Spaced Element Supports Container (e.g., Cradle, End Frame, Etc.) Patents (Class 220/647)
  • Patent number: 9022245
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to support arrangements for semi-membrane tank walls and, more particularly, to a universal support assembly for tanks that experience thermal expansion and contraction. One embodiment of the invention may include a tank assembly having at least one tank wall, a support structure at least partially adjacent to the wall, and a link member coupling the tank to the support structure. The link member may be configured to accommodate relative movement between the tank and the support structure through rotation. The link member may be coupled to the tank wall by a ball and socket joint and coupled to the support structure with another ball and socket joint, allowing substantially unlimited in-plane movement of the tank wall relative to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: National Steel and Shipbuilding Company
    Inventors: David L. Jordan, William E. Michaud
  • Publication number: 20150021341
    Abstract: A large volume natural gas storage tank comprises a plurality of rigid tubular walls each having opposing ends and an intermediate segment with a closed tubular cross-section, the plurality of rigid tubular walls arranged in a closely spaced relationship and interconnected at their ends to form a six-sided storage tank, with each of the six sides of the storage tank defined by four successive of the plurality of rigid tubular walls connected end-to-end, such that the interiors of the plurality of rigid tubular walls define an interior fluid storage chamber; and an exterior support structure, the exterior support structure including one or more braces connected to the exteriors of at least some of the plurality of rigid tubular walls and adapted to reinforce the at least some of the plurality of rigid tubular walls against dynamic loading from fluid in the interior fluid storage chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Regu Ramoo, Mohan Parthasarathy, Thomas Lamb
  • Patent number: 8851321
    Abstract: A CNG or LNG storage containment tank is formed from four substantially vertical hollow tubular walls with first and a second ends positioned approximately 90 degrees apart. Eight horizontal hollow tubular walls interconnect and are in in fluid communication with the respective vertical tubular wall ends to form a six-sided cube-shaped tank configuration defining an interior fluid chamber. A tank support connected to the outer surfaces of the tubular walls and configured to reinforce the tank against loading arising from dynamic movement of fluid within the fluid chamber. In one example, bulkheads are positioned inside the horizontal tubular walls to reduce the sloshing of fluid through the tubular walls and thus the resulting sloshing loads. In another example, a plurality of gusset plates are positioned in a space between the tubular walls at an interior of the tank and connected between the tubular walls to further reinforce the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Altair Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Regu Ramoo, Mohan Parthasarathy, Thomas Lamb
  • Patent number: 8851317
    Abstract: A filtration tank intended to be buried and for containing wastewater in particular, the tank (100) comprising a casing (110) having an upper part (200) and a lower part (300), the tank being provided with voussoirs (610, 610?) for reinforcing the structure of the casing (110) so that it can withstand the pressure exerted by the surrounding material when the tank (100) is buried and is not completely filled. The voussoirs (610, 610?) bearing against the upper part (200) and in that the tank (100) incorporates means (650d, 670) for absorbing the supporting forces of the voussoirs (610, 610?) so as to transfer said forces onto the bottom (310) of said tank. A tank is thus obtained which withstands being buried without deforming even though it may be only partially filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Maya Group
    Inventor: Yannick Juhere
  • Patent number: 8833596
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a mounting bracket for use with a container. The container has a wall extending from a bottom to an upper edge and has a mounting flange extending outwardly from a portion of the wall. The mounting flange includes an outer surface with a terminal edge leading to upper and lower edges and a pair of distal sides. The mounting bracket has a support side positionable towards the wall of the container. The support side includes a notched section with a base extending outwardly from the support side and a pair of lateral faces extending outwardly and away from edges of the base. Each lateral face includes a member positioned along a portion thereof and which extends towards the other member in a tapering edge such that the sides of the mounting flange are captured between the support side and the extending members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Berlin Packaging, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Sanguinet, Brett Niggel, Steven Kroplewski, Scott Jost
  • Patent number: 8827313
    Abstract: An intermodal tank container and complementary chassis, and features and methods for use thereof, are disclosed. The intermodal tank container and chassis has an appearance and length substantially similar to a non-intermodal OTR tank trailer, while affording the same capacity as an intermodal tank container. The design of the tank container allows for an improved, lighter design for the chassis and for improved usability of the tank container in intermodal environments such as with rail cars. The reduced weight of the chassis allows for a greater payload while remaining within various applicable legal restrictions for gross vehicle weight, axle weight, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: International Transport Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Haut, Rex Michau
  • Patent number: 8794476
    Abstract: A motor vehicle outer tank for a cryogenic fuel which is situated in an inner tank which is positioned within the outer tank is, for space and weight-saving purposes, characterized in that it is of flat design, and is designed in particular as a parallelepiped, and in that planar side walls of the outer tank are at least partially of sandwich design or are reinforced with sandwich plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Hausberger, Marius Meinert, Christian Döller, Bernd Rauchegger
  • Patent number: 8789722
    Abstract: A bedding box has a container formed by sloped end plates and side plates joined to a bottom plate, with gusseted wing plates reinforcing the side plates. The wing plates extend outwards from the container to facilitate loading. A frame attaches to each of the end plates, one frame having horizontally-extending, vertically-spaced apart bars to allow the bucket of a compact excavator to be wedged therebetween to lift the bedding box, while the other end serves to attach one or more support brackets that can be lifted by a scraper blade of the excavator, allowing support at both ends of the bedding box for transportation over uneven terrain. Skids can be affixed to the bottom plate to reinforce it, to facilitate dragging the bedding box, and to facilitate lifting the bedding box from one end with a forklift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: James T. Reuthe
  • Publication number: 20140175093
    Abstract: A system including transportable all-terrain berm for receiving and retaining fluid. The berm includes flexible impervious sheeting generally formed of a coated fabric. The sheeting is shaped to include a floor area surrounded with opposed end and side wall sections forming a containment area. The end and side walls include adjacent their outer edges spaced retaining and support members. The berm includes a plurality of A-frame braces arranged in vertical positions about the flooring for supporting the end and side wall sections. Stabilizer members are engaged with the upper ends of adjacent braces. The retaining and support members are engaged with the brace members and the stabilizer members holding the end and side walls in generally elevated positions and in engagement with the braces forming the containment area. A bladder for containing and dispensing fluid may be located in the containment area, in which case the berm protects against bladder spillage while providing structural support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Basic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward W. Van Romer
  • Publication number: 20140166649
    Abstract: A modular tank comprises a plurality of panels positioned on the ground or another surface to form sides of a containment wall. Each panel comprises: i) a side wall section having a trapezoidal shape; and ii) a frame assembly connected to the side wall section and configured to support the side wall section such that a first base of the trapezoid shape is disposed proximate a base of the containment wall and a second base of the trapezoid shape is supported in an elevated position to form part of an upper perimeter of the containment wall. The modular tank also includes a liner configured to be disposed on at least one of the containment wall and the ground surface to thereby form a barrier for containing fluid in the modular tank. Depending on whether the first base of a panel is wider or narrower than the second base, panels may be aligned to form straight walls or curved walls, thereby enabling the modular tank to assume different shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: MAG TANK HUNTER, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Hoopes, Robert W. Sloan, III, Bradley C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8678223
    Abstract: An assembly having a pan and a formed wire rack for receiving and supporting the pan. the rack includes a pair of handles freely and rotatably attached to a closed rim-rack section of the wire rack. Each handle includes a lateral portion and a pair of arms having first arm ends attached to the lateral portion, and the pair of arms having second arm ends separately terminating to a flat section, distal ends of the flat sections being rotatably secured about the closed rim-rack section, and wherein the flat sections include loops freely rotatably secured about the closed rim-rack section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Handi-Foil Corporation
    Inventors: Norton Sarnoff, Raj Patel
  • Patent number: 8678227
    Abstract: A leg assembly for selective attachment to a portable support structure having a base and removable lid. The leg assembly includes a plurality of legs that are selectively attachable to both the base and lid. When attached, the legs extending from the base to the lid thereby supporting the lid. The legs are substantially parallel to one another. The assembly further includes at least one cross member extending between two of the legs to stabilize and prevent lateral movement of the legs. The cross member also abutingly contacts and supports the lid whereby the base and lid function as a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hardigg Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher H. Patstone
  • Publication number: 20140069939
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a mounting bracket for use with a container. The container has a wall extending from a bottom to an upper edge and has a mounting flange extending outwardly from a portion of the wall. The mounting flange includes an outer surface with a terminal edge leading to upper and lower edges and a pair of distal sides. The mounting bracket has a support side positionable towards the wall of the container. The support side includes a notched section with a base extending outwardly from the support side and a pair of lateral faces extending outwardly and away from edges of the base. Each lateral face includes a member positioned along a portion thereof and which extends towards the other member in a tapering edge such that the sides of the mounting flange are captured between the support side and the extending members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: BERLIN PACKAGING, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Sanguinet, Brett Niggel, Steven Kroplewski, Scott Jost
  • Patent number: 8646641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tank for storing fluid. In one embodiment, a tank (10) for storing fluids is disclosed, the tank comprising a vessel (12) for receiving and storing fluid, and a reinforcing structure (14) for the vessel. The reinforcing structure is located externally of the vessel. The vessel has a generally quadrilateral shape in plan view, and a base (16) which is generally dish-shaped, with an outlet (18) located in a position which facilitates discharge of the fluid from the vessel. In providing a tank having a vessel which is generally quadrilateral shape in plan view, the tank offers benefits over prior cylindrical tanks in terms of maximizing the use of available storage space on a ship, or on a vehicle used to transport the tank. Additionally, in providing a tank having a vessel which has a base that is generally dish-shaped, the tank offers improvements over prior quadrilateral shape tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Swire Oilfield Services Limited
    Inventor: Neil Andrew Moir
  • Patent number: 8517207
    Abstract: A reusable packaging device for protecting an object during shipment may include at least four end caps and strap assemblies configured to selectively hold the end caps in a desired expanded position relative to one another during shipment of the object and to hold the end caps in contact with one another after the object has been received. In one embodiment the object may be clamped between two of the packaging devices for shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Randy Mesch
  • Patent number: 8490826
    Abstract: A transport and storage container for liquids has as principal components a palette-like bottom frame for an exchangeable inner container of synthetic material and a grate casing with horizontal and vertical grate rods of metal for receiving the inner container. The vertical grate rods connected with their upper ends to the upper border profile of the grate casing by dot welding and clinching. As a result of the two-fold connection by positive and frictional engagement of the vertical grate rods to the upper circumferential border profile of the grate casing ensures that, when the dot welded connections fail, the fastening of the vertical grate rods to the upper border profile of the grate casing is ensured by the clinch connection and, when the clinch connection fails, the fastening of the grate rods to the upper border profile of the grate casing is ensured by the dot welded connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schütz
  • Publication number: 20130087569
    Abstract: A Tank and Pressure Vessel Skirt Ratchet Prevention Device for the reduction or elimination of relative deflection of a tank or vessel (29) skirt (25) is presented. In vertical tank or vessel (29) design where the tank shell (23) and the tank or vessel (29) bottom (22) are connected together by a knuckle (24) it is common to place a skirt (25) and skirt base plate (26) under the shell. The skirt (25) and skirt base plate (26) support the tank or vessel (29) structure, product and transmit these and environmental loads and anything on tank shell (23) into the foundation (21). Cyclic loads change the diameter of the skirt, (25) the tank shell (23) and skirt base plate (26). The addition of a ratchet prevention member (27) or an anti-friction device (30) reduces relative deflection and fatigue at these locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Justin Bredar Cutts
  • Patent number: 8381937
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a double-walled tank container, whereby the inner container is stored at the bottom inside the outer enclosure by a spacer consisting of several spacer pieces. The spacer provided, which is preferably placed near a front saddle ring, imparts transportation and storage stresses between the inner tank and the outer enclosure and consequently between the inner container and the frame of the tank container. The spacer can be laid out in such a way that it absorbs shocks and/or defines a hollow space. This hollow space can serve as a thermal insulation or for the installation of temperature equalization devices, mediums or a leak detector fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: WEW Westerwalder Eisenwerk GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Schmidt, Dieter Pfau, Till Gerhard
  • Patent number: 7997441
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a tank container including a base adapted to rest on an external support, an open frame joined to the base in spaced relation to a tank barrel, the frame defining a space about the tank barrel, an open protective structure supported by the frame, the protective structure impeding contact between the flange and an external structural agent, hoist engagement structure adapted to receive hoist rigging, and rigging protective structure supported by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Eric P. Marcel
  • Patent number: 7992738
    Abstract: A pallet container is used to transfer loose cargoes including frame members. The frame member has a rail connected to two posts. Each post is mounted with a nesting. The pallet container has a base frame which is formed by beams; a pair of first side frames and a pair of second side frames respectively formed by the base frame and post members of the invention. Each post member comprising a first post, provided at a corner of the base frame; a second post, spaced from the first post and mounted to the base frame by a reinforced plate, in which a cavity is provided. The pallet container equipped with the post member can be stable to load the frame member by inserting the second post of the present invention into the post of the loaded frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiang Gao, Jianping Li
  • Patent number: 7850035
    Abstract: A baking sheet having a substantially flat silicone cooking surface, two rods extending along and coupled to opposite sides of the cooking surface, and two thermo-resistant handles coupled to and extending between the two rods. The thermo-resistant handles may be connected to the rods using thermo-resistant connectors. The connectors can disconnect from the rods and possibly be rotated to rotate the handles in positions adjacent to the rods to enable the baking sheet to be rolled into storage. The thermo-resistant characteristic of the handles enables users to lift the heated baking sheet without the use of oven mitts or other protective device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Mastrad SA
    Inventors: Mathieu Lion, Lucas Bignon
  • Patent number: 7757881
    Abstract: A waste receiving apparatus includes a shower stall wall. A wastebasket has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. A mounting removably receives the wastebasket and attaches the wastebasket to the stall wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Matthew D. Riley
  • Publication number: 20100028081
    Abstract: Containment berms and associated support systems and structures. In one example embodiment, a containment berm bracket includes a substantially rigid first member and a substantially rigid second member. The first member defines a first complementary structure. The second member that defines a second complementary structure and a sidewall clamp. The second complementary structure is configured to releasably engage with the first complementary structure in order that the members can be releasably attached to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: BERG COMPANIES INC.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Barrett, Craig G. Dolsby, Doug Combs
  • Patent number: 7648113
    Abstract: A support for a cylindrically-shaped accessory has a first frame defining a receptacle for a cylindrically-shaped accessory and a connecting assembly. The first frame has a bottom wall and a peripheral bracing wall structure. The bottom wall defines an upwardly facing surface. The peripheral bracing wall structure extends at least partially around a region occupied by a cylindrically-shaped accessory in the upright stored orientation, bearing on the upwardly-facing surface, to thereby limit tipping of the cylindrically-shaped accessory. The connecting assembly has first and second connector parts attachable one each to the first frame and second frame upon which the support can be placed. The first and second connector parts are engagable, each with the other, by relatively translating the first and second connector parts along a connecting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Ruben Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090242576
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a tank container including a base adapted to rest on an external support, an open frame joined to the base in spaced relation to a tank barrel, the frame defining a space about the tank barrel, an open protective structure supported by the frame, the protective structure impeding contact between the flange and an external structural agent, hoist engagement structure adapted to receive hoist rigging, and rigging protective structure supported by the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: The Modern Group, Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric P. Marcel
  • Publication number: 20090175684
    Abstract: Containment berms and associated support systems and structures. In one example embodiment, a containment berm bracket includes a substantially rigid first member and a substantially rigid second member. The first member defines a first complementary structure. The second member that defines a second complementary structure and a sidewall clamp. The second complementary structure is configured to releasably engage with the first complementary structure in order that the members can be releasably attached to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: BERG COMPANIES INC.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Barrett, Craig G. Dolsby, Doug Combs
  • Publication number: 20090071957
    Abstract: A safety box includes a rectangular main frame, a front frame, a rear frame and four side bars connected between the front and rear frames. The front frame includes four hollow front bars and each front bar includes a first slot, the rear frame includes four hollow rear bars and each rear bar includes a second slot so that side panels can be inserted into the first and second slots. A front panel is connected to the front frame and a rear panel is connected to the rear frame. A pivotal column is pivotably connected to the front frame. Eight corners are connected to corners of the front frame and the rear frame so as to hide the bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Chih-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 7475796
    Abstract: An industrial hopper and support system includes a hopper having a plurality of receivers complementally configured to receive the top ends of legs of a support. The hopper is particularly designed to receive and discharge both solid and liquid material by the mounting of a selected valve, and the receivers include recesses therein which inhibit the spread of the legs and provide a structural connection between the legs of the support when the hopper is mounted thereon. The hopper may be mounted to the legs without the use of tools, but a separate fastener may be used when it is desired to lift both the hopper and its support from above. The support is provided with openings through primary tubular members which align with crossmembers so that forks inserted into the openings pass longitudinally through the crossmembers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Snyder Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Darwin Garton
  • Patent number: 6982105
    Abstract: A container assembly includes a container body formed of a thermoplastic material having an inner surface, an outer surface, and at least one corner having a reinforcement molded to the outer surface of the corner. The reinforcement has a peripheral edge, which is partially embedded in the outer surface of the container body. A method of making a container assembly comprises the step of molding a container body over a portion of a reinforcement. A reinforcement having a peripheral edge is disposed in a mold. A fluid thermoplastic material is disposed into the mold. The thermoplastic material is then molded over the inner surface of the mold and the peripheral edge of the reinforcement thereby forming the container body. The thermoplastic material contacts the peripheral edge and melts or softens the edge. A peripheral edge is then brought into engagement with the container body to provide a secure seal between the reinforcement and the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The Moore Company
    Inventor: Ovie Clarence Huse
  • Publication number: 20030230587
    Abstract: An corner fitting for container provided at each angle part of the container body and connected with other parts of the container body comprises a sealing device arranged thereon which includes a first flange of a predefined length provided on one of the inner side surface and the top/bottom surfaces of the corner fitting. The sealing device of the present invention also contains a second flange of a predefined length provided on the other of the inner side surface and the top/bottom surfaces of the corner fitting and aligned with the first flange. Therefore, the seal gasket which is provided with circumstance of the container gate, can depend on the flanges of the present invention while closing the gate, thus hermetic performance for the container is greatly improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Yuanda Zhou, Sidong He
  • Publication number: 20030019778
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging container which includes a main body formed from a covering material, where this main body being adapted to enclose an area. The packaging container also includes a plurality of support beams and is characterized in that the support beams are located within or adjacent to the side walls of the container. Preferably such support beams may be located substantially in the center of the side walls of the container to resist compressive forces applied to the top or upper sections of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Clint Paul Moka
  • Patent number: 6237803
    Abstract: An assembly of a formed wire roasting rack, a roasting pan and a foil cover, each of which is removable from the rack. Each of the pan and cover has a base, an upstanding sidewall, a rim and a peripheral bead formation surrounding the rim. The rack has a first pair of parallel elongated wire form sections terminating in upwardly extending portions providing outwardly extending wire handles, and a second elongated wire form section extending transverse to the first wire section and terminating in an upwardly extending portion at each end. At each end thereof, a bead gripping formation is provided. The bead gripping formations are sized and proportioned to grippingly retain the pair of pan and cover bead formations when one of the pan and covers is inverted to overlie and cover the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Handi-Foil Corporation
    Inventors: Norton Sarnoff, Kraig Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6079580
    Abstract: A preferred container apparatus (10) includes tank walls integrally molded of synthetic resin material making up a tank assembly (12) defining a storage chamber (38). The tank walls are configured as a cylindrical tank section 20) and as a plurality of six stacking legs (22-32) wherein the tank section (20) and legs (22-32) both define contiguous portions of the storage chamber (38). The stacking legs (22-32) extend between the top (50) and bottom (52) of the tank section (20) on both sides thereof, and present flat end walls (64, 66, 78) allowing one tank assembly (12) to be stacked on another. The preferred apparatus (10) also includes a base (18) for receiving and supporting a tank assembly (12) wherein the base (18) includes openings or slots (136-142) for receiving forklift tines to lift the apparatus (10) using a forklift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Snyder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darwin D. Garton, H. Todd Bolzer
  • Patent number: 5582311
    Abstract: A portable liquid storage tank has an external frame and internal walls defining an at least partially enclosed storage volume for liquids. The rigid frame includes a plurality of members connected by moment-resisting joints. The tank walls are formed of a plurality of plates affixed within the tank frame. The liquid storage volume defined by the tank walls is free of structures which can trap liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Baker Tanks, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwight F. Bartenstein, Douglas W. Baker, James N. Holmes
  • Patent number: 5503062
    Abstract: The invention is a reinforcing support structure for a pan adapted to contain an object. The pan has a pan bottom and a sidewall extending upwardly from the periphery of the pan bottom. An outwardly extending rim is formed on the upwardly extending sidewall around the entire circumference of the pan. An outer support for holding the pan has an upper support portion and a lower support portion. The upper support portion is applied to the entire outwardly extending rim of the pan to support and reinforce the extending rim. The lower support portion also includes a plurality of horizontal support members wherein at least one of the horizontal support members is formed in a zigzag shape. An object support rack is disposed within the pan to support the object when the object is disposed in the pan. The object support rack includes a spacer for spacing the object apart from the pan bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Penny Plate, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Buff, IV
  • Patent number: 5441288
    Abstract: A shopping cart has a molded plastic basket and a chassis including a generally U-shaped cart handle tube and a reinforced plastic molded lower support structure. A basket support wire braces the basket against the cart handle tube and lends rigidity and strength to the basket. The support wire has legs that extend within respective channels provided along opposing side segments of an upper peripheral edge portion of the basket, less than the entire lengths of the opposing side segments. Bent end portions of the legs, extending into openings provided in the basket peripheral edge portion, fixedly secure the support wire to the basket. A cross-arm portion of the support wire connects the legs and engages the cart handle tube. Upper leg portions of the cart handle tube extend downwardly along a rear panel of the cart basket. Lower leg portions of the cart handle tube extend along rear edge surfaces of the lower support structure and provide at their ends wheel assembly mounting locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Houston Rehrig
    Inventor: Houston Rehrig
  • Patent number: 5360133
    Abstract: A container for bulk material and the like, and the method of manufacture therefor. The container comprises a bottom wall with side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall and oriented such that when the side walls are substantially vertical, the bottom wall is at an angle to the horizontal. An upper wall is connected to the side walls, the upper wall having an opening defined therethrough to enable the container to be filled or emptied. A support for holding the container in a substantially upright position is provided. The support includes a first foot integrally formed with the bottom wall and extending therefrom to lie in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the bottom wall, and a second foot removably attached to the first foot in a first configuration, and detachably engagable with the first foot in a second configuration different from the first configuration to lie in a plane perpendicular to the first foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Corby, Andrew W. Elder
  • Patent number: 5326132
    Abstract: A reaction can (40) formed from a light weight typically non-structural material, comprising: a housing (42) comprising sides (24a, b, 26a, b) defining an open mouth and a bottom (28) generally opposite the mouth; and a reinforcement collar the sides, about the mouth to reinforce the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventors: John A. Musiol, Carl L. Flair, Douglas E. Medvedik, Robert P. Fontecchio
  • Patent number: 5249684
    Abstract: A stackable container having excellent resistance to impact breakage includes (1) a plastic tank for containing liquids having at least one opening in its upper end and upper and lower abutments extending around sidewalls, (2) a top member engaged to the upper end of the tank having a downwardly facing abutting edge resting upon said upper abutment and (3) a bottom member engaged to the lower end of the tank having an upwardly facing abutting edge resting upon said lower abutment and having a plurality of downwardly extending legs. Clip means cooperate with serrated areas on the tank and top member and with additional serrated area on the tank and bottom member to secure said top and bottom members to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Sterett
  • Patent number: 5222618
    Abstract: An improved container for fluid or semifluid materials has a prismatic rectangular shape determined by partition walls rigidly joined together by means of profiles and ties. The walls forming the top and the base of the container have longitudinal profiles joined alternatively to each other by means of resistant ties, defining a triangular structural framework reinforcing the structure of the container to prevent deformation or bulging thereof by internal pressure. In the preferred embodiment, the walls of the container are corrugated transversely. The corrugation of the top and the base walls is formed from over elevations or elongated cavities with rounded ends. The preferred embodiment further has cross-braces emerging from the top corners of the containers to define bending preventive reinforcement of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Gian Luigi Apointe
    Inventor: Frederick C. Koch
  • Patent number: 5197601
    Abstract: A stackable container having excellent resistance to impact breakage includes (1) a plastic tank for containing liquids having at least one opening in its upper end and upper and lower abutments extending around sidewalls, (2) a top member engaged to the upper end of the tank having a downwardly facing abutting edge resting upon said upper abutment and (3) a bottom member engaged to the lower end of the tank having an upwardly facing abutting edge resting upon said lower abutment and having a plurality of downwardly extending legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Sterett