Compartments Accessible From Different Planes Patents (Class 220/503)
  • Patent number: 9976702
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cover (4) for a tap of a gas cylinder (6), comprising a shell (7, 8) for housing the tap; and a hook (12) pivotally mounted on the shell (8), configured for securing the gas cylinder (6) to a horizontal bar (28). The shell (8) comprises reservations (30) on its external surface configured for receiving the hook (12) in a folded position so as to generally conform to said external surface. The invention is also directed to a gas storage assembly comprising a gas cylinder (6), a tap and a cover (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
    Inventors: Morgan Lamiable, Jean-Claude Schmitz
  • Patent number: 9693930
    Abstract: A hospital-grade basin holds water for washing patients, or alternatively converts easily/quickly for a patient's limb to rest comfortably within and across a portion of the basin. In a first embodiment, half-moon shaped openings on opposite sides of the basin side wall(s) comfortably support the limb at a reduced height with respect to adjacent side wall portions, which serve as a partial shield during wound irrigation, and aid fluid collection. The shaped openings may each be sealed with a hinged door in a closed position, using a friction fit, to form the traditional, watertight basin. In an alternate embodiment, the doors may be secured in the closed position using an elastomeric leaf-spring-shaped member. In other embodiments, rather than cutouts and doors, opposing portions of the side wall may instead be formed of an over-molded elastomeric material that conforms to the patient's limb, or may instead be formed like a bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Sekuleo Gathers
  • Patent number: 9611063
    Abstract: A basin with opposing hinged doors for providing a hospital-grade basin which can be used as either a traditional, watertight basin or a modified watertight basin that includes half-moon shaped openings disposed in its side walls to allow a patient's limb to rest comfortably while positioned across the basin. The basin with opposing hinged doors defines a tub member that includes at least one side wall with a semicircle opening extending down into it from the top of the wall. For each opening, a correspondingly shaped door is hingedly attached adjacent thereto, enabling it to move between a closed position defining the traditional, watertight basin and an open position defining a modified watertight basin with an opening for part of a limb. Each opening and door employ a locking means suitable to secure the door in place when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Sekuleo Gathers
  • Patent number: 9517881
    Abstract: The inventive concept consists of a compartmentalized trash can including a basic trash can of any configuration. The basic trash can has installed therein, at a lower area, a horizontal plate which is being fastened to the inside walls of the basic trash can thus forming a lower compartment. The lower compartment has an opening at one of the walls of the basic trash can. A half oval cover skirt is formed that has a flat cover plate at the top end to cover the top of the basic trash can. The half oval cover skirt has a depending a half oval cover skirt which is depending from the top cover plate and is connected to the top plate and can be moved by way of a hinge at the top cover plate and can be moved to an upper position exposing the top trash compartment and when it is lowered it will cover the opening in one of the walls of the basic trash can. The top cover plate has an arrangement to close or open an access to the interior of the upper compartment to deposit trash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Hubert P. Scherer
  • Patent number: 8973775
    Abstract: Provided is a disposable beverage container adapted to dispense an item through the side of the container. The open space in the downward-facing cavity at the bottom of many typical cups is utilized by providing therein one or more deflectable storage members, such as a blister-pack-type storage member, with an item sealed inside such as gum, a mint; candy; a pharmaceutical; a prize; a toy; or any other item. The item can be dispensed by pushing radially outward on the deflectable storage member and causing the item to break through a breakable member on the outside of the cup, such as aluminum foil. Various example embodiments, materials, and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Corey Shonborn
  • Patent number: 8960478
    Abstract: A food and condiment container having a first storage space for a food item and a second storage space for a condiment. The container includes a paperboard carton and an appliqué fold-out pocket affixed thereto and moveable between open and closed positions for receiving a condiment The pocket includes a front panel, a back panel, and first and second side panels extending therebetween. The back panel is joined to the carton, and the front panel is joined to the back panel along a portion thereof to hinge forward from the back panel. The side panels are connected between the front and back panels and are collapsible along a crease extending the vertical length of the side panels. Prior to use, the appliqué pocket remains flush with the carton and is opened along a perforation line to form a storage space for a condiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Caleb C. Crye
  • Patent number: 8915395
    Abstract: A multi-unit storage device wherein two separate compartments are attached together at their bottom portions. The containers are vacuum or otherwise sealed at their top portions such that when the top portions are opened, the seal is broken and access to theproducts contained therein is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Gerry Gersovitz
  • Publication number: 20140361017
    Abstract: Provided is a disposable beverage container adapted to dispense an item through the side of the container. The open space in the downward-facing cavity at the bottom of many typical cups is utilized by providing therein one or more deflectable storage members, such as a blister-pack-type storage member, with an item sealed inside such as gum, a mint; candy; a pharmaceutical; a prize; a toy; or any other item. The item can be dispensed by pushing radially outward on the deflectable storage member and causing the item to break through a breakable member on the outside of the cup, such as aluminum foil. Various example embodiments, materials, and methods are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Corey Shonborn
  • Patent number: 8844752
    Abstract: A food plate comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein at least the first surface or each of the first surface and the second surface has a slope, which optionally comprises at least one depression at the bottom of the slope and adjacent to the edge, wherein (i) at least each portion of the edge that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope forms a rim or (ii) substantially all or all of the edge forms a rim and at least each portion of the rim that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope is pronounced or more pronounced than a portion of the rim that is not adjacent to the bottom of the slope; an adapter for a conventional food plate comprising a graduated, optionally flexible, rim, which, upon attachment to the food plate, causes the food-bearing side of the food plate to have a slope; a method of making a food plate; and a method of making an adapter for a conventional food plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Seth Sirota, Michele Sirota
  • Patent number: 8770430
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the body, and a plurality of support members supported by the tracks. Rollers are located at the ends of the support members which roll in the tracks to move the support members. The support members have product receptacles whereby products may be suspended between adjacent support members, portions of the products residing in the product receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bradford Company
    Inventors: Calvin D. Nyeboer, Mark J. Feenstra
  • Publication number: 20140183225
    Abstract: A beverage container includes a primary reservoir adapted to hold a first fluid and a storage compartment located external to the primary reservoir. The primary reservoir is accessible through an opening for filling the primary reservoir with the first fluid and for consuming the first fluid. The beverage container further includes a coupler attached to a wall that defines at least a portion of the storage compartment. The coupler is adapted to mate with a portion of a peripheral container so that the peripheral container is securely housed in the storage compartment. The peripheral container holds a second fluid having a composition that is different from a composition of the first fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Lawrence William Wales, Joseph Donald Farrell
  • Patent number: 8752706
    Abstract: A dual purpose waste receptacle and toilet tissue roll storage device in which the toilet tissue storage area is arranged below the waste receptacle and provides a base on which the dual purpose device stands in use. A flanged top provides for convenient handling. The device may be made in one or two pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Mario S. Dermo
  • Patent number: 8678224
    Abstract: An insert for a receptacle intended to contain a concentrated product in solid or liquid form includes a main part (1) formed by a base (2) extended on the edge by a wall (3) perpendicular to the base, with an opening (4) formed in the base. A receptacle with such an insert is also provided. In order to enable emptying the receptacle entirely without leaving dead spaces in which the products to be solubilized may accumulate, the face of the base (2) intended to be in the receptacle after assembly is concave at the opening, so that the opening is at the bottom of a trough (6). This avoids corners in which the liquid would not circulate sufficiently, and prevents solid product from accumulating elsewhere than in the trough, so that it is always subjected to the flow of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Francois Dumont D'Ayot, Paul Gastauer, Philippe Laffay
  • Patent number: 8668107
    Abstract: A modular recycling unit comprises a support for supporting a first container. The first container is tiltable between a first position where the interior of the container is accessible and a second position where the interior of the container is inaccessible. The first container is freely removable from the support. A second container is supported on the support such that it is in a stacked relationship relative to the first container. The second container is freely removable from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas Decker, Bradley Hooley, David McNamara
  • Patent number: 8573002
    Abstract: A portable cooler has a thermally isolating outer shell defining an internal compartment for holding contents to be kept cool, such as, for example, food, drinks and temperature-sensitive medicine. The portable cooler has a door connected to the outer shell for providing unrestricted access to the internal compartment. The portable cooler may have a shelf for holding a cold gel pack to help keep the contents cool. The cooler may also have a plurality of dividers (that are optionally reconfigurable) for defining variously sized storage spaces for the contents. The cooler may have an aesthetically pleasing curved outer shell and an adjustable shoulder strap so that the cooler can be carried on a person's shoulder. Because the cooler is easy and comfortable to carry and because its large swing-open door provides full and quick access to its contents, this cooler is more ergonomic and aesthetic than traditional designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Colette Ledoux, Raymond Mitchell, Claude Ledoux
  • Patent number: 8544282
    Abstract: A closed loop geothermal system has a fluid circulation loop that includes in series: a heat pump, a ground loop heat exchanger, a tank flow center and a circulation pump. The tank flow center includes a tank, a first valve, a second valve and a tank bypass line all mounted in a common housing. The tank may include a refill inlet that opens through a top surface of the housing. A cap may be attached to close the refill inlet. The tank flow center has the regular geothermal operation configuration, a system flush configuration, and a refill configuration. The tank flow center may be elevated above the circulation pump a distance to produce a water column that is greater than a minimum cavitation avoidance head pressure for the circulation pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Wyer, Demitri Gula
  • Publication number: 20130213971
    Abstract: A stackable beverage cups and, in particular to a dual use stackable beverage cup that can be used both as a standard size cup and as a smaller shot size cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Solomon Fallas
  • Patent number: 8499960
    Abstract: An integral storage apparatus for containing multiple distinct fluids is disclosed. The integral storage apparatus comprises an outer spherical structure having a plurality of vents, a plurality of spherical layers inside the outer spherical structure, a plurality of tubings designed to insert into the plurality of vents and a capping vent capped onto each of the plurality of tubings. The plurality of vents protrudes from the outer spherical structure and the plurality of tubings is radially arranged on the outer spherical structure. The plurality of spherical layers has a concentric arrangement inside the outer spherical structure and each of the plurality of spherical layers includes at least one opening for receiving the plurality of tubings. The integral storage apparatus is adaptable to store multiple fluids thereby providing iterations of multiple fluids stored within to a user at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Carrie Paterson, Robert Philip Maiden
  • Patent number: 8485378
    Abstract: Food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package and multiple pieces for a package, wherein the packages can contain multiple food products such as cereal and milk, but not necessarily cereal and milk, for consumption together in a convenient manner. One food package includes a lower container and an upper container, wherein the upper container includes an interior space that is defined by a three-dimensional bottom having at least one aperture, and sidewalls, with a reservoir formed in the three-dimensional bottom and including a volume at the bottom of the reservoir located below the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Zoss, Bryan Scholtes, Dan Genord
  • Patent number: 8418868
    Abstract: A fluid-collecting container for receiving a siphoned-off fluid has a closed chamber for a solidifying agent. The chamber can be opened towards an internal space in the fluid-collecting container under external application of force. At least part of the chamber projects into the internal space in the fluid-collecting container. On the outer side of the container, the chamber is closed by an outer wall which can be pressed inwards, and the chamber is open towards the internal space in the fluid-collecting container by the outer wall being pressed in. The internal space continues to be closed to the outside in the region by the outer wall. The fluid-collecting container has a first and a second housing part which together form the internal space in the fluid-collecting container. The outer wall is formed integrally with a wall of the first housing part, the wall surrounding the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Adrian Hofmann, David Imboden
  • Patent number: 8394439
    Abstract: This invention relates to containers that include at least one sub-container and to methods and/or systems for mixing first and second substances responsive to opening of the containers and the at least one sub-container that is included therein. The invention advantageously provides methods, systems, containers, sub-containers, seals and/or tethers that may be used in storing first and second substances in an unmixed state, until it is desired to mix the first and second substances just before utilization thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: EICES Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Dimitrios P. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 8387816
    Abstract: A stackable beverage cups and, in particular to a dual use stackable beverage cup that can be used both as a standard size cup and as a smaller shot size cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Solomon Fallas
  • Patent number: 8348223
    Abstract: A flexible mold for a smoking device having a cup-shaped outer wall, a cup-shaped inner wall, and a third cup-shaped wall. The outer wall has a continuous sidewall connected to a bottom wall containing a central opening. The sidewall of the outer wall extends from the bottom wall of the outer wall to an open end and contains an opening in the sidewall spaced between the bottom end and the open end. The inner wall has a continuous sidewall, a cover closing one end. The sidewall of the inner wall is attached to the bottom wall of the outer wall surrounding the central opening. The third wall has a continuous sidewall and a closed end. The sidewall of the third wall is connected to the sidewall of the outer wall surrounding the opening in the outer wall. The closed end abuts a surface of the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas J. Evans
  • Patent number: 8328019
    Abstract: A dual purpose waste receptacle and toilet tissue roll storage device in which the toilet tissue storage area is arranged below the waste receptacle and provides a base on which the dual purpose device stands in use. A flanged top provides for convenient handling. The device may be made in one or two pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Mario Dermo
  • Patent number: 8308015
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a collapsible body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the collapsible body, and a plurality of support members extending between the tracks. Sliders are located at the ends of flexible supports, the sliders being slidable in the tracks to move the support members. The support members support dunnage for supporting products for storage or shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Bradford Company
    Inventors: Judson A. Bradford, Mark J. Feenstra
  • Publication number: 20120223081
    Abstract: An organizer device includes a top horizontal organizer (THO) section that rests on a top horizontal surface and a three-ring binder assembly. The THO section is an open top rectangularly-shaped box. The THO section includes at least one chamber to store and organize desktop items such as paper clips, clamps, tacks, small memory devices, etc. The THO section includes a bottom horizontal floor and supporting vertical walls with an open top. Nonetheless, one or more chambers may have a lid (not shown). The three-ring binder assembly includes a plurality of binder rings coupled to a binder strip or support plate. The plurality of binder rings has two portions that are configured to be opened and closed (pivoted away or toward each other) via a manually operable lever. The binder ring portions of a ring may be spring biased toward each other to a rings-closed position when the manually operable lever is in a first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Jonathan Levin
  • Publication number: 20120223082
    Abstract: A stackable beverage cups and, in particular to a dual use stackable beverage cup that can be used both as a standard size cup and as a smaller shot size cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Solomon FALLAS
  • Patent number: 8146757
    Abstract: A bottle for dispensing fluids, semi-solid, ointments, gels, paste, creams, powder, and the like. The substances in the container are naturally fed by gravity to a dispensing portion without the need for the dispenser to be placed in a vertical position, upside down position, or inclined position in order to allow the substances to move to the tip of the dispensing portion, all the while maintaining the container in a horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Marcio Marc Abreu
  • Patent number: 8141322
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and system to conserve resources, particularly rain water, by providing for water storage within building walls and other structural components. The building water storage allows reuse of water at that location that in the past has generally flowed to storm drains as runoff. Besides allowing reuse, another advantageous effect is that the structure may become a well insulated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jennifer Appel
  • Publication number: 20110272411
    Abstract: An improved food packaging having a plurality of compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Scott SANDERS, Glenn WHITE
  • Publication number: 20110247961
    Abstract: This utility model regards trays or containers made from thermoplastic material for food packaging. Some trays or containers have partitions that divide them into two, three or more compartments on the same level, to hold different products, but they are all sealed with the same sealing film. This invention aims at obviating the above limits and issues, with an innovative method of packaging and sealing several different or identical food products. This invention is intended to meet the requirement of packaging several products in the same container or tray, without coming into contact with one another during shelf-life or, different portions of the same product that can be opened and used in sequence and at different times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Giovanni Mondini
  • Publication number: 20110233264
    Abstract: This invention relates to a foldable blank 10 and a box 12 folded from the blank 10. The box 12 defines a cavity 14 for receiving two pizzas 16 and 18, one stacked on top of the other. The box 12 comprises a base portion 20 on which a first pizza 16 is receivable, a stacking portion 22 hingedly coupled to the base portion 20 and locatable within the cavity 14 for receiving a second pizza 18, and a lid portion 24 also hingedly coupled to the base portion 20 for opening and closing the cavity 14. The arrangement is such that the lid portion 24 and stacking portion 22 are removable from the base portion 20 so that the base portion 20 is adapted to provide a first serving tray 26 for serving the first pizza 16 and the stacking portion 22 provides a second serving tray 28 for serving the second pizza 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Marco Giuseppe LOMBARDI, Ashleigh Elizabeth Lombardi
  • Patent number: 8006859
    Abstract: A dispensing device comprising a housing having an upper loading chamber, a dispensing chamber located beneath the loading chamber and a gate movable between a first, open position and second, closed position to allow selective communication of the loading chamber and the dispensing chamber, entry to the lower chamber being by way of a door, the device further comprising a lock which prevents the door from opening when the gate is in the open position and which prevents opening of the gate, when the door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen William Clarke
  • Patent number: 8006860
    Abstract: There is disclosed a portable gum container, comprising a body. The body has a chewing gum holder, a sheet material dispenser, and a waste receptacle. The chewing gum holder is for holding chewing gum. The sheet material dispenser is for dispensing sheet material sized and shaped for wrapping about a piece of spent chewing gum. The waste receptacle is sized and shaped to contain the wrapped spent piece of chewing gum. Also disclosed is a portable gum container, comprising a body having a chewing gum holder, a waste receptacle and at least one piece of sheet material associated with the body for wrapping about a piece of spent chewing gum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Marianne Christine Klein
  • Patent number: 7854341
    Abstract: A paint tray system has a paint tray with an upper circumferential land having an upwardly projecting dowel at each corner. A paint tray liner has a medial portion substantially conforming to an inside surface of the paint tray and a peripheral liner lip extending over the land. The liner lip has four corner holes receiving the four corner dowels. A paint tray lid has a peripheral lid lip extending over the land, the lid lip having four corner holes receiving the four corner dowels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: T.S. Simms & Co. Limited
    Inventor: Charles G. Martin
  • Publication number: 20100307939
    Abstract: A storage system comprises a bottom, a plurality of sides, a cover and a plurality of vertical dividers. The sides are fixed to the bottom and the cover is located to have open and closed positions with respect to the sides, opposite the bottom. The vertical dividers are arranged in first and second transverse orientations between the sides, forming vertical storage units for hanging lures. A plurality of ventilation and drainage holes are formed in the bottom panel, and the top and at least two of the sides are transparent to visible light. Each of the bottom, sides, and cover is formed of an impact-resistant thermoplastic having a thickness of at least 4 mm, such that the cover supports a weight of at least 220 lbs when in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Just Encase Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7845512
    Abstract: A thin-walled cup is formed of a single piece of polymeric material having a uniform thickness throughout the extent of the single piece of polymeric material. The cup has an outer chamber which extends around an inner chamber. The outer chamber holds a first liquid and the inner chamber holds a second liquid. The liquid in the inner chamber is mixed with the liquid in the outer chamber during drinking from the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Theodore P Skala
  • Patent number: 7723943
    Abstract: A receiving method is provided comprising the following steps. First, a receiving device is provided, wherein the receiving device comprises a chamber, a plurality of spacers, a spacer moving module, a first cover unit, a second cover unit, a control unit and an input interface. Then, an order is inputted to the input surface, wherein the input surface sends a control signal according to the order, and the control unit controls movements of the first cover unit, the second cover unit and the spacer moving module according to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Chung-Yang Fu, Wei-Chen Lee
  • Patent number: 7721909
    Abstract: A tank for an agricultural field sprayer having a fill region and a first closure. To avoid costly connections for lines at the tank and to reduce the cost of manufacture of the tank, the first closure can be rigidly connected to the tank and provided with an opening uncovered by a second closure. The connections of the first closure are arranged on a region configured as a connecting region, so that an access to the fill region is made possible by the second closure, even if the sprayer is in operation, particularly in a washing-in operation or in a circulating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: John Deere Fabriek Horst B. V.
    Inventors: Joseph M. H. Beeren, Willy Peeters
  • Patent number: 7721491
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and system to conserve resources, particularly rain water, by providing for water storage within building walls and other structural components. The building water storage allows reuse of water at that location that in the past has generally flowed to storm drains as runoff. Besides allowing reuse, another advantageous effect is that the structure may become a well insulated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Jennifer Appel
  • Patent number: 7686180
    Abstract: A pivoted tray storage apparatus having a parallelepiped base, the base having a base compartment. Each base end has a concave endpiece. A shelf is extended from the bottom of each concave endpiece, a pneumatic cylinder vertically disposed upon each shelf. A pair of opposed pivoted trays with compartments are pivotally disposed above the base, each tray outer end having a convex endpiece for fit to the base concave endpieces. Each tray convex endpiece is fitted with a plunger for fit to the pneumatic cylinders, respectively, providing cushioned up and down travel of trays. Trays are selectively held in an open position by a channel in each base endpiece and a spine in each tray endpiece. Further pairs of trays are optionally provided to pivotally fit above the first tray pair, successively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth S. MacDonald, Anne-Marie MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7635066
    Abstract: A storage device has a first and second supporting surface. The first and second supporting surfaces are connected to each other by a first riser. The first and second supporting surfaces each have lips. The distance between the lip for the first supporting surface and the first riser defines the storage area on the first supporting surface. The storage device may also have a third supporting surface positioned below the second supporting surface and may further have one or more pockets located on the first supporting surface. The storage device may also have a stationary base wherein at least a portion of the storage device is capable of rotating about an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Terrence M. Harrison
  • Publication number: 20090206086
    Abstract: A portable container includes a triangular prism shaped transparent case comprising an open bottom and three structural elements each extending downward from one of three angles of its top to an intermediate position of one of three longitudinal edges of the case; a handle secured to the top of the case; a triangular bottom member fitted onto the bottom of the case; and a shelf comprising an inclined top for dividing an internal space of the case into an upper space and a lower space, a side surface, and a continuous projecting edge extending downward from two edges of its top and extending toward one of the three longitudinal edges of the case. The shelf is secured between bottom ends of the structural elements and the bottom member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Lin Kar Gwee
  • Patent number: 7500579
    Abstract: A drinking cup having an interior pill shelf with passages to allow liquid in the cup when drunk, to flow through the shelf and carry the pill with it into the mouth. A separate pill box is attached to the outside of the cup wall for carrying pills to be taken at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: David W. Crossley
  • Publication number: 20080093366
    Abstract: A food container is provided having a receptacle with an open mouth. A lid is provided. The lid includes an end cap, an eating utensil and a cover. The eating utensil is positioned between the cover and a wall portion of the end cap. The cover is removably secured to the end cap and upon removal provides access to the eating utensil. Upon removal of the end cap from the container bottom, the contents are exposed and the eating utensil may be used to consume the contents of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: William D. McKahan, Elizabeth A. Romano
  • Patent number: 7228789
    Abstract: A beverage container for a carbonated beverage includes a floating hollow insert (1) comprising an upper moulding (2) and a lower moulding (3) defining a chamber for containing gas, a first one-way duck-bill type valve (4) integrally formed with the upper moulding (2) at the bottom of a down pipe (6) and arranged to allow gas to enter the chamber and a second duckbill valve (5) integrally formed with the lower moulding (3) and arranged to allow gas to exit the chamber and be jetted into the beverage upon opening the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignees: Whitbread PLC, Lawson Marden Packaging UK Limited, Heineken Technical Services BV
    Inventors: Karl Mondszein, Mark Philip Radford, Sian Bronwyn Gastall
  • Patent number: 7185782
    Abstract: A drinking device having a fluid-containing portion is provided. The fluid-containing portion includes a first end having an opening and a second end substantially opposed thereto. The opening in the first end of the fluid-containing portion is typically larger than the opening in the second end of the fluid-containing portion. The device also includes a holding member having a generally C-shaped channel therein. The device includes a flexible tubular member including a first end and a second end. The first end of the tubular member is connected to the opening in a second end of the fluid-containing portion. The second end of the flexible tubular member is in releasable communication with the C-shaped channel of the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Brigido L. Vilchez, Jr., Steven R. Turner
  • Patent number: 7182242
    Abstract: A food container includes an upper portion having a generally frusto-conicle upwardly tapered food containing portion which is adapted to be superimposed on a cover of a beverage container with the cover serving as a base. The food container also includes an integral lower portion for encircling a beverage container below its cover and wherein the upper portion includes a cover engaging portion which extends over only a portion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Dopaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Liming Cai
  • Patent number: 7121404
    Abstract: An assembled multi-functional shoebox comprises at least one rectangular box body. The rectangular box body further comprises a frame having a cruciform structure with each end having a right-angled isosceles triangle supporting plate; an upper cover firmly secured to an upper end of the frame; a lower cover firmly secured to a lower end of the frame; a plurality of doors between the upper cover and lower cover; a supporting plate; a hollow short shaft being protruded from the supporting plate; the supporting plate being rotatable; a seat being a drawer; a steel ball bearing being a center of the seat; a fan being installed below the bearing; a heat dissipating device and an ozone generator being supported by a supporter; a drawer for placing liquid, powdered deodorants, aromatics, the drawer having a plurality of small chambers arranged around a space of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Yung-Kuang Huang
  • Patent number: 7000798
    Abstract: A revolveable laundry hamper for individually storing laundry in a plurality of chambers into which garments and items requiring laundering can be separated according to wash cycle required. The laundry hamper consists of a box-like structure having four side doors with fasteners on each door and the underside of the structure to hold a laundry bag open. The entire structure is mounted on a turntable to be rotated to select the appropriate laundry bag for the item to be washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Gruennert, Lance Messmer