Retainer Enters Opening In Article Patents (Class 206/493)
  • Patent number: 6009999
    Abstract: A mis-insertion preventive rib 15 which will fit in the front opening that is formed in the magnetic tape cassette is provided at the storage part 3 which constitutes the magnetic tape cassette storage case 1 and, to facilitate visual and palpable recognition, the height H1 of the lateral wall part 13 which is formed at the outer circumferential part of the storage part 3 is designed so as to be smaller than the height H2 of the mis-insertion preventive rib 15 so as not to be supported between the lateral walls 13 but to protrude from the lateral wall part 13 when the magnetic tape cassette is inserted incorrectly. Therefore, at the time to store the magnetic tape cassette in the storage case, if the mis-insertion preventive rib does not fit in the front opening, the insertion in the incorrect direction can be checked visually by the entire magnetic cassette protruding from the lateral walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoo Morita, Katsuki Asano, Kazuo Hiraguchi
  • Patent number: 6003671
    Abstract: A container includes two container members which, when together, form an interior which includes a cup sized and shaped to hold a cupcake. The cup has a bottom, sides, and at least one protrusion extending inwardly from at least one of the sides. The protrusion is positioned and protrudes inwardly enough such that, when a cupcake in a cupcake baking liner is placed in the cup, the protrusion is below the top of the cupcake baking liner and the protrusion holds the cupcake in a substantially stationary position. One of the members may be a top member and the other, a bottom member. The bottom member (the member with the cup(s)) may have vertical pleats in opposite sides of the cup(s). The pleats are spreadable at the top of the cup(s) to allow easier removal of a cupcake. The pleats are also compressible to allow the member to better hold a cupcake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Renee Ann McDonough, Colleen Marie Patrona, Peggy Ann McGinnis, Brenda J. Marlowe, Denise Marie McGinnis, Robert Joseph McGinnis
  • Patent number: 5988380
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle hanger and packaging device, for use with a bicycle saddle having a pair of converging mounting rails, is provided. The device generally includes a display face, a pair of arms for slidably bracing a rail of a bicycle saddle, and a tapered tongue, extending between the display face and arms, for stabilizing a saddle suspended from the device during display. The device may further include a pair of shoulders for abutting the rails during the display. Between the shoulders and the arms, a pair of v-shaped slots may be provided for enabling the sliding of the display face and arms along the rails in order to facilitate stacked packaging of a plurality of such saddles on top of one another. The entire hanger and packaging device may be comprised of a single planar member. In addition, the invention provides a package of stacked bicycle saddles each including such a hanger and packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Paul M. Yates
  • Patent number: 5975297
    Abstract: A device for holding sockets includes a body with two rails formed to two sides thereof and a plurality of connecting members are slidably mounted to the rails. A head member is disengagably engaged to the body so as to attach the device to a user's belt. Each of the connecting members has a socket mounted thereto. The body further has a retaining member formed thereto so that a ratchet tool is removably retained by the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Jui-Chien Kao
  • Patent number: 5975291
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a disk-like article such as a compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD) is disclosed. A shell has a pair of grooves inside the sidewalls. A tray for holding the compact disc has a pair of hooks which engage the grooves to allow the tray to slide into and out of the shell. The compact disc is held by a heart shaped as a cylinder including bumps around the cylinder to prevent the compact disc from sliding off the heart. Alternatively, a continuous rib may be used instead of the bumps. Another version of the heart is made of a flexible but resilient material which allows the compact disc to snugly fit over the heart. In the latter embodiment, one can remove the compact disc by pressing down onto the heart to release the compact disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Shanas Attar, Donal Gibson, Sean Lawlor
  • Patent number: 5971149
    Abstract: A case for accommodating a tape cassette includes a cassette-support reference arranged with a case main body on the bottom of a cassette compartment and for supporting a shell of the tape cassette to be apart from the bottom of the cassette compartment, reel supports arranged with the case main body on the bottom of the cassette compartment and for supporting the tape reels of the tape cassette having the shell supported by the cassette-support reference to be in non-contact with the shell, and a lid arranged to close the cassette compartment of the case main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 5967340
    Abstract: A tool rack includes a body having a head portion and a board extending from the head portion, the board having two rails extending from two sides thereof so that a plurality of connectors are slidably mounted to the two rails. Each of the connectors has two plates and each of the plates has a recess defined therein so that a tool is received in the recesses of the two plates. A stop member is connected to the free end of the board and blocks the two rails to prevent the connectors from being removed from the rails. A limit member is mounted to the board so as to keep the tools on the connectors from being removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Jui-Chien Kao
  • Patent number: 5964348
    Abstract: A tool or wrench holder and organizer has a unitary segmented mandrel which is engageable by open ends of wrenches to guide the wrenches to a location adjacent to the respective divided storage space which holds the wrenches in place. A holder for closed end tools provides gauging slots adjacent to divided storage for sizing tools to determine the correct storage spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Hari Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5960949
    Abstract: A selectively adaptable holder or carrier for recordings ("records") is disclosed which includes a universally configured base (record-holder) which is made to be slidably receivable within a sleeve-like outer package component, and a plurality of different record-retaining members that are interchangeably mountable upon a universal mount structure provided on the base. In one embodiment, the universal mount structure may comprise a cylindrical projection formed centrally on the base, and the interchangeable, selectively mountable record-retaining members may include a corresponding cylindrical recess to fit over such projection, to be secured thereto by adhesive or other bonding agent or process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Wynalda Litho, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Wynalda, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5957274
    Abstract: A jewelry pad for holding jewelry items, includes an upper wall having an upper exposed surface; at least one supporting wall connected to the upper wall for supporting the upper wall on a surface; two L-shaped opposing fingers being formed on the upper exposed surface and having facing ends which together form a Z-lock configuration to hold a jewelry item on the upper surface, the fingers being made of a resilient, flexible material, each L-shaped finger having a horizontal leg and a vertical leg for securing the horizontal leg in spaced relation above the upper surface; an elongated slot extending below the horizontal legs and continuing outwardly past the horizontal legs toward side edges of the upper surface, for receiving a tag therein; anchoring bars secured to the vertical legs and extending toward ends of the elongated slot, the anchoring bars also being secured to the upper surface at a front edge of the elongated slot, and the vertical legs and anchoring bars being cut-away toward a rear thereof so
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph Ovadia
  • Patent number: 5954194
    Abstract: A card device including a front card portion and a back card portion hinged together in a manner which enables the card to be opened and closed. The back card portion includes spaced front, rear and side panels which define an interior space therebetween. The card further includes a tape cartridge, such as a VHS video or audio cassette tape, having a drive gear defining an open recess in the tape cartridge, and a gift carrier device including a gift carrier portion containing a gift item, such as a gemstone. The gift carrier device and the tape cartridge are positioned in nested relation within the interior space of the back card portion such that the gift carrier portion is received within the open recess in the tape cartridge. An alternative embodiment uses a compact disk case as the card and a recess in the disk carrier for receiving the gift item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: William E. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5954197
    Abstract: A storage case for a compact optical disc retains trays for the disc in a spring loaded arrangement that is released by a latch mechanism easily activated using one hand. The case is formed by top and bottom portions of alternative configurations. A storage system is provided for storing and displaying the trays. The storage system has a base, and rails which engage slots in the tray. A shipping container is provided for shipping either the tray or the individual compact disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Opticord, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Ditzig, Patrick B. Sandell
  • Patent number: 5944181
    Abstract: A holder for a disk having a central opening and front and back surfaces includes a base having a planar panel and formed with a segmented generally conical projection; and a pedestal projecting forwardly from the base on a pedestal axis. The pedestal includes a central button having radially outwardly projecting retainers, and axially extending stems that are integrally formed as button segments with corresponding ones of the retainers. A laterally spaced pair the arms connected to each of the stems support the button portion in cantilevered relation to the base, the arms sloping radially inwardly and axially forwardly from the panel of the base, the arms collectively having an extended position for retaining the disk by engagement of the front surface by the retainers proximate a central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Finest Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwok Din Lau
  • Patent number: 5931294
    Abstract: A storage container for a disc includes case member (10) including a cover member (16), a base member (18), and a hinge member (20) for joining the cover member (16) to the base member (18). The hinge member (20) allows the base member (18) and cover member (16) to pivot between a coplanar open position and an overlapping parallel plane closed position. A tray member (14) is also included that has a proximal end (96), a distal end (94), a disc receiving portion (98) disposed adjacent to the proximal end (96) and a raised platform portion (182). The raised platform portion (182) is disposed adjacent to the distal end (99).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Marshall Weingarden
    Inventors: Marshall Weingarden, Allen Epstein
  • Patent number: 5927506
    Abstract: A support member formed from a single piece blank of cardboard or similar material which is creased or scored to enable it to be formed into the member having a generally boat-shaped configuration. Parallel sides extend vertically and have curved ends at the forward and aft surfaces. A primary member is hingedly secured to the sides to form a bottom and is secured to the curved ends of the side members to form curved planar surfaces which then extend inwardly to form supporting arrises, these members thus forming a hollow opening in the interior of the member. Products such as elastomeric automotive window moldings are supported on the arrises, droop inwardly into the openings, and pass under the bottom. Legs formed on lower surfaces of the sides raise the bottom member. The assembled support member and moldings may be used as a work station on the automotive assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Creative Extruded Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. Young, John D. Troutman, Donald E. Chmiel
  • Patent number: 5927497
    Abstract: In a pack of substantially parallel-stacked transportable washers, at least two through-holes are provided in each washer, the two legs of a substantially U-shaped metal or plastic wire being positioned in the two through-holes of the stack of washers. The free ends of the legs projecting beyond the stack are bent over to positions oriented at approximately right angles to the respective legs. By appropriate force on the crosspiece, or on an extension, the wire is pulled back out of the stack of washers, the free ends being restraightened in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: SFS Industrie Holding AG
    Inventors: Stefan Baumgartner, Daniel Gasser, Jurg Maurer, Walter Seifert
  • Patent number: 5913423
    Abstract: In a cassette accommodation case (1) having such a structure for laterally inserting a cassette in a sliding fashion for its accommodation from an inserting mouth portion (2) provided on its one side, a cassette can smoothly be inserted at a time without ascertaining the face direction of the case. To this end, concave grooves (3a) and (3b) are symmetrically provided on both the left and the right sides of a cassette inserting direction for escaping swelled portions of the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5913420
    Abstract: In a cartridge storage structure for a magnetic tape, a storage case main body includes a bottom member and side wall members which are projected on the bottom member, the bottom member and side wall members forming a case storage space. A closure member includes a top member which covers a top of the storage case main body and closure side members which are projected on the top member and overlapped by the side wall members. A joining device has a hinge for joining the closure member and the storage case main body which are opened and closed freely. A magnetic tape cartridge is stored in the case storage space and includes a cartridge case having a cartridge case bottom and an opening formed on the cartridge case bottom, and a tape reel arranged rotatably inside the cartridge case via the opening, the tape reel having a driving toothed engagement portion which is formed on a bottom of the tape reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoo Morita
  • Patent number: 5896986
    Abstract: An improved rosette for securing at least one disc shaped element having a central aperture includes a raised circular hub having a substantially cylindrical side wall, the hub projecting upward from a planar base; at least one resilient, arcuate, circumferentially extending finger integrally formed with the hub and extending along the perimeter of the hub, each finger being formed integrally with the hub at one end and free at the other end; at least one aperture defined in the base, the number of apertures corresponding to the number of fingers, the fingers being arranged so that the free ends thereof overhang the apertures for permitting the free ends to substantially unobstructedly deflect arcuately inwardly when the disc is inserted on the hub; and a radially extending protrusion on the free end of each finger projecting outwardly beyond the outside diameter of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Lakewood Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Louis Bolognia, George Francis Rufo, Jr., Daniel Edward Cornwell
  • Patent number: 5894927
    Abstract: An applicator pad dispensing container is provided having a jar, a cap to close the jar and a piston assembly movable within the jar. The piston assembly includes a platform with a rod projecting from an upper surface thereof terminating in a head. A stack of applicator pads, each with a central aperture, can be loaded onto the platform with the rod penetrating the aperture to securely hold the pads. The head engages a hollow socket in an under surface of the cap. Engagement of head and cap allows the platform with pads to be raised to a top position whereupon the cap can twistably be released from the head. After a pad(s) is removed, the cap can snap onto the head and with downward pressure return the platform with remaining pads back into the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bennett
  • Patent number: 5893458
    Abstract: A carton of foldable material protects an article packed therein by holding the article away from the bottom of the carton, and preferably by holding the article firmly, yet in a cushioning manner, in a position spaced away from all the exterior walls of the carton. The carton is assembled from a blank of foldable material defining a plurality of spacer panels foldably connected to automatic bottom panels, such that when the carton is erected, the auto-bottom panels form a generally planar bottom of the carton, and the spacer panels extend generally axially into the carton from the bottom to form a two-dimensional support base for holding an object at a location spaced above the bottom of the carton. A top closure includes a clamping member extending into the carton, such that when the carton is closed, the spacer panels and the clamping member are urged against opposite ends of the object within the carton, to hold the object therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: John Sisk
  • Patent number: 5884764
    Abstract: A disc storage arrangement includes an enclosure in which a number of substantially flat envelopes for containing discs can be mounted. The envelopes include at least one formation in an edge portion of resiliently deformable material and which formation is arranged to be clipped onto corresponding mounting parts provided in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Mark Gregory Hartstone
  • Patent number: 5881873
    Abstract: A single-piece cardboard sheet into which slots and tabs are advantageously cut to permit its folding into a carton for packaging a pair of stirrups. The unfolded cardboard carton is substantially symmetrical. A first pair of structural segments projects in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis of the carton, each segment comprising an elongated tab with a distal end sized to fit within a slot in the top section. Two lateral cuts are provided in each elongated tab. A second pair of structural segments projects in opposite directions along the transverse axis of the carton, each segment comprising a separation section with a distal slit cut along its axis. The stirrups are packaged by folding the tabs downward, inward and upward through the slot in the top section, thereby wrapping around the stirrups, folding the separation section between the stirrups, and latching the slits in the separation sections to the lateral cuts in the elongated tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Eastwest International (Taiwan) Enterprises
    Inventor: Chang Hsi-Chang
  • Patent number: 5878879
    Abstract: A cassette holder includes a housing having a front flange and an insert slidably engaged in the housing for receiving a disc. A knob is pivotally coupled to the insert and has a latch for engaging with the flange and for securing the insert in the housing. A spring device may bias the latch to engage with the flange and another spring device is engaged with the insert and the housing for biasing the insert outward of the housing when the knob is depressed to disengage the latch from the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Chung Kuang Liao
  • Patent number: 5865310
    Abstract: An article containing box structure including an openable housing composed of two cover bodies, a base seat fixedly disposed in the housing, multiple receiving cartridges pivotally connected on the base seat and multiple clamping plates received in the receiving cartridge for clamping a receiving seat which serves to contain a flat or a solid article. After the cover bodies are opened, the receiving seats can be rotated or inclined by different angles so as to show or take out the article received in the receiving seat seat. A handle is connected with the cover bodies, having a profile identical to the periphery of the cover body. The handle can be slided and drawn out for a user to carry the box. The handle can be retracted to attach to the periphery of the cover body without occupying much room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Hsiw-Hui Lee
  • Patent number: 5860523
    Abstract: A tape cassette receiving housing comprises a housing proper portion and a lid portion which is fixed to the housing proper portion through a hinge portion so as to enable to be opened or closed. Shaft portions are formed so as to penetrate into reel driving holes of a supply reel and a take-up reel of a tape cassette received in the housing proper portion. Elastic bodies are attached to outer peripheries of the shaft portions, and the elastic bodies are brought into contact with inner peripheral surfaces of reel driving holes. According to the above construction, a tape cassette is fixed in the tape cassette receiving housing so as not to incline the tape cassette and not to rotate the supply reel and the take-up reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toshikazu Konno, Hiroshi Ozaki, Kiyoshi Urayama, Takashi Ota, Seiji Nihei, Taizo Fukuda, Takayasu Hirano, Osamu Koizumi
  • Patent number: 5855273
    Abstract: A housing with a retaining device is arranged on a base plate and comprises clamping studs which are arranged in a circle, which are radially resilient, and which have clamping surfaces facing radially outwards for gripping into a central opening of at least one disc-shaped information carrier, for example a CD. To avoid a destruction of the clamping elements in the case of impacts, rigid support studs with support surfaces facing radially outwards are provided between the clamping studs, and the diameter of the support surfaces arranged in a circle is somewhat smaller than the diameter of the central opening of the information carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Hermann Grobecker, Henning Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 5855345
    Abstract: A display for holding objects includes a base having a recess, a projection extending from the base and into the recess, and a sleeve disposed about the projection to hold a portion of an object in the recess between the sleeve and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Anthony DiMaggio
  • Patent number: 5848689
    Abstract: A container for an optical disc such as a compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD) has a bottom structure, a top structure movable relative to the bottom structure, and a hub structure projecting up from the bottom structure. With the lid open, the central aperture of the disc is easily placed on or removed from the hub. In this condition the hub structure centers the disc in the bottom of the container but does not retain the disc in the container. When the lid is closed, however, the lid causes the hub structure to radially enlarge and secure the disc. Reopening the lid allows the hub to return to the condition in which it does not retain the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: WEA Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5839579
    Abstract: A sleeve tool kit has a tool box, a recess interior formed in the tool box, and a block seat inserted in the recess interior. The block seat has two opposite balls and a plurality of positioning protrusions. The tool box has two opposite ball-shaped grooves, two opposite round holes, two opposite guide grooves, and two opposite toothed semicircular grooves. The opposite ball-shaped grooves are formed on two opposite ends of the recess interior. The opposite round holes are formed on the opposite ends of the recess interior. The opposite guide grooves are formed on the opposite ends of the recess interior. The opposite toothed semicircular grooves are formed on the opposite ends of the recess interior. Each opposite ball is inserted in the respective opposite ball-shaped groove via the respective opposite round hole and the respective opposite guide groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Grace Lee
  • Patent number: 5813532
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards a storage case formed from an upper shell, a lower shell and an insertable tray. The insertable tray is removably positioned in an opening in the lower shell. The insertable tray contains supports for tools and parts such as router bits. When the upper shell, lower shell and insertable tray are joined a convenient storage case is formed. Alternatively, the insertable tray can be detached from the lower shell and used to store the tools and parts in a readily accessible manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Credo Tool Company
    Inventors: Kamyar Kheradpir, Cliff J. Von Hoene, Grover C. Haddock, Paul J. Simon
  • Patent number: 5788077
    Abstract: A carton of foldable material protects an article packed therein by holding the article away from the bottom of the carton, and preferably by holding the article firmly, yet in a cushioning manner, in a position spaced away from all the exterior walls of the carton. The carton is assembled from a blank of foldable material defining a plurality of spacer panels foldably connected to automatic bottom panels, such that when the carton is erected, the auto-bottom panels form a generally planar bottom of the carton, and the spacer panels extend generally axially into the carton from the bottom to form a two-dimensional support base for holding an object at a location spaced above the bottom of the carton. A top closure includes a clamping member extending into the carton, such that when the carton is closed, the spacer panels and the clamping member are urged against opposite ends of the object within the carton, to hold the object therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: John Sisk
  • Patent number: 5788068
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a compact disk has a base portion and resilient inwardly extending radial arms, cantilevered from the base portion; the inner ends of the arms form a button-like member receivable in the central hole of the disk so that pressure applied to any one or more of the inner ends of the arms flexes each of the arms toward the base portion to move the inner ends of the arms toward each other sufficiently to release the button-like member from the disk. Lips on the button-like member retain the disk by engaging on the outer surface of the disk. Resilient ejection means may be provided to urge the compact disk out of engagement with the button-like member, and disk support means may be on the base portion to support the disk at positions away from the central hole of the disk. The apparatus may be formed as a one-piece plastics molding as a tray for insertion in a box or as part of a wall of a video style library box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Dubois Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Henry Joseph Fraser, Peter Antony Farrar, Stefan Alexander Pijanowski
  • Patent number: 5785176
    Abstract: A cassette accommodating case in which a tape cassette can be inserted in either a forward or backward orientation, and for preventing slackening of a magnetic tape, and to secure the tape cassette to eliminate play. Positioning projections having inclined surfaces are provided on each side of a casing section. When the casing section and a cover section are closed, the inclined surfaces abut against the ends of side projections on side surfaces of the tape cassette to push the tape cassette when the casing and cover sections are closed. A rotation-preventing projection of an accommodating case protrudes into a common area of the hubs when a cassette is loaded in the forward and backward orientations, and the projection includes two plate-like portions of different heights, disposed in parallel, and with a predetermined interval therebetween. A distal end of the long plate-like portion has a guiding inclined surface for correcting the positional offset of the hub by contacting its inner peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Katagiri, Teruo Ashikawa
  • Patent number: 5785174
    Abstract: A display pack having a rotatable security member includes a board and the rotatable security member wherein the board has a first hole and a second hole respectively defined therein and an inverted U-shaped frame extends perpendicularly from a front surface of the board with the second hole being located between two extending portions of the inverted U-shaped frame. The second hole has a toothed inner periphery and the rotatable security member includes a polygonal head and a shank which has a flange extending from a free end thereof and a toothed periphery defined in an outer periphery near the flange so that the rotatable security member is rotatably inserted into the second hole with the toothed inner periphery engaged with the toothed inner periphery. A ratchet tool is engaged with the rotatable security member and can be operated within a limited angle between the two extending portions of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Hand Tool Design Corporation
    Inventor: Jessie Chow
  • Patent number: 5785172
    Abstract: A storage tray for holding and receiving at least two compact discs wherein the storage tray has a double rosette consisting of an upper and lower rosette the extremities of the cantilever members (fingers) of which form a circular opening having a common center. The double rosette is on at least the same side of the storage tray. Also a storage container or jewel box consisting of a cover and a base pivotally attached at the same end thereof and containing the storage tray with the double rosette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Lakewood Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bolognia, George Rufo, Jr., Alvin Thomas
  • Patent number: 5782355
    Abstract: A cassette case which allows positioning and fixing of a hub without biting of a hub pawl, and enhances the convenience with which the case is used. A plate-like portion comes at its edge into contact with a corner of a peak of a hub pawl without the plate-like portions of the projection coming at their edges into engagement with the hub pawl when a cover section of a storage case has been closed relative to a casing section. The sum of pushing forces exerted on the hub pawl by the plate-like portion causes the hub to rotate to thereby introduce the hub pawl into a space formed between the plate-like portions. In order to carry out the above-mentioned operation, the plate-like portion is designed to have an edge extending in a direction from a front to a rear, and vice versa, of a magnetic tape cassette to be encased in the storage case, and the plate-like portion is designed to have an edge making a predetermined angle with the above-mentioned direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shingo Katagiri, Teruo Ashikawa
  • Patent number: 5775504
    Abstract: A merchandising package of the type adapted to be displayed from a hanger includes a first elongated portion adapted to accommodate a first of the plurality of products for retail sale and a second elongated portion adapted to accommodate a second of the plurality of products for retail sale. The first and second elongated portions each include first and second laterally spaced apart edges. An intermediate portion interconnects the first and second elongated portions. In one form, the intermediate portion includes a single predetermined fold line. The predetermined fold line being operative for enabling the first and second elongated portions to be oriented substantially parallel to each other. The merchandising package also includes a first header portion longitudinally extending from the first elongated portion. The first header portion laterally extends beyond the first and second spaced apart edges of the first elongated portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Neal M. Menaged
  • Patent number: 5746315
    Abstract: The holding device has the purpose of holding compact discs in position within a receiving container. The receiving container includes at least one upper shell and at least one lower shell. The holding device is equipped with clamping elements for retaining the compact discs in the area of a central opening. The clamping elements are extended, essentially vertically, to a support surface for the compact discs. Beyond this, the clamping elements are disposed along a circumference of a central opening of the support surface. Originating from a center of the holding device, a central opening is disposed in a radial direction behind at least one of the clamping elements. The opening extends in a circumferential direction along at least a portion of a rearward boundary of the clamping element. The clamping element contains at least one positioning projection, which forms a collar over at least a portion of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Hans-Jurgen Luckow
  • Patent number: 5743394
    Abstract: The magnetic socket holder according to the present invention includes a plurality magnets and associated posts which are adapted to receive sockets of varying sizes. The invention provides ready access to each socket and allows easy one handed removal and replacement of sockets. The magnetic socket holder includes a base having a series of recesses and magnets disposed in each of the recesses. Each of the magnets is provided with an associated post which is adapted to be receive within a socket. The posts and the magnets are preferably mounted to the base by a rivet. The magnets create a magnetic field which is sufficient to retain the sockets on the posts. While the combination of all the magnets provides a magnetic field which is sufficient to retain the socket holder and attached sockets on a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Southern Mag-Clip, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Martin
  • Patent number: 5743403
    Abstract: A point-of-purchase clear hanging strip having T-shaped cutout portions for holding, displaying and dispensing a plurality of generally like items. The hanging strip includes an elongated panel made of a transparent, flexible, non-stretchable material. The elongated panel is folded upon itself to form a channel for receiving a stability member therein. An inverted "T" tab member engages the article and includes a straight shaft integral with the elongated panel and an enlarged generally elliptical head portion integral with the base portion for maintaining the article on the tab member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Donald T. Crysdale
    Inventor: Donald T. Crysdale
  • Patent number: 5741115
    Abstract: A system is described for handling flat, hollow bodies, particularly frames destined to feed automatic packaging machines, according to which use is foreseen of hollow tubular cores (2) on which the frames (1) are inserted and retained by liftable tongues (10). The tubular cores (2) complete with frames (1) or loaders/magazines (25) are stored in rows placed one on top of the other inside container boxes (20), and can be used to load a feed unit (30) of a packaging machine, comprising a plurality of hollow columns (A,B,C,D), each forming an inner housing (31), accessible through a corresponding door (32) at the front, for stacking of the frames (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Luigi Goglio
  • Patent number: 5718335
    Abstract: A packaging assembly for an item to be displayed, such as a toy action figure, enables a prospective purchaser to manipulate the item by means of an external actuator. More specifically, the packaging assembly includes a housing having a plurality of walls which cooperate to define an interior space, and an actuator assembly for actuating a movement of the item within the packaging assembly. The actuator assembly includes an actuator element which is releasably coupled to the item wherein movement of the actuator element causes a corresponding movement of the item to be displayed. A portion of the actuator element is accessible through an opening in one of the walls for movement of the actuator element. In a preferred embodiment, the housing includes a rear wall and a transparent blister which is mounted to the rear wall. The blister and rear wall cooperate to form an interior space in which the item is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 5713462
    Abstract: A packaging system for holding CDs in overlapping relationship to provide a compact and attractive retail display. The system includes a windowed box and an insert for holding the CDs for display through the window. The insert is folded from a one-piece sheet to form a tent defining a plurality of parallel V-shaped slots in which CDs can be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Display Pack, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5713463
    Abstract: A data disk holder for electronic data storage disks such as compact disks (CDs), includes two opposed, generally arcuate planar closure members which are joined together along a base portion by a living hinge. One of the closure members includes a circular flange defining a bore for receiving a boss projecting centrally from the disk support surface of the other closure member, the boss being an interference fit in the bore for securing the closure members together to retain a data disk in the holder. The holder may be injection molded of relatively light weight polypropylene or a similar moldable polymer and may include transverse walls and a double living hinge to provide the jewel box construction and thickness of conventional disk holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: 30G, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Lakoski, Pearce R. Jones, Daniel C. Tagtow
  • Patent number: 5708924
    Abstract: A customer replaceable unit includes a cover and support structure for supporting a photoreceptor belt while it is packaged, shipped and inserted over drive and idler rolls in a machine. It prevents a machine operator from having to handle the belt itself and provides protection from extrinsic damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Shogren, Larry L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5690224
    Abstract: A storage case for housing a magnetic tape cassette is effective for preventing rotational movement of supply and/or take-up reels of such a tape cassette, even if the case is dropped, transported or subjected impact, or the like. The storage case includes upper and lower halves joined by an elongate hinge which are integrally formed. Projected hub portions are provided on the inner surface of the lower half for engaging drive spaces in the hubs of the reels of the tape cassette to be stored. The hub portions are formed with caps made of a material having the same thermal expansion coefficient as a material from which the reels of the tape cassette are made. In addition, a resilient member may be provided around the outer side of the hub portions for providing added insertion force for surely preventing unwanted rotation of the reels even according to long term storage of the tape cassette at varying temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Osamu Koizumi
  • Patent number: 5690212
    Abstract: A box for retaining keys includes a pair of bases secured to the upper portion and the lower portion and a pair of brackets secured to the bases. The brackets each includes a pair of parallel plates and each includes one or more shafts secured between the plates. One or more panels each includes a pair of fins secured to the upper portion and the lower portion and secured to the shafts of the brackets for allowing the panel to be rotatably secured to the shafts. The shafts each includes a neck portion of reduced size. The fins each includes an orifice for rotatably engaging with the shafts and each includes a notch for engaging with the neck portion of the shaft and for allowing the shaft to be engaged with the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Chin-Lien Huang Hsu
  • Patent number: 5685425
    Abstract: A disk receiving device for a storage cassette having a front covering part, a rear covering part and a disk receiving plate, for circular information disks, wherein on both sides of the disk receiving plate protruding T-shaped clamping elements are provided for clamping the circular information disks in the center hole of the information disks. The T-shaped clamping elements are disposed around a central opening in the disk receiving plate, comprising a base portion and two clamping portions integral with the basis portion. The T-shaped clamping elements extend vertically from the base portion in such a manner that the clamping portions protrude on both sides of the disk receiving plate essentially in a vertical direction relative to the disk receiving plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Viva Magnetics Limited
    Inventor: King Yeung Choi
  • Patent number: 5685424
    Abstract: A protective retainer for a planar disc having an outer peripheral edge, an information containing area, and a central portion defining an aperture. The protective retainer includes a first cover having a first surface and a second cover having a second surface. The first cover also has a first and second layer. A retaining device includes a flange that is interdisposed between and retained by the first and second layers in order to prevent the retaining device from inadvertently becoming detached from the protective retainer after repeated use. The retaining device includes an outwardly projecting retainer button that is adapted to be engageable to the aperture of the disc so as to maintain the relative position of the disc and the first surface. The retainer button is also resiliently deformably detachable from the aperture of the disc when pressure is exerted on the retaining device. The retainer button includes a pair of opposing upright curved walls, each having a curved base and a curved rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Rose City Paper Box, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Rozek, Dave Eide