Having Specified Means For Nesting Instead Of Stacking Patents (Class 206/505)
  • Publication number: 20100038274
    Abstract: A clam shell type container having an injection moulded base, an injection moulded lid, and a web interconnecting the base and lid, wherein the web is formed from an in-mould label. The in-mould label is preferably deposited into a mould that simultaneously forms the base and lid, with the label being deposited into the mould prior to the injection of molten material. Upon formation, the label extends contiguously into the base and lid and becomes integrally adhered with the walls of the base and lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Alexander Segal
  • Publication number: 20090293643
    Abstract: The pipette rack comprises a plate, a peripheral base and a peripheral skirt. The plate has a first surface and defines an array of tip receptacles extending therethrough in a first direction orthogonal to the first surface. The tip receptacles are contoured to provide a clearance fit at locations axially offset from one another along a part of a pipette tip. The base extends in the first direction from the plate to a distal end surface. The skirt extends in the first direction from the base, and is outwardly offset therefrom to expose the distal end surface of the base so that the distal end surface contacts the plate of a similar pipette rack when the pipette racks are stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: William Ryan Powell, Ian Yates
  • Publication number: 20090145797
    Abstract: A nestable container set is disclosed that provides for efficient storage, and safe, easy and convenient handling during use. Top-open containers can be nested in specific locations with respect to each other. Each container includes a nesting apparatus, allowing the containers to connect to each other. Preferred embodiment nesting apparatuses include ridged container top rims, ridged container sides, and ridged container bottoms. Containers can be snapped in place, pressed firmly in place, or fit snugly in place, with respect to each other. Containers can also be nested together through a tight packing system. Lids are provided for sealing containers shut, for storage, transportation, and/or use. Embodiments include containers with a variety of shapes and sizes, and made of materials of varying texture and rigidity. The invention offers advantages over the prior art in storage, transportation and use of the nestable containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew Steinmeyer
  • Publication number: 20080257775
    Abstract: A modular container system of nestable containers which includes a main container, stackable secondary containers that substantially occupy a uniform plan area and shape of the main container, and tertiary containers that substantially occupy a uniform plan area and shape of at least one secondary container. The main container has a carrying handle, and secondary containers that also have carrying handles can serve alternatively as main containers. Thus the system is highly versatile in that various combinations of the containers are nestable for use in a variety of situations. Also disclosed is a point-of-sale display including multiple sets or likenesses of the containers In different combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: MARKWINS BEAUTY PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Lindsay Bernays Randolph
  • Patent number: 7413100
    Abstract: A universal lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers, has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The boxed perimeter may have a predetermined height such as approximately one inch, and the lid is provided with hinge lugs having a vertical extent substantially more but not more than twice than said predetermined height. In addition, the lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions. With this type of lid, the advantages of both single layer and double layer lid constructions may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080173562
    Abstract: A liquid cosmetic product retail unit includes a container and a plurality of dispensers disposed in the container. The container is dimensioned to fit onto a shelf in a retail store and includes a base, a lid and a plurality of receptacles formed in at least one of the base and the lid. A method for offering for sale a liquid cosmetic product is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: CONOPCO, INC., d/b/a UNILEVER
    Inventors: Charles Peter Althoff, Jason Tilk, John William Nottingham, John Richard Nottingham, John Wilford Spirk, Jay Tapper, Patrick Coyne, Ian Stuart Midgley, Dean Michael Limb
  • Publication number: 20080156684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stackable-modular container system comprising stackable modules, each module comprising a top and bottom modular shelf defining compartment or base plate for receiving a modular container, each of the top and bottom base plate having four corners comprising a hole at each corner, wherein the holes are sized and configured for interferingly receiving one end of a modular frame member, each frame member comprising a top end and a bottom end, the ends sized and configured for mating engagement with the holes on the top and bottom modular base plates respectively, the frame member having a notch proximal to the top end for slidable engagement with integral peripheral flange on the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Nkolika Xzomenia
  • Publication number: 20080083638
    Abstract: A container having complementary walls that provide 180 nest/stack functionality. Opposing walls, despite being dissimilar, include outer contact surfaces that provide consistent, rigid contact with arms of a storage and retrieval system. One end wall of the container includes alternating inner and outer portions. The other end wall of the container includes complementary alternating inner and outer portions. The outer surface of at least one of the inner portions of one end wall includes a plurality of ribs providing a contact surface. The outer surface of at least one of the outer portions of the opposite end wall has a plurality of ribs extending outwardly to an end wall face. The ribs of the one wall and the end wall face of the opposite wall provide similar contact surfaces for arms of an automated storage and retrieval system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Ryan C. Meers
  • Publication number: 20080053862
    Abstract: An article holder is provided including a bottom panel, a back wall extending from a rear edge of the bottom panel, first and second side walls extending from side edges of the bottom panel, each side wall being coupled to the back wall along a rear edge each side wall, a front flange spanning between the first and second side walls along front edges of the first and second side walls, and a slot in the bottom panel extending from the first side wall to the second side wall. The first and second side walls are farther apart from one another at front edges of the first and second side walls than at rear edges of the first and second side walls and the slot is adapted to receive a front flange of another like article holder when two or more article holders are stacked in a nested configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: SANFORD, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael L. Pyle, Aaron W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7234598
    Abstract: A container that has a base from which first and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposed sidewalls project to collectively form a storage compartment. An upper rim is positioned on the sidewall for engaging and supporting the base of another container. The lower rim is positioned adjacent the base and adapted for engaging and being supported by an upper rim of another container. A pocket is provided for receiving and retaining an information card therein. The pocket is formed by first and second spaced-apart wall segments projecting from one of the sidewalls. An elongate slot is positioned on the sidewall between the spaced-apart wall segments and the lower rim segment. The lower rim segment is located between the spaced-apart wall segments. The upper and lower rims, elongate slot, and wall segments collectively form the pocket located on the sidewall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Schaefer Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton McDade
  • Patent number: 7204056
    Abstract: A stackable deep-drawn plastic container has an at least slightly conical wall and a bottom connected to the conical wall. The wall has a rim area remote from the bottom. The rim area has a first ledge and a second ledge located below the first ledge. It also has an intermediate support area having a first end connected to the first ledge and a second end connected to the second ledge. A stacking spacing of the deep-drawn plastic container when stacked in a stack is determined by the first and second ledges. The first and second ledges in a plan view onto the rim area overlap at least partially. The intermediate support area has a first width at the first ledge that is smaller than a width at the second ledge. The intermediate support area has a wave shape at least at one of the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Poeppelmann Holding GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Alfons Sieverding
  • Patent number: 7172072
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an arrangement of plates for receiving food is disclosed. The arrangement of plates comprises a plurality of nestable plates, wherein the plates within the plurality of nestable plates have an animal theme. Each of the plates having an animal theme include a main compartment depicting a primary attribute of an animal corresponding to the animal theme, and at least two independent wells adjacent to the main compartment. Each of the wells are shaped to depict a secondary attribute of the animal corresponding to the animal theme. The plurality of plates include a first plate depicting a first animal and a second plate depicting a second animal that is different from the first animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Schiltz, Christina M. Tranfaglia, Jeffrey L. Roberts, Edward J. Seeberger, Brad W. Dickason
  • Patent number: 7124910
    Abstract: A leak-resistant hinged polymeric foam container comprises a base and a lid. The base comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall that encompasses and extends generally upwardly from the bottom wall. The sidewall comprises a first sealing area and a first generally upwardly projecting wall. The lid includes a second sealing area that is adapted to engage the first sealing area upon securing the lid and the base. The container forms a locking structure for securing the lid and the base. The base and the lid comprise polymeric foams. The container may include a hinge that hingedly connects the base to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventor: Kate E. Nordland
  • Patent number: 7104553
    Abstract: A dolly and a tray and dolly assembly are provided. The dolly has a floor with upper and lower surfaces and with one or more features such that when the tray floor is received on the dolly floor, the feature interlocks the tray with the dolly. One feature is a plurality of protruding members extending upwardly from the dolly floor upper surface into openings in the tray floor to interlock the tray with the dolly. Another features is the presence of dolly side wall locking portions configured to abut and mate with corresponding tray side wall bottom locking portions on the tray to interlock the dolly with the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Robert V. Gruber
  • Patent number: 7100770
    Abstract: A cardboard container for drinks and a process for making it is provided. The container has a perimetral wall (2) and a bottom wall and includes elements (4) for supporting another such container (1) nested inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Seda S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianfranco D'Amato
  • Patent number: 7044483
    Abstract: A cooler is composed of a number of stackable units. Each unit has inner and outer shells with an air space between them. The outer shell has bottom, side and end panels connected together forming an outer tub with a drain. An inner shell has bottom, side and end panels connected together forming an inner tub. Drain openings in the inner tub allow water to flow to the drain in the outer tub. The bottom panel of the inner shell is spaced from the bottom panel of the outer shell creating an air space therebetween. The bottom of one unit can nest in the top of another unit to stack the units one atop the other. Wheels are attached to the bottommost unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC.
    Inventors: James David Robertson, Jason Walesh
  • Patent number: 6980934
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of manufacturing, processing and design, and also packaging. Nesting is the process of placing objects together with minimal spaces between them. The invention is described below in two forms. The first form, set forth in Part I below, is directed to methods and systems for nesting of two dimensional (2D) objects in a target plane. The second form, set forth in Part II below, is directed to methods and systems for nesting three dimensional (3D) objects in a target volume. The specific details of the preferred embodiments are set forth in those respective parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Isaac Sadovnik
  • Patent number: 6892885
    Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles includes a floor portion having a floor top surface, a floor bottom surface and a plurality of bottle support areas. A wall structure is connected to the floor portion and forms a containment area therewith. The wall structure has a peripherally extending upper band portion with an interior surface and an exterior surface, and also has a single-walled lower wall construction comprising adjacent column members which extend between the upper band the and floor portion. The wall structure includes sidewalls and end walls, and adjacent column members have curved facing surfaces extending inwardly into the containment area. The inner surface of the upper band portion, one of the plurality of bottle support areas, and the facing surfaces define a plurality of bottle receiving pockets extending around the periphery of the wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Robert V. Gruber
  • Patent number: 6886694
    Abstract: A nestable and stackable food storage container has a base with a bottom panel. The bottom panel has an upper side, a lower side, and a base perimeter. The base also has a cylindrical side wall extending generally upward from and around the base perimeter. The side wall terminates at a top edge and defines an open top. A lid has a top panel with a top side, a bottom side, and a lid perimeter. A nesting structure is provided at least in part on a portion of the base and at least in part on a portion of the lid. The nesting structure permits removably nesting the lower side of the base with the lid in either a standard lid orientation or an inverted lid orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Carolyn M. McNeeley, Leighann Sturgin
  • Patent number: 6880705
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stackable transport container (30) which has been designed, when in a full condition filled with products, to be stacked with other transport containers on top of each other, or, when in an empty condition, to be placed together with other transport containers inside one another. The transport container has a bottom (2), a front wall (3), a rear wall (4), a left side wall (5) and a right side wall (6) to form a receptacle open towards the top. In the left side wall (5) and in the right side wall (6) respectively, grooves (7, 8) are formed, which respectively have upper groove openings (21, 22) and lower groove stops (10, 11). On the outside of the left side wall (5) and on the outside surface of the right side wall (6) respectively several guide pegs (13) are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Otting Kunststoffentwicklungs GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Willi Ötting, Jörg Stockmann, Vedat Pehlivan, Axel Lange
  • Patent number: 6857642
    Abstract: A dolly and a tray and dolly assembly are provided. The dolly has a floor with upper and lower surfaces and with one or more features such that when the tray floor is received on the dolly floor, the feature interlocks the tray with the dolly. One feature is a plurality of protruding members extending upwardly from the dolly floor upper surface into openings in the tray floor to interlock the tray with the dolly. Another feature is the presence of dolly side wall locking portions configured to abut and mate with corresponding tray side wall bottom locking portions on the tray to interlock the dolly with the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Robert V. Gruber
  • Patent number: 6796430
    Abstract: A container and lid combination includes a container having a bottom surface, an opening, a top edge surrounding the opening, and an attachment mechanism provided on the bottom surface, and a lid engageable with the top edge of the container to cover the opening. The lid may include an attachment mechanism provided on its inside surface that is engageable with the attachment mechanism of the bottom surface of the container. The lid is attachable to the bottom surface of the container in a nested state via engagement of the respective attachment mechanisms. Another attachment mechanism may be provided on the outside surface of the lid that is engageable with the attachment mechanism of the bottom surface of the container. The lid is attachable to the bottom surface of the container in a nested state and/or in an inverted state via engagement of the attachment mechanisms. A set of such container and lid combinations may be nested together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Doug Mercier, Richard E. Griffith
  • Patent number: 6745895
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the changing of diapers for a baby in the form of a portable diaper caddy. The tray has a base adapted to rest upon a surface. The tray includes multiple selectively sized compartments including a diaper compartment in the tray adapted to contain a plurality of diapers, a pad compartment in the tray adapted to contain a baby changing pad, and a wipe compartment in the tray adapted to contain a plurality of wet baby wipes. A lid covers the wipe compartment, the lid sealing against a top portion of the wipe compartment to prevent evaporation of liquid contained in the wet baby wipes. A handle extends from the tray to allow persons to grasp the tray for carrying the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Silvers
  • Publication number: 20040084346
    Abstract: A container which is nestably stackle with a similar container, the container comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Katrina Goff Candy
  • Patent number: 6708824
    Abstract: A vertically stackable and nestable tub-like container is preferably formed of injection molded plastic and includes a circumferential sidewall formed with alternate inwardly and outwardly facing channel portions. Outwardly facing channel portions taper outwardly from a peripheral rim defining the upper edge of the container toward the bottom edge of the sidewall. The bottom edge of the sidewall is joined to a bottom wall by a curved intermediate wall portion and the bottom edge of the sidewall extends slightly beyond the bottom wall of the container for transferring forces acting on the sidewall directly to a support surface. Circumferentially spaced axially extending anti-nesting stops and reinforcing ribs extend along the outwardly facing channel portions of the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor A. Sahm, III
  • Publication number: 20040031714
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lid for a drinking cup, and a nestable drinking cup. The lid has a top wall, an annular side wall depending from the top wall and an annular mounting portion at the bottom of the side wall for sealingly engaging a brim portion of the drinking cup. A first recessed portion is provided in the top wall. A drinking opening is located in the first recesses portion to enable drinking of a beverage from the drinking cup without removal of the lid. The side recess wall in the first recesses portion includes a convexly curved portion near the drinking opening defining a chute-like structure that directs the beverage from the drinking opening to a user's mouth. The nestable drinking cup is made of rigid, injection-molded plastic and includes an upper ribbed portion having a band of vertically-oriented, outwardly extending ribs about the periphery of the drinking cup, wherein the upper ribbed portion reduces heat transfer from hot contents in the cup to a user's hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Fraser Hanson
  • Publication number: 20030230510
    Abstract: A storage container has a floor and two pairs of opposed walls extending upwardly from the floor. Included is a bail member having bail ends mountable to one of the pairs of walls, and movable among nest and stack positions. Also included are mounting portions on one of the pairs of walls for receiving the bail ends. Mounting portions include an opening defining a plurality of pivot axes about which the bail member pivots, each axis oriented at substantially similar heights above the floor. When bail ends are positioned at one pivot axis, bail member is movable between the nested and a first stack positions. When bail ends are positioned at an other pivot axis, bail member is oriented in the second stack position. To move the bail member between first and second pivot axes, the bail member is raised upwardly within the opening and moved around an interference portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Cynthia R. Aiken, William P. Apps
  • Publication number: 20030213808
    Abstract: A trash container with a lid is emptied by a mechanical lifting device. A latch bar is provided that is engaged by the lift when the container is inverted. The latch bar is mounted in openings on both sides of a wide recess on the front wall of the container. The outer ends of the latch bar extend through the openings into the inside of the container and are accommodated with a clearance portion of a lower stacked container when the containers are stacked together for shipment. The lid is initially assembled in an open position with the lid hanging down vertically. After closing the lid for the first time by rotation of the lid through 270°, a hinge stop prevents the lid from being rotated back to the original position. The hinge stop supports the lid in an open position that is rotated about 110° from the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: John R. Berger
  • Publication number: 20030197015
    Abstract: Mini Basket turns out to be a work of art. People who see them want them. Paint them red, white and blue and put on Christmas trees. Paint green for St. Patrick's Day (Irish). Women like them. They like to have them to mix with their other crafts they have in their China Cabinets and to buy at craft shows, where they would sell. Will be painted only for people who want them. Note: Baskets painted in only one color each, red, white or blue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Leonard James Whyte
  • Patent number: 6607199
    Abstract: A dolly and a tray and dolly assembly are provided. The dolly has a floor with upper and lower surfaces and with one or more features such that when the tray floor is received on the dolly floor, the feature interlocks the tray with the dolly. One feature is a plurality of protruding members extending upwardly from the dolly floor upper surface into openings in the tray floor to interlock the tray with the dolly. Another features is the presence of dolly side wall locking portions configured to abut and mate with corresponding tray side wall bottom locking portions on the tray to interlock the dolly with the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Robert V. Gruber
  • Patent number: 6596328
    Abstract: An improved container for food and other perishable products comprising a simple construction and a multi-functional cap. The receptacle portion is a blow molded plastic, while a outer layer comprising a shrink-wrap graphics carrier is applied over the receptacle and cap. The multi-functional cap nests over and seals the mouth end of the container, inverts to seat on the mouth of the container as a bowl, and nests over the base of the container for storage while the container is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, John Joseph Michels
  • Patent number: 6581771
    Abstract: A container for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon and nested within like containers. The container includes a base. First and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls extend upwardly and outwardly from the base. The second pair of sidewalls is perpendicularly disposed between and interconnects the first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment. The container also includes first and second pairs of opposed support members. Each of the pairs of support members is pivotally connected to a respective one of the opposing sidewalls and is adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within the storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position therein and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment for defining a nesting position, a first stacking position, and a second stacking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Schaefer Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton McDade
  • Publication number: 20030111468
    Abstract: A beverage container includes a cup having a configuration suitable for nesting and a cap removably covering a top opening of the cup. The cup is provided above a bottom with a predetermined length of diameter-reduced section, and the cap is provided near a top center with a round recess for fitly engaging with the diameter-reduced section of the cup. The cap may be removed from the loaded cup and positioned on a tabletop with the round recess facing upward, so that the diameter-reduced section of the cup may be inserted into the round recess of the cap to stably hold the cup to an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: I-Mei Foods Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teng Chau Kao
  • Publication number: 20030094393
    Abstract: A vertically stackable and nestable tub-like container is preferably formed of injection molded plastic and includes a circumferential sidewall formed with alternate inwardly and outwardly facing channel portions. Outwardly facing channel portions taper outwardly from a peripheral rim defining the upper edge of the container toward the bottom edge of the sidewall. The bottom edge of the sidewall is joined to a bottom wall by a curved intermediate wall portion and the bottom edge of the sidewall extends slightly beyond the bottom wall of the container for transferring forces acting on the sidewall directly to a support surface. Circumferentially spaced axially extending anti-nesting stops and reinforcing ribs extend along the outwardly facing channel portions of the sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST AGRI-PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Victor A. Sahm
  • Publication number: 20030075472
    Abstract: a container for storing items and adapted for being stacked upon and nested within like containers. The container includes a base. First and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls extend upwardly and outwardly from the base. The second pair of sidewalls is perpendicularly disposed between and interconnects the first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment. The container also includes first and second pairs of opposed support members. Each of the pairs of support members is pivotally connected to a respective one of the opposing sidewalls and is adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within the storage compartment at a predetermined vertical position therein and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment for defining a nesting position, a first stacking position, and a second stacking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Clinton McDade
  • Publication number: 20030024844
    Abstract: A beverage tray has a floor with peripheral, upstanding side and end walls for holding a plurality of containers of beverage, for example in six-packs. The floor has a plurality of downwardly projecting detents on its bottom surface for cooperation with the tops of beverage containers in a sub-adjacent tray to impede free sliding movement of an upper tray over the beverage containers in a sub-adjacent tray to enable stable stacking of the trays, while at the same time enabling the upper tray to be slid over the cans in the lower tray to remove the upper tray from a stack of trays. The detents are rectilinear and present spaced, opposed, parallel, straight detents that define detent sets surrounding bottle top receiving areas. The upper edge of the side wall is smoothly sinusoidally curved to define spaced, alternating upper side wall sections and recessed areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Roy Hammett
  • Publication number: 20030019778
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging container which includes a main body formed from a covering material, where this main body being adapted to enclose an area. The packaging container also includes a plurality of support beams and is characterized in that the support beams are located within or adjacent to the side walls of the container. Preferably such support beams may be located substantially in the center of the side walls of the container to resist compressive forces applied to the top or upper sections of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Clint Paul Moka
  • Publication number: 20030015530
    Abstract: A multiple layer reusable plastic container is disclosed. The multiple layer structure includes at least one layer of recycled or highly economic material and at least one outer layer made from either virgin resin or a more aesthetically appealing material to provide a multiple layer reusable container that is economical to manufacture in terms of material costs but yet has an acceptable outward appearance. The recycled or economical layer may be coated on both sides with virgin resin to provide an improved inner and outer appearance to the reusable container and also qualify the inner surface as an appropriate food contacting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: RUBBERMAID INCORPORATED
    Inventors: William W. Shepler, Gina Rodi, Erik Skov
  • Publication number: 20020179480
    Abstract: A multi-level stacking container is disclosed. The container comprises: a base; a pair of opposed sidewalls extending from the base; and a pair of moveable support bars operatively coupled to and extending across the pair of opposed sidewalls, the pair of support bars being moveable between at least three positions such that the container is stackable in at least three positions with a second like container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Narayan Raghunathan, Don M.U. Ogden
  • Patent number: 6472007
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, John Joseph Michels
  • Patent number: 6467681
    Abstract: A transportation container used for transportation of products includes a generally box-shaped body and a lid attached to the body. The body has a plurality of side walls and a bottom. The body has an open upper end with two pairs of corners. The side walls are inclined downwardly inward so that a cross-sectional area of the container is gradually decreased from the upper end to the bottom. The lid of one container is placed inside the body so as to support the bottom of another container and so as to define a space between the bottoms of the one and another containers when the another container is fitted into the one container to be put one upon the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Tsusho Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoyoshi Mori
  • Patent number: 6443325
    Abstract: A molded plastic cup comprising a generally cylindrical body portion, a rim and a handle, and a method of forming the cup. The body portion has an open upper end, and the rim extends radially outwardly from the perimeter of the open end of the body portion. The handle is formed as an integral part of the cup. The handle extends outwardly from substantially diametrically opposed portions of the rim and then along the rim on one side of the cup between the diametrically opposed portions. The end portions of the handle extend from the rim, and are sufficiently flexible to allow the handle to be bent upwardly from the rim so that the handle arches diametrically across the upper end of the cup. The entire cup is thermoformed from a single sheet of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Huhtamaki Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Schaper, Donald A. Tomalia, Jr., Joseph S. Trombley
  • Publication number: 20020117420
    Abstract: A container is provided for storing items and for being stacked upon and nested within like containers. The container includes a base having first and second pairs of spaced-apart, opposing sidewalls extending therefrom. The second pair of sidewalls is perpendicularly disposed between and interconnects the first pair of sidewalls to form a storage compartment. An inward projection is carried by one, and an outwardprojection is carried by the other, of the first pair of sidewalls. Each of a pair of support members is pivotally connected to a respective one of the first pair of sidewalls and is adapted for being moved between an inwardly-directed position residing within the storage compartment and an outwardly-directed position residing exterior to the storage compartment. The container can be positioned in a nesting position, first stacking position, or second stacking position relative to another like container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Clinton McDade
  • Patent number: 6394274
    Abstract: A stackable bakery tray which can be stacked upon an identical bakery tray to provide three levels of storage for bake goods. An identical upper tray can slide on rails of a lower tray when the upper tray and lower tray are each oriented in the same direction and when one tray is orientated 180° from the other tray. Two of the side walls are mirror images of each other and include extending feet and complementary level portions and openings so that extending feet of an upper tray matingly fit within either appropriate level portions or openings of lower tray. End extending feet can pivot within their appropriate level portions or openings to blendly stack and unstack the upper tray to and from the lower tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Pinckney Molded Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert V. Cheeseman
  • Publication number: 20020056717
    Abstract: A container for housing produce comprising a generally rectangular bottom, generally rectangular opposed first and second side and end walls extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom, and a pivot member on an upper edge of the first side wall. A lid comprising two panels is provided, each panel having first and second side edges and a hinge edge, the first side edges being detachably and pivotally secured to the pivot member. A hinge operatively connects the hinge edges of the two panels. Resilient flanges are provided on the second side edges of the panels to releasably engage shoulders formed on an upper edge of the second side wall when the lid is closed. To nest multiple containers one within another, the lid is removed from the side wall, folded 180° about its hinge, rotated 90° and placed in the bottom of the container. Another container is then placed in the container and the process is repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Philip C. Hwang
  • Patent number: 6386365
    Abstract: A nesting stacking crate comprises a base member and upwardly outwardly flaring collapsible side walls and end walls, as well as semi-hexagonal corner members, all terminating at the top in a top rim. Attached to the top end of each hexagonal corner member is a stacking-support member consisting of a support housing, preferably shaped substantially like a capital H, and a support blade hingedly connected thereto which flips about the crossbar of the H, between a nesting condition and a stacking condition. In the nesting condition, the blades are rotated outwardly downwardly and lie extrinsic to the interior of the crate, thus allowing another like crate to be nested inside. In the stacking condition they are rotated inwardly horizontally pointing generally diagonally towards the opposite corner of the crate. In that condition the support blades provide a support base for another like crate to be stacked on top for transportation and storage of goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Hong Sin Tan
  • Patent number: 6318575
    Abstract: An egg server for cooked eggsin the shell. The server includes a bottom wall from which a sidewall extends, to form an interior which partially receives an egg. An inclined support face is formed within the interior to accommodate a wide variety of egg sizes, increasing the usefulness of the server. The lower outer face of the server may be of reduced size to nest within the interior of another of the egg servers, permitting multiple egg servers to be placed in a stacked position for storage. An upper rim of the sidewall may have a shape which mates with itself in an inverted position, permitting the upper rims of two egg servers to abut when the upper of the two egg servers rest upon the other egg server in an inverted relationship referred to as an insulating position. In this insulating position the two egg servers combine to encase an egg, retaining its heat prior to serving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Stig Lillelund, Jakob Heiberg
  • Patent number: 6260706
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tray is provided which allows for stacking and cross-nesting of like trays, and allows for stacking, but not cross-nesting, of unlike trays. The tray includes a generally rectangular bottom surface having at least one cross-nesting aperture formed therein, and a pair of opposed end walls extending upwardly from the bottom surface. The opposed end walls include a plurality of feet formed along lower edges thereof and a plurality of pockets formed along upper edges thereof, wherein the pockets of the tray receive the feet of another tray when the trays are disposed in a stacked configuration. The tray further includes a pair of opposed side walls extending upwardly from the bottom surface and integrally joined with the pair of opposed end walls. One of the pair of opposed side walls includes at least one raised portion that is sized and located to be slidably received by the cross-nesting aperture of another like tray when the trays are disposed in a cross-nested configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Gerald R. Koefelda
  • Patent number: 6199879
    Abstract: A box and dolly system for moving, storing or retrieving goods wherein the box comprises a plurality of substantially upright walls with at least one of the walls having at least two surfaces disposed in an offsetting relationship for forming an overhang and wherein the dolly comprises a plurality of upright walls and a housing adjacent the intersection of each pair of upright walls and with the housing extending from the walls of the dolly such that the dolly may be stacked directly upon another dolly of identical construction with both dollies aligned in the same orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Nadine Cino, Martin Spindel
  • Patent number: 6196404
    Abstract: The present invention is a container for food. The container has a lid and a base which form a series of three self-reinforcing seals when mated. A protrusion on the lid reinforces the triple seal formed between the lid and base. The protrusion applies a force to the base, locking the lid and base together. The third seal has the largest surface area and acts as a first line of defense against food leakage out of the container and a last line of defense against the entry of contaminants into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Newspring Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Chen