Patents by Inventor Robert Knoss

Robert Knoss 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).

  • Patent number: 6478181
    Abstract: Plastic trays used for baking shrink when in an oven such that lids which attached to the tray prior to baking no longer fit the tray after baking. Since the shrinkage of the tray is known for the temperature range expected during baking, a lid having two sets of locking tabs at different perimeters can be used to secure the lid to the tray. The first perimeter and locking tabs are used before the tray is baked and the second perimeter and locking tabs used after the tray baked. In this manner a tray with food therein can have a lid secured thereto before baking when the tray is one size and the same lid secured thereto after baking. The lid is removed during baking and reapplied after baking thus protecting the food in the tray before and after baking. Alternatively the tray may have two lid engaging perimeters for attaching the trays to the lids. The first tray perimeter used before baking and the second after baking. The lid would have one perimeter for engaging the tray before and after baking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Ivex Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss, Richard T. Steichen
  • Patent number: 5653345
    Abstract: A rigid, sturdy, two-piece reusable container forming individual cups to contain fruit or other perishables. The device includes a brace that provides support, rigidity, separates the cups of different containers and forms a relatively flat surface. It also includes ribs that provide further support. The device further includes support members that provide a spacing means for ventilation. The device also includes locking members that hold the cover and the base together. The device also contains individual cups with corrugations that further prevent bruises and spoilage of the fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Knoss, Calvin S. Krupa
  • Patent number: 5590805
    Abstract: A rigid, sturdy, two-piece reusable container forming individual cups to contain fruit or other perishables. The device includes a brace that provides support, rigidity, separates the cups of different containers and forms a relatively flat surface. It also includes ribs that provide further support. The device further includes support members that provide a spacing means for ventilation. The device also includes locking members that hold the cover and the base together. The device also contains individual cups with corrugations that further prevent bruises and spoilage of the fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Knoss, Calvin S. Krupa
  • Patent number: 5497894
    Abstract: A container for storing, transporting and displaying food products such as asparagus is disclosed. The container is a single molded piece of plastic having a base and a pair of cover members pivotally secured to the base by a living hinge. The base provides a first chamber having a top opening. The cover members, when latched together, form both a second chamber having a bottom opening aligned with the top opening of the base and a pair of opposing vents. the alignment of the openings in the two chambers permits elongated food products such as asparagus, celery or carrots to be stored and displayed in an upright fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: 5456379
    Abstract: A re-usable tray for securely containing both small and large perishable goods, while providing a unique means for ventilating and circulating fluids is described. The ventilating means efficiently permits the transfer of fluids between the interior and exterior of the tray. The tray may be combined with a cover to form a container. The container may contain blueberries and other small perishable goods, wherein the ventilating means is not blocked by these goods. Further, the ventilating means provides for drainage to minimize condensation build up. The container also has ribs extending from the sides, front and back of the container providing rigidity and support to the container. The ribs have slits that provide additional ventilation to the container. The container also has a support means for preventing the top and bottom of the container from bending or curving into the interior storage area of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D363879
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D365272
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D371961
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D374820
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Knoss, Calvin S. Krupa
  • Patent number: D377450
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D378192
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D379300
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D380381
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D385780
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D385784
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D391850
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D394807
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D395796
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D395985
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss
  • Patent number: D421695
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Ultra Pac, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Robert Knoss