Pliant Retainer Patents (Class 206/478)
  • Patent number: 5803261
    Abstract: A three-dimensional insert for use in a handling system comprising a sheet of cardstock or the like defined by ends and first and second sides, a laminate applied to the top surface of the cardstock, and an overwrap material bonded to the laminate proximate to the first and second sides. This structure enables a three-dimensional object to be placed within the overwrap material without risk of movement to the peripheral sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: C. Joyce Witt
    Inventors: Anthony J. Nowakowski, Gretchen J. Abel
  • Patent number: 5799791
    Abstract: Invention relates to a portable and display carrying case for receiving, displaying an transporting a plurality of collectable items, such as the popular Beanie Babies, and related accessories. The case comprises a pair of outer members, preferably rectangular in shape, hingedly secured along one pair of complementary edges, and a center inner panel member configured to nest between the outer members. The inner panel member is provided with an array of elastic-type straps secured at their respective ends to the inner panel member, to receive the items, and includes a corresponding array of collapsible boxes for securing the accessories. Fastening members are provided to secure the outer members together, such as a zipper, about the periphery thereof to form a closed carrying case. Finally, a handle may be included along the periphery of the case for easily transporting the Beanie Babies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Beth A. Harley
  • Patent number: 5738218
    Abstract: This is a container for the protection of an object during shipping. It is foldable (preferably from a single sheet) and forms a platform for supporting the object, which platform is separated from the exterior wall of the container by the use of at least one spacer panel attached to the edge of the support platform. The object is held firmly against the support platform in such a way that it too is spaced away from the container wall. Although the disclosed container may have open ends, it desirably has ends completing the enclosure that also fold from the beginning sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Juanita A. Gonzales
  • Patent number: 5529184
    Abstract: A protective device for a electronic instrument such as a personal computer includes a springy frame that supports a diaphragm in the manner of a drum skin, the electronic instrument or personal computer being attached directly to the diaphragm and being supported thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Outrigger, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard D. Sadow
  • Patent number: 5515969
    Abstract: A holder for tools, instruments and the like has a base surface juxtaposed with a countersurface, the base surface being provided with an array of elastically deformable bristles, e.g. on an artificial turf strip cemented to one of the surfaces, for engaging the objects inserted into the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Parat-Werk Schonenbach GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz Schonenbach
  • Patent number: 5427230
    Abstract: Disclosed is a jewelry holder 10 for organizing earrings 27, necklaces 30, bracelets 31, and other items of jewelry. The jewelry holder 10 has a flexible mesh sheet 11 with a plurality of apertures 12. The jewelry holder 10 is hung from a clothes hanger 13 or other suitable rod by a pair of mounting strips 14. Fabric segments 20 support jewelry such as clip-on earrings, and lower support straps 23 accommodate other items of jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets. Also disclosed is a method for displaying and organizing jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Sunfish, Inc.
    Inventor: Kathleen R. Mattox
  • Patent number: 5427240
    Abstract: A shipping box for plants set with soil in pots, in which a plurality of holder panels are positioned in the box in spaced relation. Each panel is formed with a plurality of pairs of entry slots extending vertically upwardly from the bottom of the panel. The entry slots terminate at their upper ends in retaining slots adapted to receive elastic, resilient retainer bands which when expanded are adapted to extend around and thus constrict a potted plant and resiliently bias the plant toward the panel. The plant is thus retained in position during shipping, and its spilling of soil is prevented in the event the box is tipped or tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Holtkamp Greenhouse, Inc.
    Inventor: Reinhold Holtkamp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5413214
    Abstract: The suture holder is provided for a plurality of individually removable strands, in particular surgical suture material. The sutures are guided, as a bundle of strands, in parallel paths through these surrounding hollow tubular members, the paths running through the hollow members in pairs and the pairs of paths being separated from one another by the hollow members. All sutures are guided through the holder in one bundle of strands, with multiple changes of direction, in the same paths. In addition, in the reversing region of adjacent hollow members they are supported by a wall arranged transverse to the parallel paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Deknatel Medizinische Produkte GmbH
    Inventor: Ingoberth Schonke
  • Patent number: 5351822
    Abstract: A retainer for an elongated surgical implement, includes a middle panel and distal and proximal end panels which are foldably connected to the middle panel so as to be movable to an overlap configuration. The proximal end panel has gussets for dividing the panel into two portions, one of which contacts a surface of the middle panel and the other of which is spaced apart from the surface of the middle panel to create a cavity within which the instrument is positioned. The retainer includes tabs for locking the end panels in their overlap configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: Hans-Jurgen F. Sinn
  • Patent number: 5337896
    Abstract: A package for a medical specimen slide formed by a sheet foldable to a packaged condition has end panels and side panels joined to a central base portion of the sheet, each end panel having corner portions foldable to a crush resistant configuration so as to support the end panels and the side panels away from contact with the specimen slide. The package sheet also has a slide retainer consisting of two cuts in the sheet spaced to define a retaining band under which is inserted the specimen slide for retention to the package sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Abner Levy
  • Patent number: 5325967
    Abstract: A packaging device formed of substantially rigid material, comprising a container, such as a cardboard carton, with a sheet of substantially rigid material, such as cardboard, fastened inside some distance above the bottom, with a perforation through the sheet, in which an article of goods to be packaged is wrapped inside of a flexible membrane, such as a plastic bag, with the free ends of the membrane drawn downwards through the perforation and pulled tightly and wrapped around at least one edge of the sheet and fastened with a staple through the membrane and the sheet of substantially rigid material which causes the goods to be held tightly against the sheet in the proximity of the perforation to protect the goods against damage due to rough handling of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Juanita A. Gonzales
  • Patent number: 5289916
    Abstract: An animated toy with articulated moving parts in a package is disclosed. An opening in the package allows a person to operate a switch to activate the toy. When the toy is activated, the moving articulated parts can be observed through openings in the package or alternatively through transparent sections in the package. In addition, lights can be activated and flashed and an annunciator can be employed to emit sounds which are seen and heard by the person while the animated toy is in the package. In another embodiment, the front side of the package is open and the toy is secured to the back side with a band, allowing for access to activate the toy and to observe the moving articulated parts through the open side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: S. R. Mickelberg Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Mickelberg
  • Patent number: 5176257
    Abstract: A package for a medical specimen slide is constructed of a sheet including side panels and end panels joined to a central base portion, with latching portions for holding all the panels in a packaged condition, and a specimen slide is inserted through two rectangular openings and under a retaining band for holding the slide against the base portion. The openings are dimensioned for easy insertion and secure holding of the slide and the package is sized so that the slide holds the end and side panels spaced away from the specimen on the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Abner Levy
  • Patent number: 5100001
    Abstract: A tray is disclosed which includes structure designed to allow secure holding of a plate thereon. The tray is provided with a recess or opening designed to receive the central portion of a plate therein. The plate has two opposed slots, each of which is intended to receive a strap which is fixed to the tray. Each strap is extended through a slot in the plate and is doubled back upon itself and fastened using a suitable fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: James T. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5082111
    Abstract: A disposable surgical instrument holder for holding a number of surgical instruments, tubes and wires includes a narrow, elongate base member that can be attached adhesively to a patient's body or drape. A plurality of flaps are releasably attached to the base member by way of hinges and hook and loop fasteners. Each flap can be pulled back from the base member and then can be resecured once an instrument has been inserted between the flap and the base member. The holder can be provided with a sheet of abrasive material in order to permit surgical instruments to be cleaned during the course of an operation. The holders can be stored within sterile packages for use whenever convenient to the surgeon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Surgical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Corbitt, Jr., Kenneth M. Kuzmick, Stephanie L. O'Hearn, Albert N. Santilli
  • Patent number: 5018253
    Abstract: A device for displaying an article comprising a support having first and second apertures, a U-shaped member having first and second legs received in respective ones of said first and second apertures, said legs each having unidirectional teeth disposed thereon for engaging sides of said first and second apertures such that the legs can be translated in the apertures in a first direction to secure the article between the legs by a first force applied in the first direction but cannot be moved in a direction opposite the first direction by an oppositely applied force unless a second force perpendicular to the first force is applied to the legs while applying the force opposite the first force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Ultimate Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry W. Oppenheimer
  • Patent number: 5018624
    Abstract: A traylike member is provided for use with a removable cover to form a container in which is accommodated a product. The traylike member includes a surface which subtends and supportingly engages the product. A marginal section extends from the periphery of the surface and is spaced outwardly from the product when the latter is engaging the surface. The surface is provided with a plurality of relatively spaced locating elements which are independently adjustable between operative and inoperative modes. When in an operative mode, the locating elements project upwardly from the surface and coact with one another to restrain relative lateral movement of the supported product with respect to the surface. When in the inoperative mode, the locating elements assume non-upwardly projecting positions relative to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America
    Inventors: Theodore R. Arneson, Robert F. Hitchcock, Julie D. N. Williams
  • Patent number: 4940068
    Abstract: A folder has separate front and back covers with imaginary fold lines between adjacent edges. The covers are apertured near their corners. An elastic tie band connects the front and back covers by interlacing sequentially through the apertures such that the folder opens by rotation of one cover relative to the other in either direction. The folding action causes the elastic tie band to surround inserted contents and hold them in place. The elastic tie band also facilitates removal of contents from the folder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventors: Herta M. Pokorny, Stefania Pokorny
  • Patent number: 4883174
    Abstract: Wrench socket assembly for holding wrench sockets with their drive or wrench handle-engaging ends up, each socket being tightly held by and swivelable relative to an elastomeric ball received in and of somewhat greater cross-sectional area than its nut or work-engaging opening, the balls being molded on and, when worn, discardable with studs releasably mounted upright on a supporting surface of a holder and being arranged in the holder in seleted size sequence, and the size and shape of the work opening of each socket being anodized or otherwise imprinted on its drive end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Ralph F. Reeside
  • Patent number: 4865097
    Abstract: A protection system includes a body cover capable of being wrapped around an antique doll to form a generally tubular protective wrap. The body cover includes first and second spaced apart body ties for securing the body cover to the doll body section. First and second exterior tie straps are positionable around the outer surface of the body cover to maintain the body cover tightly wrapped around the doll. A pair of bootlets pass over and protect the shoes and feet of the doll. A head cover is provided to cover and protect the doll's head. A pair of hand mitts are provided to cover and protect the doll's hands and fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Patricia L. Allen
  • Patent number: 4828108
    Abstract: The package of the present invention comprises a sheath formed from a folded, relatively rigid strip having structure for receiving and releasably holding the ends of the fiber to be packaged. In a preferred embodiment, the fiber is between the two folded over parts of the strip with the ends of the fiber anchored in place in a pair of slits. The sheath is in a pouch formed by a pair of foil members on opposite sides of the sheath. When ready for use, the package is opened by peeling the foil members apart, thereby exposing the sheath and permitting access to the fiber carried by the sheath. An improved apparatus and method are provided to form the package. In the first instance, the sheath is prepared by first folding a strip of relatively rigid material, such as siliconized polyester, then moving the folded strip along a path of travel and feeding the fiber into the region between the parts of the strip as the strip moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Roth, Andrew Nelsen
  • Patent number: 4789064
    Abstract: This invention concerns a clip for binding a set of plastic eating utensils together. The utensils to be bound together each have a pair of substantially parallel flexible, preferably plastic cylindrical arms forming the handle thereof. The utensils are generally formed so that they may be nested together one upon the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Inventor: Paul Segal
  • Patent number: 4720010
    Abstract: A stock assembly is provided for storing a mass of individual closed loops used in suspending sausages and for successively supplying the loops to an automatic sausage-sealing machine. Each loop compries a piece of yarn arranged in an elongated loop configuration with the ends thereof knotted together at one end of the loop. The stock assembly includes a long strip member of resilient material adapted to be wound onto a reel. The loops are detachably affixed to the strip member lengthwise thereof one after the other in closely spaced relationship so that each loop member overlaps the adjacent loop member at one end thereof and is overlapped by the adjacent loop member of the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Hans J. Bertram
  • Patent number: 4712683
    Abstract: The present invention deals with a new display card of plastic material, which is particularly usable in the packaging of collars and leashes for cats or dogs, distinguished in that the display card includes:a device, preferably on the side of the card, for hanging the card on the bar of a display unit;a first longitudinal anti-theft device comprising an elongated strap, one end of which is hingedly secured to the card, and the other end of which includes a series of ratchet teeth adapted to be inserted through and secured in a slot in the card;a second anti-theft device similar to the first, preferably arranged in a direction perpendicular to that of the first device; andoptionally, a notch formed in the bottom edge of the card and at least one opening in the card adjacent to the notch for winding up therein objects of a certain length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Nestec, S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre Cazin
  • Patent number: 4711352
    Abstract: A device for holding and protecting delicate instruments, such as microsurgical instruments, such as microsurgical instruments, is described. The device to protect delicate features of instruments from damage during shipping, storage, or other forms of handling. The device includes a base or stage on which spacing means and first and second securing means are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Vxtra Corp.
    Inventors: Rodger W. Williams, Charles W. Atwood
  • Patent number: 4667827
    Abstract: A belt package carrier for blister card packages with a locking strap to prevent accidental disengagement of the blister cards from the belt package carrier during shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventor: Victor Calcerano
  • Patent number: 4641751
    Abstract: A cosmetic carrier adapted for use alone or for placement in the bottom of a larger container to contain a plurality of cosmetic bottles and the like from bumping and tipping in transit. The carrier comprises an open topped resiliently rigid container having sidewalls and a bottom. A vertically disposed ribbon of elastic material horizontally crisscrosses the container between a plurality of first points on one area of the sidewalls and a plurality of second points disposed between the first points on a second area of the sidewalls opposite the first area to create a plurality of generally triangular areas within the container each being bounded on two sides by the elastic material and on a third side by a portion of the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Inventor: Mildred W. Walker
  • Patent number: 4597493
    Abstract: A device for protecting medical instruments during sterilization and subsequent handling comprising a support member formed with a retaining loop for holding the instrument on the support member. A clear plastic sheet is joined at a portion of the margin of the support member to define a pocket into which the cutting edges of the medical instrument are placed for protection. A projection of the sheet which overhangs the open end of the pocket can be folded away from the support member to facilitate insertion of the instrument tips into the pocket. For jointed instruments, the support member may also have an attached flap which is folded to position between the open handles of the instrument and thereby separate the instrument's cutting edges during the sterilization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventor: Loran H. Bruso
  • Patent number: 4573569
    Abstract: A storage and display case having an open top enclosure formed of two portions hingedly connected at the middle of the enclosure. The hinged relation between the enclosure portions permits the enclosure to be supported in a V-shaped configuration between the sidewalls or end walls of an enclosure cover. One of the enclosure portions is provided with means for holding elongated objects, such as paintbrushes, in the form of a slotted frame affixed between the sidewalls of the enclosure portion and a row of clips or grippers. The slots in the frame progressively increase in width from one end of the frame to the other end thereof and the distance between the consecutive grippers in the row progressively increases in a corresponding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Inventor: Dolores V. Parker
  • Patent number: 4508221
    Abstract: A tool caddy for holding a variety of small tools of varying sizes, such as drill bits, saw blades, or the like. The tool caddy is intended to be adhesively attached to an electric drill or saber saw or the like to keep the interchangeable tool elements readily at hand. The device comprises a flat sheet of flexible material having a plurality of parallel spaced apart longitudinal corrugated tool-receiving pockets on the upper surface of the base sheet. A layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive covers the bottom surface of the base sheet for attachment to a tool housing. A removable peelable cover sheet overlies the adhesive pending application to the tool housing. An elastic strap or band extends transversely over the top surface of the tool-receiving pockets to retain a chuck key, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Inventor: David V. Olson
  • Patent number: 4334812
    Abstract: A universal cargo restraint system for an intermodal shipping container. h of four restraint cables are connected at the one end thereof to one of the corners of the container front panel and extend rearwardly to a movable rear bulkhead. The other end of each cable includes a threaded rod extending through a selected one of a plurality of holes at the sides of the bulkhead. Nuts adjustable along the length of the rod urge the bulkhead against the cargo within the container. Dunnage and shims positioned about the cargo provide to bracing against to-and-fro and sway motion. A singular cable configuration enables easy installation in and removal from various container and cargo configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: John J. Delatush
  • Patent number: 4262800
    Abstract: A sterilizable holder for a fiber optic surgical unit or similar delicate medical instrument including a base, an outline of the instrument formed on the base, pairs of retainer pegs located about the outline on the base and elastic bands engaging the pegs to secure the instrument on the holder. The instrument outline may be etched on the base or printed onto the base. The base may be made of transparent plastic and all parts may be conventionally gas sterilized at temperatures of 135.degree. F. or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: KEB Industries
    Inventor: Henry W. Nethercutt
  • Patent number: 4149635
    Abstract: A strip tray for holding medical instruments during shipment, storage and use. The tray includes a strip of flexible material with receptacles on the strip for positioning medical instruments in a predetermined arranged pattern. The strip is adapted to be closed with the medical instruments contained therein protective position for shipment and storage. Furthermore, the strip is adapted to be opened and permit ready access to the medical instruments for use. Finally, the strip is adapted to be mounted to a protective covering which operates in cooperation with the strip when the strip is opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Frank W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4142632
    Abstract: A surgical instrument holder and instrument tip protector device has a base of a non-skid sterilizable material for receiving a surgical instrument positioned thereon and a protective layer formed of a sterilizable resilient material and overlying at least a portion of the base to provide a resilient pouch of sterilizable material into which the tip end of a surgical instrument may be placed for preventing the instrument tip from puncturing a sterile container for the instrument, for preventing damage to the instrument tip, and for protecting a user against injury due to contact with the surgical instrument tip while handling the surgical instrument holder and instrument tip protector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Devon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan S. Sandel