Foam Patents (Class 220/902)
  • Patent number: 11278687
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid-transfer article which is suitable for use as part of an aerosol-generating system. The fluid-transfer-article comprises a first region for holding an aerosol precursor and for transferring said aerosol precursor to an activation surface of a second region of said article. The activation surface is disposed at an end of said article configured for thermal interaction with a heater of an aerosol-generation apparatus. At least the second region of the fluid-transfer article is formed from a polymeric wicking material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: NERUDIA LIMITED
    Inventors: Tom Sudlow, Chris Lord, David Jones, Edward Ross Shenton
  • Patent number: 9856069
    Abstract: A thermal insulation bag includes a bag body and bag bottom, the bag body includes an outer layer and inner layer, where the outer layer is welded to the bag bottom, the inner layer includes an inner side wall and inner bottom welded to the inner side wall, the inner side wall is formed by welding a one-piece material, and an upper end edge of the inner side wall is welded to the outer layer. The present invention prevents overlapping edges from appearing upon the welding of all sheets because the inner side wall of a one-piece structure is configured on the inner layer of the thermal insulation bag, allowing the thermal insulation bag to have a better appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN KINGQUEEN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jinfei Dong
  • Patent number: 8919082
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible foam shipping cooler and a process for producing the collapsible cooler. The collapsible cooler includes a linear series of attached side panel sections where each of the adjacent side panel sections are separated by a V groove formed by 45° beveled cuts made in a ends of each of the sections, and an adhesive tape flexible hinge is attached on the side of the panels opposite the V groove. The series of attached side panel sections is movable between a collapsed storage mode and an assembled mode where the series of sections are arranged to form a closed rectangular loop with top and bottom perimeter edges. Top and bottom foam panels contact the top and bottom edges of the closed loop to form a closed insulated cooler which is matingly received in a conventional corrugated box shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Iowa E. P. S. Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Cataldo
  • Patent number: 8623464
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a process for production of a water-absorbing article including a substrate and a coating film formed on the substrate and formed of a water-absorbing urethane resin is characterized in that: the process comprises an application step of applying a coating liquid to the substrate; the application step includes a step of supplying the coating liquid from a nozzle disposed above the substrate to a surface of the substrate conveyed horizontally; the coating liquid includes a solid matter and a solvent; the solid matter includes a mixture of a polyisocyanate, a polyol having ethylene oxide and a hydrophobic polyol; a concentration of the solid matter in the coating liquid is adjusted within a range from 5 to 30% in mass; and a viscosity of the coating liquid is adjusted within a range from 1 to 3 mPa·s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Central Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Shigeo Hamaguchi, Yukihiro Ougitani, Yoshinori Akamatsu, Shinobu Arata
  • Patent number: 8544678
    Abstract: An insulating beverage container holder is disclosed that is adapted to receive either longneck beverage bottles or aluminum cans. The insulating beverage holder consists of a substantially cylindrical body having 3 axially aligned apertures therein. One aperture is sized for an interference fit with the cylindrical diameter of an aluminum can beverage container. A second aperture is sized for an interference fit with the neck portion of a longneck beverage container. A third aperture, situated between the first and second apertures, is sized for an interference fit with the larger diameter of a longneck beverage container. Retaining mechanisms are also disclosed that secure longneck beverage containers within the holder to prevent inadvertent removal of the beverage container from within the insulated beverage container holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Elliott Stanley Hughes
  • Patent number: 7866539
    Abstract: The invention refers to a container for transporting cooled goods, comprising an inner container for receiving the cooled goods and an outer container surrounding the inner container. The inner container contains a thermally insulating material and has an outer surface on which outer ribs are arranged. The outer ribs generate spaces between the inner container and the outer container. The outer container has a plurality of ventilation holes for ventilating the spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gottfried Senftner, Peter Wigand
  • Patent number: 7608321
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for preventing de-bonding of insulation from a propellant container surface. When assembled to a propellant container, the container includes a substrate having an outer surface, a base material having an overall rough outer surface relative to the outer surface of the substrate, and an adhesive material adhering the base material to the substrate. Alternately, the base material may be welded to the outer surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Martin E. Lozano, Michael V. Merlin
  • Patent number: 7328814
    Abstract: A polymeric container comprises a continuous body portion, a rim, first and second minor flaps, and first and second major flaps. The body portion is integrally-formed and non-foldable. The rim encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the continuous body portion. The first and second minor flaps are integrally connected to the rim along respective fold lines. The minor flaps form respective first and second minor flap securing portions. The first and second major flaps are integrally connected to the rim along respective fold lines. The major flaps form respective openable handle portions or handle openings therein, respective first end securing portions, and respective second end securing portions. The second openable handle portion or second handle opening is adapted to generally align with the first openable handle portion or first handle opening to form a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Kate E. Nordland, Terry W. Cratsley
  • Patent number: 7201285
    Abstract: An insulating holder for holding a beverage in a bottle or a can having a lower cylindrical enclosure which receives an upper enclosure having a dome-shaped upper end. The upper and lower enclosures are provided with mating threads or other mating devices to hold the upper and lower enclosures in place when enjoyed. The upper enclosure is adapted to cover the top portion of a bottle inserted into the lower enclosure and to snuggly receive a can when inverted and inserted into the lower enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Wallis H. Wallis Trust of 2004
    Inventor: Tom Beggins
  • Patent number: 7174618
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for preventing de-bonding of insulation from a propellant container surface. When assembled to a propellant container, the container includes a substrate having an outer surface, a base material having an overall rough outer surface relative to the outer surface of the substrate, and an adhesive material adhering the base material to the substrate. Alternately, the base material may be welded to the outer surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Martin E. Lozano, Michael V. Merlin
  • Patent number: 7074466
    Abstract: Beverage or food containers made from sheet material, and methods of making such containers. Such container comprises a layer of paperboard and an expanded foam layer applied as a coating in a liquid carrier, and affixed to a paperboard base layer. The expanded foam has a remote surface preferably defined by intermingled peaks and valleys. The sheet material can include a protective cover layer overlying the remote surface. Such cover layer can comprise paper, plastic film, or foamed thermoplastic. The sheet material can include a heat seal layer, with the heat seal layer overlying, and in surface-to-surface contact with, the foam layer such that the foam layer is between the paperboard and the heat seal layer. Preferred composition for the foam layer is PVDC or AMM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Appleton Papers Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles DeBraal, John MacKay Lazar
  • Patent number: 6852381
    Abstract: An insulating beverage or food container or sleeve is produced with a foam layer disposed on an inner surface of a paper stock. A polymer shrink film layer is arranged in a position along an inside surface of the beverage container. The foam layer is sandwiched between the polymer shrink film layer and the paper stock and decreases the energy transfer between the beverage and the user's hands allowing the user to hold onto the container for an extended period of time without causing user discomfort or pain. The polymer shrink film layer is produced from a shrink film polymer having a percent shrink in the range of 30% or less, and more particularly a percent shrink range of 5 to 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Appleton Papers, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Debraal, John MacKay Lazar
  • Patent number: 6851454
    Abstract: The combination of a flexible pipe, e.g. plastic, and a reinforcing member mounted around the pipe to strengthen the pipe and to enhance its ability to resist deformation under load. In one embodiment the reinforcing member includes a flexible perforated plastic netting containing an aggregation of lightweight elements such as expanded polystyrene beads capable of wrapping around the pipe, preferably in helical fashion along the length of the pipe. In another embodiment, a number of members are mounted on the pipe in longitudinally extending fashion. In all embodiments, the beads provide drainage around the pipe when it is placed in a trench and obviate the need for gravel normally used in conventional systems. In another form of the invention, a drainage system is constructed by digging a trench, placing a reinforcing aggregate member in the corners at the bottom of the trench, and setting a large diameter cylindrical pipe in the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ring Industrial Group, L.P.
    Inventor: Dennis W. Koerner
  • Patent number: 6830167
    Abstract: A box lid that can be used on a truck box is provided according to the invention. The box lid includes an outer box lid member constructed to fit over a box, an inner box lid member attached to the outer box lid member to provide a cavity between the outer box lid member and the inner box lid member, and injection foam provided within the cavity between the outer box lid member and the inner box lid member. The outer box lid member includes a cover member having a periphery, and a depending wall extending along the cover member periphery. The injection foam can be polyurethane foam. A method for manufacturing a box lid and a pickup truck bed box are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Lund International Inc.
    Inventor: Jerome A. Schomaker
  • Patent number: 6713139
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow foamed polyolefin-based resin container comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, at least one of the inner and outer layers being formed of a foamed polyolefin-based resin sheet, wherein at least a side wall part of the container has a hollow portion between the inner and outer layer and a process for produciong the same, and the like. The hollow foamed polyolefin-based resin container can be used as containers for retorted food products and other containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Usui, Takeo Kitayama
  • Patent number: 6622880
    Abstract: A foam insert is adapted for use in combination with a pressure vessel. The cylinder is made of an open cell foam and is sized to fit within the pressure vessel. The cylinder has a top portion and a bottom portion that correspond to a top and bottom of the pressure vessel. The top portion of the foam cylinder has a concave recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Crest Foam Industries
    Inventor: Anthony A. Di Stasio
  • Patent number: 6598786
    Abstract: Insulating paper container including an inner paper cup and an outer paper cup. The inner cup includes a base and double bulge rings and the inner side of outer cup is coated evenly with chemical laminating agent and foaming agent. Space between the two bulge rings allows foaming when the inner cup is placed within the outer cup. The two bulge rings stabilize the structure of the outer cup hence to form a complete insulating paper container unit, and provide a foam insulating layer between the inner and outer cups by heat activating the chemical laminating agent and foaming agent. Therefore the present invention offers a safe and insulated insulating paper container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Tzer-Huang Guo
  • Patent number: 6554155
    Abstract: An insulating device for bottles having a lower cylindrical enclosure which telescopically receives an upper enclosure having a dome-shaped upper end, the upper and lower enclosures being provided with mating threads adapted to achieve a quick plunge insertion and sealing feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas M. Beggins
  • Patent number: 6494339
    Abstract: A cup holder including a resilient tube having opposed ends with a keyhole slot open at its bottom extending between the opposed ends for engaging a support and the tube also having a bore in its top for receiving a beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: John S. Engelhard, Cindy M. Engelhard
  • Patent number: 6010028
    Abstract: Thin wall metal cans are described having threaded necks attached thereto for receiving threaded closure to seal contents in the cans. Techniques for forming such threaded cans are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Charles L. Jordan, Hans H. Diekhoff
  • Patent number: 5900263
    Abstract: A food package including a tray, a sleeve surrounding the tray and a rigid leg member extending from the back panel of the sleeve. The rigid leg member has a bottom edge that can rest on a support surface in order to position the front panel of the sleeve substantially perpendicularly to the support surfaces. In this way, the display surface can be better seen by potential consumers. A multipack food package is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: GICS & Vermee, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul W. Gics
  • Patent number: 5897019
    Abstract: A tapered cup having an outwardly rolled lip includes a cup wall having an upper portion that is outwardly flared more than an adjacent lower wall portion. The cup can include a groove below the outwardly rolled lip in the inner face of the cup wall. The cup can be provided with stacking ribs within the cup to aid in stacking of two or more cups. The cup can include a tapered lid with an outwardly flared lip that seats against the inner wall of the cup and that does not extend over the lip of the cup. The lid can include a locking ring below the outwardly flared lip of the lid that is adapted for insertion into the groove in the cup. The lid further includes a fluid port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Dunkin' Donuts Incorporated
    Inventor: Scott Stropkay
  • Patent number: 5881908
    Abstract: An insulated container (12) for carrying goods such as fish is provided. The insulated container (12) includes a cover (14) and an open-topped box (16). The box (16) includes a bottom (26), two end walls (22, 24), and two bowed side walls (18, 20). Fillets lie in the corners where the bowed side walls and bottom meet. Longitudinal drainage ribs (40) extend along the bottom (26) between transverse platforms (42, 44). Indentations (28, 30, 32, 34) formed on the outer surface of the bowed container (12) define regions for receiving straps. The indentations are aligned with transverse platforms (42, 44), which provide reinforcement. The top of the end walls and the side walls include lips that mate with a depression located about the periphery of the cover (14). Bottom depressions (56, 58) ease the lifting of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Premier Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Hays, Sam K. Ammar
  • Patent number: 5875916
    Abstract: A waterproof container is provided including a housing formed of an elastomeric material defining an interior space with an open top having a planar top peripheral edge. An interior lining of the housing is constructed from a foam material. The lining is situated within the interior space of the housing for protecting the contents thereof. Further provided is a cover having a planar rectangular configuration with a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween. The bottom face of the cover has a cut out with a rectangular cross-section formed adjacent the entire periphery. The cut out has a width equal to a thickness of the faces of the housing. The cover further has a planar bottom lining constructed from a foam material situated on the bottom face of the cover. Next provided is a gasket having a planar rectangular configuration and a width equal to the thickness of the faces of the housing. A coupling mechanism is included for selectively securing the cover to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Larry Crockett, Sr., Delores Crockett
  • Patent number: 5876811
    Abstract: A microwavable single-serving meal container comprising a microwavable meal tray containing a food product; and a microwavable polyurethane foam shell having a shape adapted to substantially conform to the shape of the meal tray, said foam shell enveloping the meal tray and thus the food product during microwaving of the food product to thereby retain microwave induced heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventors: Tommie R. Blackwell, Matthew Wallo
  • Patent number: 5775530
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for protecting fragile objects from breakage which utilizes a case formed from upper and lower portions having dimensions somewhat smaller than the fragile object to be protected which is used to encase that object and provide cushioning for the fragile object should it be dropped or jostled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Joel Attaway
  • Patent number: 5766709
    Abstract: An insulating container comprising a container body having at least one side wall and a bottom wall with the side wall including a base layer, an insulating layer on at least a portion of the base layer and a printed pattern, mineral oil application or combination thereof on at least a portion of the surface of the insulating layer is disclosed wherein a thickness of the insulating layer is controlled by the printed pattern and/or mineral oil on the selected portion of the insulating layer. Similarly, stock material incorporating the present invention includes a base layer, an insulating layer formed on at least a portion of the base layer and a printed pattern printed on and or mineral oil applied to the insulating layer is disclosed wherein the thickness of the insulating layer is again controlled by the printed pattern and/or mineral oil on the portion of the insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: James River Corporation of Virginia
    Inventors: Daniel James Geddes, Michael Andrew Breining, Michael Schmelzer
  • Patent number: 5725916
    Abstract: A heat-insulating paper container has a body member and a bottom panel member. Part of the outer surface of the body member is coated with a paint containing 5 wt %-40 wt % of a synthetic resin component so that the foaming of a thermoplastic synthetic resin film is suppressed in that area. The remainder of the body member which has not been coated with the resin component containing paint forms a foamed heat-insulating layer of the thermoplastic resin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Nihon Dixie Company Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Ishii, Tatsuya Koya
  • Patent number: 5637389
    Abstract: A thermal barrier in the form of a base material with a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material forms an insulative pad, such as a shoe insole. The microcapsules are surroundingly encapsulated and embedded within the base material. In addition, substantially all of the microcapsules are spaced apart from each other, the space between neighboring adjacent microcapsules containing a phase change material. The microcapsules may be anisotropically distributed to further reduce thermal conductivity of heat through the thermal barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventors: David P. Colvin, Yvonne G. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5596921
    Abstract: A thermally insulated cooking device, including an insulated container, a cooking spot suspended inside the insulated cooking container, an insulated outer lid which closes off an upper opening of the insulated container, and an inner lid for closing off an upper opening of the cooking pot. Further included is a heat retaining material that can be heated by microwaves, which is removably attached to an inner face of the insulated outer lid. By attaching the heat retaining material, after it has been heated in a microwave oven, a temperature drop inside the insulated container can be substantially and safely prevented since heat radiates from the heat retaining material into the insulated container. Moreover the heat retaining material can be safely handled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kuwana, Yoshiya Nishino, Yasuhiko Komiya, Kunio Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5564583
    Abstract: A portable carrier for a beverage container has a base member with an open top and closed bottom, the open top communicating with a cavity defined by an upper portion of selected cross-sectional dimension and a lower portion of reduced cross-sectional dimension providing an internal ledge, the base member having external integral opposed boss portions having openings therethrough. A cover member has a closed top and open bottom with a cavity therein communicating with the open bottom, the cover member telescopically mating with the base member when in the closed position, the cover member having integral external opposed boss portions with openings. A cord extends through the openings in the boss portions of the cover member and the base member with knots at the ends thereof so that thereby the cord serves the dual function of providing means for carrying the portable carrier as well as preventing inadvertent misplacement of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventors: David J. Kelley, Ian West
  • Patent number: 5562224
    Abstract: A plastic reusable container that can be collapsed into a small package for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignees: Cartonnages des Monts du Lyonnais, Jacky Pascal
    Inventors: Jacky Pascal, Philippe Pascal
  • Patent number: 5511755
    Abstract: A container holder for a vehicle includes a flat panel section defining a marginal flange for engaging a mating structure on a vehicle component, such as an armrest or a floor console, and one or more cup-shaped members. The cup-shaped members include a floor and a resilient sidewall which can be resiliently flexed to move the floor between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position, the cup-shaped member forms a shallow depression shaped to receive and stably support a first container. In the raised position, an aperture in the floor of the cup-shaped member receives a smaller diameter container such that the marginal material forming the aperture supports the sides of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Spykerman
  • Patent number: 5509633
    Abstract: A cup holder for a vehicle includes a vehicle panel having a horizontal support surface and a pair of opposing spaced apart walls rising above the support surface and defining the dimensional extent of the support surface. A block of compressible foam material is adapted for placement on the support surface and has at least one cavity therein adapted to hold a cup. The block of foam has opposed end walls spaced apart to fit closely between the spaced apart walls of the vehicle panel so that the block of foam material is held in place by the interaction of the respective end walls of the block and the vehicle panel. The block is removable from the vehicle panel by compressing the foam block to effect this engagement of the end walls of the foam block from the vehicle panel end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Ruster, Nancy K. MacBrien
  • Patent number: 5450806
    Abstract: A watertight and thermally insulating tank built into the bearing structure of a ship. The tank includes a primary watertight barrier contacting a product contained within the tank. A secondary watertight barrier is located between the primary watertight barrier and a bearing structure of the ship. The tank also includes a primary thermal insulating barrier and a secondary thermal insulating barrier. The thermal insulating barriers are alternated with the watertight barriers. A fastener holds the primary thermal insulating barrier pressed against the secondary watertight barrier. A corner connection connects elements of the primary and secondary watertight barriers at a corner of the tank in zones where the transverse bulkheads meet the internal sides of the double hull of the ship at an intersection ridge. The corner connection secures the elements of the watertight barriers to opposite sides of a band along weld lines. The weld lines are substantially parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: GAZ Transport
    Inventor: Pierre Jean
  • Patent number: 5355777
    Abstract: A cooking device having an outer pot and an inner pot removally suspended in the outer pot is proposed for better and easier cooking of foodstuff. The inner pot is made of thermally conductive, metallic material and is adapted for initially cooking foodstuff with a separate heater for a short period of time. The outer pot is made into a thermally insulated construction and adapted to house the inner pot containing the semi-cooked foodstuff in the outer pot in a thermally insulated manner, so as to allow the semi-cooked foodstuff to complete the cooking by its own latent heat without a further heating by an external heat supply means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Tsang-Hue Chen, Chao J. Chen, Chao C. Chen, Chao Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 5338601
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a barrier film, being a thermoplastic linear polyolefin resin, to protect a styrenic resin sheet which constitutes the inner liner wall of an insulative cabinet wall of, for example, a refrigeration appliance unit from attack by the halogen-containing blowing agents present in the insulative polyurethane foam found within the cabinet wall. Preferred thermoplastic linear polyolefin resins are linear low density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jan Brands, Henri J. M. Grunbauer, Kees-Jeen van Duin
  • Patent number: 5335988
    Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus cabinet has an outer shell and an inner liner to define an insulation space therebetween. The shell has a deck including an enlarged opening. A conduit extends downwardly along a rear wall of the liner, with a distal end extending through the deck opening. A foil access cover is adhered to the deck about the opening to cover the opening, with the conduit extending outwardly from the space. A body of foamed-in-place insulation is provided in the space, with the access cover sealing the deck opening to prevent leakage of the foamed-in-place insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Shelby A. Lynn, Donald R. Howerton
  • Patent number: 5299280
    Abstract: An electric water heater tank defines a water chamber having an electrical component extending outwardly of the outer surface of the tank. A spaced outer jacket surrounds the tank and has a opening affording access to the component. A protective dam in the opening bridges the gap between the tank and jacket in surrounding relationship to the component and is covered by a cap extending over the component and engaging the dam. Electrical wires connected to the component extend outwardly of the jacket between the cap and dam. A door covers the cap and dam and is secured to the jacket such that the door engages the cap to force the dam into sealing engagement with the jacket and tank. Foam thermal insulation material fills the space between the jacket and the outer surface of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: AOS Holding Company
    Inventor: Darryl L. Ruark
  • Patent number: 5285916
    Abstract: A pressure vessel, comprising an aerosol can for containing gas under pressure, especially flammable gases such as butane, isobutane and propane. The vessel includes two features, an open celled foam, preferably reticulated and a pressure relief system and an opening in the container for discharge of gas or contents. The foam and the pressure relief system in combination substantially reduce the likelihood of flareout in use; and in storage, the buildup of heat in the event of fire, such that the vessels explode and become dangerous projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Donald B. Ross
  • Patent number: 5265651
    Abstract: Floating roof storage tanks are modified to include a foam surge tank, a low-pressure blower and a foam generator for generating vapor-suppressing foam during withdrawal of liquid from the storage tank and after the floating roof reaches its lowest elevation in the storage tank so that the tank space previously occupied by volatile liquid is provided with a vapor-suppressing foam blanket during liquid withdrawal and refill. The surge tank is mounted directly on the floating roof and discharges its foam through an opening in the roof into the tank storage space. During liquid refill the foam may be forced out through a vent conduit onto the roof of the tank and dissolved and recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Thomas K. Perkins, Sophany Thach
  • Patent number: 5251542
    Abstract: In a heat insulating cooking vessel wherein a cooking pot with a lid element is contained in a freely removeable fashion within the inner space of a heat insulating container consisting of a heat insulating container and a lid which closes the mouth portion of this container member, the present invention comprises attachment shafts which are formed projecting outward from both side walls of the container member of the heat insulating container; a grip handle which is attached to the container member via the aforesaid attachment shafts and can be freely raised or lowered; a locking piece which is formed projecting outward from the side of the lid which is positioned above the attachment shafts when the container member is covered by the lid; a concave interlocking portion, which covers the locking piece when the container member is covered with the lid, and which is formed to the attachment parts of the handle grip attached to the sides of the container member; openings formed in the attachment parts of the af
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Itoh, Takeshi Kuwana, Shigeru Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 5251282
    Abstract: The external jacket structure of an electric water heater defines with the water storage tank portion thereof a hollow insulation space that horizontally circumscribes and extends across the top end of the tank. A fiberglass foam stop block member is pressed between the tank and jacket and has a cutout area through which an immersion heating element end connector is exposed to a first jacket sidewall opening normally covered by a removable access panel. A control panel mounted externally on the jacket above the first jacket sidewall opening has a bottom interior portion that downwardly overlaps a top portion of the cutout area and communicates therewith through a second jacket opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David M. Hanning, Timothy E. Powell
  • Patent number: 5227245
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a barrier film consisting essentially of thermoplastic homo- or copolymer polyester resin to protect a styrenic resin sheet which constitutes the inner liner wall of an insulative cabinet wall of, for example, a refrigeration appliance unit from attack by the halogen-containing blowing agents present in the insulative polyurethane foam found within the cabinet wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jan Brands, Steven B. Swartzmiller, Henri J. M. Grunbauer, Kees-Jeen van Duin
  • Patent number: 5221016
    Abstract: A new insulated container, includes a hollow bottle being composed of pliable resilient material, and an insulation sleeve disposed over a portion of the outer surface of the bottle and being contracted frictionally thereabout. The sleeve has a mouth portion for receiving the bottle. The sleeve is composed of a pliable resilient material and includes an outer insulation sleeve portion and an inner pliable sleeve portion having a smooth inner surface to facilitate the insertion of the bottle into the sleeve. The method includes forming the two-part sleeve, and then inserting the bottle into the sleeve by first moving them together telescopically until a portion of the bottle disposed within the sleeve. Thereafter, the axially directed bottle-contracting impacts are applied abruptly to the bottle and the sleeve at opposite ends thereof to cause them to move axially relative to one another until the bottle is free to expand outwardly within the sleeve for gripping the bottle frictionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: David Karpal
  • Patent number: 5165583
    Abstract: A thermally insulating drinks carrier is formed in two halves, an upper body portion and a lower body portion. Each portion defines six cylindrical pockets arranged in two rows and six columns. A pin and recess on each body portion enables the two portions to be located and locked together. A carrying strap is threaded through bridging loops on each portion to imprison the two body portions together. The bridging loops span channels or guide slots in the sides of the body portions to act as guides for the strap. Each free end of the strap is wrapped around a wedge and wedged under a respective loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Robert J. C. Kouwenberg
  • Patent number: 5104700
    Abstract: A fire protective insulating device adapted to be placed about articles to be protected from fire. The device comprises at least one layer of resilient and compressible insulative material having a plurality of compressive fastener means for mechanically compressing the insulative material to a high density, at least a portion of the fastening material being substantially less resistive to high temperature than the insulative material. A scrim means may be wrapped about the outside of the compressed insulative material for retaining the compressed insulative material. At least a portion of the scrim means is also preferably constructed of a material which is substantially less resistive to high temperature than is the insulative material. Upon contact with high temperature, the structural integrity of the fastening means is decreased allowing the compressed insulative material to mechanically expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Roger L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5090571
    Abstract: A separate protective liner for sterile medical device containers comprises a bottom, walls and a lid to encapsulate the medical device. The lid and walls cooperate to form an interference fit thereby maintaining the lid in a closed position without the need for any additional lid closure mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Walker
  • Patent number: 5054631
    Abstract: A one-piece container for potable liquids (e.g., beverages) includes a body portion formed of a plastics material and sized to accommodate a predetermined volume of potable liquid, and a drinking straw in fluid communication with the potable liquid within the body portion. A flexible bellows member interconnects the straw to the body portion so as to allow the straw to be foldable between a stowed position (e.g., during periods of nonuse) and an erected position (e.g., during periods of use). A recess may be formed in the body portion (e.g., in a side wall and/or an upper portion thereof) so as to accommodate the drinking straw in its stowed position. Longitudinal rigidity and stability may be provided by a series of circumferentially spaced-apart ribs integrally formed on the otherwise flexible (and collapsible) body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5054639
    Abstract: A drinking straw contained in a beverage can having a flexible portion (3), a floating ball (4) and a ring (5). The can has a straw holder (7) and a straw guide (22) spot welded on the inside of it. When the pull tab is opened, the straw guide detaches the straw from the holder and guides it to the opening slot. The straw comes up to an ideal drinking position immediately after the tab is opened and the user does not have to use his/her fingers to hold the straw. This convenient and safe invention will make any drinking experience a healthy and pleasurable one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Si Y. Ahn
    Inventor: Si Y. Ahn