectangular periphery of the bottom in an upward direction. Together, the bottom and side wall form a volume configured to support contents of the food pan. The rim is connected to the side wall on an end of the side wall opposite to the bottom, and extends from the side wall in an outward direction away from the volume formed by the side wall and the bottom. The cross-section of the rim further includes an ascending portion connected to the side wall, a top portion connected to the ascending portion, and a descending portion connected to the top portion. The ascending and descending portions are rounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Vollrath Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David R. Tosdale, Theresa M. Mayer, Ronald J. McGettrick
  • Patent number: 8800317
    Abstract: The present invention is a geometrically optimized beverage cooler, which positions fluid-filled containers (bottles, cans, vials, syringes, etc.) in an angled, upright, and evenly spaced position for serving and display. The device uniformly distributes ice and cold water around each bottle to maximize the effective cooling capacity of a given quantity of ice, thus reducing the amount of ice needed and the weight of the device during transport. Various embodiments of the apparatus include an ergonomically and structurally reinforced handle and an insulating lid having complementary contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: Milton Dallas, Russell Robers
  • Publication number: 20140190861
    Abstract: This packaging includes a grouping nest, a first tub, and a sealing cover. Lateral walls of the first tub are sloped to allow a nesting of this first tub in a second identical tub; the first tub includes recesses on the outer side of the tub forming tub and/or nest supporting pillars on the inner side of each wall, and having a tub and/or nest supporting surface opposite the bottom of the tub. The positioning of the recess forming a tub supporting pillar on one opposed lateral wall is different from the positioning of the recess forming a tub supporting pillar on the other opposed lateral wall allowing nesting of this first tub into a second identical tub in a first relative position of the first tub, while allowing the stacking of said first and second tubs one onto the other in a second relative position of the first tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: BECTON DICKINSON FRANCE S.A.S.
    Inventors: Franck Carrel, Eric Dominicy, Thomas Dubois
  • Patent number: 8771428
    Abstract: A double bucket cleaning system for use with microfiber mat mops. One bucket contains clean water; the second holds dirty water. The second bucket has a slide press for extracting dirty water from the mop. The system can use a connector to connect the two buckets together, or a single bucket with two compartments can be used. Both designs use a footpad upon which the user stands during the pressing operation. This ensures that the device remains in place during the sliding. Finally, once the dirty water has been extracted from the mop, the user can pick up clean water from the first bucket for the next portion of the floor to be cleaned. In this way, the user is able to quickly clean a large floor with clean water, instead of repeatedly dipping the mop back into dirty water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Howard Goentzel
  • Publication number: 20140158576
    Abstract: A nestable can tray includes a base including a plurality of intersecting vertical rib portions. A plurality of horizontal wall portions are connected proximate lower ends of the vertical rib portions. A plurality of annular recesses are formed on an upper surface of the base for receiving lower ends of beverage cans. The tray further includes side walls including side columns extending upward from lower side wall portions at sides of the base. End walls include end columns at ends of the base. The side columns are configured to be partially receivable into side columns of an identical tray nested thereon and the end columns are configured to be partially receivable into end columns of the identical tray nested thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Margaret McCanless, William P. Apps, Kyle L. Baltz
  • Patent number: 8727121
    Abstract: A tray for a food product is thin-walled, unitary, and plastic. The tray comprises a central portion. The central portion comprises a plurality of downwardly extending recesses for receiving at least one of the food products, and a plurality of upwardly extending posts interspersed amongst the recesses. A first set of the posts is positioned on a first side of a horizontal axis of the tray, and a second set of the posts is positioned on a second side of the horizontal axis. The first set of posts and the second set of posts are positioned asymmetrically on either side of the horizontal axis. Each post comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending lengthwise therealong. The reinforcing ribs are integral to the posts. The tray further comprises an outer wall portion extending about the central portion. A plurality of webs extend between the outer wall portion and the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Par-Pak Ltd.
    Inventors: Samir R. Parikh, Sajith Chenat
  • Patent number: 8720688
    Abstract: A stacking crate for bottles has a plurality of tapered pylons extending upward from a periphery of a floor. A rib extends downwardly in the interior of a cavity in each pylon. Each pylon further includes a slot in an upper surface of the pylon substantially aligned with the rib. When similar crates are nested, the ribs in the pylons of one crate will rest in the slots in the upper surface of the pylons of the lower crate, thus permitting the crates to be nested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Jon P. Hassell, William P. Apps, Gerald R. Koefelda
  • Publication number: 20140110303
    Abstract: A crate includes a base, a pair of opposed end walls extending upward from the base, and a pair of opposed side walls extending upward from the base between the end walls. Each side wall includes a plurality of side columns extending upward from the base to a side band. The side wall and the end wall include an upper band connected to the base by a plurality of columns The upper band includes at least one upper window formed therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, William P. Apps, Margaret McCanless
  • Publication number: 20140091088
    Abstract: A unitary plastic container, which is optionally used for waste collection comprises a base, a front wall, a back wall and two opposing side walls, each wall extending upwardly from the base to define an open container top and an interior container volume. Each side wall has an outwardly extending sidewall portion which is outwardly offset relative to the rest of the container side wall. In each outwardly extending sidewall portion, an elongated cutout, indentation or channel is present. The elongated channel has a forward opening, a rearward opening and an elongated side opening extending from the forward opening to the rearward opening. The elongated channel lies within the interior container volume and divides the outwardly extending sidewall portion into two areas: an upper outwardly extending sidewall portion and a lower outwardly extending portion. The outwardly open elongate channel may be fitted with a reinforcing sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: NOVA CHEMICALS (INTERNATIONAL) S.A.
    Inventors: Henry F. Hay, Daniel Andrew Depenhart, Sean Barton
  • Patent number: 8636169
    Abstract: A tote having both a caddy and a removable mini caddy is disclosed. The removable mini caddy attaches to the caddy with a series of guide walls and guide rails that allow the removable mini caddy to be cooperatively received by the caddy. The handle of the removable mini caddy nests with the handle of the caddy while they are attached, providing the user with a single handled tote that is easy to transport and use while still having the convenience of an extra tote where objects can be temporarily removed and then replaced without the need for transferring the objects from one tote to another. The removable mini caddy may be easily removed and then replaced within the caddy while remaining securely in place during use and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Casabella Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Andre Sampaio
  • Patent number: 8631940
    Abstract: A unitary plastic container, which is optionally used for waste collection comprises a base, a front wall, a back wall and two opposing side walls, each wall extending upwardly from the base to define an open container top and an interior container volume. Each side wall has an outwardly extending sidewall portion which is outwardly offset relative to the rest of the container side wall. In each outwardly extending sidewall portion, an elongated cutout, indentation or channel is present. The elongated channel has a forward opening, a rearward opening and an elongated side opening extending from the forward opening to the rearward opening. The elongated channel lies within the interior container volume and divides the outwardly extending sidewall portion into two areas: an upper outwardly extending sidewall portion and a lower outwardly extending portion. The outwardly open elongate channel may be fitted with a reinforcing sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nova Chemical (International). SA
    Inventors: Henry F. Hay, Daniel Andrew Depenhart, Sean Barton
  • Publication number: 20130320017
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical container including a bottle having a bottom wall and side walls. A ridge proximate to the bottom wall projects from an interior surface of at least one of the side walls, to facilitate nested stacking of a plurality of bottles. One or more of the side walls includes a cover locking receptacle proximate to the top end of the side wall. The pharmaceutical container also includes a cover including a sliding lid contained in a cover housing. The cover housing has a top wall, which includes an opening, and cover side walls. A child-resistant closure mechanism is also provided to limit the movement between the sliding lid and the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: PIONEER PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Volker KIENTZLE, Nathan T. KING
  • Publication number: 20130284306
    Abstract: The invention is an improved ice handling container and methods for using the container. The container includes a bottom wall with upstanding sidewalls terminating in a mouth. A bail having an apex and opposing ends is pivotally attached to opposing sidewalls of the container. The bail has a handle generally at the apex and a hook extending generally outwardly from the bail generally near the apex of the bail for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally upward. One sidewall has a handle generally adjacent the bottom wall and a hook generally adjacent the handle extending generally outwardly and upwardly from the sidewall for hanging the container with the mouth facing generally downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Brian Philip Carlson, Ryan Allen Chernik, Eric Richard Balz, Christopher Carroll Wagner
  • Patent number: 8534460
    Abstract: Various embodiments of flanged containers that can be stacked in a nested relationship are disclosed so as to provide uniform spacing between the containers to facilitate reliable denesting thereof. The flanges and/or sidewalls of the containers may be provided with features that facilitate alignment and uniform spacing of the nested containers so that a denesting apparatus can reliably denest the containers. Other containers include sidewalls divided into two sections that serve to stabilize stacked container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Wnek, Ronald P. Marx, James Kluz, Brian R. O'Hagan, Scott W. Middleton
  • Publication number: 20130233874
    Abstract: A storage container comprised of a container bottom, and with multiple sealable covers, configured to connect the covers to the container bottom in both open and closed arrangements, and where the covers will link to link or seal to the container, and to each other. The containers may be proportioned to stack or nest into other container bottoms, as well allow open covers to rest vertically alongside the container without significantly contacting the surface the container is resting on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: John Phillip Sundnes
  • Patent number: 8528772
    Abstract: A rectangular container has a child resistant lid assembly wherein the rectangular closure is provided with an opening. The child lid assembly is preferably removably mounted on the closure to close the opening and is preferably positioned during shipment and storage to be substantially planar with the closure. The side walls of the container may be tapered to facilitate nesting with a similar container. The locking mechanism on the closure engages an exterior portion of the lid, such as at least one of a plurality of teeth in a locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Glenn H. Morris, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130180982
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foldable and overlappable carrier box. The carrier box includes a base panel, a pair of first side panels erected along any two facing edges of the base panel, and a pair of second side panels erected along remaining facing edges of the base panel. Each of the first side panels is divided into an upper face and a lower face along a horizontal line, the upper face being foldable downwards, and each of the second side panels is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion along a horizontal line. Thus, when carrier boxes are stacked in multiple layers by folding the upper face, a lower portion of a carrier box located at an upper position is overlappable with an upper portion of a carrier box located at a lower position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL PLASTIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: National Plastic Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8382730
    Abstract: A surgical fluid basin includes a receptacle member having a lower wall and a peripheral wall extending from the lower wall and arranged about a longitudinal axis, and having an internal chamber within the peripheral wall for reception of fluids. The peripheral wall has at least one terrace defined within the peripheral wall corresponding to a volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The at least one terrace defines an internal rise surface and an internal run surface intersecting the internal rise surface. The internal run surface includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. A plurality of terraces may be defined within the peripheral wall with each terrace corresponding to a predetermined volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The internal run surface defined by each terrace includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Mark Tauer
  • Patent number: 8381931
    Abstract: A janitorial bucket conveyance system that combines a mobile container receiving containment enclosure with multiple insertable independent identical buckets for use in commercial cleaning environments. The independent identical buckets are positioned for use and transportation within the enlarged mobile containment enclosure onto which cleaning associated accessory can be selectively mounted related to floor washing requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Ernest, III
  • Patent number: 8381909
    Abstract: A tray system is described herein comprising a plurality of trays. Each of the trays comprise generally increasing widths and lengths, and may be alternatively arranged in a stacked configuration, in which a tray with a larger width and length is stacked on a tray with a smaller width and length, or in a nested configuration, in which a tray with a smaller width and length is nested within a tray with a larger width and length. The trays further comprise latches that selectively lock the trays in the stacked configuration and prevent the accidental unlocking thereof when the stacked trays are being lifted or otherwise moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Rolando Hernandez, Jacqueline Gagnon-Volles, Thomas Welsh
  • Publication number: 20120261298
    Abstract: A food tray formed of a unitary sheet of material includes a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, first sidewall, and a second sidewall that define an opening through which an item is placed in the food tray. First and second flaps extend from respective top edges of the first and second sidewalls and are configured to be folded toward an interior of the food tray. The first and second flaps each define slots. First and second lid members extend from respective top edges of the front wall and the rear wall and are configured to be folded toward the interior of the food tray. The first and second lid members define a pair of tabs on respective side edges that are configured to engage the slots defined by the first and second flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: James A. Hubbard, JR., Matthew R. Cook, Thomas Fu, Kurt Wolf
  • Publication number: 20120241334
    Abstract: A system for shipping liquids is disclosed which comprises a container (12) which consists of two identical shells (16) the upper one of which is inverted with respect to the lower one. Toggles (32) and latches (34) are provided for pulling the two shells (16) together. The container rests on a frame, which includes pipework (44) for connecting to an inlet/outlet (26.1) in the base of the lower shell of the container. The equivalent inlet/outlet in the top of the upper shell of the container receives a gas escape vent (52). A flexible tank (46) is provided in the container (12) and the inlets/outlets communicate with the interior of the bag. The frame can, instead of accommodating just one container, be configured to support two, three or more containers in a side-by-side array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Trans Ocean Bulk Logistics Limited
    Inventor: Brendan P. Mckenna
  • Patent number: 8210372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stackable carrier for growing material, such as pot plants, cuttings and plants placed in trays, comprising a substantially rectangular flat plate (35); and supports (36) extending transversely of the plate from the short sides of the plate for the purpose of supporting the carrier in a stack of carriers. This measure results in simplified handling of the carriers with the plants placed thereon. The carriers with the plants can be easily stacked on top of one another from above, wherein this is avoided in horizontal direction between the vertical posts of the Danish trolleys. Such operations therefore entail less effort. The invention furthermore provides the option of the grower using the carriers for his internal transport and even as carrier for the plants on the seedbeds. The supports preferably extend upward from the plate and the carrier comprises a frame extending at least at the periphery and a plate placed separately inside the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Visser's-Gravendeel Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Anthony Visser
  • Patent number: 8146796
    Abstract: A cardboard container for drinks and a process for making it is provided. The container has a perimetral wall (2) and a bottom wall and includes elements (4) for supporting another such container (1) nested inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Seda S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco D'Amato
  • Publication number: 20120074016
    Abstract: A container including a plurality of walls assembled into a three-dimensional body that defines an internal volume, wherein at least one of the walls includes a plurality of pre-formed fold lines that facilitate controlled deformation of the wall when the container is under compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: John Gelardi, Aaron L. Bates, Laurel Thomas
  • Patent number: 8123034
    Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles includes a floor portion having a floor top surface, a floor bottom surface and a plurality of bottle support areas. A wall structure is connected to the floor portion and forms a containment area therewith. The wall structure has a peripherally extending upper band portion with an interior surface and an exterior surface, and also has a single-walled lower wall construction comprising adjacent column members which extend between the upper band the and floor portion. The wall structure includes sidewalls and end walls, and adjacent column members have curved facing surfaces extending inwardly into the containment area. The inner surface of the upper band portion, one of the plurality of bottle support areas, and the facing surfaces define a plurality of bottle receiving pockets extending around the periphery of the wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Robert V. Gruber
  • Patent number: 8066124
    Abstract: The disposable pill counting device is a tray formed of a disposable material and includes a sidewall to define areas for holding and dispensing pills. The disposable tray may be substantially U-shaped with a folding sidewall and can be used with a disposable spatula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Ming S. Koh
  • Publication number: 20110272318
    Abstract: A cup or container offers improved rigidity-to-weight ratio and tight nesting. The cup or container has four flat or moderately concave sidewalls arranged to form a substantially square cross section. An upper rim is moderately convex or round and/or otherwise shaped and/or reinforced to resist distortion. The stiff upper rim causes the cup or container to resist deformation by compression of sidewalls during handling and use, because the walls cannot be deformed without deforming the rim, thereby providing a more functional and usable cup or container at a reduced weight compared to prior art cups having different shapes and/or convex sidewalls. The cup or container can be thermoformed or injection molded. Sidewalls can be less than 0.33, 0.3, 0.28 or 0.25 mm thick with volumes of less than 6, 5, 4, or 3 oz respectively. A lid can be included for attachment to the upper rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: WADDINGTON NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: William A. Gallop, Ashish K. Mithal
  • Publication number: 20110252824
    Abstract: The present invention is a geometrically optimized beverage cooler, which positions fluid-filled containers (bottles, cans, vials, syringes, etc.) in an angled, upright, and evenly spaced position for serving and display. The device uniformly distributes ice and cold water around each bottle to maximize the effective cooling capacity of a given quantity of ice, thus reducing the amount of ice needed and the weight of the device during transport. Various embodiments of the apparatus include an ergonomically and structurally reinforced handle and an insulating lid having complementary contours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Milton Dallas, Russell Robers
  • Patent number: 8025148
    Abstract: A stackable roll container, in particular, for transporting foods, cosmetic articles, or other articles in large bundles. The stackable roll container includes a preferably rectangular bottom component, with transport rollers mounted on the underside. The stackable roll container also includes two attachment walls located opposite each other on opposite lateral sides of the bottom component. Each attachment wall extends upwardly from an upper side of the bottom component and has a respective rear vertical end brace which is offset from a vertical base plane of the respective attachment wall. Each attachment wall also includes a lower horizontal base brace adjoining the respective rear vertical end brace for that attachment wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Gebhardt Transport-und Lagersysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Artinger
  • Patent number: 8006843
    Abstract: A stackable food and beverage service tray includes a substantially planar tray bottom and a sloping side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from an inner peripheral edge of the tray bottom so as to surround said tray bottom. The tray bottom has an upper floor surface and an underside surface. The tray's sloping side wall has an inner surface and an outer surface with the side wall's outer surface adjoining the tray's underside surface at a peripheral bottom edge of the tray. A raised rib is provided on the inner surface of the sloping side wall. Feet are also provided on the tray's underside surface along the bottom edge of the tray. The tray's raised rib and feet cooperate to define a space between stacked trays through which air can flow to facilitate drying of the stacked trays after they have been washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Gadsen Coffee Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David Bruce McFarland
  • Patent number: 7926792
    Abstract: A fragrance disperser in one form includes a single fan that passes air over a wicked single or double fragrance. A second form has the fan reversible to provide two different airstreams that evaporate respective different fragrances one after the other. Where two fragrances are provided, the evaporation may be by respective electrical heaters. A fragrance source may be formed by two sheets joined together to form two chambers each receiving a respective wick and having respective exposed wick portions. The source may incorporate a source of electrical power. An alternative source has a reservoir for fragrance and a wick located in an air passage forming part of the source so that an air flow is guided through the passage past the wick to evaporate fragrance. Where two fragrances are provided, the fragrance sources may be located side-by-side and matching fragrances may have, for example, matching indicia on the sources so that the match can be easily determined visually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: CTR Consultoria Tecnica e Representacoes, Lda.
    Inventors: Richard P. H. Pankhurst, Brian D. Smith, Michael J. Evans
  • Patent number: 7922001
    Abstract: A container having complementary walls that provide 180 nest/stack functionality. Opposing walls, despite being dissimilar, include outer contact surfaces that provide consistent, rigid contact with arms of a storage and retrieval system. One end wall of the container includes alternating inner and outer portions. The other end wall of the container includes complementary alternating inner and outer portions. The outer surface of at least one of the inner portions of one end wall includes a plurality of ribs providing a contact surface. The outer surface of at least one of the outer portions of the opposite end wall has a plurality of ribs extending outwardly to an end wall face. The ribs of the one wall and the end wall face of the opposite wall provide similar contact surfaces for arms of an automated storage and retrieval system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Ryan C. Meers
  • Publication number: 20110037237
    Abstract: A tray includes a base and a pair of opposed side walls extending upward from the base. Each of the side walls includes a plurality of feet providing multiple stacking heights with an identical tray. Each side wall including a recess on an inner, upper edge. A rear wall extends upward from a rear the base between the side walls. A front wall extends upward from a front of the base between the side walls, the front wall including a portion lower than the side walls. A dolly that can be used with the tray includes a deck having a pair of contiguous support surfaces. A reinforcement rod supports the pair of support surfaces. A caster includes a caster plate secured to the deck, the reinforcement rod between the caster plate and the deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Jon P. Hassell
  • Publication number: 20110010313
    Abstract: Systems and methods for packaging information handling systems such as notebook computers. Information handling systems may be configured in a bulk shipping configuration to allow multiple information handling system units to be shipped in a bulk configuration, and then converted to a single pack shipping configuration to allow an individual information handling system to be shipped separately and alone, or vice-versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Orin Ozias, Kevin Mundt
  • Patent number: 7861863
    Abstract: A tray for bakery items includes a floor and side walls extending around a periphery of the floor. The tray has a relatively thin upper edge with a bail member pivotably attached to the upper edge along at least one of the first and second pairs of side walls. The bail member is rotatable between a stack orientation wherein a like tray may be rested upon the bail member, and a nest orientation in which like trays may be nested within like trays. Further, one or more side walls also includes a relatively large continuous opening therein capable of retrieving bakery items stored in the tray through the at least one pair of side walls, the opening extending generally from the upper edge to the periphery of the floor. In another embodiment, at least one of the sidewalls is pivotably attached to the floor and is movable between an upright position and a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Cynthia R. Meissen