Compartment Partition Is Movable Or Removable Patents (Class 220/529)
  • Publication number: 20130206774
    Abstract: A container is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a container may comprise side wall, a top edge surrounding an opening, bottom portion; a voluminous body defined by a volume within the side wall and the bottom portion; a support platform for supporting a product within the container; and a spring positioned between an inner surface of the bottom portion and a bottom surface of the support platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: JEROME MENCHEL, Yaakov Hoch, Shimi Nussbaum
  • Patent number: 8499956
    Abstract: A collapsible container assembly comprising a folding container having at least four walls, with the at least four walls being pivotable relative to each other to allow the folding container to collapse in a parallelogram motion, and an inside cellular structure connected to the at least four walls. The cellular structure comprises a plurality of interconnected panels forming a plurality of cells, with the panels being formed of soft, deformable material. The folding container can be folded with the inside cellular structure therein such that the collapsible container assembly will be substantially flat when the folding container is moved to a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ITB Packaging LLC
    Inventors: Colton Westrate, Calvin Kortman, Jim Piesko
  • Patent number: 8499952
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport container (1) consisting of a bottom part (2) and lateral walls (3, 4) extending perpendicularly therefrom. The transport container has cut-outs (7) provided in the bottom region for receiving with accurate fit the goods to be transported, and also a further support means for the goods above the bottom region. The support means is formed by an intermediate wall (10) that can be positioned vertically and fixed laterally to the corresponding lateral walls (4) and to the bottom part (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Georg Utz Holding AG
    Inventors: Axel Ritzberger, Dirk Schoenrock, Wolfgang Faust, Juergen Schink, Uwe Wojtkowski
  • Patent number: 8490819
    Abstract: A container (1) for holding a fluid comprising: a fluid chamber (2) having an inner wall (3); an outlet-opening (14); and a high pressure chamber (4) for driving the fluid towards the outlet-opening; wherein the container further comprises as at least part of a divider between the high pressure chamber and the fluid chamber a moveable element (5) for advancing in a predetermined direction of motion through the container from a first position to a second position for reducing a volume of the fluid chamber when fluid is dispensed via the outlet-opening, wherein a first and a second cross section of the fluid chamber taken transverse the direction of motion at respectively the first and second position have different dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Packaging Technology Participation S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Vanblaere, Willy Kegels
  • Patent number: 8475856
    Abstract: A multi-beverage container and mixing system to increase the convenience of mixing and transporting a variety of powder-based beverages in a single unit. The multi-beverage container employs a lid equipped with compartments designed to house multiple powder drink mixes and a container housing designed to accommodate water for mixing. At user activation, powder drink mix is released from a compartment and is mixed with the water to create the desired beverage for instant consumption by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Sheehan
  • Publication number: 20130161330
    Abstract: A collapsible, re-usable container of unitary construction is disclosed. The container is able to be locked into a flat, folded configuration as well as locked into an open, unfolded configuration, and includes a base, two opposing end walls that are pivotably attached to the base, and two opposing side walls, which are pivotably attached to both the base and to the side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Enrico Gualersi, Emilio Libera, Patricio Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8464890
    Abstract: A storage device is provided for objects in a motor vehicle, that includes, but is not limited to a side wall which laterally defines a receiving space for the objects, as well as an elongate, elastic band element, which is mounted in a hinged manner in the region of its ends facing away from each other in the side wall. The band element can be deformed from a first stable curved position into a second stable, oppositely curved position in which it projects into the receiving space. A band-shaped molding is mounted in the band element, which molding projects from the curved plane of the band element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ralf Gaudig, Klaus Kuhlmann, Werner Berhard
  • Publication number: 20130140313
    Abstract: A plastic container or shelf bin having a plurality of slots for holding divider sheets is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: ORBIS CORPORATION
    Inventor: ORBIS Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130140315
    Abstract: A drinking container comprises a retaining member detachably coupled with a container body at a mouth thereof, and a media storing member detachably mounted with the retaining member for processing the beverage, wherein the beverage is thermal treated by the media storing in the media storing member and filtrated by the retaining member installed with a filtration media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Shanghai Yuhao Household Appliance Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Zhenming Ni
  • Publication number: 20130105489
    Abstract: A container comprises a receptacle defining a space where the receptacle comprises a wall having a draft. A divider is mounted to the receptacle such that the divider rotates between a first position and a second position such that when the divider is in the first position the space defines a single space and when the divider is in the second position the divider defines two spaces. In another embodiment a divider is mounted to the receptacle such that the divider translates between a first position and a second position such that when the divider is in the first position the space defines a single space and when the divider is in the second position the divider defines two spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: Rubbermaid Incorporated
  • Publication number: 20130098908
    Abstract: A versatile, small-mouthed container is readily disassemblable and reassemblable to provide direct access to its internal cavity. Portions are mutually sealingly connectable by an annular coupling ring with two sets of threads, one each respectively to mate with threads on an upper and a lower cylindrical container portion. More than two cylindrical portions and more than one coupling ring can allow assemblage of larger containers and of containers of reconfigurable capacity. Some coupling rings provide for fluid communication between adjacent body portions and others provide a degree of blockage. Inserting or removing a partitioning disk into the ring can change a ring's degree of blockage. Various partitioning disks are provided with different degrees and types of blockage, when not deployed, the disks can be retained at the base of the container. Recessed latches prevent inadvertent opening at specific coupling interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Renato M. Rances
  • Patent number: 8418874
    Abstract: A storage assembly includes a bin having side panels, a bottom, a rim, a first reception slot and a second reception slot. The side panels and the bottom define a cavity therebetween. The rim extends from the side panels around a perimeter of an opening to the cavity and in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom. The first reception slot extends from the rim into a first one of the side panels, and the second reception slot extends from the rim into a second one of the side panels. The first one of the side panels is positioned opposite the second one of the side panels. Each of the first and second reception slots is configured to selectively receive a different portion of a divider, which divides the cavity into two or more compartments. Related storage and organization systems, accessories and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk Ahlgrim, Douglas Dayton, Monica Kuznik, Samuel Palmer, Gretchen Wustrack
  • Patent number: 8397937
    Abstract: In order to provide an article carrier with a dividing arrangement (9) which is flexible in terms of height, rests on the base (8) of the article carrier and has profiled side walls (70, 71) with undercut grooves (76) running parallel to the base (8), and has at least one partition wall (70, 71; 80) for inserting between the side walls (70, 71) and right-angled corner connectors (20) which can be latched into the grooves (76), it is proposed that the side walls (70, 71) have an undercut projection on their top side or their bottom side, and a latching profile for latching with the projection on their bottom side or top side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: KARDEX Produktion Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Preschke, Wolfgang Kollmann, Stefan Hehl
  • Patent number: 8387817
    Abstract: A container for holding fluids in isolation includes an outer container and two deformable inner containers carried within the internal space of the outer container. The outer container is provided with a view port enabling the user to visually examine the inner containers. The inner containers have respective ports communicating with their interiors. As fluid is withdrawn from the first inner container its volume is reduced so that the second container may receive a like amount of fluid. The second inner container may hold colorants or absorbents. The container may be used with various chemical applications, such as high performance liquid chromatography or fluid injection analysis, wherein supply fluid is withdrawn from the first inner container, used, and returned as waste fluid to the second inner container so that the overall volume of fluids remains relatively constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: SIELC Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Yury Zelechonok
  • Publication number: 20130043241
    Abstract: A flexible, collapsible semi-bulk container for storing and transporting content is provided. The container has the strength to hold up to two tons of contents while being stacked up to five high. The container is also collapsible for ease of storage and transport. In some embodiments, the container includes swing walls that provide support to the side walls when positioned substantially adjacent to them. In another embodiment, the container includes partial swing walls that support cassettes for dividing the container into smaller compartments. In a still further embodiment, the container includes an interior baffle for dividing the container into smaller compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: COMPOSITE CONTAINERS LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Hunter
  • Patent number: 8348083
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for partitioning food containers, such as cereal bowls. Some embodiments may include a system with a food container, which may be a cereal bowl. The system may also include a flexible membrane having a top surface and a bottom surface. The membrane may partition the food container into a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion may be for holding liquid content. The upper bowl portion may be adapted for holding edible solid content. The membrane may have multiple passageways extending from the membrane bottom surface through the membrane top surface. The multiple passageways may be normally closed and then expand to an open configuration allowing fluid transmission from below the membrane to above the membrane when the membrane is flexed in a first direction normal to a resting plane parallel to the top surface and the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Oded Light
  • Patent number: 8342357
    Abstract: A partition support assembly for a canister assembly generally includes at least one inner support ring configured to support one or more partitions for dividing the interior of the canister assembly for packaging contents to be received within the canister assembly, wherein the one or more partitions are configurable in a plurality of packaging orientations. A canister assembly and a method for containing packaging contents are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Transnuclear, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Grubb, Jayant R. Bondre, Peter Shih, Ioan Florea, Marlin L. Stoltz
  • Patent number: 8342346
    Abstract: A versatile, small-mouthed container is readily dis-assemblable and re-assemblable to provide direct access to its internal cavity. Portions are mutually sealingly connectable by an annular coupling ring with two sets of threads, one each respectively to mate with threads on an upper and a lower cylindrical container portion. More than two cylindrical portions and more than one coupling ring can allow assemblage of larger containers and of containers of reconfigurable capacity. Some coupling rings provide for fluid communication between adjacent body portions and others provide a degree of blockage. Inserting or removing a partitioning disk into the ring can change a ring's degree of blockage. Various partitioning disks are provided with different degrees and types of blockage, when not deployed, the disks can be retained at the base of the container. Recessed latches prevent inadvertent opening at specific coupling interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Renato M. Rances
  • Patent number: 8333298
    Abstract: A storage container having a collapsible unit and a twist cap is described. The collapsible unit is a type of bellows which includes a base and a sidewall attached to the base. The sidewall has a spiral fold that traverses along a portion of the length of that the collapsible unit. The length can be compressed by folding the collapsible unit along the spiral fold. As the length of the collapsible unit is reduced, access to any remaining products, such as acne pad products, stored at the bottom of the collapsible unit can be more conveniently obtained. The cap of the storage container includes a ring collar; a sleeve attached to the ring collar; and a guide attached to the sleeve. When the cap is turned or twisted the guide and the spiral fold are configured to slidably engage each other which results in shortening the length of the collapsible unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Blistex Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wojcik, Kelly Sanborn
  • Patent number: 8317040
    Abstract: A magnetic divider system for forming one or more sub-compartments to isolate and organize articles therewithin in the interior region of a compartment having a ferruginous surface is provided. The magnetic divider system includes at least one rail member for defining one or more sub-compartments in the interior region of the compartment, the rail members having a base portion, a distal portion, and a channel extending therethrough. The magnetic divider system further includes one or more attachment members comprising magnets for fixedly restraining the rail members in the interior region of the compartment. The attachment members are disposed in the channel to magnetically attract the ferruginous surface of the interior region of the compartment to, in turn, restrainably affix the at least one rail member to the ferruginous surface of the interior region of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Terry Lanning
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8297465
    Abstract: A container for housing an object having a housing with an insert movably disposed within the housing to define a receptacle to receive the object. A lid is removably located on the housing to enclose the insert, with an object engaging portion of the lid being in contact with the object. The lid is rotatable on the housing from a first removal position, to a second locking position in which a locking projection on the lid engages a first counter structure on the housing. A driving projection on the lid engages a second counter structure on the insert to rotate the insert with the lid, so that the lid and insert do not move relative to the object as the lid moves to the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Henry Troemner LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Long, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120261410
    Abstract: A container comprising a side wall, an upper edge and a base defining a first interior at least one opening in the side wall for receiving at least one additional container therein, the opening configured for seating the at least one additional container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond Joseph DuHaime
  • Patent number: 8226999
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a package system containing a main container with a smaller container nested in it. The smaller container is filled with a secondary food item designed to be mixed into the primary food item. The smaller container is placed within the main container. The area of the main container not occupied by the smaller container includes a main food item. Both containers are sealed with one film. Before consumption, a consumer will place the package in a microwave to heat. Once heated, the smaller container is removed from the main container, creating space in the main container previously occupied by the smaller container. The main food item in the main container will re-position creating space between the top of the main food item to the edge of the main container. The secondary item can be added into the main container without overflowing out of the main container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Barilla G. E R Fratelli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Iain Roberts, Eleanor Luna, George Kyaw Soe Maung Aye, Jeewon Jung, Giancarlo Tedeschi, Valentina Masotti, Francesca Passoni, Giancarlo Minervini, Daniela Riniker, Sue Lai, Jennifer Mehlman, Jennifer Mitkal, Michele Amigoni, Andrea Bordini
  • Publication number: 20120181269
    Abstract: An animal-resistant container system includes a first container and a second container. A fastener has a first part attached to the first container and a second part attached to the second container. The fastener tightly attaches the first container to the second container so as to prevent animals from accessing contents of the first container and the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Zachary E. K. Rubenson, Jay J. Ganjei
  • Publication number: 20120168434
    Abstract: Container with foldable load platform intended for transporting different pieces, so that once the container assembly is empty; it can be folded occupying a reduced space. It is characterized in that it comprises a foldable load container having two opposite side walls with the addition of a central folding line (5) and two side folding lines (6) parallel and separated by a distance from the corner joints (7) of adjacent side walls. Therefore some characteristic inner spaces are created in the folded position of the load container, which allow housing different fastening elements therein, unlike conventionally occurs wherein housing these fastening elements within the inside fold of load container is not possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Miguel ALAGARDA CERVERA, Luis Asensio Cotillas, Manuel Blay Orenga, Javier Ramón García Aranda, Emilio Gil Serrano, Mónica Alegre Olmos
  • Patent number: 8181812
    Abstract: A bucket having three or more sections for separating wash liquid. Dividers create the sections and are placed in an up position when filling the bucket so that the water will flow throughout the entire bucket. The dividers can then slide back down to create the separated sections of clean liquid. The dividers can be connected to each other by means of horizontal bars attached on the top of the dividers which run along the sides of the bucket along the inside. Lifting the horizontal bar up will lift all of the attached dividers up simultaneously. The horizontal bars can be provided in two sections that can be connected to each other. When the two sections are disconnected, when one lifts one bar section, only the attached dividers will lift up simultaneously, while the other bar section and its attached divider will remain in its down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Joel Christenson
  • Publication number: 20120085757
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security container formed to receive a cassette which visually indicates to a user what type or style of good is contained therein. The cassette may be of a general solid block type in one color or having one visual characteristic, or the cassette may have multiple inserts or slides which may be moved within the cassette to change the outwardly facing color or visible characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Adam Mark Will, William R. Beatty, Matthew R. Shute
  • Patent number: 8137543
    Abstract: A vessel system comprising a vessel is presented. The vessel system comprises at least one internal wall located within the vessel. The vessel system further comprises at least one inflatable seal to create a seal between an outer periphery of the internal wall and an internal cavity wall of the vessel. The vessel system further comprises a shaft longitudinally traversing the vessel and adapted to transmit a force applied on the at least one internal wall to an end of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Christian Pays, Christophe Corailler
  • Patent number: 8132688
    Abstract: An apparatus for soaking wood chips or chunks in a liquid and draining the liquid from the wood chips or chunks includes at least a container and a lid. The container includes a sidewall and a bottom surface. The bottom surface and at least a portion of the sidewall are contiguous for containing a liquid therein and for holding the wood chips or chunks within the liquid. The lid has at least one aperture and may be removably coupled to the container. The method places the wood chips or chunks into the apparatus, places all or part of the apparatus into a soaking medium or otherwise fills the apparatus with a soaking medium, soaks the wood chips or chunks, drains the soaking medium from the apparatus, and then positions the wood chips or chunks in a useful position for cooking either with further manipulation or by placement of the entire apparatus in the cooking area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: John C. Martin
  • Patent number: 8127965
    Abstract: An insert for containers designed to store and organize small hand tools comprising two (2) discs, each of a slightly smaller diameter than the interior diameter of the bucket is herein disclosed. Each disc is provided with multiple holes and slots to hold various types of hand tools. The discs are separated a few inches from each other and the lower insert is held off the bottom of the bucket by a set of legs. The insert is designed to hold hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, hammers, utility knifes and the like. The configuration of the discs allows each tool to stand upright and not fall over, enabling a user to quickly find a desired hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Kirk W. Miller
  • Patent number: 8108963
    Abstract: A wash bucket for use with detergent and water to ensure that the detergent and water are mixed in a predetermined ratio. The wash bucket has a cup within the wash bucket cavity. In some embodiments the cup is attached to the wash bucket structure and not easily removed by hand. In other embodiments the cup is removably attached to the wash bucket structure. A proper detergent to water ratio is achieved by filling the cup to a point indicated on the cup and then filling the wash bucket to a point indicated on the wash bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Griot's Garage, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Griot, Timothy Ty Willard
  • Publication number: 20120012590
    Abstract: A Secure Firearm And Equipment Storage System that includes a cabinet like structure is disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the system employs load bars that have a U-channel configuration. Further the load bars are aligned in rows and columns that are customizable. Also in a preferred embodiment, different lengths of steel tube are wielded together to form an outer frame. Also, the outer frame in secured with thick metal mesh wielded thereto so that the structure resembles a cage. Access to the system is provided by a door having a hidden shackle lock. The invention is particularly suitable for armed services applications and stowage of .50 caliber heavy machine guns, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Justin D. Earp
  • Publication number: 20110297684
    Abstract: A composter has at least one closeable filling opening on the upper side, three superimposed chambers inside, an upper intermediate base arranged between the upper chamber and the central chamber, a lower intermediate base arranged between the central chamber and the lower chamber, and at least one closeable lateral removal opening arranged in the region of the lower chamber. The lowermost chamber is downwardly open so that the ground forms the bottom. The composter also has, in the upper intermediate base, at least one compost transfer opening that can be closed by a rotatable cover, in the lower intermediate base, at least one compost transfer opening which can be closed by a rotatable cover, and in the central chamber, at least one scraper that can be displaced on the lower intermediate base for extracting compost from the central chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Heinrich Wüster
  • Publication number: 20110290796
    Abstract: A storage system comprises a container comprising a rigid side wall defining a corner. A divider comprises a first flexible wall attached to the side wall and a second wall attached to the side wall. The first wall is connected to the second wall and is movable between a first configuration where the first wall and the second wall extend parallel to the side wall and a second configuration where the first wall and the second wall extend away from the side wall to define a first compartment in the container. The system may proved a plurality of containers sized such that they may be stacked on top of one another and nested inside of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: RUBBERMAID, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Roddy Burgess
  • Publication number: 20110290805
    Abstract: A versatile, small-mouthed container is readily dis-assemblable and re-assemblable to provide direct access to its internal cavity. Portions are mutually sealingly connectable by an annular coupling ring with two sets of threads, one each respectively to mate with threads on an upper and a lower cylindrical container portion. More than two cylindrical portions and more than one coupling ring can allow assemblage of larger containers and of containers of reconfigurable capacity. Some coupling rings provide for fluid communication between adjacent body portions and others provide a degree of blockage. Inserting or removing a partitioning disk into the ring can change a ring's degree of blockage. Various partitioning disks are provided with different degrees and types of blockage, when not deployed, the disks can be retained at the base of the container. Recessed latches prevent inadvertent opening at specific coupling interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Renato M. Rances
  • Patent number: 8061548
    Abstract: A segregation disk and method of separately storing items in a collapsible, tubular container uses segregation disks for segregating the collapsible container into multiple chambers of user-selectable size. The segregation disks are generally planar disks having a diameter slightly greater than the interior diameter of the container, and formed of a flexible material that have a plurality of radial slits extending inwardly from their periphery to form a plurality of flexible wedges. At the terminus of each radial slit is a tear break, generally a circular hole. An integral pull tab extends from a peripheral region of one of the flexible wedges to facilitate removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: John David Peggs
  • Patent number: 8056754
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiment provides a beverage container holder for a vehicle that utilizes a bin-like member having a floor and generally vertical walls defining a compartment with an opening at its top. A partition member extends across the opening of the bin-like member to divide the compartment into two parts, wherein the partition member is manually adjustable to a plurality of locations within the bin-like member to provide for the retention of beverage containers of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Stoner
  • Patent number: 8052007
    Abstract: A container is disclosed including a plurality of seal blocks adapted to militate against the entry of a fluid into coolant channel headers formed in bipolar plates during a dip coating process, wherein the seal blocks are interconnected and include a fastening portion and a sealing portion, the sealing portion capable of being interchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Guzda, Mark W. Keyser, Timothy William Rowe, Steven J. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20110259897
    Abstract: A device for storing food and displaying food for service includes a base with a side wall extending upwardly from the base and a puck assembly removably disposed therein. The puck assembly has a generally flat plate surface on one side and a functional surface with a plurality of food receptacles formed thereon on the opposite side, a sealed cavity disposed between the plate surface and the functional surface, and a cooling substance disposed in the sealed cavity. A food tray is disposed proximate the puck assembly, and a lid shaped to alternatively fit on the top surface of the wall of the base and to fit on the external surface of the bottom of the base such that the base can nest in the lid. The device provides a multitude of optional arrangements of these elements to provide maximum flexibility to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Columbia Insurance Company
    Inventors: Frances M. Coursey, E. Mark Harris, Jill Zmrhal
  • Patent number: 8016159
    Abstract: A closure for a container having an opening includes a base cap and an overcap that form a chamber adjacent the opening which is sealed from the contents of the container by a frangible membrane having an inclined line of weakness and by a hinge member having a pocket extending downward adjacent lower and upper terminuses of the line of weakness. The overcap includes a cutting member received within the pocket that severs the line of weakness upon substantial rotation of the overcap with respect to the base cap. A pushing member may cooperate with a cam member to deflect open the membrane upon severance. The pocket may include a stop for the cutting member. The base cap may include a cylindrical structure having an upwardly inwardly projection member to form a seal with an thickened upper portion of the overcap skirt to protect against penetration into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Xiaoli Ma
  • Patent number: 8002138
    Abstract: An item receiving apparatus that, in various embodiments, comprises: (1) a housing defining an interior storage area and an opening through which at least one item may be received for storage within the interior storage area; (2) an item support surface disposed adjacent the interior storage area for supporting one or more items as the items are stored within the interior storage area; (3) an item repositioning assembly disposed between the opening and the item support surface. The item receiving apparatus may be adapted to move the item repositioning assembly from a first orientation to a second orientation in response to the occurrence of a pre-determined event. The item repositioning assembly may be adapted to push one or more items within the storage area laterally away from at least a portion of the item repositioning assembly as the item repositioning assembly is moved from the first orientation to the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Product Achievements, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Fitzgerald, Kyle A. Joiner, Joel H. Eisler, James W. Dotson, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20110192849
    Abstract: A package assembly includes a package housing (10) having a generally rectangular configuration defining a package interior. A pair of confectionery pieces (12) are supported in side-by-side spaced relationship within the package housing. The package housing includes a rupture line (30) perimetrically thereabout located between the spaced apart confectionery pieces. The package housing may be separated at the rapture line to form a pair of compartments (10a, 10b), each compartment including one of the confectionery pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventor: Islene Osorio
  • Patent number: 7992250
    Abstract: A removable roller surface insert for use with a container of rollable liquid. The insert may, in one embodiment, include a roller surface having an upper edge, and an upper contact portion attached to the roller surface at or near the upper edge. The upper contact portion may be configured to contact an inner sidewall surface of the container at or near the upper rim. All, or substantially all, of the insert may be, when the insert is in a use position, located within a first half of the container, the first half defined by a vertical plane passing through a centerline of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Valspar Sourcing, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary F. Prokop
  • Publication number: 20110163104
    Abstract: A bucket includes a first bay and a second bay, with an upwardly-extending retaining channel situated between the bays. The first bay is sized and configured such that it is particularly well-suited for containing liquids such as paint, washing fluid, etc., and the second bay is particularly well-suited for holding tools such as paint-brushes, cleaning brushes, etc. The bucket may be installed on a ladder strut/rung, sawhorse beam, or other elongated horizontal structure by inserting this structure within the retaining channel such that the bucket is supported on the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Lynn J. Hagen
  • Publication number: 20110147388
    Abstract: A bundle (20) comprising two or more cases (2a, 2b), each case having a width (W) and a length (L). The cases are releasably attached together by attachment means (12) defining at least one twisting axis (T). The cases can be detached by being twisted apart along said twisting axis (T), and the width of each case is from 50 mm to 200 mm. A method of bundling together two cases with attachment means such as glue spots defining a twisting axis is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Helmut Peter Thomann, Ibrahim Ulas, Julia Vohwinkel
  • Publication number: 20110147250
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a welding wire feeder enclosure, the enclosure including a front, a rear, a top, and a bottom forming a perimeter of the enclosure. The enclosure further includes opposing side openings separated by a width of the enclosure, each of the side openings being adapted for receiving a side panel. Particular embodiments further include a divider panel extending substantially between the front, rear, top, and bottom, and positioned along an intermediate portion of the width of the enclosure to divide an internal volume of the enclosure into a service side and a user side, the divider panel being formed monolithically with the front, rear, top, and bottom of the enclosure, the divider panel further including an integral spindle shaft location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventors: Edward A. Enyedy, Ken Justice, Mike Kindig, Jason Leach, Luke Petrila
  • Patent number: 7954662
    Abstract: A liquid storage container capable of ensuring a sufficient ink storage space and preventing liquid leakage without large variations in liquid pressure even when the container is deformed by an external force during shipping or in operating time. The container includes a protection member positioned outside of a flexible member, and an opening is defined on a plane member arranged in contact with the flexible member so as to face the protection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Ogura, Ryoichi Matsumoto, Tetsuya Ohashi, Shogo Kawamura, Ryoji Inoue
  • Publication number: 20110121002
    Abstract: A multi-compartment food storage container is adapted for stand-alone use or for use in a lunchbox or lunch bag. The container includes a lower portion defining a plurality of compartments, an upper portion defining at least one compartment pivotably connected in a sealing engagement to the lower portion and a cover hingably connected to seal the upper portion. The compartments are suitable for storing food items in a sanitary manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Stephanie Stiller
  • Patent number: RE43839
    Abstract: A baking tray includes an outer shell and a bottom plate positioned within the outer shell for supporting a food item. The bottom plate is removable from the outer shell to separate the food item from the outer shell. The baking tray also includes a divider assembly positionable within the outer shell adjacent to the bottom plate. The divider assembly is configured to divide the food item supported on the bottom plate into a plurality of pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: FPG, LLC
    Inventors: Lou Henry, Scott Nicholson, Lori A. Long