Combined Or Convertible Patents (Class 206/216)
  • Patent number: 6572909
    Abstract: A plastic container has a base and a lid hinged together by a hinge. The hinge has a series of relatively thick sections joined together by a series of relatively thin sections. The thin sections are sufficiently thin to be severed upon an initial folding of the hinge. The thick sections are sufficiently thick to remain at least partially intact during the initial folding. The container may be filled with product and closed with the hinge becoming partially severed and weakened and may be later opened with the hinge becoming completely severed to separate the base and the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: De Ster Corporation
    Inventors: Terry Steven Bagwell, W. John Squire
  • Publication number: 20030089626
    Abstract: A cleaning kit includes a housing member having a carrier and a convertible cover. A pivotal handle is fixed to the convertible cover, the pivotal handle being selectively folded against a surface of the convertible cover. At least one locking mechanism is provided for securing the convertible cover to the carrier and a plurality of holding clips are mounted on an inner surface of the carrier, the holding clips being provided for holding selected cleaning tools in a storage position. A telescoping handle is removably mounted in one of the plurality of holding clips as is the handle of at least one cleaning device. Each cleaning device includes an attachment head, a handle having a first end and a pivot end, and a pivot hinge positioned between the attachment head and the pivot end of the handle, the handle being selectively folded against the attachment head and in longitudinal alignment with the attachment head. The convertible cover selectively functions as either a cover or a dustpan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Brian S. Zatkoff
  • Publication number: 20030085138
    Abstract: The integral keyboard and storage organizer of the present invention provides a keyboard with a housing that can be hingably or slideably opened to access an integral storage organizer cavity. It provides for convenient organized storage of traditional desktop supplies, sundry computer related items and personal items, at no appreciable additional cost to that of a standard keyboard, and without occupying any valuable desktop space in addition to that required by the footprint of the keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Dean R. DeVolpi
  • Publication number: 20030066766
    Abstract: A packaging for two or more items includes a sleeve defining a first compartment configured to accommodate a first item. One or more ends of the sleeve is open or configured to be opened. The sleeve is formed by bringing together two longitudinal edge portions of a sheet and fixing the two longitudinal edge portions together. The packaging also includes a second compartment substantially external to the first compartment. The second compartment is configured to accommodate a second item and includes an opening that opens into the first compartment. The packaging may be associated with at least the first item and the second item so as to form an assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Marc Lechanoine, Olivier Tkacz, Philippe Strebelle
  • Patent number: 6523693
    Abstract: A convertible packaging system for shipping, storing and displaying a first merchandise item and for carrying a second merchandise item. The convertible packaging system includes an open-top box with an upper perimeter and a top attached to the open-top box by a hinge. The hinge includes two or more parallel folds so that the top has at least two degrees of freedom with respect to the open-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: International Multifoods Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Eggenberger, Richard Rylicki
  • Publication number: 20030022586
    Abstract: A unique throwable implement provides packaging and distribution of a recorded medium and opportunity for promotional dissemination. A CD is disposed with a Frisbee™-like implement for distribution of the CD. The gyroscopic stability of the implement is not unnecessarily compromised while physical protection of the CD is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Gabriel Beged-Dov
  • Patent number: 6510943
    Abstract: An outer package is provided for strapping together at least two different articles. The package is a unitary cellulosic board forming primary and secondary hollow cavities of unequal volume, the primary cavity having opposite openings on first and second ends, the secondary hollow cavity having opposite left and right ends each coverable by a closure wall when folded into a closed position. A pair of article anchoring apertures are formed in the floor wall to secure any article held within the primary cavity. A blank is also described which when assembled through adhesive securement of head and tail terminal panels forms the outer package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Persona Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Scott Okin, Josephine Telesca, Raymond Michael Flaig
  • Patent number: 6506091
    Abstract: A combination toy building block and container for holding liquids and the like having male connectors formed on one side of the container and female receptacles formed on an opposing side, wherein a male connector is threadably engaged with the container side such that it can be unscrewed to allow dispensing of the container's contents, and wherein a protrusion is recessed within one of the female receptacles for holding and/or carrying of the container. Identical containers or similar containers possessing similarly dimensioned male connectors and female receptacles can be connected to one another and/or stacked by engaging the male connectors of a first container with the female receptacles of a second container, and so on, essentially providing toy building blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Garpow
  • Publication number: 20030006151
    Abstract: A circular tray has a sloping surface extending upwardly from a central base to form a circular support ridge. A retaining ridge concentrically surrounds the support ridge. The support ridge is configured to support a plurality of shrimp arranged to form a nearly arched-shaped ring. A sauce cup is removably disposed on the central base adjacent to tails of the arranged shrimp. An outer ridge concentrically surrounds the retaining ridge. A groove formed between the outer and retaining ridges is sized and configured so as to hold a plurality of pieces of surimi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Duke Lin
  • Publication number: 20020190112
    Abstract: A container for granular, particulate or a collection of individual materials having an extension for receiving a utensil is disclosed. More particularly containers having at least one extension that has a hole in the extension so that a utensil can be hooked into the extension and packaged along with said materials is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Guy Hubert Stephane Culeron, Paulus Antonius Augustinus Hofte, Thomas Philippe Francis Marcel Edgard Koob, Alain Ormeggi
  • Publication number: 20020192433
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plurality of wipes, separable joined together. Each wipe of the plurality of wipes is moistened with a liquid in an amount of about 25 percent to about 600 percent of a dry weight of the wipe. An adhesive joins together at least two wipes of the plurality of wipes. The adhesive joins the at least two wipes together with an adhesion strength per unit adhesive length greater than 0 g/cm and less than about 200 g/cm. Alternately or additionally, the adhesive joins the at least two wipes together with an adhesion strength per unit adhesive area greater than 0 g/cm2 and less than about 1000 g/cm2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Yung Hsiang Huang, Jennifer Cappel Larson, Gerald Keith Sosalla, John C. Taylor, Stephen Michael Campbell, Stephen Robert Kehn, Chinmay Suresh Betrabet
  • Publication number: 20020185398
    Abstract: A rotary confectionary dispensing apparatus (10) including an elongated strand (20) of edible/chewable material (22) wrapped in a coiled fashion around the intermediate portion (31) of a spool member (30) having outwardly flared hub portions (32) (33) provided with central apertures (34) which are adapted to rotatably receive the opposed ends (43) of a pair of support arm elements (42) that extend upwardly from an elongated handle stem element (41); whereby, the consumption of the strand (20) of edible/chewable material (21) will cause the spool member (30) to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Lorene Freeman Price
  • Publication number: 20020185390
    Abstract: The travel container of the present invention is a disposable package in the form of a kit for the storage of drinking water and a predefined quantity of pet food to be mixed with the stored drinking water to form a predefined meal for a pet dog or pet cat when traveling on a short excursion. The travel container includes, in combination, an open receptacle having a relatively deep compartment with a flat bottom and a large opening for storing a supply of pet food and/or for use as a reservoir for providing water for the canine pet dog to drink from, a cover lid for closing the open receptacle and a separate sealed pouch in which a source of water is stored in the container. The supply of pet food and the source of water are present in proportional amounts to form a predefined convenience pet meal upon adding the water to the pet food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Angela Ciguere
  • Publication number: 20020170915
    Abstract: A closure for a container includes a body portion and a lid portion that is hingedly attached to the body portion for sealing and unsealing an orifice that is defined in the body portion for opening and closing the container. A removable cover is advantageously attached to the lid portion so as to define a supplemental compartment between the lid portion and the removable cover. The coverage is preferably substantially transparent, and a graphic element may be placed within the supplemental compartment so that it will be viewable by a consumer. Alternatively, product such as a lip balm could be situated within the supplemental compartment. In one embodiment, the removable cover is completely removable from the rest of the closure, while in a second embodiment it is hingedly mounted to the lid portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Valentin Hierzer
  • Patent number: 6457266
    Abstract: An overshoe structure comprises an overshoe, a container for holding the overshoe, and a fastening device for fastening detachably the container to a regular shoe. The overshoe can be pulled out of the container such that the overshoe is worn over the regular shoe. The container may be made integrally with the regular shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Chuan-An Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20020117409
    Abstract: An outer package is provided for strapping together at least two different articles. The package is a unitary cellulosic board forming primary and secondary hollow cavities of unequal volume, the primary cavity having opposite openings on first and second ends, the secondary hollow cavity having opposite left and right ends each coverable by a closure wall when folded into a closed position. A pair of article anchoring apertures are formed in the floor wall to secure any article held within the primary cavity. A blank is also described which when assembled through adhesive securement of head and tail terminal panels forms the outer package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA Division of Conopco., Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Scott Okin, Josephine Telesca, Raymond Michael Flaig
  • Publication number: 20020084197
    Abstract: A combination beach bag and blanket wherein the blanket is connected to a wall of the beach bag such that it may be folded and carried by the bag. The blanket has means for securing a towel thereto. The bag may be easily packed and transported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Nicole Carbonneau
  • Patent number: 6405865
    Abstract: A tool box includes a body and a cap movably mounted to the body which has an board and a post extends from the board. A plurality of passages are defined through the post so as to receive bits in the passages. An engaging recess is defined in a distal end of the post. The cap has an open bottom for mounting to the post and a close top through which a hole is defined so that a bit extends through the hole and is securely engaged with the engaging recess, and the tool box is used as a screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Home Soon Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Nee Lin
  • Patent number: 6401927
    Abstract: An innovative pop-up food tray for combination meals to function as a lap or seat mounted support for the typical sandwich, drink cup and French fry container related to eating drive-in fast-food while operating an vehicle, which includes the features of a pair of automatic pop-out food tray support legs that position the tray in a passenger seat retained by the seat belt or in the drivers lap, a multiple spring cam mechanism for accommodating a wide variety of drink cup sizes, providing a fold out panel that catches spilled food particles while eating seated in a moving vehicle, a foldable condiment serving tub, a fold out cover that contains the used food containers for convenient disposal, punch out game pieces, a random number spinner wheel and a wide variety of games printed on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Bradford T. Sorensen, Marcia G. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020023850
    Abstract: A waste removal device for collecting waste material is disclosed. The waste removal device comprises a first sheet having an inner surface and a second sheet attached to the first sheet and overlying the inner surface to define an envelope for storing the waste material. The waste removal device also includes a third sheet made from an absorbent material and overlying the inner surface of the first sheet adjacent to the second sheet. The third sheet is intended to contact the waste material while the waste removal device is being used and the first sheet is intended to provide added protection to a user by protecting the user from the waste material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Jesse Max Dean
  • Publication number: 20020017468
    Abstract: Combined packages including a multi-pack carton of beverage containers and one or more complementary containers are disclosed. The multi-pack carton typically contains at least six or twelve beverage containers, which can be cans or bottles. A packaging material at least partially surrounds both the multi-pack carton and the complementary container, thus holding the multi-pack carton and the complementary container in mutual abutment. A combined package can also include an adhesive between the multi-pack carton and the complementary container that holds a face of the multi-pack carton and a face of the container in mutual abutment. To facilitate palletizing the combined packages, the surface areas of the faces can be approximately the same, and the overall shape of the combined package can be generally rectanguloidal. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing such combined packages are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Forrest Kelly Clay
  • Publication number: 20020008106
    Abstract: An improved container for food and other perishable products comprising a simple construction and a multi-functional cap. The container allows for the storage of multiple products separately within the container as well as consumption of the products while “on the go.” The multi-functional cap nests over and seals the mouth end of the container, allows for the nesting of a sub-container inside the cap, and allows the products to be resealed without contaminating each other. The container is ergonomically and stylishly shaped to provide a comfortable hand grip for a variety of consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, John Joseph Michels
  • Publication number: 20010052480
    Abstract: In a paper container 10 having a hexahedral configuration which is formed by shaping paper into a box, the paper container 10 comprises a container main body 12 and a lid member 14 hingedly attached to a back side edge part of an upper end open surface 13 of the container main body 12 and adapted to open/close the upper end open surface 13, a front board 15 of the container main body 12 being formed with a concave cutout part 16 extending from the upper end open surface 13. The lid member 14 comprises an upper surface lid part 17 for covering the upper end open surface 13, a front surface lid part 18 large enough to cover the concave cutout part 16, and a pair of side lid parts 19 interposed between side edge parts of the upper surface lid part 17 and side edge parts of the front surface lid part 18 and adapted to vertically join the front surface lid part 18 with the upper surface lid part 17.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Yuji Kawaguchi, Michiaki Fujita, Hidesato Kizaki, Kozo Ohira
  • Patent number: 6328157
    Abstract: The candy dispensing novelty item is a transparent, tubular container having an eyeball-shaped dispensing cap at a first end, a furry head piece and a cotton pompom necklace at a second end, and a shoulder strap and whistle. The shoulder strap passes through holes in the container and through the dispensing cap sleeve so as to secure the cap in a manner analogous to a tether or a leash. That is, each end of the shoulder strap terminates with a bead that is larger than the holes in the container and cap sleeve through which the strap passes. The dispensing cap has a ring-shaped exterior lip to halt the insertion of the cap sleeve into the first end of the container. Numerals representing the sports jersey of a favorite player may also be provided on top of the furry head piece. As a safety feature, the eyeball-shaped figure on the dispensing cap is reflective and serves to warn vehicles in a parking lot of oncoming pedestrian sports fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Joe M. Tolver
  • Patent number: 6318713
    Abstract: A portable workbench, comprises a molded plastic base structure and a molded plastic upper work structure. Wheels and a transport handle are mounted on the base structure. The transport handle is constructed and arranged to be manually engaged to move the base structure between a) a storage operative position wherein the base structure is stabily supported on a horizontal surface and b) a storage transport position wherein the wheels rollingly contact the horizontal surface so that the base structure can be moved along the horizontal surface using the handle. The upper work structure is constructed and arranged to be supported on an upper portion of the base structure in a storage operative position. The upper work structure and the base structure cooperate when in the storage operative positions thereof to define a storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: ZAG Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Roni Levi
  • Publication number: 20010035366
    Abstract: Interchangeable portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon, allows a single cooler body or container body to have a first logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time, upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having a different sports logo, each mating directly or through interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container. Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners, guide members, or elastomeric attaching members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Mary Purvis
  • Publication number: 20010027958
    Abstract: A container made up of a container and the corresponding cover for keeping a liquid or solid consumer product, such as a cosmetic product, a personal care product, a medical product, a household product or the like, tightly sealed, while simultaneously making the fragrance of this product available to the outside. The container or the cover has a chamber suitable to receive a fragranced insert, and the chamber has at least one perforation through which the fragranced insert is at least partially exposed to the outside and the chamber has a seal separating the fragranced insert from the inside of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: John Short, Thomas McGee
  • Patent number: 6293393
    Abstract: A combined food and beverage package including a snack food container and a multi-pack carton of beverage containers is disclosed. The multi-pack carton typically contains at least six or twelve beverage containers, which can be cans or bottles. A packaging material at least partially surrounds both the multi-pack carton and the snack food container, thus holding the multi-pack carton and the snack food container in combination. The combined package can also include an adhesive between the multi-pack carton and the snack food container that holds a face of the multi-pack carton and a face of the snack food container in mutual abutment. To facilitate palletizing the combined packages, the surface areas of the faces can be approximately the same. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing such a combined food and beverage package are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: SDK Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Forrest Kelly Clay
  • Patent number: 6276859
    Abstract: An adhesive tape pen, comprises essentially a pen casing, a pen clip, adhesive tape rolls and an ink cartridge. The adhesive tape rolls are provided within the pen casing, and are fixed within the pen casing by a central shaft in a manner that the rolls can rotate by an external pulling force. A slit is provided in the pen casing for cutting the adhesive tape. The ink cartridge can be exposed by rotation of the front portion of the pen casing and thus can likewise be used for writing. The adhesive tape pen has functions of writing and tape sticking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Jeou-En Hsu
  • Publication number: 20010013358
    Abstract: A container apparatus for use in combination with an umbrella having an umbrella mast and umbrella canopy includes a food container having a container top wall, a container side wall and a container bottom wall together defining a container interior, with an umbrella mast passing port, a mast engaging structure, and a container interior access door; so that the umbrella mast of may be inserted into the mast passing port and advanced into the interior of the container and engaged by the mast engaging structure, thereby holding the umbrella mast upright relative to the container and so that the container stabilizes the umbrella, which can be opened over the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventor: Samuel F. Patarra
  • Patent number: 6269948
    Abstract: An article for use with a laptop computing device protects the device during periods of non-use, including transport, while stabilizing the device when positioned on a user's lap. The article provides a base panel having front, rear and two side sections, a lower surface adapted to rest on a user's lap, and an upper surface to receive the bottom surface of the laptop device. The preferred embodiment includes two side panels, each with a storage compartment, which may be dressed over the user's thighs to assist in stabilizing the laptop device during use. Attachment means are preferably provided for securing the side panels to one another across the top surface of the computing device during periods of non-use or transport. Preferably flexible front and rear panels may also be folded over and onto the top surface of the computer in overlapping fashion beneath the secured side panels to create a protective device wrapper in conjunction with surrounding closure means and a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: W. Shaun Jackson
  • Patent number: 6254693
    Abstract: The invention relates to a golf equipment storage device for use in an automobile for convenient transport of various golfing equipment. The golf equipment storage device includes a compartment for holding golf shoes, and a removable liner normally disposed therein. The removable liner has an abrasive surface that can be used to clean grass and debris off of golf cleats and the bottoms of golf shoes. The removable liner may also have a non-abrasive surface that the user may stand on when changing shoes. In use, the removable liner is removed and the user wipes the bottoms of the golf shoes and the golf cleats on the abrasive surface for cleaning. The removable liner is then restored to the compartment, and the golf shoes may then be placed on top of the liner for transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Brian C. Dawson, Brendan K. Ozanne
  • Patent number: 6244434
    Abstract: A tobacco combination pack is provided including a tobacco product and an article related to, and separate from, the tobacco product. The tobacco product and related article are packaged together in a first container and sold as a single item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: William Brooks
  • Publication number: 20010001195
    Abstract: The invention comprises an openable and closable storage unit (1) adapted so as to be capable of enclosing a folded-up display unit (2), consisting of one or more stand parts and one or more information-carrying sheets, screens or the like, first and second end-wall parts (11, 12) which belong to a wall part (10), said wall part (10) being arranged to, in cross section, form a cross-sectional area following one or both said end-wall parts (11, 12). A first storage space (5) is given a circular or in any case essentially circular cross section by means of part-circular units (7) which are formed in plane wall sections (10b) or applied thereto. A second storage space (6) is given a semi-circular or in any case essentially semi-circular cross section by means of units (8) which are formed in or next to said plane wall sections or attached thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: May 17, 2001
    Inventor: Erik Ola Ahlberg
  • Patent number: 6223899
    Abstract: A tool box assembly having lighting and warning functions, including a tool box body having a receiving recess in a central portion of one lateral end thereof, an integrated circuit control device retained in the receiving recess, and a transparent light converging lens fittingly abutting against the receiving recess. The receiving recess has a stepped rim, which is provided with a plurality of retaining posts projecting therefrom and lying in a horizontal state for retaining the light converging lens. A periphery of the light converging lens is provided with a plurality of retaining notches for receiving the retaining posts of the tool box body. Three generally slanting abutting grooves of three different sizes are arranged by order of size between each two retaining notches. The smallest abutting grooves just abut against the retaining posts of the tool box body when the light converging lens is rotated so that the light converging lens is firmly positioning in the receiving recess of the tool box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Tsai-Chien Shih
  • Patent number: 6179787
    Abstract: The present invention is a collection container assembly comprising a container having a removable rounded bottom end and wherein the external dimensions of the container are substantially the same as a standard-sized blood collection tube but with a reduced internal volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Karin E. Kelly, Donald J. Carano, Gary R. Henniger
  • Patent number: 6173833
    Abstract: A package (10) is disclosed including a tray (22) having an annular flange (34) extending from the open end (26) of a basket (24) receiving a promotional device (38). The open end (26) of the basket (24) is closed by a clear membrane label (32) extending thereover and onto the flange (34) to seal the promotional device (38) in the basket (24). The flange (34) includes a tab extension (37) and the clear membrane label (32) includes a pull tab (33) which is not secured to the tray (22). The basket (24) is inserted into an opening (20) formed in a panel (14) of a carton (12) until the flange (34) abuts with the panel (14) around the opening (20). A second label (36) is secured over the tray (22) and to the panel (14) around the flange (34) to attach the tray (22) to the carton (12). In a first form, the second label (36) has adhesive at least around the periphery thereof for adhering to the panel (14) outside the tray (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: David Strehlow
  • Patent number: 6129210
    Abstract: A storage and carry wrap for a plurality of storage containers of relatively rigid material comprises a generally rectangularly shaped base panel having an inner face, an outer face, and opposed ends. A handle is affixed to the base panel midway between the ends. A plurality of pockets or receptacles are affixed to the base panel and are longitudinally disposed along the inner face thereof for releasably receiving the containers. The portions of the base panel on each side of the handle are foldable along spaced-apart transversely extending fold lines to each assume a generally U-shaped configuration with the receptacles being disposed in confronting relation. A cover affixed to the base panel proximal the handle includes first and second cover panel sections extending in opposite directions from the handle, and connects to the base panel portions when folded in their U-shaped configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Plano Molding Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rustemeyer, Joseph Fiore, Donald E. Godshaw, Andrzej Redzisz
  • Patent number: 6116500
    Abstract: A container for containing a food product and an ancillary product is provided, which includes a tubular body formed of a paperboard material, at least one retaining rim formed by bending one of the ends of the tubular body radially inwardly, and a cup for holding ancillary products and separating and protecting the ancillary products from the food product. The cup has an open end which is in engagement with the retaining rim for retaining the cup within the tubular body. In this arrangement, the container is capable of withstanding internal pressure generated by packaged dough or other pressurized products without the use of expensive, opaque crimped metal ends, thereby overcoming deficiencies of conventional product and ancillary product containers. This arrangement permits the container to utilize transparent plastic ends so that consumers may observe the ancillary product packaged in the container and avoid food product discoloration frequently caused by metal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Sonoco Development Inc.
    Inventor: Glenda J. Cahill
  • Patent number: 6102233
    Abstract: A container (10) suitable for mounting on the neck of a bottle or other vessel having an annular abutment surface formed thereon and for containing a gift item consists of first and second wall sections (12,14) which are fixed together to form a generally closed space containing the gift item. One of the wall sections (14) has formed in it an opening (17) having around its periphery a plurality of elongate resilient fingers (18) projecting into the interior of the container. The fingers (18) together define a substantially frusto-conical structure such that when the neck of the bottle or other vessel is inserted into the container (10) through the opening (17) the fingers (18) are forced apart to allow passage of the neck until they have moved over the abutment surface formed on it. The ends of the plurality of fingers (18) engaged with the abutment surface to oppose movement of the neck of the bottle or other vessel out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Alligator Sales Limited
    Inventor: James Waugh
  • Patent number: 6098798
    Abstract: A package for an electrical floor box of the type adapted to be mounted in a sub-floor for receiving a wiring device to allow connection to an electrical circuit includes a cardboard container having a size sufficient to permit the floor box to be contained therein, a reclosable flap for allowing the cardboard container to be opened for receiving the floor box and closed to enclose the floor box in the cardboard container, and indicia on the surface of the cardboard container defining the perimeter of a portion of the box adapted, when separated from the remainder of the container and folded, to form a temporary cover for the floor box for at least partially closing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Abbott, Michael Zaferakis, David Dowd, James Osterbrock
  • Patent number: 6076663
    Abstract: A carrier for holding a plurality of accumulating containers that accommodate small items. A plurality of fitting holes are formed in the flat-shaped carrier so that the shapes of the holes are substantially identical with the sectional shape of the accumulating containers in the periphery of their upper end portions, and respective accumulating containers are fitted to the fitting holes of the carrier such that at least a part of the main body of each one of the accumulating containers is exposed outside of the carrier. The carrier may alternatively be arranged by overlapping aperture sections of two flat-shaped box bodies with each other. The accumulating containers may be made so as to be transparent such that contents thereof are visible when the accumulating containers are held in the carrier, and the accumulating containers may also be made to be somewhat flexible such that they are hardly detachable from the fitting holes to which they have been fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Jefcom Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kensuke Shima
  • Patent number: 6070718
    Abstract: A insulated container system for facilitating storage of items with minimal temperature change over time. The insulated container system includes a container of insulated material having a removable lid stabilized by magnets, a table top stabilized by magnets, and a compartmented removable insulating insert generally conforming to an interior shape of the container. The compartments of the insert are designed for retaining hot or cold packs within the main compartment. Additional side compartments and a storage drawer are provided. The table top is foldable for storage between brackets on the main compartment. It is most preferred that the container include a flared bottom portion for preventing tippage of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: David A. Drabwell
  • Patent number: 6068114
    Abstract: A sleeve-type package having upper and lower rows of individual product containing containers wherein the upper row is located within the tubular rectangular sleeve and the lower row has its container tops within the rectangular sleeve with the bottoms of the lower rows projecting down out of a cutout in the bottom of the rectangular sleeve. A generally flat spoon insert having a spoon panel with a plurality of spoon blanks and at least one protective panel is positioned within the rectangular sleeve between the upper and lower rows of product containers. Several embodiments of blanks with a plurality of spoons are shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Kraft Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: John Zimmerman, Kenneth Anthony Sears, Robert David Dunn
  • Patent number: 6062385
    Abstract: A multifunctional tool box comprising (a) a central container having an article-holding recess on the top surface thereof and a second article-holding recess on the bottom surface thereof, the center of the front edge of the central container being mounted with a pair of male engaging elements, facing each other, the rear edge corners of the central container being provided with a pair of female connection holes, and a handle being pivotally disposed across the male engaging elements; (b) a top and a bottom edge cover individually provided with an article-holding recess, and the center of the front edge thereof being individually provided with an engaging member and the four corners of the top and the bottom edge cover being disposed with a female connection hole, and the center of the rear edge of the top and the bottom edge cover being provided with a male fastener member, (c) a plurality of connection plates having one surface being provided with two perpendicular protrusions to mount the central container
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Chiung-Hua Cho
  • Patent number: 6045038
    Abstract: A box includes a plurality of outer panels collectively bounding an accommodation space for accommodating at least one item. At least some of the outer side panels have integrally formed inner side panels. The inner side panels may be automatically distanced from their respective outer side panels by moving the outer side panels from a collapsed flat position to an erected position. Certain panels of the box may be folded back on adjacent panels. The space between two panels may be utilized. For example it may be a display space, a compartment accessible through an opening panel, or a storage space for a dispenser pack. Opening or closing a panel on the box, or another action on the box, may trigger various functions of the box components or contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Motion Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Smith, Richard N. Beneroff, Eric Kim
  • Patent number: 6026952
    Abstract: A beverage and tobacco combination package is provided including a preselected amount of a beverage provided in a first container and a tobacco product in a second container separate from the first container. The preselected amount of the beverage in the first container and the tobacco product in the second container are preferably packaged together in a third container separate from the first and second containers and sold as a single item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: William Brooks
  • Patent number: 6021891
    Abstract: A pencil box includes a tray for holding pencils, a lid pivotally attached to the tray, at least one pencil sharpener mounted in the lid, and a receptacle for pencil shavings mounted on the lid and having a normally closed door thereon openable to an exposed exterior surface of the lid when the lid is closed on the tray. The pencil box allows a method of sharpening pencils which includes the following steps: providing a pencil box having a lid and a pencil sharpener integrally mounted therein with a door for dumping shavings opening to the exterior of the box, inserting a pencil into the sharpener, sharpening the pencil so as to generate shavings, and opening the door when necessary to discard the shavings without opening the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Richard A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5992619
    Abstract: The packaging comprises two generally hollow half-shells connected to each other in face-to-face relationship along their associated mouth edges. At least one, and preferably both of the aforesaid half-shells are closed by associated sealing sheets the connection of which on the facing surfaces leads to the connection of the two half-shells. Both of the half-shells as well as the sealing sheet or sheets are provided with projections for use in opening the packaging, formed in correspondence with the mouth edges of the half-shells so as to be aligned with and superimposed over each other in the finished packaging. The connection of the sealing sheet or sheets to the associated half-shell also includes the aforesaid tongue parts which are not, however, affected by the connection of the two half-shells to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Soremartec S. A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Milano
  • Patent number: 5971148
    Abstract: An article for use with a laptop computing device protects the device during periods of non-use, including transport, while stabilizing the device when positioned on a user's lap. The article provides a base panel having front, rear and two side sections, a lower surface adapted to rest on a user's lap, and an upper surface to receive the bottom surface of the laptop device. The preferred embodiment includes two side panels, each with a storage compartment, which may be dressed over the user's thighs to assist in stabilizing the laptop device during use. Attachment means are preferably provided for securing the side panels to one another across the top surface of the computing device during periods of non-use or transport. Preferably flexible front and rear panels may also be folded over and onto the top surface of the computer in overlapping fashion beneath the secured side panels to create a protective device wrapper in conjunction with surrounding closure means and a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: W. Shaun Jackson