Abstract: Thermoplastic films and bags include gradient patterns of post-formation deformations. The gradient patterns of post-formation deformations can provide a connotation of strength. Additionally, the gradient pattern of post-formation deformations can provide different areas of the films or bags with different physical characteristics such as tear resistance, puncture resistance, elasticity, etc.

Abstract: A cap for a fluid container includes a main body, an actuator ring slidable along the main body and having an annular groove, and a plurality of latches having secure and release states and that may be placed in the release state by contact with the actuator ring. A closure system for a fluid container includes the cap, and a lip attached to a fluid container that is engaged by the latches of the cap. The lip may be integral with a fluid container or part of an adapter that is connected to the fluid container. A method of automated handling of a container includes engaging an annular groove of an actuator ring of a cap using a robotic arm, driving the actuator ring, and removing the cap from the container. The method may further include transporting the container via engagement of the robotic arm with the cap.

Abstract: A housing element for food applications having a casing made of metallic material and a cover made of composite material and having a bottom surface which is closed or provided with a through-hole. The housing element is provided with a system for securing the cover on the casing, comprising at least two steps which are formed on the cover and which engage with interference inside at least two corresponding grooves formed on the casing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shot glass top configured to be quickly and easily secured and removed from another beverage container. The shot glass top includes an open top, a sidewall, a bottom, a rim, and a stem. The sidewall extends from the open top to the bottom, and the stem extends downward from the bottom of the shot glass top. The rim extends around the circumference of the bottom of the shot glass top and is of greater circumference than the bottom of the shot glass top. This general configuration of the shot glass top allows the shot glass top to be quickly and easily secured and removed from a beverage container or a serving stand.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for accommodating and dispensing a compound into a container is provided. The apparatus includes a body including an upper end portion, a lower end portion, and an opening defining a volume configured for accommodating the compound. The apparatus includes a lid removably coupled and moveable relative to the upper end portion of the body. The lid includes an upper end portion including an exterior surface and an interior surface. Further, the lid includes a protrusion extending downwardly from the interior surface of the lid by a second length greater than a first length of the body. The protrusion includes a gasket interposing between an inner surface of the body and an outer surface of the protrusion.

Abstract: A disposable waterproof paper covers for plates and cups. The disposable waterproof paper covers have a corrugated circumferential rim that is designed to wrap the rim of the plate or the cup from its underside.

Abstract: It is desired to make an improved lid suitable for pails, overcoming the problem of existing complexities and leaks. The invention is achieved by a lid (300) having a lid skirt (320) provided with an inner collar (328) that engages an outer collar (222) of a sidewall (220) of a pail (200), the lid skirt (320) being provided with a fastening mechanism (330) for tightening the inner collar (328) around the sidewall (220) below the outer collar (222). Corresponding to the lid (300) a pail (200) is provided having a simplified structure that is supported mechanically by the lid (300). Furthermore, a thermally insulated compound pail is disclosed, the compound pail comprising a first inner pail (200) that is inserted into a second outer pail (200) such that a space (404) is formed between said pails (200).

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to contain and dispense a fluid, such as a thixotropic fluid. In some embodiments, a bottle having a closure cap includes a control device, a base, and a disk, where the base and disk define a mixing chamber configured to facilitate mixing of any serum or liquid separated from the fluid back therein. In some embodiments, a dispensing bottle includes a non-removable closure cap with a tamper evident feature that indicates whether the cap was previously opened. By one approach, the dispensing bottle includes discontinuous threads on a bottle neck and ratchet projections on a closure cap that engage the discontinuous thread(s) to prevent or inhibit manual removal of the cap from the bottle.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a refill capsule and associated refill system is disclosed. The cap assembly (200) comprises an inner wall (202) defining a conduit (203) through the cap assembly (200) and an outer wall (204) surrounding the inner wall to form a circumferential void between the inner and outer walls (202, 204). A connecting wall joins the inner and outer walls (202, 204). The cap assembly (200) further comprises a closure member (208) which is sealed to the inner wall (202) with a peripheral frangible connection (210). The frangible connection (210) is disposed between radially offset portions of the inner wall (202).

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a top, a base, and a follower. The top includes a plurality of top teeth extending from the inner surface and arranged around a fluid orifice. The base is coupled to the top, wherein the top is moveable relative to the base. The base includes a central hub defining a cam path. The follower includes a plurality of top follower teeth engaged with the plurality of top teeth of the top and a plurality of base follower teeth disposed in the cam path of the base. The top and the follower are biased away from the base, and depressing the top relative to the base causes the follower to rotate relative to the top between an open position in which a fluid flow path is open to the fluid orifice and a closed position in which the fluid flow path is closed to the fluid orifice.

Abstract: A clam shell cover cap device is a lockable closure which fits over existing medication vials used in the pharmacy and medical industries. It comes preset, with a random combination. The combination is marked with an indicator sticker. The clam Shell Cover Cap may be used to lock a vial.

Abstract: Described is a cap (1) for a container (2), a combination of a closing cap for a container and a neck of the container and a relative method for making the cap for the container.

Abstract: Described is a closing cap (1) for a container (2), which comprises a lateral wall (3) extending about an axis (Z) and a transversal wall (4) positioned at an end of the lateral wall (3), a separation line (5) being provided on the lateral wall (3) to form a retaining ring (301), which is configured to remain anchored to a neck (201) of the container (2) and extends up to a free edge (304), and a closing element (302) removably engageable with the neck (201), so as to open or close the container (2). The separation line (5) extends about the axis (Z) and is circumferentially interrupted to form in the lateral wall (3) a joining zone (305), which extends for a first angle (a), in which the retaining ring (301) and the closing element (302) are joined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preform intended for forming containers by blow molding or stretch-blow molding, the preform being made of plastic material including at least one additive giving the plastic material the property of at least partially filtering the visible light spectrum, the preform comprising a wall forming a hollow body, said one or more additive(s) giving the plastic material the property of at least partially allowing the passage of light in the infrared spectrum.

Abstract: A package has a first side coupled to a second side to form a space for storing material therebetween, the space having a re-sealable proximal end and a distal end. The first side has a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers selected from the group consisting of selected from the group consisting of OPP (oriented polypropylene film), KRAFT paper, VMPET (vacuum metallized polyester film), PE (polyethylene plastic), and PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The re-sealable proximal end has a tear strip and a zipper engagement, the zipper engagement distal of the tear strip. The tear strip is configured to be torn off to expose the zipper engagement. The zipper engagement is re-sealable.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a packaging container including a body including; a first portion including a coupling feature; a second portion including a coupling feature and complementary to the first portion; and a hinge portion coupling the first portion to the second portion adapted to move the packaging container from an open position to a closed position around a product, where the first portion and the second portion combine to form a void port in the closed position.

Abstract: In some aspects, an item storage unit for storing one or more items includes the following components. A first frame component and a first stretch member coupled to at least a first surface of the first frame component. The first stretch member being more flexible relative to the first frame component. The one or more items are configured to be supported by at least the first stretch member and the first frame component.

Abstract: A tear away food bag includes tear seams, or other features, providing controlled tearing away of portions of the bags. The food bag is suitable for use as a lunch bag, a picnic bag, or a take out food bag. A bottom portion of the bag may be torn away from the food bag to provide a food holder and top portions maybe torn away from the food bag to provide place mats.

Abstract: A closure assembly (1) comprising an article (10) with a tubular neck (11) and a cap (30) including an integrated tamper-evident ring member (50) and an integrated strap (70). The tamper-evident ring member is integrally formed to the lower edge (32c) of the skirt (32) of the cap and comprises an annular base portion (51) which is connected via one or more breakable bridges (53) to the skirt. The cap is a snap-on type cap and comprises a pair of wing-shaped handles (33) that each have, seen in side view thereon, an outer periphery (34) with a bottom side (34a), a top side (34b), and a tip (34c) remote from the skirt. The strap is integral at a first end (71) thereof to the annular base portion and at a second end (72) thereof to one of the wing-shaped handles and is adapted to remain connected to both the annular portion of the tamper-evident ring member and the respective wing-shaped handle upon removal of the cap from the neck of the article by the user.

Abstract: A container for liquid food substances which comprises a first containing element (1) having a first body (2) delimiting a cavity (4), and a closing part (5) for closing the cavity (4). The first body and the closing part (5) are made of a metal material. A second containing element (8, 108) made of plastic material for foodstuff, which comprises a first part (9, 109) suitable to be completely housed in the first containing element (1). A neck (10, 110) departing from an upper wall (9A, 109A) of the second containing element (8, 108), suitable to cross the through opening (6) of the closing part and provided with an outflow part (11, 111) projecting outside the closing part suitable to allow the food substance to flow out of the container. The outflow part (11, 111) having mechanism (12, 112) for removably connecting a cap (13) for tightly sealing the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resealable membrane lid for a container comprising a peelable portion and a removable portion. When the resealable peelable portion is peeled back, the seal onto the container is not disturbed. When the removable portion is removed from the container, the container contents may be accessed. The peelable portion may be resealed onto the container at any point in the process.

Abstract: Proposed is a gas discharge valve for a packaging material, the gas discharge valve being attached on an upper surface of a packing material in a manner that covers a through-hole formed in one side of the packing material and being configured to discharge to the outside thereof only gas within the packing material, the gas discharge valve including: a high-adhesiveness layer attached to an external surface of the packing material and adhered to a portion of the external surface in the vicinity of the through-hole; and a low-adhesiveness layer formed inside the high-adhesiveness layer and adhered to cover a top opening of the through-hole, where, when gas occurs within the packing material, the low-adhesiveness layer is inflated by pressure, a portion thereof is raised, and the gas is discharged, and when the pressure is released, the low-adhesiveness layer seals the through-hole, thereby blocking introduction of outside air.

Abstract: A woven laminated plastic bag having features that further prevent leakage of contents out of the bag, or infestation of organisms into the contents of the bag is provided. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from woven polypropylene and/or polyethylene layer which can be laminated with a film layer, can form a pinch bottom bag, and can have one or both sides include graphics and/or printing. The bag can also provide a top end and/or a bottom end either or both of which provide a discrete area which may contain discrete graphics and/or printing. The bag can also include a tape covered easy open feature that facilitates removal of tightly adhered sealing tape.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a packaging apparatus. The packaging apparatus may include a main body. The main body may include a base plate, a first side plate, and a second side plate. The first side plate and the second side plate may be distributed around the base plate. The packaging apparatus may include an elastic sheet disposed above the base plate. The elastic sheet may include a first fixing part and a second fixing part. The first fixing part and the second fixing part may be connected with the first side plate and the second side plate, respectively. A space may be configured between the base plate and the elastic sheet. When the packaging apparatus is used to package a subject, the first side plate and the second side plate may be folded away from a side of the base plate where the subject is located.

Abstract: Package having a flexible inner sheet having a first surface and a second surface. The package has an article reservoir for accepting an article to be shipped. The expansion chambers can be inflated or otherwise expanded to provide structure to the package and to protect the article in the article reservoir. The inner sheet of the package includes a shrinkable material that can be activated to immobilize articles disposed in the article reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a packaging apparatus. The packaging structure may include a main body including one or more base plates and one or more elastic sheets. Each of the base plates may have two opposite first side edges, two opposite second side edges, and an opening. Each of the one or more elastic sheets may correspond to one of the one or more base plates. The one or more elastic sheets may be physically connected with the main body, and each of the one or more elastic sheets may cover at least a part of the opening. The main body may further include a first side plate disposed beside at least one of the two opposite first side edges and a second side plate disposed beside each of the two opposite second side edges.

Abstract: A method of handling or manipulating a flexible, dissolvable, porous article that is highly compressible and reboundable, can include applying a moderate force to said article to achieve a Volumetric Compression of 50% or more, followed by the step of removing said force to achieve a Volumetric Rebound of 80% or more in less than 10 minutes.

Abstract: A bag for containing one or more items to be heated in a microwave oven. The bag has a front panel and a back panel and has a seal across the containment region to split it into two compartments each containing at least one item such as a food ingredient. When the bag is heated, the compartments expand due to gas expansion and the seal is caused to break to allow the items to mix and be heated together.

Abstract: An insulated shipping container and method of forming and loading an insulated container utilizing sustainable materials including recycled post-industrial, pre-consumer natural fiber, plant-based fiber and synthetic fiber to include recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and container for shipping a frozen food product, normally in the form of an uncooked fruit pie, with a decorative container for holding the food product such that the decorative container is adjacent to the frozen food product which in turn is positioned adjacent to a refrigeration component to maintain the frozen product frozen during shipment. The combination provides an unusual gifting opportunity providing a reusable laser engraved commemorative and reusable memorabilia for celebrating life's important events. Preferably the food product is uncooked and is conventionally baked by the recipient or by another prior to presentation to the intended recipient.

Abstract: An insulative beverage container includes an outer cup and an inner gap support. The outer cup includes a cup brim, a cup floor, and a cup body. The inner gap support is configured to fit within an interior space of the outer cup and includes a gap-support brim, a gap-support floor, and gap-support body.

Abstract: This device is a flexible insulated beverage holder with a rigid arcuate plate and a rigid handle attached. This device allows a user to hold only the handle and insert a beverage container into the insulated beverage holder. This is achievable because the attached plate forces the insulated beverage holder to provide an expanded opening at its top. As the beverage is inserted into the opening created by the plate the user need only grip the handle as the beverage container is pushed to the bottom of the insulated beverage holder. This device provides the benefits of grasping a sturdy handle, while also providing significant portability with the flexible insulated beverage holder.

Abstract: A beverage container housing comprising a cylindrical holder having a base wall and an upwardly extending sidewall defining an interior of the housing. The holder has an open top end and its sidewall comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The housing comprises a cylindrical gasket which circumvents the upper portion of the holder. The gasket comprises an open base end, an open top end, and a sidewall extending between the base end and the top end. An inwardly extending ledge is disposed on an interior surface of the gasket sidewall, adjacent the top end of the gasket. At least one channel is defined in the interior surface of the gasket sidewall, wherein the at least one channel extends from the ledge toward the base end of the gasket and terminates in an opening at the base end of the gasket.

Abstract: A dispensing pump mechanism is provided. The pump comprises integrally molded temper-evidence part between a container collar and a spout; said collar has multiple off-centre outlet channel for dispensing one or more products from the container; said collar also comprises an integrated air vent to be blocked and opened by the rotation of the spout. The whole pump can be over-molded one-piece structure with elastic parts as being actuating parts. The pump improves the functions of the pump, such as lower restitution rate, less structural parts, lower cost, water/dust proof, lightweight, easy assembly.

Abstract: A device suitable for dispensing a liquid substance, such as an ophthalmological substance, including a container; a dispenser for dispensing the substance and which includes a piston element, loaded by the pressure of the pressurized substance so as to adopt a standby position by default that prevents the preloading chamber from being flooded by a dose of the substance; and a valve element capable of enabling a connection between the preloading chamber and the outside. The device has an actuation mechanism that sequentially compresses a volume of air used for moving the piston element from the standby position thereof, allowing a dose of the substance to flood the preloading chamber to subsequently mechanically actuate the valve element and simultaneously enable the connection to the outside of the preloading chamber as well as of the volume of air previously used for moving the piston element from the standby position thereof.

Abstract: A panel transfer tray according to an embodiment includes an accommodation part which accommodates a target panel, a protrusion protruding upward direction from an upper edge of the accommodation part, and a first movement prevention member disposed at one side of the accommodation part and disposed adjacent to the protrusion, and the first movement prevention member has a stair shape of which a planar area gradually decreases along the upward direction.

Abstract: A transport container for free-rooted plants adapted to safely transport plants to be grown aeroponically. The container may include a light adapted to keep the plant in a vegetative state during transportation. The light may be wavelength limited to include lower frequency visible light. The transport container may include a stem and root stabilizer to protect, position, and stabilize the stem and roots. Water retaining structures, such as gelatinous balls, may be contained within the base of the container and are adapted to allow for moisture and nutrients to be passed to the roots.

Abstract: A method for protecting an outer record jacket containing at least one record against a seam split comprises the step of applying at least one layer of stretchable film material capable of preventing a seam split around both a horizontal central axis and a vertical central axis of the outer record jacket containing at least one record.

Abstract: A capsule for use in a coffee machine having a brew chamber, which capsule is formed from a ductile metal such as aluminium. The capsule has a generally frusto-conical form with an upper surface and a lower surface, an annular flange being provided at the lower surface. An annular seal is provided on the annular flange having first and second layers, wherein the first layer comprises long, well-bound fibres of a cellulose material.

Abstract: Tank lids include a first coated substrate including a first part having a first thickness, a first elastomer coating the first part, a second coated substrate positioned adjacent to the first coated substrate, the second coated substrate including a second part having a second thickness, and a second elastomer coating the second part. A first seam can be formed between the first and second coated substrates to allow for moisture to pass between the first and second coated substrates so that moisture is allowed to seep away from the top of the tank lid.

Abstract: A bag for the storage and transport of a pulverulent product, such as agri-food, mineral, chemical or pharmaceutical powders and like powdery materials, the bag including a bottom part, a sidewall, and an upper part joined together to form a storage volume, wherein the upper part is provided with a filler inlet configured to allow the pulverulent product to be introduced inside the storage volume during a filling operation. The bag further includes lifting straps, and at least one integral elongated section made of an air-permeable material extending inside the storage volume and including an outlet accessible from the outside of the bag, the elongated section acting as an integrated filter member configured to allow insertion of an elongated air-extraction member of an air-extraction system inside the elongated section so as to extract air directly from inside the storage volume of the bag during the filling operation.

Abstract: Various trashcans, their coatings, and coatings for other household goods are disclosed. In certain implementations, the disclosed coatings are antimicrobial. Various methods for forming antimicrobial coatings for household goods are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial coating comprises a substrate and an antimicrobial agent. In certain implementations the coating can be applied to a household good where the coating leaves a substantially streak-free finish. Some embodiments pertain to protective films that can be removed from a coated household good without leaving residue.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for trash collection management. In an example embodiment, a dumpster monitoring apparatus may determine that an amount of garbage in a dumpster exceeds a threshold level (such as, for example, above a full-level marked on the dumpster). If the garbage exceeds the threshold level, the dumpster monitoring apparatus automatically transmits a request to a dumpster management apparatus to dispatch a garbage truck. In an example scenario, the dumpster monitoring apparatus may further determine that a current location of the dumpster is stationed is inaccessible to the garbage truck. Consequently, the dumpster monitoring apparatus may automatically transmit a request to a robot vehicle (such as robotic forklift) to move the dumpster from the current location to a new location that is accessible to the garbage truck. The dumpster monitoring apparatus may then inform the dumpster management apparatus of the new location.

Abstract: A goods-transport vehicle comprises a carriage (2) and a goods rack (3) arranged in the carriage (2), the goods rack (3) is provided with a plurality of storage spaces (34) used for storing goods (1). The goods-transport vehicle further comprises a fixing mechanism (4) and a picking mechanism (5). The fixing mechanism (4) is arranged in each storage space (34). After the goods (1) are placed in the corresponding storage space (34), the fixing mechanism (4) is used to automatically fix the goods (1) relative to the storage space (34). The picking mechanism (5) is arranged in the carriage (2), and is used to automatically place the goods (1) in each storage space (34) and to automatically take the goods from each storage space (34).

Abstract: A container accessing station for accessing a storage container of an automated storage and retrieval grid. The container accessing station comprising: an access opening through which a human and/or robot may access contents of the storage container; a base opening; and a lifting device arranged to retrieve the storage container from a first level beneath the base opening and lift it up through the base opening to a second level so that the storage container may be accessed through the access opening. The invention is also directed to a container accessing system and a method thereof.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes a three-dimensional grid and a plurality of container handling vehicles. The three-dimensional grid includes multiple storage columns, in which containers may be stored on top of one another in vertical stacks. Each container handling vehicle includes a container lifting device having a lifting frame for releasably connecting to a container. Each container handling vehicle is operated on rails at a top level of the grid for retrieving containers from, and storing containers in, the storage columns, and for transporting the containers horizontally across the grid. The automated storage system includes multiple floor elements. Each floor element arrangeable at a top end of a storage column on top of a vertical stack of containers, such that an operator may stand on top of the storage column. Each of the floor elements includes rail-connecting elements at a horizontal periphery thereof.

Abstract: A bi-directional shuttle (10) includes: (i) a support platform (14) for supporting goods thereon; (ii) a carriage (12); (iii) at least two primary wheels (22) rotatably connected to the carriage; (iv) at least two secondary wheels (24) fixed against displacement relative to the support platform; the axes of rotation of the secondary wheels being perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the primary wheels; (v) a link (16) that is pivotally connected to the carriage about a link pivot axis, and that includes a bearing surface (30) that is spaced from the link pivot axis; and (vi) a limiter (32) that limits displacement of the bearing surface away from the support platform.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system including a storage structure with storage racks having a seating surface configured to support case units where a position of each case unit is nondeterministic for each storage location on the storage racks, each case unit has a predetermined storage position and a controller is configured to determine the predetermined storage position, a picking aisle configured to provide access to the case units within the storage structure, and a seismic disturbance restorative system including seismic disturbance motions sensors disposed on the storage racks, a seismic disturbance control module in communication with the seismic disturbance sensors and configured to identify a seismic disturbance, and an automated case mapper configured to traverse the picking aisle, the automated case mapper being in communication with and initialized by the seismic disturbance control module to identify a seated position of at least one case unit within the storage structure.

Abstract: A devices for touchless operation of a product outlet door of a vending machine includes a frame mountable within an interior of a vending machine; a lever comprising a lever rod coupled to the frame and rotatable with respect to the frame about a lever rod rotation axis, wherein the lever rod is couplable to the product outlet door of the vending machine; and an actuator configured to rotate the lever rod from a first lever rod position to a second lever rod position to cause the product outlet door to rotate about its rotation axis from its closed position to its open position so as to open the product outlet door.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to dispensing techniques. A dispensing device comprises a first movable structure; a second movable structure; a member extending from the first movable structure to the second movable structure; an extendable component, wherein the extendable component is configured to extend upon movement of at least the first movable structure, the second movable structure, or the member, wherein an end of the member is adjacent to the extendable component; and wherein the dispensing device is configured to move along at least a first axis and a second axis of a system, wherein the dispensing device is configured to extend the extendable component along a third axis of the system.