Abstract: The present invention is directed to rigid disposable food containers provided with a relatively steep sidewall with a generally linear profile and an outwardly flared arcuate flange portion. The containers are further characterized by a flange outer vertical drop wherein the ratio of the length of the vertical drop to the characteristic diameter of the container is greater than about 0.01. By virtue of unique geometry, the containers of the invention exhibit improved rigidity and/or rim stiffness yet have favorable runnability in pressware manufacturing systems characteristic of plates of lower strength.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an opening structure of a fuel tank having a fuel tank wall made of plastic layers including at least an outer layer, an inner layer and an intermediate layer, with an opening portion formed to be integral with the fuel tank wall. The opening structure includes a cylindrical portion extended from the fuel tank wall outward thereof to form the opening portion, an overlapping portion extended from an end of the cylindrical portion to enlarge the diameter of the opening portion and bent at a bent portion to form an outer surface parallel with an opening end surface of the opening portion, and a compressed portion with at least a portion of the overlapping portion compressed in a direction perpendicular to the opening end surface of the opening portion.

Abstract: A process for extrusion blow molding an article, and an extrusion blow-molded article, in which a solid radially outwardly extending flange is blown into the tubular side wall of the article. A circumferentially extending groove is formed in the inner surface of the mold that molds the tubular side wall of the article. A parison of molten thermoplastic material is extruded and the parison is inflated by blowing to blow the parison against the walls of a mold. During inflation, the groove is filled by the molten thermoplastic material. The material that filled the groove forms a solid radially outwardly extending flange molded to the tubular side wall of the article. A portion of the article extending above the flange is severed in a single cutting step to form an article having an outward flange at its top end.

Abstract: A thermoformed plastic food container for use in microwave heating. The container includes a bottom, a sidewall and a flange. The sidewall extends upwardly from the bottom, terminating at a top end. The flange extends from the sidewall opposite the bottom and includes a rim section and a return section. The rim section extends radially outwardly from the top end of the sidewall, and is curved in transverse cross-section. With this configuration, the rim section defines a radius in transverse cross-section. Further, an outer surface of the rim section is configured to receive a sealing film. Additionally, the rim section defines, in top plan view, at least one side that is longitudinally curved, preferably forming a convex curve relative to a central axis of the container. The return section extends from the rim section opposite the top end. More particularly, the return section extends generally downwardly relative to the rim section.

Abstract: A pan for use with a well for receiving the pan is disclosed herein. The pan includes a bottom panel, a plurality of walls, and a ramp. The plurality of walls extend upwardly from the bottom panel and define a cavity. The plurality of walls also have an upper end which defines a top opening. The upper end has an extension away from the cavity which defines a rim. The ramp is proximate the rim and exterior to the cavity, whereby the pan rides up on the ramp when the pan is drawn up against the well.

Abstract: A thermoformed plastic food container for use in microwave heating. The container includes a bottom, a sidewall and a flange. The sidewall extends upwardly from the bottom, terminating at a top end. The flange extends from the sidewall opposite the bottom and includes a rim section and a return section. The rim section extends radially outwardly from the top end of the sidewall, and is curved in transverse cross-section. With this configuration, the rim section defines a radius in transverse cross-section. Further, an outer surface of the rim section is configured to receive a sealing film. Additionally, the rim section defines, in top plan view, at least one side that is longitudinally curved, preferably forming a convex curve relative to a central axis of the container. The return section extends from the rim section opposite the top end. More particularly, the return section extends generally downwardly relative to the rim section.

Abstract: A covering system includes a frame, a cover pivotally coupled to the frame and a stop surface pivotally coupled to the frame. The cover pivots between a closed position, a substantially open position and at least one intermediate position. The stop surface pivots between a first position in which the stop surface engages the cover when the cover is in the at least one intermediate position to retain the cover in the at least one intermediate position and a second position permitting the cover to be pivoted to at least one of the substantially open position and the closed position. The stopper includes a counterweight which biases the stop surface towards the first position as a result of gravity.

Abstract: A pressure wide-mouth container made of synthetic resin and having a cylindrical body portion, a flange portion projecting from the periphery of a wide mouth formed at one end of the body portion; and a bottom portion closing the other end of the body portion. The flange portion and a peripheral portion of the wide mouth are formed by injection molding and not drawn after the injection molding is carried out. The body portion except the peripheral portion of the wide mouth and the bottom portion are formed by the injection molding and drawn by a blow molding to be performed after the injection molding is carried out and the bottom portion is drawn at a lower drawing ratio than the body portion.

Abstract: A container is made in two stages from thermoplastics material. In the first stage a preform (1) is injection moulded, the mould parts easily releasing a tubular body (2) with a closed end and an outwardly projecting rim (3) at the open end. In the second stage the still heated preform (1) is blow moulded, possibly with some preliminary mechanical stretching, with the blow pin (13) seated in the open end of the body (2) and the preform (1) held by the outer part (7) of its rim. The wall of the body (2) is expanded, and immediately below the open end it is stretched outwardly to meld with the underside of the inner part (5) of the rim. The resultant container thus has a mouth defined by an inset lip. It may be of paint tin form, with a drip groove (9) around the mouth.

Abstract: A pan for use with a well for receiving the pan is disclosed herein. The pan includes a bottom panel, a plurality of walls, and a ramp. The plurality of walls extend upwardly from the bottom panel and define a cavity. The plurality of walls also have an upper end which defines a top opening. The upper end has an extension away from the cavity which defines a rim. The ramp is proximate the rim and exterior to the cavity, whereby the pan rides up on the ramp when the pan is drawn up against the well.

Abstract: A plastic bucket includes at least one undercut adjacent an upper end of the bucket defined by a bucket wall which extends upwardly and inwardly along a diagonal path. An annular, vertical section may be provided at the upper end of the diagonal path. Above the vertical section, the bucket wall extends radially outwardly to create an annular, horizontal flange.

Abstract: Packing box (2) of polygonal general shape that widens out, is made from a flat cellular plastic blank that is cut and folded. The box (2) comprises a base (4) and side walls (5, 6) which are formed from side panels of the blank and are joined together, and an outer reinforcing frame (7), used for holding the box. The frame runs around the side walls (5, 6) and comprises frame members (8, 9) joined together and fixed to the side walls (5, 6). The frame members are formed from at least four flaps extending from side panels of the blank and rolled up spiral-fashion.

Abstract: A pan for use with a well for receiving the pan is disclosed herein. The pan includes a bottom panel, a plurality of walls, and a ramp. The plurality of walls extend upwardly from the bottom panel and define a cavity. The plurality of walls also have an upper end which defines a top opening. The upper end has an extension away from the cavity which defines a rim. The ramp is proximate the rim and exterior to the cavity, whereby the pan rides up on the ramp when the pan is drawn up against the well.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a motor vehicle has a connecting portion which extends around an opening in the tank wall which is closed by a holding cover, with the interposition of a sealing ring. The connection between the connecting portion and the holding cover is made by a fixing means urging the holding cover towards the connecting portion. The sealing ring is disposed in a groove in the connecting portion or the holding cover and the cross-sections of the groove and the sealing ring are so selected that, in its operative position of closing the opening, the holding cover is supported directly by the end surface of the connecting portion, bearing against that end surface.

Abstract: A pan for use with a well for receiving the pan is disclosed herein. The pan includes a bottom panel, a plurality of walls, and a ramp. The plurality of walls extend upwardly from the bottom panel and define a cavity. The plurality of walls also have an upper end which defines a top opening. The upper end has an extension away from the cavity which defines a rim. The ramp is proximate the rim and exterior to the cavity, whereby the pan rides up on the ramp when the pan is drawn up against the well.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A sealable container includes a container body having two opposite curved grooves in an upper end and a recessed bottom wall; a cap having a flange for a seal gasket to fit around to seal an open mouth of the container, two U-shaped vertical walls defining a recess and having a ridge on two opposite sections; two plate hooks combined on the two U-shaped vertical walls, having a shove surface and two position plates in parallel; and a seal gasket. The cap can be taken off the container when the hooks are pushed outward, and kept sealed on the open mouth when the hooks are pushed inward. Two or more containers can be put on the other one by having the recessed bottom wall fitting with the convex upper surface of the cap and the two crescent grooves fitting with the shove surfaces of the hooks.

Abstract: A plastic container comprises a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly and laterally outwardly from the bottom wall, and an undulating rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper portion of the side wall. The undulating rim forms a plurality of waves extending at least partially around the upper portion of the side wall. Each wave forms a crest and a trough that are generally perpendicular to an adjacent section of the upper portion of the side wall. In response to exerting a tensile load on the rim, the undulating rim acts like an accordion or spring and effectively increases the perimeter along an outer trimmed edge of the rim. In particular, the waves allow the rim to flatten, thereby reducing the hoop stress generated by the tensile load. By relieving the hoop stress on the outer trimmed edge of the rim, the tendency of the rim to crack or break is minimized.

Abstract: A cylindrical can cover to be mounted onto an opening of the can is disclosed, which includes a top plate and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the peripheral margin of the top plate. The top plate is divided into two parts, one part being stationary on the opening of the can and including a scraper extending across the top plate and extending downwardly from the underside of the top plate, and the other part being swingable up and down and including a folding line extending along the scraper across the top plate. The peripheral wall includes a sealing band connected at a thinner wall portion and having its bottom end extending laterally, and a detachable part extending vertically at each of positions corresponding to opposite ends of the folding line extending to the peripheral edge of the top plate.

Abstract: The container includes a lower part and a lid. The lower part is of a single wall structure and is reinforced at its upper edge area by a reinforcing wall. The lower end of the reinforcing wall is curved inwards and extends into the side wall. Thus, an edge at the lower end of the edge area is prevented. The upper edges of the lid are also rounded and run smoothly into the reinforcing wall. The lid includes ribs which, when the lid is placed on the lower part, come to lie onto corresponding ribs of the lower part. The lid is connected to the lower part by a snapping mechanism. The lid includes an opening, into which a ledge of the snapping mechanism can be snapped in. This ledge is accessible through this opening to release the ledge to disengage the opening.

Abstract: An article, such as a container, includes a bottom wall, a sidewall and rim around a top end to strengthen the sidewall and to provide a handle for lifting the article. The rim includes a first lip extending radially outward with respect to the container to provide strength and rigidity to the rim and sidewall. The first lip is formed by two substantially parallel layers of material that can be spaced apart or bonded together. A second flexible lip extends radially from the rim and is axially spaced from the first lip. The second lip forms a continuous open channel enabling the second lip to be gripped from the inside of the article. The second lip has a radial dimension greater than the first lip to limit contact of the first lip with an adjacent object. An article is made by a blow molding process and apparatus having moving segment molds. A thermoplastic parison is inflated to contact the mold surfaces. The moving mold segments then compress a portion of the plastic to form the first lip.

Abstract: Embodiments of a container for holding an item are disclosed. In one embodiment, the container comprises an open end, a closed end and a shank connecting the open end with the closed end. A flange extends from the open end. The flange has a configuration which supports the container in an intended relationship with respect to a relatively large tube, a relatively small tube or a carrier.

Abstract: A plastic bucket includes at least one undercut adjacent an upper end of the bucket defined by a bucket wall which extends upwardly and inwardly along a diagonal path. An annular, vertical section may be provided at the upper end of the diagonal path. Above the vertical section, the bucket wall extends radially outwardly to create an annular, horizontal flange. In addition, an uppermost annular rim may extend upwardly from the horizontal flange and be located approximately midway between inner and outer radii of the flange.

Abstract: A dispensing bin and cover cooperate to support many times the bin's capacity stacked on the cover. With the cover removed, empty bins nest for storage. Vertical stacking capacity is enhanced by surrounding the top opening of the bin with a reinforcement that maintains the horizontal shape of the top opening. A vertical component of the weight of identical bins stacked on top of the cover is opposed by a horizontal reaction force provided by the reinforcement and communicated to tapered sides. The dispensing aperture has a gate that automatically latches closed and permits sealing by conventional loop tag or tie. The cover has superior strength yet is light in weight so that handling of the cover is feasible by one man without machine assistance. Snap bails are held in place by intrinsic spring tension when stowed against bin sides or snapped onto the cover for retaining the cover to the bin. Snap bails are also used for lifting the full bin.

Abstract: A recycle bin having a bottom and a continuous side wall extending upwardly therefrom to form a receptacle having an opening opposite the bottom. A lip extends around the upper perimeter of the side wall proximate to the opening. A generally flexible top cover, sized to at least overlay the opening, is attached to the lip at a first location. A strap, having a first end secured to the top cover and a second end carrying a fastener adapted to releasably mate with the lip at a second location, is provided for releasably securing the top cover over the opening.

Abstract: A buffet table food pan having a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls extending upwardly from a bottom panel. A top flange extends outwardly from the walls. The flange is in sealing engagement with the buffet table when it is placed therein. The flange has a notch defined at each end, so that a space is defined between the flange and the table. The space defines a ledge which can be grabbed, or under which utensils can be placed for the purpose of lifting the pan or removing the pan from the table.

Abstract: A process for producing a container and closure assembly includes molding a preliminary container including a closed bottom portion, a body portion and a shoulder and neck portion. The shoulder and neck portion is separated from the body portion. An open ended second container is formed from the body portion, the second container having a rim at its open end and an encircling wall. The open end of the second container is then closed with a closure comprised of a cap and a cap liner. The cap liner has a weakened portion adapted to be broken by the cap. The cap or the cap liner are formed from the shoulder and neck portion of the preliminary container.

Abstract: A mixing bowl of generally ellipsoidal configuration having an elliptical upwardly domed base, upwardly and outwardly arcing side wall, and an upper ellipse-defining rim. The rim is surrounded by an outwardly and downwardly inclined flange varying in width from one end of the rim whereat a pour spout is defined to a maximum width at the other end of the rim whereat a gripping and nesting recess is defined.

Abstract: This weather-shielding protective newspaper delivery receptacle serves to completely enclose its contents and has no removable or hinged door for access to its interior. The receptacle consists essentially of a tapered elongated tube having its smaller end terminating in a solid immovable wall closure and having its large end terminating at a rim edge. The rim edge is equipped with a planar flexible wall permanently united about its perimeter to the rim edge. The wall has intersecting slits that form plural flaps extending from the perimeter to a central location of the flexible wall. The flaps are deformed inwardly as a newspaper is inserted into the tube and are deformed outwardly as a newspaper is removed from the tube through the flexible wall. The flaps are sufficiently resilient to return to a non-deformed state after deformation. The flexible wall is sloped so as to extend downwardly and underneath the uppermost portion of the rim edge during use.

Abstract: A nestable, stackable mixing bowl is provided having a radiused sidewall and a wide concave rim flange. The rim flange provides a handle around the entire circumference of the bowl, providing an easy way to grasp the bowl while pouring. The rim flange is provided with three integral equidistantly spaced pourspouts, thus requiring less manipulation for positioning the bowl for pouring. The bottom of the bowl is provided with an annular rib to provide stability to the bowl. The bowl is also provided with a lid shaped to cover the bowl and to accept the rim flange. The lid has a central circular depressed portion sized to matingly engage the bottom rib of a smaller capacity bowl, providing stable stacking.

Abstract: A container formed from a unitary paperboard blank having a substantially planar inner region, a sidewall region and a rim region formed about the periphery thereof is disclosed. The sidewall region includes a generally annular region flaring upwardly and outwardly from a periphery of the planar inner region and a first frusto-conical region adjoining the annular region with the frusto-conical region sloping outwardly and upwardly from the annular region. The rim region includes an outwardly flaring arcuate annular region adjoining an outer periphery of the first frusto-conical region, and a second frusto-conical region extending substantially tangentially from the arcuate annular region. The second frusto-conical region extends outwardly and downwardly at an angle of about 6.degree. to about 12.degree. and preferably about 6.degree.-10.5.degree. relative to the plane defined by the planar inner region.

Abstract: A mixing bowl set is disclosed comprising nestable bowls (2,4), each having a radiussed sidewalls (8), and a downturned upper rim flange (14). The rim flange (14) has a lower edge 20 which is spaced apart from the sidewall (8) a distance which varies from a maximun at the rearward end (24) of the bowl to a minimum at the forward end (26). Accordingly, a channel (22) is defined below the rim flange (14) which is wider at the rearward end, sufficiently so to admit the digits of a hand, whereby making the rearward portion of the flange (14) a handle for the bowl. A pourspout (28) is provided in the forward end of the rim flange (14) and is configured to be entirely below flange (14). Accordingly, there are no projections beyond the rim flange of the bowl throughout its entire circumference which could interfere with the nesting of one bowl into a like-configured larger bowl.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pressure vessel consisting of a container having an exterior sidewall, a bottom and an annular top rim. An annular seal surface encircles the top rim. An annular collar extends outwardly and downwardly from the sidewall adjacent the top rim. The downward portion of the collar is spaced from and substantially parallel to the sidewall of the container such that an air cavity is formed between the collar and the sidewall. The collar has a threaded exterior surface. A closure is provided having a top with a depending annular skirt. The skirt has an upper portion of a first diameter with an interior sealing surface and a lower portion of a second diameter larger than the first diameter having a threaded interior surface.

Abstract: A trash container (10) includes a base container portion (11) and a cover (12). The base container portion (11) includes a front wall (15), a rear wall (16) and two side walls (13, 14) all extending upwardly from a bottom surface (17) to an upper rim (19) defining an open top (18). The side wall (13) is provided with outboard ribs (24, 25) having inboard beads (26, 27) thereon. The other side wall (14) is provided with inboard ribs (30, 31) having outboard beads (32, 33) thereon. The beads (26, 27) engage the beads (32, 33) of a like container (10A) to attach the container (10) to the like container (10A).The cover (12) has a peripheral rim made up of a front U-shaped ledge (40) and a rear U-shaped ledge (43). A generally horizontal opening (49) is formed within the rear U-shaped ledge (43) and a trash receiving ramp (50) is positioned below the opening (49). A hood (53) extends upwardly from the front U-shaped ledge (40) and defines a second opening (52) which extends partially above the opening (49).

Abstract: An energy conserving cooking or heating vessel assembly comprises an inner receptacle for receiving food or other materials to be cooked or heated and a cylindrical skirt or sleeve of larger diameter than the inner receptacle extending downwardly from a predetermined height on the side walls of the inner receptacle. The sleeve has an open lower end which is of larger diameter than a stove top recess for a gas burner or electric heating element, and the lower end is designed to rest on the flat surface of a stove top surrounding a burner or electric element recess to form an enclosed volume surrounding both the inner receptacle and the burner area below the inner receptacle. The skirt may be secured to the inner receptacle or may comprise a separate outer casing for receiving any conventional stove top vessel such as a saucepan or tea kettle.

Abstract: A pressed paper includes a planar center having an outer peripheral surface. The planar center forms a bottom for the pressed paper plate. An outwardly projecting side wall includes a first rim portion joined to the outer peripheral surface of the planar center and a second rim portion joined to the first rim portion. A third rim portion is joined to the second rim portion of the outwardly projecting side wall. A fourth rim portion is provided for forming an outer edge for the container. The first rim portion is joined to the peripheral surface of the planar center at an angle having a first predetermined radius. The second rim portion is joined to the first rim portion at an angle having a second predetermined radius. The third rim portion is joined to the second rim portion at an angle having a third predetermined radius. The fourth rim portion is joined to the third rim portion at an angle having a fourth predetermined radius.

Abstract: A flange assembly of a molded plastic container which is multi-sided. Each side terminates at its upper edge in the flange assembly and the flange assembly includes an inner support flange to which a closure may be bonded. Outwardly of the support flange is an upstanding shock absorbing bead which additionally functions to center the closure on the container. The bead includes an inner leg which is integrally connected to the support flange and an outer leg with the inner leg being joined to the outer leg by a deformable bight portion. When dropped on the side, the package formed of the closed container will have the shock of the impact of striking a surface, such as a floor, absorbed by the deformation of the bead.

Abstract: A container, such as a pail for holding paint or the like, integrally molded from a resilient plastic material. The container includes an integrally molded bail having ends joined to wall portions of the container by relatively thin, flexible, diametrically opposed hinge portions which enables the container and its liquid contents to hang vertically from the bail. A stiffening bead is provided circumferentially about the wall of the container adjacent its upper rim, the bead including a vertically extending, X-shaped lattice structure included between the wall of the container and a wall spaced annularly thereabout.