Abstract: The present invention provides a block protector assembly including a protector contoured to conform to a block of pallet where the pallet includes a plurality of blocks, and an attachment mechanism coupled to the protector, where the attachment mechanism is configured to secure the protector to the block of the pallet, where the protector includes a rigid material. The present invention also provides a method including determining a contour of a block of a pallet, fabricating a protector to follow the contour of the block, and securing the protector to the block. In addition, the present invention provides a protector configured to prevent damage to a block of a pallet, where the protector includes a first side contoured to a first side of the block, a second side contoured to a second side of the block, and a third side contoured to a third side of the block.

Abstract: Systems and methods for airflow management around palletized cases of goods in a warehouse storage facility are provided, in which airflow around each individual layer of cases is facilitated while airflow “spillage” around the sides, top or bottom of pallet assemblies is minimized or eliminated. One exemplary device for such airflow management includes palletized product spacers disposed between respective layers of vertically stacked cases, in which the product spacers facilitate a substantially unidirectional longitudinal airflow. Another exemplary airflow management device is a series of automatically adjustable air dams disposed at the tops of respective pallet assemblies which prevent air spillage and establish intermediate air manifold spaces. Yet another device is a lateral pallet spacer prevents direct abutment of the side surfaces of neighboring pallet assemblies and thereby ensures that the air manifold spaces are in fluid communication with the spacers of multiple pallet assemblies.

Abstract: A process for safeguarding a product during transportation comprises forming a package by surrounding a product with packaging material and accommodating the package in an external packaging that comprises a carrier element and a bag element. The carrier element includes an upper side including a border and a lower side opposite the upper side, wherein the lower side comprises a base. Further, the bag element comprises a base and a bag opening with a border opposite the base of the bag element. The package is accommodated in the external packaging by loading the package onto the carrier element such that the package is carried by the carrier element and loading the carrier element via the bag opening into the bag element such that the bag element surrounds the carrier element and the bag element extends on the upper side of the carrier element beyond the border of the carrier element.

Abstract: A modular storage container system includes a first container shell component having a base, a plurality of sidewalls extending around the base to define a storage chamber, an inner volume, and a flange extending around a top portion of the plurality of sidewalls. In addition, the system includes a peg and groove connector including a male part and a female part, the peg and groove connector symmetrically repeated around the flange and the base to form a plurality of connection sites. The included connection sites are useful for removably coupling the first container shell component with a second plurality of connection sites from a second container shell component. The modular storage container system allows a user to construct nestable storage configurations using a plurality of the included container shell components.

Abstract: New techniques for stowing and rapidly shipping valuables in a retail setting are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a new form of coded shopping bag, configured to covert to a box (a.k.a. a “BagBox”) for on-location holding and/or shipping is provided. Systems and methods for BagBox conversion, stowing and/or shipping via specialized kiosks are provided. Billing methods based on the coding and recorded user preferences are also provided.

Abstract: A wide mouth carryout bag includes a front wall and a rear wall, each wall having a top edge, a bottom edge, first and second side edges. First and second side gusset joins the first and second side edges of the front wall to the first and second side edges of the rear wall. The first and second side gussets are folded inwardly from the first and second side edges of the front and rear walls. The bottom edge of the front wall is joined to the bottom edge of the rear wall at a bottom seal after the inward folding of the first and second side gussets. First and second angle seals extend from the first and second side edge of the walls to the bottom seal. When the wide mouth carryout bag is opened, the two angle seals will cause the bag to have a substantially flat bottom.

Abstract: The invention is designed to provide a closure for plastic bags for frequent or daily use. The invention comprises a V-shaped opening (A FIG. 1) at one end, which continues into a circular opening (B FIG. 1), and comprises a closure system at the opposite end, which joins the clip to the edge of the bag (C-D FIG. 1) and which constitutes the inventive new feature. When closing the bag, twisting it in the usual manner (FIG. 7) and folding the gathered end downwards, and said clip being on the edge thereof, the twist is to be received in the opening (B) of the plate (FIG. 8). The twist remains held by both ends of the clip and the tension thereof prevents the bag from untwisting and opening. The system of securing the clip to the bag can be temporary or permanent, and can be a mechanical, chemical or physical system, or a system of any other nature that permits said securing.

Abstract: A bag container dispenser includes a bag container. The container is formed of resilient material and has a bottom, a top, first and second sides, a front, a back and a removable access panel. The access panel has a top segment that includes a portion of the top and a connected front segment. The front segment has a height that extends from the bottom to the top. Stacked bags are sized and shaped to fit within the bag container. Each of the bags has a front wall, a back wall, an open top and a closure mechanism. The bags are dispensable from the container through an opening provided by removal of the access panel which may have a removable cover. A dispenser rack has a horizontal platform sized and shaped to support the bag container. Peripheral guards extend upward from the platform and constrain movement of the container during dispensing.

Abstract: An anti-reversal structure of a stationery container and a cover is provided. The cover is screwed to the stationery container to seal the stationery container for containing a functional solution. The anti-reversal structure includes a first ratchet portion disposed at one side of a threaded portion of the cover and a second ratchet portion disposed at one side of a threaded portion of the stationery container.

Abstract: In one example, a cap includes a body that has a plug defined by a recess extending downward from an upper surface of the body. The body also includes a skirt disposed circumferentially about the plug such that a gap is defined between an exterior surface of the plug and an inner surface of the skirt. Two or more tongues are connected to the skirt and extend radially inward toward the plug, each of the tongues configured to releasably engage respective corresponding structure of a container. A seal is provided that is disposed about an outer surface of the plug so as to be concentric with the plug, the seal including multiple radially extending circumferential fins.

Abstract: A beverage topper can include a sleeve with connecting features for connecting the beverage topper with the top of a beverage container, such as a bottle. Beverage toppers can further include a porous reservoir therein for permitting a user to pass the liquid from the beverage container through a seasoning, such as salt, contained in the reservoir by tilting the beverage container.

Abstract: To provide a spout-equipped container that is excellent in hermetical-sealing performance. The spout-equipped container includes a container and a spout. The spout includes a spout main body, an opening body accommodated in a cylinder of the spout main body, an activating body which moves the opening body, and a hermetically-sealing sheet which covers an inner opening which fronts an accommodating unit in the spout main body. The opening body is formed so as not to be get out of the spout main body, is formed so as to move toward the hermetically-sealing sheet, and has its center where a spout through hole is formed. The hermetically-sealing sheet is formed so as to be partially torn by the opening body to make the accommodating unit of the container and an outer opening of the spout main body communicate with outside via the spout through hole of the opening body, and is formed so that an accommodated substance is poured outside.

Abstract: A closure device for closing a container, including a coupling member with an external thread and a cap with an internal thread intended to be positioned on the coupling member or to be removed from the coupling member by screwing or unscrewing. The closure device also includes security features with at least one circumferential locking stop and at least one locking tab that is radially deformable between a rest position in which the tab cooperates with the circumferential locking stop to prevent unscrewing of the cap and at least one retracted position for releasing the tab relative to the circumferential stop. The tab is carried by the coupling member, and the circumferential stop is carried by the cap.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of operating the same are described. A container lid adapter including a gasket, an adapter lid, and a container band. The gasket may be shaped to attach to a rim of a container to form a seal between the rim and the gasket. The adapter lid may include an opening shaped to receive an adapter. The container band may be shaped to attach the gasket and the adapter lid to the rim of the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bottle that includes a body having a neck at a top end. The neck of the bottle ends in an aperture for receiving a cork/plug. The bottle further includes a security closure that includes a security label having a first portion adhered to the cork and a second portion adhered onto the neck of the bottle. A cap at least partially covers the cork and the neck of the bottle. The cap partially covers the security label. The security label further includes: a bottom portion that extends beyond a bottom edge of the cap and carries a first readable code representing a unique identifier of the bottle; and a top portion that is covered by the cap and adhered to the cork, and carries a second readable code representing a unique identifier of the cork/plug.

Abstract: A tethering device for a utilization device (pen, marker, glue stick, etc.) having a cap. The tethering device maintains a connection between the utilization device and the cap during use of the utilization device. The tethering device comprises first and second adhering elements which conform to and adhere to an outer surface of at least one of the utilization device and the cap and an elongated flexible band having two ends positioned and connected to the first and second adhering elements respectively to flexibly connect the first and second adhering elements. The band has an effective length between the respective first and second adhering elements which is sufficient to permit the removable and replaceable cap to be removed from the utilization device and replaced thereon when the first and second adhering elements are adhered to the respective surfaces of the utilization device and the cap.

Abstract: A loop forming fastener including a ratchet and locking features that can be utilized to provide for a desired loop size. The loop forming fastener may include an elongate body portion having a first end and an opposite tail portion, with a head connected to the elongate body, the head defining an opening configured to receive the elongate body to form a loop. A ratchet may allow movement of the body through the opening in a first direction, but prevents movement in a second direction. The elongate body may include a stopper to maintain at least a minimum loop size. The head may include a locking mechanism to lock the elongate body, and thereby establish a desired size of the loop.

Abstract: Provided is a film for packaging chemicals which does not change in appearance (e.g. yellowing), or does not generate odor, even after long-term storage; which is prevented from being scratched or contaminating rolls when the film is drawn from a roll thereof; and which expresses excellent chemical resistance. Also provided is a film for packaging chemicals which is easily detachable from a heat seal plate when contents are packed and sealed therein. The film for packaging chemicals includes polyvinyl alcohol; and a surfactant, the amount of the surfactant being 0.9% to 5% by mass based on 100% by mass of the polyvinyl alcohol, the surfactant having a polyoxyethylene structure, the number of moles of oxyethylene groups in the surfactant being 5 to 13 mol, the surfactant having a HLB of 9 to 14.5.

Abstract: A container of consumer goods includes a rigid outer box and a rigid inner box wherein a pull tab is configured to reseal a pre-cut opening in the inner box. The pull tab includes a cover layer larger than the pre-cut opening. The cover layer can be a piece of bundle wrap with a paper layer of the bundle wrap contacting the consumer goods inside the box. The outer box has a hinged lid permanently attached to a connecting tab of the pull tab whereby opening the hinged lid simultaneously opens the pre-cut opening in the inner box by lifting the pull tab. The connecting tab includes adhesive which is partially deadened to decrease adhesion of the connecting tab to the inner box. The pull tab can also include one or more machine readable markings to enhance automated application of the pull tab to an inner box blank during manufacturing of the container.

Abstract: An exemplary container for consumer goods includes a rigid outer box and a rigid inner box. The outer box has a hinged top configured to provide access to an inner volume of the outer box. The inner box is a laminate of paperboard and an inner liner and pre-cut opening configured to provide access to an inner volume of the inner box. A pull tab covers the opening. The pull tab includes a first adhesive that releasably adheres an edge portion of the pull tab to the inner box and a second adhesive that permanently adheres the pull tab to the inner box and the outer box.

Abstract: A tube or other container for storing and dispensing a product such as toothpaste, a lotion, a cream, etc., includes one or more recesses. Initially, each recess (30) is in a concave position relative to an exterior of the sealed tube. Due to outgassing or other factors, pressure within an interior of the sealed tube may increase. During the pressure increase, the one or more recesses (30) deflect from the initial concave position toward a convex position relative to the exterior of the tube, thereby effectively increasing a volume of the interior of the tube and maintaining pressure within the tube at a more desirable level.

Abstract: A method for forming a structural wall section by sandwiching a corrugated metal panel between correspondingly corrugated EPS inner and outer panels. Also disclosed is a structural wall formed from a corrugated metal wall sandwiched between inner and outer EPS panels with a corrugated side on each of the EPS panels engaged with the corrugated metal panel.

Abstract: A sheet-mask package, in order for a sheet mask to be removed from a bag to be used in a unfolded state, allows the unfolding operation of the folded sheet mask, thereby enabling the removed sheet mask to be quickly and reliably attached on the face while preventing fingers from being excessively wet. In an embodiment, the sheet-mask package 2 is obtained by storing in a package box a holed tray (T1) on which Z-folded sheet masks (1) moistened with a chemical solution are stacked and which has a hole (4) formed in the bottom of the holed tray (T1).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing compostable food containers which preserve the quality of a food product for an extended duration of time, and which optionally allow for cooking of the food product therein. In some implementations, the food containers are sturdy, stackable, insulating, and require minimal or no manual labor to assemble. In some implementations, the food container includes a base and a cover which cooperate to form a closed chamber for supporting, protecting, insulating and optionally cooking a food product, such as a pizza. The base and cover may each be formed of a single layer of material including, but not limited to, molded sugarcane fiber (“bagasse”), molded wood fiber, molded bamboo fiber, molded paper or plastic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved bag design comprised of polarizing materials.

Abstract: An insulating container can be configured to retain a volume of liquid, and include a canister having a first inner wall having a first end having an opening extending into an internal reservoir, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell. The opening can be sealed by a spout adapter, the spout adapter having a spout channel extending between the internal reservoir and a spout opening, smaller than the opening of the canister. The spout opening may be sealed with a cap having a magnetic top surface, and the spout adapter may be further removably coupled to a lid that may be used as a cup into which a volume of the liquid can be poured.

Abstract: A cassette push plate locking device capable of absorbing impact to the cassette push plate according to the present disclosure, includes a cassette push plate disposed in a cassette, a locking lever that is movable by switching of a cassette door; and a locking unit including a torque limiter that allows the cassette push plate to move over a predetermined force and prevents the cassette push plate from moving under the predetermined force.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a container having a plurality of exterior panels that define an internal chamber. The exterior panels include at least opposing side panels and a top panel having an opening configured to dispense a plurality of articles therethrough. The dispensing assembly also includes an article dispensing component housed within the internal chamber that includes a base panel arranged with the top panel of the container so as to form an article storage area. The article storage area is configured to receive the plurality of articles. The base panel is biased towards the top panel via at least one flexible member that is secured to at least one of the opposing side panels of the container. Thus, the flexible member is configured to allow movement of the base panel towards to the top panel as each article is dispensed from the opening.

Abstract: A plurality of integrally interconnected wipes collectively define a web. The plurality of wipes includes a first wipe, a second wipe, and a third wipe. A first transverse intermittent cut line defines a right side major tie that connects the first wipe to the second wipe, and the right side major tie has a width. A second transverse intermittent cut line defines a left side major tie that connects the second wipe to the third wipe. In particular embodiments, the first wipe and the second wipe are connected to each other only within the right side of the web, and the second wipe and the third wipe are connected to each other only within the left side of the web. In certain embodiment, the wipes are also connected to each via minor ties that are transversely narrower than the major ties.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a container having a plurality of legs, a plurality of shelves, a first side-door, a second side-door, and a plurality of shelf supports. The apparatus is useful for safely transporting and storing real-estate signs from location to location.

Abstract: A welding wire container has a base element, a plurality of walls which extend upwardly from the base element and circumscribe a space in which a coil of welding wire can be placed. A reinforcement post is arranged in each of the corners of the space. A spacing rod is provided between adjacent reinforcement posts.

Abstract: An exemplary container for consumer goods includes a rigid outer box and a rigid inner box. The outer box has a hinged top configured to provide access to an inner volume of the outer box. The inner box is a laminate of paperboard and an inner liner and pre-cut opening configured to provide access to an inner volume of the inner box. A pull tab covers the opening. The pull tab includes a first adhesive that releasably adheres an edge portion of the pull tab to the inner box and a second adhesive that permanently adheres the pull tab to the inner box and the outer box.

Abstract: An exemplary container for consumer goods includes a rigid outer box and a rigid inner box. The outer box has a hinged top configured to provide access to an inner volume of the outer box. The inner box is a laminate of paperboard and an inner liner and pre-cut opening configured to provide access to an inner volume of the inner box. A pull tab covers the opening. The pull tab includes a first adhesive that releasably adheres an edge portion of the pull tab to the inner box and a second adhesive that permanently adheres the pull tab to the inner box and the outer box.

Abstract: Package material comprises one or more layers of plastic laminate, a first side, a second side and an penetration area (40). Two weakening lines (30, 30b) extend from the penetration area (40) creating a space in between and thus forming an opening ( ) in the package material. The package material comprises a plastic opening device ( ), with a first and second portion ( ) attached to the first and second side, respectively and a material bridge ( ) penetrating through the penetration area (40). The second portion covers at least partly the penetration area and comprises a guiding portion ( ) extending from the penetration area (40) onto the space adjacent and to the weakening lines (30, 30b) as to facilitate rupturing substantially along the at least one weakening line.

Abstract: A capsule body is adapted for containing one or more beverage ingredients for use in a beverage preparation machine. The capsule body includes a base body having side walls defining a cavity for receiving the one or more beverage ingredients, a flange-like rim extending from the side walls and a sealing member adapted to provide a sealed engagement between the capsule body and the beverage preparation machine. The side walls include an inner surface facing the cavity defined by the side walls and an outer surface facing the beverage preparation machine in use. The sealing member is positioned on a surface of the flange like rim that extends from the inner surface of the side walls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bridging apparatus. The apparatus may be used to span the gap between a vertically movable storage container and a stationary floor structure when a landing of the storage container is planar to a landing of the stationary floor structure. In this invention, the bridging apparatus comprises a bracket, an overlay plate, a hinge comprising a rod, glides, and a switch, which interact with each other and with the vertically movable storage container and the stationary floor structure. As the storage container ascends, the glide of the overlay plate slides angularly contacts a vertical wall of the stationary floor structure and glides along the wall. When the storage container landing is planar with the stationary floor structure landing, the overlay plate rotates downward to a 90-degree angle, resting in a recess in the stationary floor structure landing, engaging the switch to terminate power to the vertically movable storage container.

Abstract: A nested liner assembly includes a plurality of nested plastic film liners held by a lifter placed inside an insert fitted to the rim of a trash receptacle. The trash receptacle may have a hinged lid. The insert is adjacent the rim except near the hinge of the receptacle's lid where it extends on the outside of the receptacle below the lid and around the hinge. The two ends of the insert may be fastened together below the hinge to hold the insert in position without interfering with the operation of the lid. The lifter rests in a channel formed in the insert where the insert holds the liners open for use. The nested liners extend through the lifter and are held in place by a plurality of fasteners on the exterior surface of the lifter.

Abstract: A refuse bin includes a frame defining an interior cavity and a seating structure. A bin liner has a biasing surface that rotationally engages the seating structure to define a recessed first position characterized by the bin liner set within the interior cavity. An elevated second position is characterized by the bin liner being vertically offset from the frame. The first position is vertically and rotationally distal from the second position. A bag retaining mechanism is defined between the frame and the bin liner. The first position defines a secured state of the bag retaining mechanism and the second position defines a maintenance state of the bag retaining mechanism.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a latching handle comprising a base bar and a handle. The base bar is attached to a targeted surface through a fastening mechanism in a preferable axis. The handle is connected perpendicularly to the base bar. The handle latches into surface of an article to which the base bar is attached. A self-latching and unlatching of the handle with respect to the surface of the article is achieved by using a force.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for storage are disclosed herein. More specifically, methods, systems, and devices that may be used to store numerous articles in a vertical space are disclosed and described.

Abstract: An article transport facility includes an article transport vehicle, a storage rack configured to store articles, and a for-rack transport device. The article transport vehicle is configured to travel along one or more rails suspended from, and supported by, a ceiling. The storage rack is suspended from, and supported by, the ceiling. The for-rack transport device is located on an opposite side from the one or more rails with respect to the storage rack.

Abstract: The invention discloses a vertical storage and distribution device. The vertical storage and distribution device comprises a vertical storage channel used for storing articles, wherein the vertical storage channel is provided with a vertical storage trough composed of at least two side plates; the articles can be sequentially stacked in the vertical storage trough from bottom to top; an outlet is formed in the bottom end of the vertical storage trough, and the articles which are sequentially stacked in the vertical storage trough can be sequentially distributed from the outlet from bottom to top.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for robotic item sortation and optimization along the vertical axis in a conveyor-based system. A robotic system may be mounted above or adjacent to a conveyor system that moves items along a conveyor belt or similar device. Once an item is laterally diverted from the conveyor system, the robotic system may collect the item at a respective holding station and move the item along a vertical axis for placement in one of a plurality of vertically-configured item handling devices.

Abstract: A conveyor structure for use with a conveyor driven fabric dyeing machine is provided. The conveyor includes at least one pair of conveyor chains that are parallel to each other, or a similar structure, and a driver roller that guides and drives the conveyor chains. A plurality of conveyance plates are arranged to straddle between the conveyor chains. The conveyance plates have first ends fixed to the conveyor chains and opposite second ends that are free ends and are movable with respect to the conveyor chains. With the conveyance plates that are stiff supporting the weight of fabric, the conveyor, when conveying fabric, is prevented from curving and deformation so that there is no need to additionally provide a support structure, the entire structure is simplified and easy to install and remove for maintenance, and it is hard for debris and contaminants to hide therein and cleaning is made easy.

Abstract: Various continuous chain conveyors, parts for same (e.g., chain guides, chain drives, etc.), packaging and handling equipment and systems and related methods are disclosed herein. In one form, a chain conveyor comprising a primary continuous chain having a first portion configured to carry objects along a path and a return portion, a motor operably coupled to the primary continuous chain so as to induce movement of the chain, a first sprocket engaging the return portion of the primary continuous chain, wherein movement of the return portion causes the first sprocket to rotate, a second sprocket coupled to the first sprocket by a drive shaft, wherein rotation of the first sprocket causes the second sprocket to rotate, and an auxiliary chain operably coupled to the second sprocket such that rotation of the second sprocket causes movement of the auxiliary chain.

Abstract: A tensioning mechanism for a conveyor system includes a first end including a drive unit, an anchor structure, a continuous belt extending at least partially between the drive unit and the anchor structure, a first carriage, and a second carriage. The first carriage is coupled to the drive unit and supports a portion of the belt. The first carriage is supported for movement relative to the drive unit to adjust a tension in the belt, and the first carriage is movable between the drive unit and an intermediate position. The second carriage is releasably secured to the anchor structure and supports another portion of the belt. The second carriage is supported for movement relative to the anchor structure between a first position and a second position. A distance between the first end and the second carriage defining a take-up length, and movement of the second carriage changes the take-up length.

Abstract: A roller train and a substrate conveying device are provided. The roller train is used for a substrate and includes a first roller including a first delimitation part, and a second roller including a second delimitation part. An axial line of the first roller is parallel to that of the second roller; the first roller and the second roller contact an upper surface and a lower surface of the substrate, respectively; and, the first delimitation part and the second delimitation part are arranged on the first axis and the second axis, respectively, and configured to delimit axial displacement of the first roller and the second roller, respectively. The first delimitation part and the second delimitation part cooperate to prevent misalignment between the first roller and the second roller.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fulfillment of patient prescription orders by adapting a standard or stock container pre-filled with medication or the like for use as a patient-specific container through precise application of patient-specific information to the pre-filled container. Precise placement of the patient-specific information to the pre-filled container enables pharmacy management to fully utilize valuable information provided with the pre-filled container, thereby improving the quality of service to the patient while making the process of prescription order fulfillment more efficient. In general, preferred embodiments comprise control apparatus and information-application apparatus. In embodiments, the information-application apparatus is adapted to place a patient-specific label on the container. Preferred forms of the information-application apparatus include a label printer and a positioner. The preferred printer applies patient-specific information on a label.

Abstract: A tablet supply apparatus includes: a base frame a rotary plate rotatably installed on the base frame to outwardly position a tablet by centrifugal force, and inclinedly positioned to have a top dead center point and a bottom dead center point; a transfer plate positioned to surround the rotary plate, rotated with the rotary plate, and having an inclined surface outwardly and downwardly inclined on the same level as that of the top dead center point of the rotary plate, in order to receive the tablet from the top dead center point of the rotary plate; and a guide unit disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the transfer plate, the guide unit allowing the tablet, positioned and transferred on the inclined surface of the transfer plate, to be discharged toward the rotary plate of the inspection unit by centrifugal force and a sliding movement.

Abstract: A buffer device for temporary storage and flow control in a product conveying system includes a plurality of vertically movable product holders at an inlet end and outlet end, and an elevator system for placing product holders in a conveying plane of the conveying system and vertically moving the product holders. The elevator system preferably includes a chain loop at the inlet end and a chain loop at the outlet end, both of which are equipped all around with product holders, and the chain loops can move in opposite directions.