Abstract: A pallet made of plastic, having a pallet deck and pallet runners. The runners extend the length of the pallet and have a substantially rectangular form. The runners and the pallet deck have formations that allow a form-fit engagement of two pallets of the same type that are stacked one above the other. The form-fit engagement creates a stable stack. The formations on the pallet deck are also designed to allow wooden pallets to be stacked on the pallet according to the invention.

Abstract: A rigid container floor and a container with the same floor are disclosed. A plurality of blind waves (1) are provided in parallel on the rigid container floor (10), and upwards protrude out of the upper surface of the rigid container floor (10). The blind wave (1) includes a first edge and a second edge, with the length of the first edge longer than the length of the second edge. The parts between the first edges of the adjacent blind waves and the parts between the first edges of the blind waves and the first edges of the rigid container floor (10) are flat plate structures. The flat plate structures are connected to the blind waves (1) through waved connecting plates, and the parts between the second edges of the blind waves (1) and the second edges of the rigid container floor (10) are connected to the blind waves (1) through waved connecting plates. The multiple blind waves (1) provided in parallel can increase the strength and reduce the assembly deformation.

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.

Abstract: A fryer basket having at least one bottom panel that is normally retained in a closed relationship relative to side walls of the basket but which is released to pivot to an open position upon operation of a latching mechanism that is operable adjacent to a handgrip of a handle connected to the basket and wherein a blocking member carried by the at least one bottom panel prevents the latching mechanism from returning to its closed position until the at least one bottom panel is returned to its closed positioned after having been opened.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another example, the method includes forming the rail so that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a container formed by such method.

Abstract: A bakery tray includes a base. A front wall extends upward from a front edge of the base. Side walls extend upward from side edges of the base. A rear wall extends upward from a rear edge of the base. The rear wall includes an inner panel portion and an outer lip portion that protrudes outward and then downward from an uppermost edge of the inner panel portion. A plurality of ribs connect the inner panel portion to the outer lip portion. In one feature, the plurality of ribs may include an increased concentration of the ribs in the center of the tray.

Abstract: A light-weight stackable beverage crate includes a bottom plate, four side walls forming an interior space for placement of objects, and four vertically extending columns interconnecting the side walls and bottom plate. Each side wall includes a pattern of outer and inner arches interconnected by lateral beams, vertical support beams, and cross-beams. Side walls may include handle recesses. A lateral beam defines an upper edge of the side wall and another lateral beam defines a lower edge of the side wall. An upper end of the column extends above the upper edge of the side walls, and a lower end of the column extends below the lower edge of the side walls. The upper and lower ends of the column are capable of distributing a load force. When stacked, the only load-bearing points of contact between crates above are the upper and lower ends of the columns.

Abstract: A fryer basket having at least one bottom wall or panel that is normally retained in a closed relationship relative to side walls of the basket but which is released to pivot to an open position upon operation of a latching mechanism that is operable adjacent to a handgrip of a handle connected to the basket.

Abstract: An eating appliance includes a swatch of a preformed carbon fiber resin of a predetermined size shaped and which is thermally permanently formed into an eating appliance shape to have a concave portion having a bottom and upwardly extending wall portion therefrom which terminates into a peripheral edge and wherein the peripheral wall has a reinforcing or decorative member connected to the peripheral edge. A method of forming the eating appliance is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another example, the method includes forming the rail so that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a container formed by such method.

Abstract: A tray includes a base having opposed front and rear walls and opposed side walls. The front and rear walls are shorter to provide access to products stored on the tray when in a stacked configuration. The trays provide audible feedback when one tray is slid on another when they are properly aligned during a blind stacking operation to confirm the proper alignment. The tray further includes reinforced intersections between the front and rear walls and side walls.

Abstract: A receptacle for holding a meltable sharps container during a sterilization process in which the meltable sharps container and any contained sharps are heated. The receptacle includes a side wall and a bottom wall having respective interior surfaces defining a space for receiving the meltable sharps container. The receptacle also includes a plurality of recessed areas in the interior surface of the bottom wall, and a plurality of elevated areas on the interior surface of the bottom wall, whereby as the sharps container melts, material from the sharps container flows into the recessed areas and the elevated areas hold the contained sharps above the recessed areas, so as to inhibit the contained sharps from protruding through the melted sharps container.

Abstract: A device that combines the functions of a colander or strainer with a leak-proof bowl. This allows you to use the same container to rinse a product, then prepare, condiment, potentially serve the dish (whether under wet, moist or dry conditions) and even store it afterwards. A method for using the combined purpose container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another example, the method includes forming the rail so that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a container formed by such method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a colander serving bowl having an outer shell with an open bottom, a movable sealing plate with upwardly extending support arms that ride on inclined surfaces on the rim of the outer shell, and a perforated inner shell supported on the sealing place. The sealing plate is movable between a lowered sealing position where the plate seals the open bottom of the outer shell, and a raised draining position where the plate is spaced above the open bottom to allow draining through the open bottom. As the support arms are moved, the support surfaces of the arms move from the lower end to the upper end of the inclined surfaces of the rim, thus moving the sealing plate from the sealing position to the draining position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container comprising a first piece of mesh material and at least one separate second piece of mesh material. The first piece of mesh is bent to form a bottom wall and a first pair of sidewalls. The second piece of material forms a second pair of sidewalls. When the pieces are joined together, a basket portion with an upwardly-extending opening is formed. The basket portion may further include a runner portion that may be a separate rail connected to the basket portion, thus forming a drawer. When the container is used with a drawer system including a frame, the runner portion is slidably received in a pair of frame runners. This allows the drawer to move with respect to the frame between retracted and extended positions. The present invention is also directed to a method for making such containers.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for removing and trapping large and/or dense abrasive particles from a polishing slurry. The polishing slurry is introduced into a container and allowed to stagnate, thereby causing large and/or dense particles to separate from the slurry under the influence of gravity. The container includes a cavity or plurality of cavities defined by an inner surface of the container into which the separated particles sink. To prevent the large and/or dense particles from becoming re-suspended into the slurry, the size and shape of the cavity is relatively deep and narrow with respect to the large and/or dense particles, thus providing a trapping effect. The cavities do not effectively trap the smaller particles.

Abstract: A device for washing, serving and storing berries, grapes and other fruits, etc. has a first container provided with a plurality of throughgoing openings so that when berries, grapes and other fruits, etc. are deposited in an interior of the first container and water is poured into it for washing berries, grapes and other fruits, etc., after washing water can flow out of the first container, and a second container which is substantially solid and formed so that the first container can be inserted into the second container so that water flowing out of the first container is accumulated in an interior of the second container and thereby the water is substantially removed from the berries, grapes and other fruits, etc. located in the interior of the first container, so that the device can be used for washing, serving and storing the berries, grapes and other fruits,etc.

Abstract: A container adapted for storing and transporting an item having a shape includes a flexible bottom panel which has an upper surface upon which the item is supported, and a lower surface having a plurality of parallel, spaced apart ribs with a relatively thin-walled section between each adjacent pair of ribs. The flexible bottom panel is adapted to conform to the shape of the item resting thereon.

Abstract: A pizza pan receives and bakes a pizza to produce a pizza having a hearth-baked texture and appearance. The pizza pan comprises a base with a plurality of perforations therethrough, the perforations being disposed in first and second perforation regions. The perforation density in the first region, disposed toward the center of the pan, is greater than the perforation density of the second region, disposed toward the outside of the pan, to allow greater transmission of heat to the center of the pizza. A continuous, non-perforated rim extends circumferentially around the base of the pan to form an obtuse angle of intersection therewith. The pan evenly transmits baking heat through the base to the food product being prepared, resulting in consistent texture, appearance and doneness throughout the entire product. A pizza produced by using the pan has improved texture and coloration.

Abstract: A multi-purpose container, such as for storing and transporting produce, includes a bottom surface, a first pair of opposed walls integrally joined with the bottom surface and extending upwardly therefrom, and a second pair of opposed walls integrally joined with the bottom surface and extending upwardly therefrom. The first and second pairs of opposed walls are integrally joined with each other to define, along with the bottom surface, a storage area. The bottom surface has a ridge that includes at least one vertical rib that extends along the bottom surface between one of the first and second pairs of opposed walls. The rib has an upper end that is covered by a top layer so as to define a smooth profile along the bottom surface. Therefore, the ridge provides reinforcement to the container while minimizing the potential for damaging produce stored and transported therein.

Abstract: A molded container having a base and a cover includes a network of segments that define a plurality of apertures through the base and the cover. Although the container retains structural strength, the weight of the container is substantially reduced by virtue of the apertures, thereby reducing the tonnage required to secure the mold during manufacture and reducing the cost of each container. The container can optionally be provided with a flexible sheet to cover the apertures.

Abstract: A silverware basket for use in a dishwashing machine, the basket having a bottom wall disposed along the basket bottom. The bottom wall being an offset grid type structure formed by a plurality of parallel longitudinal ribs extending lengthwise across the basket bottom in a first plane and a plurality of parallel, transverse ribs extending across the width of the basket bottom in second plane spaced a predetermined distance below and parallel to the first plane. A plurality of connecting ribs connect the longitudinal ribs and the transverse ribs at the projected intersection points between the longitudinal ribs and the transverse ribs. A plurality of projections extend from the transverse ribs downwardly away from the longitudinal ribs for providing drip off tips for the bottom wall. The plurality of projections align with the plurality of connecting ribs and each of the projections comprise a generally inverted frustoconical body having a fully radiused bottom tip.

Abstract: A chassis is formed of a one-piece thermoplastic or thermosetting resin body. A bottom member extends in a bottom plane, and has at least three side members extending in respective planes. Junction portions join the bottom member and the side members. Ribs are intermittently molded as one piece to bottom member and to side member and extend from the bottom plane from the bottom member through the junction portion to the side plane of the side member. An opening portion helps to prevent angular deformation of the resin body between the bottom member and the side member from a desired angle between the bottom plane and the side plane when the one-piece body is molded by minimizing differences in the cooling rate at different parts adjacent to the junction portion in the one-piece body. The opening portion is located between the ribs at least adjacent to and along the junction portion. The opening portion has a length along the junction portion that is at least five/ten the length of the junction portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling new and used railway car brake shoes is provided. The apparatus comprises a rack assembly, having an end wall interconnected between a pair of side walls and a grid member perimetrically secured to bottom edges of the side walls and end wall, which has the ends of the side walls abutted against one side of a rail of a railroad track and is secured to at least railroad tie of the railroad track. The method comprises storing new brake shoes in a plurality of the racks along the tracks, removing new shoes as needed to replace used shoes of railway cars, and replacing the used shoes in the racks.

Abstract: A container for enabling fluid flow therethrough for cleaning or sterilizing of the contents, comprises a tray (10) and lid (20) and having respective bases (11, 21) and side walls (17, 27). The bases (11, 21) have perforations (12, 22) defined by elliptically shaped perforation walls (13, 23) with their major axes vertical to allow easy flow of the cleaning fluid through the container and minimum contact points with the contents or other containers.

Abstract: Bottom (1) to a container, box, basket, barrel, cask or the like (8) made of a polymeric material and preferably produced by injection moulding. Material thickening and essentially scalloped, jagged and/or wave-like elevations (5) constitute an integrated part of the upper (3) and/or lower (4) surface of the bottom (1). The height (FIG. 12, A-B) of the elevations (5) is 0.5-20 mm representing at least 20% of the maximum thickness of the bottom (1). Intervening spaces (6) are formed between the material thickening elevations (5). A container (8) including a bottom (1) is produced by injection moulding and is cooled in the mould in such a way that the elevations (5) hold a core temperature exceeding the surface temperature to such an extent that the core shrinkage is larger than the surface shrinkage. A strong inner tensile stress is obtained, whereby the elevations (5) work as pretensioned reinforcing bars.

Abstract: A pizza pan receives and bakes a pizza to produce a hearth-baked texture and appearance. The pizza pan comprises a base with a plurality of perforations therethrough, the perforations being disposed in first and second perforation regions. The perforation density in the first region, disposed toward the center of the pan, is greater than the perforation density of the second region, disposed toward the outside of the pan, to allow greater transmission of heat to the center of the pizza. A continuous, non-perforated rim extends circumferentially around the base of the pan to form an obtuse angle of intersection therewith. The pan evenly transmits baking heat through the base to the food product being prepared, resulting in consistent texture, appearance and doneness throughout the entire product.

Abstract: A plastic open frame basket is made by molding from plastic material, a tapered body portion, having integrally interconnected smoothly contoured longitudinal rib members and cross members in an interconnected, open frame configuration. A plurality of raised diagonal parting lines extend between said outer and inner corners formed by adjacent cross members to define a stepped configuration, thereby enabling the resulting plastic molded open frame basket to be made from a relatively inexpensive mold apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling new and used railway car brake shoes is provided. The apparatus comprises a rack assembly, having an end wall interconnected between a pair of side walls and a grid member perimetrically secured to bottom edges of the side walls and end wall, which has the ends of the side walls abutted against one side of a rail of a railroad track and is secured to at least railroad tie of the railroad track. The method comprises storing new brake shoes in a plurality of the racks along the tracks, removing new shoes as needed to replace used shoes of railway cars, and replacing the used shoes in the racks.