For Access Opening In Sidewall Patents (Class 383/66)
  • Patent number: 7228968
    Abstract: A stick-on, flexible peel and seal, wet wipes package includes a flexible package body having a front surface, a rear surface, and an internal space sized to contain a plurality of removable wet wipes. An elongated opening extends through the package body to the internal space for accessing and permitting dispensing of the removable wet wipes. A substantially self-closing, resealable label flap is positioned on the front surface of the package body to cover the opening formed therein. The label flap has a bottom surface provided with a sealing adhesive that creates a seal entirely around the periphery of the opening and permits repeated application and removal of the label flap relative to the package body. The label flap further has a starting tab non-adhesively positionable in contact with the front surface of the package body. An adhesive layer structure is provided on the rear surface of the package body for adhering the package body to a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Starliner, LLC
    Inventor: Mark H. Burgess
  • Patent number: 7228969
    Abstract: It is an air-filled cushioning material which sufficiently protects an article to be protected with less possibility of rupture of sheets against an external force to a compartment thereof or wild bounding in falling. The air-filled cushioning material 1 formed of non-breathable soft resin sheets has a compartment area 2 that produces cushioning effect by filling it with air. The compartment area 2 is separated into a first compartment 21 and an adjacent second compartment 22, both compartments 21, 22 communicating with each other via an air-flow passage 7. The air-flow passage 7 allows an air-flow to pass from either of the compartments 21, 22 to the other while applying resistance. The air moves from either of the compartments 21, 22 which accepts an external force P to the other through the air-flow passage 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Kashiwara Seitai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsumi Nakano
  • Patent number: 7219874
    Abstract: An access fitting has a housing with a base and a cap located respectively on interior and exterior sides of the wall of a gas sampling bag. The base and cap are provided respectively with inner and outer ports aligned with an opening in the bag wall to provide a through passageway communicating with the interior of the bag. A septum is interposed between the cap and the exterior side of the bag wall. The septum has a hole therein and is slidably adjustable between an open position at which its hole is aligned with the through passageway, and a closed position at which its hole is removed from the through passageway and the through passageway is blocked by an imperforate segment of the septum. A tubular connector is received in the outer port, and is axially adjustable between an advanced position frictionally resisting sliding adjustment of the septum, and a retracted position accommodating such adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Textiles Coated International
    Inventor: John W. Tippett
  • Patent number: 7210848
    Abstract: System for opening/closing a packaging bag, comprising an opening formed in one of its walls, delimited by edges of this wall. Furthermore, this system comprises a flat base piece at least partially delimiting an opening through it and comprising the two longitudinal elements intended to be connected to the bag, this base piece thus being able to accommodate the slider and being intended to be fixed to the wall of the bag in such a way that the opening that it delimits coincides with the opening made in the wall of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Morance Soudure
    Inventors: Eric Barbier, Jean-Pierre Barbier
  • Patent number: 7207154
    Abstract: There is provided an intelligent luggage protection pouch according to the invention that is tamper resistant, easily identifiable, and inspection friendly (i.e. x-ray and canine searchable). The intelligent luggage protection pouch fully surrounds luggage, protects against damage to the surface of the luggage, withstands the weight of any luggage placed within it, and prevents loss of the contents of the luggage. The intelligent luggage protection pouch does not require specialized machines, tools, or knowledge. Preferably, the intelligent luggage protection pouch is disposable, environmentally friendly, and universally sized to accommodate luggage of almost any size and shape. The intelligent luggage protection pouch may be included in a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Albert Araujo
  • Patent number: 7201273
    Abstract: An air packing bag of plastic for shipping or storing goods is disclosed. The bag includes upper and lower sheets, a valve mechanism including upper and lower films and an intermediate heat-proof member, parallel bladders formed by the upper and the lower sheets, the bladders being perpendicular to the valve mechanism, seals each formed between two adjacent bladders, an air passage formed across the bladders for being in communication therewith, the air passage being adjacent the valve mechanism and having an air valve at one end, and coupling points formed on the upper sheet adjacent the air passage. Pressure inside the inflated bladders pushes both the upper and the lower films to urge against an inner surface of the upper sheet for blocking air from leaving the bladders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Camry Packing Industrial Limited
    Inventors: Cheng-Yung Chen, Tai-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 7195396
    Abstract: Side slot or top opening plastic coin transport bag includes a primary handle at the bag top and an optional bag bottom auxiliary handle enabling two hand or two person lifting and transport. Reinforcing patch panel and heat seals surrounding the opening strengthens the handles. Closure member closes and seals a slot opening or includes a flap top opening closure. Tear-off receipts locate at the bag top, bottom, and/or flap edge. Transverse heat seals between handles and chamber also strengthen the bag. Primary handle patch panel can extend below the front panel slot opening to adhere to closure adhesive if the slot improperly spreads open during closing. Indicia indicates upward orientation of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Jonathan Diplock
  • Patent number: 7185762
    Abstract: A flexible package for displaying, accessing and transporting dry goods which includes an upper member, a lower member and four side members inter-engaged along adjacent edges forming an inner area. An opening is formed in one of the forming members allowing access to the inner area of the package. A flexible patch having a pair of generally parallel spaced openings forming a strip there between is secured to the one forming member with the strip positioned over and covering the opening. The package is constructed to display the goods stored in the inner area, to allow access to the inner area through the opening for ascertaining the texture of the goods and to provide ease of transport by utilization of the strip as a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Neal Patrick Ferris
  • Patent number: 7147374
    Abstract: A combination cosmetic purse and display package whereby an article to be displayed for purchase may be hung on a conventional point-of-purchase display rod and then that portion of the overall package provided for such purpose removed such that the remaining purse portion of the overall package may be used in a conventional manner such as a purse or carrier for cosmetics and personal items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Janice K. Ajootian
  • Patent number: 7083063
    Abstract: A handled cover for water bag comprises a cover, a locking element and a connecter. The locking element is provided on the water bag for coupling with the cover. A handle integrally formed with a buckle ring is mounted on the locking element. Engagement clamps are correspondingly provided on the sides of the buckle ring, while a handle bar of special figure is provided on a side of the buckle ring. A hole is provided on the center of the handle bar. The connecter is connected to the outside of the cover, and provided with a strip in the form of a blunt-headed hook extruding from the rim. By way of having the strip passing through the locking hole on the handle, after the cover is released from the locking element, the cover would not depart from the handle via the connection of the strip on the connecter. And the handle may be freely dismounted and changed the position for resemblance, such that a user may carry the water bag to ease filling water or movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Chien-Ping Lien
  • Patent number: 7077308
    Abstract: An improved time saving integrated reusable gift wrap. The fabric gift wrap is made of stretch fabric and is sewn to fit specific size boxes or packages. This gift wrap is comprised of two sleeves; the top surface being a flat surface and the bottom having an opening to insert a box or package. There is an underlay as to hide the box completely. A ribbon trim is sewn on the outer sleeve and then wrapped around the box completely hiding the opening and tied into a bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Lisa Marie Beach
  • Patent number: 7066647
    Abstract: A collapsible container including a plurality of adjacent side panels, each of the side panels having a flexible frame and a web having a perimeter secured to the frame. Each of the side panels has a bottom side, a top side and two lateral sides. Each of the lateral sides of each side panel is attached to the lateral side of an adjacent side panel. A flexible floor panel has a plurality of sides. Each of the floor panel sides is attached to at least one of the side panel bottom sides. At least one of the side panels has an opening through which items may be placed into and removed from the container. A mesh may be disposed so as to act as a cover, which together with a respective side panel, may serve as a pouch for holding various items therein. The container may have a partition panel pivotally secured therein. A mesh may be releasably secured to its respective side panel to allow the container to be used as a basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Bajer Design & Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Peska
  • Patent number: 7063228
    Abstract: Packaging bag which comprises a main body walls of which envelops a first internal space, a wing part which envelops a second internal space, a point-seal part formed within the wing part, and a steam permeable means located within an area which is isolated from the first and second inner spaces by the point-seal part; wherein the first internal space is used for storing contents and is subjected to sealing to make a sealed space after contents storing, wherein the wing part is formed of two walls mutually-faced and extended from the wall of the main body in the direction of intersecting to the face of main body, and wherein the second inner space is communicated with the first internal space at an end thereof and closed at other ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kozo Mita, Atsuko Takahagi, Hiroko Nozaki
  • Patent number: 7055720
    Abstract: A flexible stand-up package having a releasably securable closure, a fitment pour spout and a handle. The package includes a hollow interior of the package arranged to be filled with a flowable material, e.g., cherries in syrup, whereupon the bottom of the package assumes a generally planar configuration to support the package, while portions of the panels making up the package assume a vertical orientation, with the pour spout located in a recessed position, whereupon the filled package can be located immediately adjacent similar filled packages without wasted space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Fres-co System USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Pritchard
  • Patent number: 7055876
    Abstract: A bag for carrying boxes-shaped objects, preferably pizza boxes (15, 16), includes a rectangular bottom wall portion (1) side wall portions (3, 5) attached to the base wall portion (1) and handles (7) at opposite side wall portions (3). It is significant for the bag that two of the side wall portions (3, 5) constitute main side wall portions (3) that are opposite each other and extend along an entire edge of the bottom wall portion (1), and that at least two of the side wall portions constitute partial side wall portions (5) that extend only along a part of an edge of the bottom wall portion (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Tezzi Woldekidan
  • Patent number: 7040528
    Abstract: A dispenser adapter assembly for bags includes a bag having a line of weakness defining an opening, and a dispenser adapter mounted to the bag. The dispenser adapter is formed of a first main base portion having an opening and a second slider retention base portion having an opening, with the two base portions being folded together with the openings substantially aligned with the bag opening. In addition a slide actuator is mounted between the two portions of the base for movement between a closed position blocking the openings and an open position permitting product flow through all of the openings. Mating movable and fixed stops are also provided to limit outward movement of the slide actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: David Todjar Hengami
  • Patent number: 7040810
    Abstract: A flexible package generally including a front panel portion, a back panel portion, a first side panel portion, and at least one access device. The flexible package can further include a second side panel portion, a bottom panel portion, and a top panel portion. Additionally, one or more of the portions can be shaped and/or manufactured substantially as a gusset. Each of the panel portions comprise two longitudinal sides or edges. The access-device can be attached to at least one surface of at least one of the side panel portions such that the device is in transverse orientation to the longitudinal sides. The device can be manually attached to the side portions, or attached with existing and/or specially designed manufacturing machinery. Attachment of the access device to a side portion of the package is achieved using heat bonding techniques, adhesives, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Steele
  • Patent number: 7036986
    Abstract: At least one branched chamber extends and diverges from a side wall of a pouch body. The branched chamber has an optional pouring spout at its distal end to permit the removal of the contents of the pouch. A readily unsealable seal member is optionally included to partition the branched chamber from the pouch body, thus providing a pouch wherein two or more different materials are mixed prior to removal from the pouch. A pouch having this structure provides excellent rupture protection of the readily unsealable seal member caused from, for example, handling, shipping, or dropping of the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoto Matsuda, Yasushi Hatano, Kikuo Matsuoka, Takashi Kuriki
  • Patent number: 7032792
    Abstract: A convenience container (e.g., bag, tote, or case), mounted on a person (e.g., via a belt or belt loop), work bench, or work area, simplifies access and organization of tie wraps or cable ties in the work environment. The can be made of a heavy canvas cloth and includes a cut-out in the front that allows a user to reach in with his/her fingers, grasp a tie in the tote, and pull it out for use while preventing the other ties from spilling out at the same time. An access flap at the top, bottom, or side (optionally closed with Velcro, snap, or zipper) allows loading and unloading of ties into and from the tote. A belt loop on the back allows easy attachment to a utility or regular belt on the side, back, or front of one's person. Alternatively, a belt is included with the tote. Optionally, for larger versions of the tote, an additional (removable) thigh strap is included which allows the tote to be more securely fastened to the leg and prevents it from swinging free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Bruce Berry
  • Patent number: 7021827
    Abstract: An easy-opening feature in a flexible package is provided by forming a tear feature in the package material by slitting, perforating, or otherwise forming a stress riser in the material, and affixing a label to the package material so that the label adheres to the tear feature. The formation of the tear feature and affixing of the label are performed prior to wrapping a product in the package material and sealing the material, and preferably are performed while the package material is moving along a path in a packaging apparatus. The label in one embodiment includes a detachable middle portion that tears free of the rest of the label upon pulling the detachable portion, such that remaining portions of the label remain on the package adjacent the opening created by the tear feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Compton, Roger J. Morrissette, Mitchell W. Smith, Sr., Frank B. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7021466
    Abstract: A packaging bag for containing a plurality of disposable absorbent articles includes a generally polyhedral enclosure having an interior space, a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. A plurality of disposable absorbent articles contained in the interior space, with each one of the articles being adapted to be worn by a user and including a front panel and a back panel. A first graphic is provided on the front panel of each the absorbent article, and a second graphic is provided on the back panel of each the absorbent article. A first and a second of the walls include an at least substantially clear portion, with the plurality of disposable absorbent articles being folded and positioned in the enclosure such that at least a portion of the first graphic is visually perceivable through the first of the walls and at least a portion of the second graphic is visually perceivable through the second of the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Marci Elizabeth Kuske, Anne Louise Miller, Leonard Michael Kaczmarzyk
  • Patent number: 7011448
    Abstract: A reclosable bag having closed top and bottom ends, closed sides extending therebetween, and a closure region with a reclosable fastener. The fastener and one of the closed sides have an included angle less than 90 degrees. The fastener is further configured such that the reclosable fastener has a first end and a second end, and the sealed portion has a first end and a second end, the first end of the fastener generally extending to the closed first side so as to form a pour spout, the second end of the fastener generally extending to the first end of the sealed portion, and the second end of the sealed portion generally extending to the closed second side. In this manner, a pour spout is formed, that assists in pouring material from the bag. The pour spout can also be reclosed for convenience of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Alan D. Olin
  • Patent number: 6994699
    Abstract: A port, a container and a method for accessing a port for injecting or withdrawing a liquid from the container are provided. The port may allow for the administration of, for example, a drug, to a patient and may be located on the container. The port has a septum having a target area. The port also has a support ring in contact with the septum. A cap is provided to protect the septum. The cap has a ring handle and allows for removal and exposure of the target area of the septum. A needle, for example, may be used to penetrate the septum allowing the addition or withdrawal of a liquid or other drug to or from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Houwaert, Denis Motta, Patrick Balteau, Francesco Peluso, Silvano Sforacchi
  • Patent number: 6991372
    Abstract: A resealable package having a slider-operated zipper wherein the contents of the package are accessed through the front wall of the package, not through the top of the package. The resealable package comprises: a bag body comprising front and rear walls of bag making material; a flexible zipper joined to the front wall and not joined to the rear wall; and a slider mounted to the zipper, the slider being movable in a first direction along the zipper for opening the zipper and movable in a second direction along the zipper for closing the zipper. Alternatively, the flexible zipper is joined to the front wall along first and second zones of joinder disposed at different heights on the front wall, and is joined to the rear wall only in zones of joinder where the zipper is joined to both of the front and rear walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Willem Cornelisse
  • Patent number: 6991375
    Abstract: Touch fasteners useful for bags, packaging and other products as well as novel manufacturing of products incorporating such fasteners. A composite touch fastener has a fibrous loop strip partially encapsulated in, or otherwise permanently attached to, resin of a substrate, and an array of loop-engageable fastener elements integrally molded with resin of the substrate. The center portion of the closure seals the bag until it is torn away to expose the mating bands of loops and fastener elements. Methods of applying recloseable touch fasteners, e.g. hook and loop fasteners, to sheet or film include vertical form and fill and horizontal form and fill packaging and pouch making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William P. Clune, William H. Shepard, George A. Provost
  • Patent number: 6976786
    Abstract: A bag for storing small objects such as stretch cords, tie downs, bungee cords and the like, that are used in personal, occupational, recreational and marine pursuits. The bag may be made in an appropriate size and color so that it is capable of being used as a warning flag for attachment to objects to call attention to them, such as on a long load or the like. A rigid header bar is attached to the storage bag along an upper edge thereof to maintain the shape of the bag, especially when it is used as a flag. A handle is attached to the rigid header bar to carry the combined flag and bag, and hook-receiving openings are formed in the header bar for attachment of a handle or tie-down straps to secure the combined flag and bag to an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Murray E. Stanley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6960021
    Abstract: A reclosable package having a slider-operated zipper wherein the contents of the package are accessed through the front wall of the package, not through the top of the package. The reclosable package comprises: a bag body comprising front and rear walls of bag making material; a flexible zipper joined to the front wall and not joined to the rear wall; and a slider mounted to the zipper, the slider being movable in a first direction along the zipper for opening the zipper and movable in a second direction along the zipper for closing the zipper. Alternatively, the flexible zipper is joined to the front wall along first and second zones of joinder disposed at different heights on the front wall, and is joined to the rear wall only in zones of joinder where the zipper is joined to both of the front and rear walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 6932509
    Abstract: A recloseable storage bag is disclosed which may include first and second sides having closed sides and an open top. Primary closure members may be provided proximate the top, with secondary closure elements being provided around an aperture in at least one of the sides to enable gas to be evacuated from the bag after the primary closure members are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketan N. Shah, Kenneth S. Nurkiewicz, Peggy B. Winiarski
  • Patent number: 6929400
    Abstract: A flexible container of the pouch type, made of material in film form, derived from a contoured tubular body formed by a film with longitudinal and transverse heat-seals of the two ends. The longitudinal heat-seal forms the edge of a longitudinal wing that is folded against the corresponding wall. A portion of the wing is joined to a corresponding portion of the wall with low-tack adhesive so as to surround a region preset to form a hole for access to the container, the first lifting of the wing opening the hole and the container, and the low-tack adhesive ensuring successive repeated opening and closure actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: BP Europack S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Razeti, Elena Peron, Michael Ellenrieder
  • Patent number: 6913388
    Abstract: A flexible container formed by sealing at least two webs of material with respect to each other to form a void between the webs. Each web preferably has at least two layers. A first web has a first thickness, and a closure area. In at least a portion of the closure area, the first web has a second thickness which is less than the first thickness. A void opening formed in the first web at the closure area provides access to the void. A layer of adhesive is applied to the first web at the closure area to provide for a leak-proof seal at the closure area when the flexible container is folded with respect to the void opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Vonco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis L. Laske
  • Patent number: 6886980
    Abstract: Side slot or top opening plastic coin transport bag includes a primary handle at the bag top and an optional bag bottom auxiliary handle enabling two hand or two person lifting and transport. Reinforcing patch panel and heat seals surrounding the opening strengthens the handles. Closure member closes and seals a slot opening or includes a flap top opening closure. Tear-off receipts locate at the bag top, bottom, and/or flap edge. Transverse heat seals between handles and chamber also strengthen the bag. Primary handle patch panel can extend below the front panel slot opening to adhere to closure adhesive if the slot improperly spreads open during closing. Indicia indicates upward orientation of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Jonathan Diplock
  • Patent number: 6857779
    Abstract: A four corner bag constructed of flexible thermoplastic sheet or film material having overlying front and rear wall panels and a bottom sealed end. The upper portion of the bag includes a first closure region terminating in a top sealed end, a second closure region disposed inwardly of the top sealed end, and a perforated seal or tear strip extending across the width of the bag and located between the first and second closure regions. The second closure region includes an inner heat seal which extends approximately halfway across the width of the bag and a reclosable fastener which extends the remaining distance across the bag. In one embodiment, the inner heat seal is oriented transversely across the bag while the reclosable fastener is upwardly angled so that it forms a natural pour spout during use. In other embodiments, the reclosable fastener is transversely oriented while the inner heat seal is angled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Alan D. Olin
  • Patent number: 6854888
    Abstract: A flask is formed of two panels heat sealed together along with a base or bottom insert. Two spouts are provided proximate the top one of which is for the extraction of fluids and the other of which is for the introduction of fluids. The flask may have a bite valve or a fluid conduit attached to one spout cap. Both spouts may be sealed into and along the edge of the flask. Alternately, one spout may be formed into a panel and the other into and along the edge of the flask. Alternately a pump may be provided to pump air into the flask to pressurize the fluid so that it will be urged out of the flask and through the bite valve when it is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventors: Dennis B. Brown, Breon J. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6842955
    Abstract: A liquid storage tank and a method of fabricating and testing the liquid storage tank. The tank is collapsible for ease of transportation when not holding a liquid and includes a base portion and a top portion. The base portion has a bottom wall and a frusto-conical sidewall that is sealed to the bottom wall. The top portion is sealed to the sidewall, and has a flexible opening. The opening is linear in the preferred embodiment and is openable to draw liquid from the tank and closable to prevent contaminants from entering the tank. The bottom wall is substantially circular and the top portion includes two substantially semi-circular sections joined and overlapped along the straight edges to form an overlapped region. The sidewall includes generally triangular-shaped sections, and the sections are joined to one another with seams that extend in a slightly helical fashion about the tank. The opening includes a slit in the overlapped region and two L-shaped members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: GTA Containers, Inc.
    Inventors: Yatish J. Joshi, Larry J. Costa, Louise E. Addicott
  • Publication number: 20040264815
    Abstract: A laundry device for protecting underwire brassieres includes a water permeable enclosure having a rigid frame for restricting torsional movement of the enclosure and the clothing contained therein during laundering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Laureen Gibeau
  • Patent number: 6820780
    Abstract: A hydration system with an improved fluid reservoir. A drinking tube extends from an outlet port of the reservoir and includes a distal end upon which a mouthpiece may be mounted. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a relatively large-diameter fill port. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a closure member with a handle for selectively sealing the input port. In some embodiments, the reservoir includes a wrench assembly that enables the user to more easily open and close the input port and/or to position the reservoir for filling. In some embodiments, the hydration system includes a pack into which the reservoir is received, and in some embodiments, the pack includes a hanger assembly adapted to support the reservoir within the pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: CamelBak Products, LLC
    Inventors: Barley A. Forsman, Robert Miros, Robert Choi
  • Publication number: 20040217117
    Abstract: A cover for the great water outlet of a water bag comprises a cover, a locking element and a connecting strip. The locking element is provided on the water outlet of a water bag for coupling with the cover. The locking element is in the form of a cylinder and is provided with a hole on the lower cylinder wall for the connecting strip to pass through. An extender is provided on the cylinder above the hole. The upper cylinder wall is provided with threads with a peripheral groove provided below. By way of the coupling of a handle buckle ring and the peripheral groove, the coupling of the locking element to the threaded inner wall of the cover rim, and the fastening of the connecting strip to the cover bottom, the cover would not fall off when being released from the locking element since it is linked by the connecting strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Chien-Ping Lien
  • Publication number: 20040190799
    Abstract: A discharge bag for flowable materials is disclosed, having a side discharge spout near the bottom of the bag, allowing for discharge without the requirement for the bag to be hoisted by a forklift or other means, for discharging the materials contained within. The side discharge bag can be conveniently used with a frame assembly that further facilitates the discharge of flowable materials stored in the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kief Hess, William R. Moore, Steve L. Suuk, Michael P. Dawley, Thad P. Leister
  • Patent number: 6789944
    Abstract: In a bag configuration, a sanitary cover of clear plastic construction material to be placed over a handgrip of a dentist's overhead light that has an imprint, such as an arrow, on a rear bag panel in the middle of unsealed edges that in use bound an opening through which the handgrip is projected into the bag, in which the user is instructed to rub apart the unsealed edges at the observed site of the arrow, and thus neutralizes a static electricity clinging together of the unsealed edges that otherwise would be difficult to separate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Allen, Mitchell Steinberg
  • Publication number: 20040146226
    Abstract: Foldover squeeze packages for containing flowable material generally have a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are sealed to each other around their respective perimeters. The second sidewall has an outlet that permits the flowable material to exit the package. A portion or flap of the package is folded over and sealed directly to itself around the outlet. Films for forming such foldover squeeze packages include a first film and a second film. The second film has at least first and second layers, wherein the second layer is adapted for use as an interior surface of a second sidewall a squeeze package and the second layer is adapted to seal to itself without disrupting the seal between the sidewalls of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Paul Zygmunt Wolak, Robert Estill Chambliss
  • Publication number: 20040139704
    Abstract: A flexible bag (10) and system and method for aseptically filling it. The bag has two walls (12a, 12b) and a spout (16) attached to one wall. This spout is opened and closed during filling. A plug member (18) may be attached to the wall of the bag opposite the wall containing the spout. During filling, the plug member is aseptically removed from the spout member inwardly of the bag contrainer; the bag is filled via the spout; and then the plug member is replaced from inside the bag. The plug may also be free of the opposite wall of the bag container. The filling system includes a set of jaws (130) for holding the spout in position for filling, a support mechanism (110) for controlling the movement of the plug member into and out of the spout member, and facility for sterilizing the inside of the filling head, the spout member, and the plug member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Chester Savage
  • Publication number: 20040141664
    Abstract: A box-shaped package of a flexible and sealable, especially heat-sealable, packaging material including a front wall (1) and a back wall (2) arranged opposite each another and sealed together along opposed side edges thereof by means transverse side seams (5, 6). The package further includes two opposed and inwardly folded end walls (3, 4), a first end wall (3) being sealed to the front and the back walls (1, 2) along first longitudinal end seams (9,10) and along first end side seams (11, 12) and a second end wall (4) being sealed to the front and the back walls (1, 2) along second longitudinal end seams (15, 16) and along second end side seams (17, 18). At least one of the side seams is peelable, and at least portions of the front and the back walls (1, 2) extend beyond the transverse peelable side seam (5) to form a front wall gripping member (19) and a back wall gripping member (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Amcor Flexibles Europe A/S
    Inventors: Erik Olsen, Eddy Daelmans, Marc Loibl
  • Publication number: 20040114835
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bag for foodstuffs including a base, and also two principal walls and two lateral flanks extending from said base, these walls and flanks being made from a material of flexible-sheet type, the two walls being, at their end opposite the base, assembled together along an assembling line, the two flanks, at their end opposite the base, being shaped as a gusset. The bag also includes an opening line which extends, in the region shaped as a gusset, of one lateral flank, in the vicinity of one end of the region opposite the base, said region forming a gusset being capable of adopting two positions when the opening line is open. One position corresponds to its position when the bag is closed, the other being one in which the gusset shape is turned out and defines a pouring spout capable of guiding the foodstuffs as far as the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Michel Colas l, Jean-Francois Marquet
  • Publication number: 20040114838
    Abstract: A package or bag is provided with an easy open re-closable device for allowing ready access to the contents of the bag. The closure device is applied longitudinally in a vertical orientation in plastic bags but the closure device is spaced from the ends. In a layer paper bag, while the position of the closure device is preferably longitudinal, the closure device may have any orientation including a diagonal position. The closure device is incorporated in the fins of a fin bag and the closure devices extends longitudinally of the bag in a vertical direction. The process or making a multi layer paper material with a closure device incorporated therein is carried out in a continuous operation. The process of making zip-fin plastic bag or film containing the fins and closure are performed in a continuous operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: James Ray McGregor
  • Publication number: 20040101214
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing resealable closing means for flexible package, that may be applied to the package after the forming of the package by way of attaching the closing means on the outer face of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Eli Feder
  • Patent number: 6732863
    Abstract: A baseball equipment bag having an elongated bag portion of flexible material and a substantially planar interior shelf within the elongated bag portion. The interior shelf is permanently secured to the elongated bag portion. A removable panel is capable of being removed to substantially fully expose the interior shelf. The removable panel can be removed from the bag to facilitate the application of commercial printing thereon. The equipment bag includes a bat compartment which allows a bat to be accessed from either of two openings. The equipment bag is capable of collapsing to a substantially flat configuration when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
    Inventor: Michael W. Speck
  • Patent number: 6722542
    Abstract: A side entry storage net useful for securing items in a storage area comprises an upper and lower front panel, a back panel, and two sides formed from a piece of netting folded at upper and lower folds. Edges of the folds are spaced apart to form an opening to allow items to be placed inside the net from the side. The storage net further includes a plurality of elastic cords that allow the storage net to be opened and to hold stored items in place without shifting. The storage net also includes means for attaching the net to a desired external surface, such as a storage area in a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: McMurray Fabrics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. McMurray, Robert Pickens
  • Publication number: 20040066982
    Abstract: A packaging system consisting of a sealable bag with an optional exterior pocket and an integral handle fastened across the top side that allows for the horizontal storage and transport of food products and other goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Craig A. Urman, Martin Reall
  • Publication number: 20040057637
    Abstract: A pouch is provided with a straw hole based on a structure that does not cause problems when the contents is filled therein and which does not generate any pin holes in the side seal section. A structure is also provided that does not cause any trouble when used in an automatic filling machine and a method is provided for manufacturing the same. The pouch has a straw hole (2) for a straw to be inserted therein with the straw hole (2) back-sealed with a seal material (3) from the inside thereof. The seal material (3) covers the straw hole (2), and a portion of the seal material (2) is cut off from the seal material (2) with the size sufficient for heat-sealing a periphery of the straw hole (2). The method of manufacturing the pouch is such that after the straw hole (2) is punched out on a front-side film thereof, a seal tape (6) temporally punched is fed to the rear side of the front-side film. The seal tape (6) is pulled off to leave only the temporally sealed section there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Akira Nishibe, Charles Murray
  • Publication number: 20040045842
    Abstract: At least one branched chamber extends and diverges from a side wall of a pouch body. The branched chamber has an optional pouring spout at its distal end to permit the removal of the contents of the pouch. A readily unsealable seal member is optionally included to partition the branched chamber from the pouch body, thus providing a pouch wherein two or more different materials are mixed prior to removal from the pouch. A pouch having this structure provides excellent rupture protection of the readily unsealable seal member caused from, for example, handling, shipping, or dropping of the pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Naoto Matsuda, Yasushi Hatano, Kikuo Matsuoka, Takashi Kuriki