Abstract: A bottle insert includes an insert body defining a bottle opening, the bottle opening configured to receive a portion of a bottle therethrough; and an insert partition disposed substantially within the insert body, the insert partition defining a partition wall, the partition wall aligned with and spaced from the bottle opening, the partition wall configured to confront an end of the bottle.

Abstract: A container holder for holding multiple cylindrical containers. The container holder includes a base, a cover and an insert. The base and the cover each have (a) two opposing equal size vertical side walls, (b) two opposing equal size vertical end walls, and (c) a bottom portion connected to lower ends of the side and end walls. The base and cover have substantially equal length and width so that the cover can be placed on the base to form an assembled container holder with a substantially rectangular cuboid outer surface. The assembled container holder defines an interior space having a height approximately equal to the height of the containers. The interior space of the assembled container holder is capable of accommodating multiple cans with the cans in an upright orientation. The hold insert may contain a freezable liquid for placement between the containers to keep beverages in the containers cool.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding one or more vials of a fluid that is to be protected, including an insulator housing that includes separate housing halves that, when joined together, form an internal space and a recess, a two piece carrier that is disposed within the recess formed by the separate housing halves, and a one piece vial rack supported by the two piece carrier. The one piece vial rack has a plurality of vial passages each for accommodating an elongated vial that contains a biological substance.

Abstract: Solvent containers and solvent container trays for chromatography systems are described for providing control over solvent supply and waste collection. Designated solvent containers and exclusively designated solvent containers provide solvents for use by chromatography systems. Control over solvent supply is achieved by requiring matched container shape and container receiving position shape within the tray, and additionally or alternatively, through solvent container coding readable by the solvent tray and chromatography system which provide information about the solvent container to the chromatography system.

Abstract: A divider for dividing at least two layers of articles in a package. The divider comprises a central panel, and at least one article attachment flap foldably connected to the central panel. The at least one article attachment flap is for attaching the divider to at least one of the articles as the divider and the articles are formed into the package.

Abstract: A packing member includes a structure for accommodating an object-to-be-accommodated and a cylindrical sheet for covering the structure. The cylindrical sheet includes a first portion having a heat contraction property and includes a second portion having an elasticity higher than that of the first portion. The first portion has a display portion. The display portion is provided on a surface extending along a predetermined direction of the structure. Free end portions of the first portion and the second portion contract to surround an end surface of the structure crossing the predetermined direction of the structure.

Abstract: A steaming system for an article of footwear includes a container with a lid configured to accommodate a steam source. The system also includes provisions for securing the article of footwear such that a majority of the upper is subjected to steam. Articles of footwear may be placed in the steaming system to help customize the articles of apparel for a user's fit and comfort. The steaming system can be configured to be portable and carried by a person.

Abstract: Carton (90) containing a plurality of containers (C) includes a dispenser defined by a dispenser (80) pattern (40) extending through the carton's first side panel (14), top panel (16), second side panel (18), and exiting end panel (84). The dispenser (80) is at least partially separable along the dispenser pattern (40) to form an opening into an interior of the carton (90). The dispenser pattern (40) includes first and second tear lines (51, 52) on first and second side exiting end flaps (32, 36) that extend downwardly toward one another from opposite sides of the exiting end panel. The first and second end dispenser patterns do not extend completely across respective first and second side exiting end flaps but stop short of an outer edge of respective first and second side exiting end flaps.

Abstract: A closure unit includes a closure head that closes a container by applying a closure onto a container opening thereof, a grouper that brings closed containers close together to form a bundle of closed containers, and an adhesive applicator that applies adhesive to a circumferential side wall of a container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container assembly for liquids, such as beverages and oils, comprising a container, chimes and a valve assembly for feeding a propellant to and dispensing the liquid from the container. A portion of the assembly has a polygonal cross-section, which cross-section at least partially circumscribes the cross-section(s) of the remainder of the assembly.

Abstract: A divider for dividing at least two layers of articles in a package. The divider comprises a central panel, and at least one article attachment flap foldably connected to the central panel. The at least one article attachment flap is for attaching the divider to at least one of the articles as the divider and the articles are formed into the package.

Abstract: A bottle holder includes a case assembly and at least one padding assembly. The case assembly includes a body defining at least one compartment and having an open end giving access to the at least one compartment dimensioned to fully accommodate a bottle inserted axially, and a lid attached to the body and selectively closeable to cover the open end of the body and enclose the bottle in the at least one compartment. The at least one padding assembly is arranged in the at least one compartment and is dimensioned to be partially compressed between the bottle and walls of the at least one compartment.

Abstract: A ticket dispensing module includes an elongate ticket dispensing aperture provided within a face of the ticket dispensing module, and a housing body with opposed first and second faces provided with first and second complementary slideable engagement elements and latching elements. The first slideable engagement element of a first housing body is engageable with the second slideable engagement element of a corresponding, second housing body, by relative displacement of the first and second housing bodies. The first and second slideable engagement elements of the housing bodies are configured to prevent separation of the housing bodies transverse to the direction of relative displacement when they are engaged. The housing body has opposed third and fourth faces each connecting between the first and second faces, provided with complementary slideable engagement elements and latching elements.

Abstract: A handling apparatus includes a container input, a furnishing carousel, a furnishing module, an application element, and a grouping device. The furnishing carousel rotates about a central axis and has the furnishing module and application element nearby. The furnishing module applies a furnishing feature to a surface of a container, and the application element applies adhesive to the container on a surface outside that surface of a container that is provided with a furnishing feature. The grouping device, which is either a compartmenting or compacting device, is immediately after the furnishing carousel and/or an outlet apparatus. The grouping device groups, compacts, or temporary presses together containers. The container input is either a single-track container feed, a multi-track container feed, a single-track container stream, or a multi-track container stream.

Abstract: An automated sample processing system having a sample input adapted to simultaneously receive a number of sample containers, a reagent input adapted to receive one or more new reagent supplies, a consumable input adapted to receive one or more new consumable supplies, a solid waste output adapted to receive used consumable supplies, a liquid waste output adapted to receive one or more used reagent supplies, and a processing center. The processing center includes a decapper adapted to remove a lid from at least one sample container, an aspirator adapted to remove a specimen from the at least one sample container and transfer the specimen to an output vessel, and a capper adapted to replace the lid on the at least one sample container.

Abstract: A device having a compartment with cavities disposed on opposite sides, each cavity disposed for receiving at least one pill case. The pill cases are disposed on mounts in the cavity using pressure to hold in place. A drawer is disposed in a cavity opening on a top surface. The device is held upright by a support structure to allow a user to access pill cases from each side of the device. The pill cases may be disposed between rails. An indicator may be attached to the rails thus allowing a user to indicate which pill cases, or compartments in pill cases do not have an adequate supply medicine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for at least one of storing and transporting a plurality of packaging containers comprises a tub-shaped lower part and an upper part for closing the lower part in a closed position in which they enclose an interior of the device. The lower part has a bottom and a lower-part wall projecting from the bottom in the direction of the upper part. The lower part comprises a wall element which with the lower-part wall forms a circumferential wall of the lower part. The wall element is movable relative to the lower part in order to at least partially open the wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing packs (1) made of plastics film, having at least one compartment (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f), for articles, in particular for containers. According to the invention, two layers (4, 5) made of plastics film which are located one above the other are welded continuously or cyclically with at least one longitudinal weld (8), subsequently at least one further outer layer (3, 6) made of plastics film is placed on the two welded inner layers (4, 5) and is fastened continuously or cyclically to these already welded inner layers (4, 5). Furthermore, the invention relates to a device (15a, 15b) for producing packs (1) made of plastics film, having at least one compartment (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f), for articles, in particular for containers. The invention also relates to a pack (1) for articles, in particular for containers. Furthermore, the invention relates to a row of packs.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus for storing or transporting one or more beverage containers may include a number of side walls each defining a tab or slot extending from or adjacent to each side edge and a bottom edge thereof, and a bottom panel defining a corresponding tab or slot therethrough extending from or adjacent to each of a corresponding number of side edges thereof. The tabs may have flared ends such that each tab is longer than a corresponding slot. The bottom panel and each of the number of side walls may be formed of a semi-rigid foam material such that each tab forms a pressure fit with each corresponding slot when each of the number of side walls is joined to the bottom panel and to another side wall. The side walls and the bottom panel together form an open-ended carrier sized to receive therein one or more beverage containers.

Abstract: Multifunctional bottle-holder case, comprising a lid (11) provided with edges (14) and a containing frame (12) provided with walls (16) suitable to define a containing compartment (20) suitable to contain at least one bottle (21). At least one of said walls (16) and/or edges (14) is provided with at least one removable portion (25) associated with the corresponding wall (16) and/or the edge (14) by means of a connection zone with facilitated breakage (28).

Abstract: A shipping container for glass bottles such as are used with wine or juice is provided. The shipping container has a lower tray and an upper tray which fit inside of a cardboard box. The upper tray engages the shoulder of the bottle rather than the neck or cap of the bottle and thus holds the bottle more securely and with less risk of damage to the bottle or shipping tray when the cardboard box is dropped or when weight is placed thereon.

Abstract: The cardboard container (100) comprises a base wall (B) and two lateral walls (L1, L2), in a single body with the base wall (B) and foldable with respect thereto, so as to enable the container (100) to assume a flat configuration (I) and an opened-out configuration (V). The container (100) further comprises at least a tab (1), in a single body with a first lateral wall (L1), at a first transversal edge (L11) thereof.

Abstract: A container carrier for unitizing a plurality of containers that includes two layers of a flexible sheet joined along a weld and two rows of container receiving apertures formed in the carrier and generally separated by the weld wherein each container receiving aperture forms an interruption in the weld. One or more tabs may extend from an edge of each container receiving aperture into the container receiving aperture to minimize movement and contact between adjacent containers in the resulting package.

Abstract: A carton for containing at least one article. The carton comprises a plurality of panels at least partially forming an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel. The carton comprises an article protection flap foldably connected to at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The article protection flap is moveable between a first position that is substantially parallel to the top panel and a second position wherein the article protection flap is folded relative to the top panel. The at least one access feature in the top panel is for positioning the article protection flap from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A transport unit comprising two parallel retaining plates, which each have an arrangement of means for retaining lidded containers, and a plurality of lidded containers, which each have a tubular container and at the top of the container a closure element projecting radially outward with respect to the container, wherein lidded containers of a group of lidded containers are held parallel to each other by means for retaining of the one retaining plate, and lidded containers of another group of lidded containers are held parallel to each other by means for retaining of the other retaining plate, the lidded containers of the one group are disposed oppositely aligned to the lidded containers of the other group and nested within each other.

Abstract: A bottle crate (10) is provided that is configured to hold a plurality of bottles in a generally upright orientation, and is particularly designed to hold bottles having a variable diameter. The bottle crate can include at least one tray and a plurality of fingers (601) elastically arranged on the tray, such that the fingers are configured to move in response to insertion or removal of a bottle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include articles comprising a diamond like carbon coating or doped diamond like carbon coating on one or more surfaces of a plastic substrate or a plastic enclosure. Embodiments of the DLC or doped DLC coatings reduce the gas permeation of the coated plastic or thermoplastic to hydrogen or helium compared to the permeability of the plastic alone. The DLC or doped DLC coatings coating provides a surface resistivity of from about 107 to about 1014 ohm/square and have a transmittance that range from about 0% to about 70% less than the transmittance of the underlying plastic substrate in the range of about 300 nm to about 1100 nm. The DLC coated plastic can be used in environmental enclosures for protecting environmentally sensitive substrates such as semiconductor wafers and reticles.

Abstract: A carton (90) for packaging articles comprises top (14) and bottom (18, 20) panels connected together by spaced side walls (12, 16) to form a tubular structure, and a set of end panels (22a, 22b, 22c, 22d) at each end of the tubular structure. Each set of end panels comprises a pair of lower end closure panels (26a, 26b) connected to the side walls respectively. Each lower end closure panel is hingedly interconnected by gusset panel (34a, 34b) to an anchoring panel (24a, 24b) hinged to an adjacent one of the side wall panels. Each anchoring panel extends into the tubular structure and tucked between the adjacent side wall panel and an adjacent article. One of the gusset panels (34a, 34b) is hinged to the adjacent side wall panel (12, 16) by a hinge line (27a, 27b).

Abstract: Cartons have dispensing features that enable containers or other articles to be selectively dispensed from the cartons while preventing inadvertent escape of the articles from the cartons. A carton can have an exiting end panel closing an interior space and a dispenser pattern defining a dispenser having a bottom door extending across the exiting end panel. The dispenser pattern can comprise a plurality of tear lines that define a removable portion comprising at least a portion of the exiting end flap, the top panel, and at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The dispenser pattern further comprises a pivot line in the bottom panel, a first line, and a second line that are for enabling pivoting of the bottom door about the pivot line.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include articles comprising a diamond like carbon coating or doped diamond like carbon coating on one or more surfaces of a plastic substrate or a plastic enclosure. Embodiments of the DLC or doped DLC coatings reduce the gas permeation of the coated plastic or thermoplastic to hydrogen or helium compared to the permeability of the plastic alone. The DLC or doped DLC coatings coating provides a surface resistivity of from about 107 to about 1014 ohm/square and have a transmittance that range from about 0% to about 70% less than the transmittance of the underlying plastic substrate in the range of about 300 nm to about 1100 nm. The DLC coated plastic can be used in environmental enclosures for protecting environmentally sensitive substrates such as semiconductor wafers and reticles.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a plurality of beverage containers is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cradle for each of said plurality of containers and, for and secured to each cradle, at least a pair of resilient tabs. Each cradle, in use, supports the container for which it is provided in the manner in which a clay wine cooler supports a wine bottle. The cradles are operatively secured to one another in use to define a tote for transporting said containers. The tabs for each cradle, in use, collectively stabilize the container supported by said each cradle. The cradles can have stepped bases to accommodate containers of varying girth.

Abstract: A bottle crate (10) is provided that is configured to hold a plurality of bottles in a generally upright orientation, and is particularly designed to hold bottles having a variable diameter. The bottle crate can include at least one tray and a plurality of fingers (601) elastically arranged on the tray, such that the fingers are configured to move in response to insertion or removal of a bottle.

Abstract: A carton with locking sections comprises a male panel section and a female panel section. The male panel section has an edge with protruding wings, and edge tabs are formed along the edge portion inboard of the wings. The female section has a pair of females configured to receive and interlock with the males. For locking the sections together, the edge tabs are hooked beneath the edge of the female section and the males extend over the top of the female section and are pressed and locked into the females. With this arrangement, the two sections are securely locked together with the edge tabs preventing the sections from moving toward one another and the males and females preventing them moving away from each other. The sections thus do not tend to disengage during transport or as containers of product within the carton are sequentially removed.

Abstract: A beverage serving tray for holding, supporting, carrying and serving beverages including a receptacle plate for holding beverage containers and a bottom plate for supporting the bottom of the beverage containers, a plurality of removable vertical supports located along a perimeter for rigidly supporting and connecting the receptacle plate and the bottom plate at a distance and a cylindrical handle projecting from a side of the bottom plate for carrying the beverage tray.

Abstract: A bottle support is shown in the form of a double bottle enclosure, a single bottle enclosure and a triple bottle enclosure. Each enclosure embodiment includes an outer box having an orthorhombic shape. A lower retainer fits within a lower portion of the outer box. The lower retainer includes a top deck with holes therein to receive lower ends of bottles spaced from walls of the outer box. An upper retainer also fits within the outer box near an upper end of the outer box. The upper retainer includes a main panel with holes therein which are sized to receive necks of bottles passing therethrough. The main panel keeps the necks of the bottles from impacting the upper end of the box and centered within the outer box. The retainers are preferably formed of planar panels of rigid material, such as corrugated paperboard, cut and folded to form the retainers.

Abstract: A coupling band (3) for containers (2) comprises a substantially tubular strip (4) disposed around at least two containers (2) so as to keep them mutually coupled; the strip (4) comprises at least one first portion (5) to be steadily coupled to the outer surf ace (2a) of a respective container (2), and at least one second portion (b) to be removably interposed between said containers (2).

Abstract: A handheld article carrying device is disclosed, comprising a rigid structure with a plurality of cylindrical bins aligned in a grid formation, a handle for carrying the device and sidewall cut-outs for visualizing and accessing article barcodes within the bins. The hand carrying device is ideal for collecting cans, jars and bottles of food articles in a grocery or convenience store environment, and allowing access during checkout without requiring the user to remove the items from the carrier. Apertures extend from the upper surface of the device and terminate before the lower surface, creating a matrix of bins to house various diameter articles therein. Each bin is adjacent to a sidewall of the device to allow unobstructed vision of the article outer surface and the barcode presented thereon. Organization, carrying capacity and convenience during checkout are all improved while utilizing the carrying device.

Abstract: A rack for an automated processing system. The rack includes a number of wells adapted to hold at least a first sample container having a first size, and a second sample container having a second size. The second size, which may be a diameter, a height, or both, is substantially different from the first size. A structure joins the wells. The rack is adapted to fit in an automated processing system that is adapted to remove both the first sample container and the second sample container from the rack.

Abstract: An improved beverage holding device that may be utilized by an individual on a recreational vehicle is provided. The improved beverage holding device may have a plurality of beverage holders whereby the beverage holders may be adaptable to hold a plurality of different sized beverage containers. Moreover, the improved beverage holder may be removably attached to the handlebars and/or external portion of a recreational vehicle to hold the beverages during use of the recreational vehicle. The device may utilize a plurality of mounting brackets that attach to a recreational vehicle and have an adjustable stem on the bracket to allow for movement of the entire assembly about the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A pack (10) including at least two articles or PET containers (12) combined with each other, which are held together by means of a strip-like or ribbon-like compact strapping (18) and said strapping (18) being stretched around an outer surface (16) of the articles or PET containers (12) in a horizontal manner. The strapping (18) is made of one, two or more similar or different plastic strapping band (20) or bands (20) made of a composite material with overlapping ends each whereby a single part or multi part contact point (22) is formed by gluing and/or welding. The strapping (18) forms a relief loop (30) at the contact site (22) or apart from the contact site (22).

Abstract: A beverage serving tray for holding, supporting, carrying and serving beverages including a receptacle plate for holding beverage containers and a bottom plate for supporting the bottom of the beverage containers, a plurality of removable vertical supports located along a perimeter for rigidly supporting and connecting the receptacle plate and the bottom plate at a distance and a cylindrical handle projecting from a side of the bottom plate for carrying the beverage tray.

Abstract: A container package that includes a structural component for holding a plurality of containers, and an opener affixed to the structural component and configured to allow a user to open one of the plurality of containers without removing the opener from the structural component.

Abstract: A carrier and method of manufacture for a carrier that results in a package of containers includes a plastic sheet having an array of container apertures and a portion having a matte finish where the matte finish includes a lower coefficient of friction relative to a container than a remaining surface of the plastic sheet. A plurality of containers are each positioned within an aperture of the array so that the matte finish of the plastic sheet is positioned along an inner portion of the package and the remaining surface of the plastic sheet is positioned along an outer portion of the package.

Abstract: A pack, including at least two PET containers combined with each other, which are held together by a strip-like or ribbon-like compact strapping. The pack is provided with a carrier handle, which overstretches one top side of the pack and is fixed at the lateral surface areas of two PET containers which are arranged opposite of each other, next to each other or adjacent to each other, joints between the carrier handle and the respective PET container being at least partially arranged within the strapping.

Abstract: One embodiment of the carrier has a central vertical support panel structure with two foldable receptacles extending outwardly from the vertical support panel structure. The outside wall of each receptacle is extended upwardly and bent over to cover the receptacle, and the top portions of those walls are joined together to form a carrying handle structure, either with or without the upper portion of the vertical support panel structure. The portions of the outside walls forming the covers can have openings to receive the necks of bottles such as wine and beer bottles to give added lateral support for the bottles. A simplified embodiment uses only one of the foldable receptacles and has two lateral side walls which extend upwardly and join together to form a handle structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates a carrier comprising: (a) a bottom wall; (b) two sidewalls; and (c) a top wall having a first edge that forms an edge of at least one collapsible tab when the tab is uncollapsed and a second edge that forms an edge of at least one other collapsible tab when the tab is uncollapsed, wherein the collapsible tabs are adapted to collapse downward and fold inward and out of the plane of the top wall. The carrier of the present invention provides a grasping and handling feature which eliminates the formation of concentrated stress areas while providing a comfortable grip for the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a carrier for cans with a gripping zone. The carrier is formed from a panel of compact cardboard. The carrier permits a specific number of cans to be held together and transported.

Abstract: Food cans coated at least in part on the interior with a composition comprising an acrylic polymer and a crosslinker are disclosed. The composition is substantially epoxy-free and substantially polyester-free. The acrylic polymer has a weight average molecular weight of greater than or equal to 41,000 and an acid value of <30 mg KOH/g. Food cans coated at lease in part on the interior with a composition having a tensile strength of greater than 11 MPa are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bottle crate (10) is provided that is configured to hold a plurality of bottles in a generally upright orientation, and is particularly designed to hold bottles having a variable diameter. The bottle crate can include at least one tray and a plurality of fingers (601) elastically arranged on the tray, such that the fingers are configured to move in response to insertion or removal of a bottle.

Abstract: A collapsible insulated jacket for a beverage container is formed from the same material as that of the carton in which the beverages are sold. A plurality of insulated jackets are secured together along a perforated line. The plurality of insulated jackets can be formed as a portion of the carton or as a separate item removable secured to the carton. A layer of insulating material can be added to the material of the jacket to provide additional insulating properties for the jacket.