Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Hirst

Daniel J. Hirst has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Hard taco shell protective packaging
    Patent number: 6458396
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment protective packaging (10) is directed to a protective packaging for hard taco shells (27). It is understood, however, that the present invention may be modified to provide an improved packaging container for other brittle yet perishable food substances. The packaging (10) includes a pad (11) having legs (12, 13, 14, 15) that are compressed when a force is exerted upon them without breaking the taco shells (27). The pad (11) covers an area greater than the area covered by the taco shells (27). The taco shells (27) are packaged in a nested arrangement, and the packaging (10) also utilizes a paper board U-shaped insert (35) placed in the opening of the end taco shell, which protects the shells (27) from breaking in side to side impact. The shells (27) are shrink-wrapped onto the pad (11) and the pad (11) is then placed inside a protective carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Hormel Foods, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Hirst
  • Bottle
    Patent number: D466022
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Hormel Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hirst, Russell C. Potter, Jacelyn J. Brennan, Steven J. Lykken, Kerry W. Silvers
  • Jar
    Patent number: D476576
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Hormel Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hirst, Russell C. Potter, Jacelyn J. Brennan, Steven J. Lykken, Kerry W. Silvers