Patents Examined by David Fidei
  • Semi-rigid flexible film pack for multi-packs
    Patent number: 8061900
    Abstract: A semi-rigid flexible film pack for multi-packs, and method for manufacturing same, constructed from a gusseted bag. The invention provides for modifying a gusseted bag, heat sealing the gussets to their respective side walls, loading said gusseted bag with product, and then sealing the open end of the gusseted bag with a single sheet or web. The method of making this package is economical yet provides for a semi-rigid container ideal for use with single-serve pillow bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Joseph Bierschenk
  • Overwrap for packaged articles
    Patent number: 8056717
    Abstract: An overwrap provides cushioning and protection for an object, stored in a bag or other container, during transport and/or storage. The overwrap has a generally smooth exterior surface and textured interior surface that is pliable for conforming to bumps or other raised portions of the object thereby providing a generally smooth exterior covering that minimizes frictional forces with the bag. The overwrap may include one or more folding scores that allow the body of the overwrap to bend into a channel. A plurality of material discontinuities may also be included that allow the overwrap of conform to the object without bunching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul A. Weissbrod
  • Hydrogen storage tank
    Patent number: 8051977
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank includes a tank main body, partition sections, and a hydrogen flow pipe. The hydrogen flow pipe prevents MH powder from passing through and permits hydrogen to pass through. The tank main body includes a hollow body portion having openings on opposite ends. Dome portions are joined to opening ends of the body portion. Partition sections are provided in the body portion so that first retaining chambers, which retain the MH powder, are defined in the body portion. Extended portions, which serve as second partition members, are provided in the dome portions to divide the space in the dome portions into second retaining chambers, which retain the MH powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Fujita, Hidehito Kubo, Daigoro Mori, Katsuhiko Hirose, Norihiko Haraikawa
  • Blister-type packaging for inhalers
    Patent number: 8038006
    Abstract: A dispensing device package including a protective enclosure containing a dispensing device, e.g. an inhaler. The protective enclosure includes at least one rigid enclosure member, which in some implementations defines a recess to house a section of the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: AstraZeneca
    Inventors: Simon Berry, Len Brookhouse
  • Storage system for 25mm IM cartridges
    Patent number: 8028826
    Abstract: An improved 25 mm linked cartridge IM ammunition storage system, using existing ammunition cans, that simplifies the design of the storage system, and utilizes standoffs to separate the base of each cartridge from the ends of the ammunition can—thereby allowing the cartridges base IM venting system to vent properly, avoiding pressure build-up, and reducing the risk of explosion or detonation of the propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Timothy Woo, Leon Moy, Alan N. Cohen, Daniel Lee Prillaman, Christina Morales
  • Suspension package assembly
    Patent number: 8028838
    Abstract: A suspension package assembly can include a package member, a stretchable retention member, and a closure device disposed on the stretchable retention member. The package member and a stretchable retention member cooperate to suspend at least one article. At least one article can be held securely between the retention member and a base member of the foldable member. The pocket of the retention member can be positioned over the foldable portions of the package member. The foldable portions can fit into the pockets and then can be folded so as to generate tension in the retention member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Clearpak, LLC
    Inventors: John McDonald, Frank Comerford, Myles Comerford
  • Package structure for display device
    Patent number: 8028831
    Abstract: A package structure prevents an optical sheet from being brought into contact with a display panel and making scratches on the display panel due to motion caused during transport of a display device, thereby minimizing cost increase. A package structure for a thin display device is the structure for storing the thin display device in a package case. The thin display device includes at least one optical sheet situated in approximately parallel with its display surface, and the package case includes a storage member for holding a thin display device with the optical sheet having a surface inclined relative to a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kakuta, Shigeru Takeuchi, Hirokazu Taguchi, Naoki Kanno, Kimito Nishikawa
  • Shipping and dispensing carton
    Patent number: 8028839
    Abstract: A combination shipping and dispensing carton contains a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and are overlapped with respect to one another to at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The carton is for shipping articles to the point of sale vendor and can be converted to a dispensing carton that displays the articles and allows removal of the articles from the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Angela E. Learn
  • Packing implement for thin article transportation
    Patent number: 8016112
    Abstract: To stably hold and pack a thin card-shaped article. A packing implement for article transportation includes a board 1 and a holding sheet 2. The board 1 is sectioned into a base 3 and a cover 4, and the cover 4 has a window hole 5, and the holding sheet 2 is stuck over the window hole 5. On the base 3, an article M is placed, and the cover 4 is folded double over the article, and further, the base 3 and the cover 4 are folded integrally along opening edges of the window hole 5 to build up a three-dimensional packing implement. By folding the base 3 and the cover 4, the holding sheet 2 facing the inside of the window hole 5 is tensioned, and the article M is pressed down by the holding sheet 2 and held at a fixed position on the base 3. The packing implement 8 packing the article M is housed as it is in an outer case 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Yamato Packing Technology Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouichi Kasiwabara
  • Portion-controlled dispensing straw assembly
    Patent number: 7997509
    Abstract: A portion-controlled dispensing straw assembly includes inner and outer telescoping tubes. The outer tube has an upper edge and a lower edge, and the inner tube has an upper edge, a lower edge and an interior chamber for receiving a substance to be dispensed. A seal is disposed within and attached to the outer tube, below the inner tube, for preventing the substance from exiting the interior chamber in a substance-retaining condition. A cap has a lower edge resting on the upper edge of the inner tube in the substance-retaining condition. The cap, upon being depressed, pushes the inner tube within the outer tube to break the seal and allow the substance received in the interior chamber to fall out of the tubes in a substance-releasing condition. The cap, upon being removed, also opens a passage allowing the tubes to be used as a straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Dana Karklins, Joseph P. Baratta
  • Sanitizing toothbrush holder
    Patent number: 7484629
    Abstract: A sanitizing toothbrush holder is described for sanitizing one or more toothbrushes in a household dishwasher. The holder is designed so as to fit in a space in the dishwasher rack used typically for holding a dinner plate, and has one or more holes in a top surface sized so as to pass a toothbrush handle but not a toothbrush head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Carolyn Cottrell
  • Lift van system
    Patent number: 7316319
    Abstract: A lift van system that includes: a top and bottom cap, each comprising a folded sheet, wherein each folded sheet has substantially similar design specifications; first and second side wall sections, each comprising a single sheet, wherein the first and second side wall sections have substantially similar design specifications; and a cardboard pallet, wherein the pallet fits into the bottom cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas West
  • Container whose side wall includes a surface discontinuity to hold shrinkwrap thereto
    Patent number: 7273146
    Abstract: A container having a shrinkwrap layer. The tapered container side wall includes a surface discontinuity which maintains the shrinkwrap in place against the container side wall(s) after the shrinkwrap has been substantially separated from the lid and rim of the container. Whether the shrinkwrap layer minimally hangs over the lid of the unopened container, or whether it entirely covers the lid, the shrinkwrap nonetheless clings to the side wall(s) after the shrinkwrap is torn and separated from the lid and rim of the container. Various configurations of the surface discontinuity are disclosed, such as a ridge extending around the lower periphery of the side wall, a bulge extending around the side wall, a series of indentations or a series of protuberances disposed about the side wall of the container. Further, the inventive surface discontinuity can be employed in a variety of container shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: PWP Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Dean R. Brown
  • CD holder, protector and information system
    Patent number: 7267226
    Abstract: CD Holder, Protector and Information System. The system incorporates a plurality of sheets of material that are sized and shaped to form, when folded, a holder for CDs that also protects the CDs and in addition provides a plurality of surfaces on which to place printed information regarding the CD as to content, performers and other particulars. In addition the sheets may be used for artistic renderings, drawings or pictures relating to the performance that is on the CDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Gary M. Cananzey
  • Consumer product display
    Patent number: 7243796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a consumer product display comprising of a display strip and a plurality of consumer products. The display strip defines a front face and a back face that combine to define a lower section and an upper section. The upper section includes a hanging means. The front face, at the lower section thereof, is characterized by an exposed adhesive, to which the plurality of consumer products is separately and removably maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Grablick
  • Gift wrapping package and method of use
    Patent number: 7243809
    Abstract: A gift wrapping package is provided which provides enhanced ornamentation and ease of wrapping of gifts for special events. The gift wrapping package includes a flat base and a dome-like cover which forms a central cavity. The dome-like cover is retractable and expandable. In a retracted condition, gifts can be placed within the central cavity. Thereafter, the cover can be closed by expanding and rotating the cover until the dome-like structure is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the gift wrapping package includes a hook or handle for enabling a person to carry a wrapped gift or to hang the gift wrapped package upon objects such as a Christmas tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: David Bezar
  • Rotatable compact case with non-removable pill package insert
    Patent number: 7243797
    Abstract: A child resistant pill package assembly comprising a base member and a top member spaced apart to define a hollow interior. A dial is mounted on a platform for an annular pill pack assembly having a lower portion. The dial projects through an opening in the top. A plurality of radially outwardly circumferentially spaced teeth are formed on the lower portion of the dial. A series of complementary teeth which project radially inwardly from the circular opening in the top and mesh with the teeth on the lower portion of the dial when aligned therewith. Flexible spring fingers normally bias the dial outwardly so that the dial teeth and top teeth are in meshing relationship. Application of pressure on the dial downwardly displaces the spring fingers so that the teeth are disengaged and confront the upper portion to permit rotation of the dial and pill pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Comar, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Patrick Donegan
  • Method of packaging and selling natural stone
    Patent number: 7240791
    Abstract: This invention comprises a unique method for the sale of natural stone, special packaging for the stone and a method of doing business to make the stone available in high volume stores to the average consumer. The method comprises prefabricating the stone into slabs at or near the location where it is quarried, into sizes and shapes which are common, and often standard, in household bathrooms and kitchens. The stone slabs may, or may not, include cut-outs for sinks and faucets of various standard size. The pre-fabricated stone is then packaged in a box or carton which is designed to specially protect the stone, especially at the corners where most damage occurs, and shipping the packages to high volume, do-it-yourself consumer outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Romala Stone, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold L. Alpert, Lawrence E. Coffman
  • Multi-configured tool bit box
    Patent number: 7225923
    Abstract: A tool case for the storage of drill bits and similarly shaped tools includes two housing members that are hingedly attached and which open and close, with respect to one another. The tool case of the present invention includes elastomeric material surrounding the periphery of the tool case and tool trays on the inside of the case that retain inverted drill bits and similarly shaped tools. The tool trays disposed within the two housing members are removably attached to inner recessed cavities in the housing member by snapping male protrusions located on the tray into corresponding female recesses located on the inner surface of the recessed cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Kristofor M. Hallee, Ian W. Cunningham, Jonathan S. Holz
  • Small bag-shaped drug container
    Patent number: 7213702
    Abstract: A bag-shaped drug container comprises a bag-shaped container body made of a flexible film, and a mouth provided at one end of the container body. The mouth is provided on a side of an open end thereof with a Luer locking means to liquid-tightly connect it with a tip of a syringe, and closed by a closing means such as cap or a male Luer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takimoto, Kenji Omori, Minoru Honda, Hitoshi Futagawa