Closure Structure Specified For Stacking Patents (Class 206/508)
  • Patent number: 5392945
    Abstract: A stackable container useful for containing premoistened wipes therein includes a bottom having a pair of circular recesses and a lid having a pair of circular projections in alignment with the circular recesses so that the container may stack with similar containers. Each container is twice as long as it is wide so that the containers may stack in a staggered configuration, extending either parallel or perpendicular with respect to one another. The lid of the container is unitary with a rim and pivots with respect to the rim on a living hinge. A raised floor with a gutter therearound is provided at the bottom of the container for supporting a stack of moist wipes, wherein the edges of the lowermost wipes remain immersed in moisture which pools in the gutter in order to keep the stack moist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Gerald M. Syrek
  • Patent number: 5390811
    Abstract: A wafer basket which is provided with a new type of locking and unlocking device for locking the top lid to the main body of the outer box and unlocking the same, wherein it is possible to unlock it by merely pressing a part of the locking and unlocking device inwardly; furthermore, the top lid and the bottom of the main body are shaped such that they fit and engage with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignees: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd., Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Ogino, Toshitsugu Yajima
  • Patent number: 5384103
    Abstract: An instrument tray assembly including a tray and an optional cover for the storage, transport and sterilization of medical instruments is disclosed. Each tray and cover is perforated to permit the flow of sterilizing medium therethrough, and each is comprised of materials which will withstand soaking and steam or gas autoclaving. Interchangeably disposed along the surfaces of the tray and cover are a plurality of support members, each including variously dimensioned notched receptacles for receiving medical instruments. Each tray may also include a set of handles which may be extended at a variety of angles, thereby avoiding contact and possible contamination between gloved hands and instruments, depending upon the orientation of each handle. Alternative embodiments for resilient instrument support members are disclosed. One embodiment includes resilient projections which are insertable directly into the perforations on the trays and covers. An alternative embodiment further includes a rigid extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Micromedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis H. Miller
  • Patent number: 5383558
    Abstract: A sealed container includes a base jar for containing a substance and a removable lid for closing and sealing the base jar. The base jar includes a bottom wall, a side enclosure extending upwardly from the bottom wall having an upper portion with a screw thread, and an upper wall extending inwardly and upwardly from the upper portion of the side enclosure having a circular brim which defines a wide mouth opening for the base jar. The removable lid includes a top wall and an encircling member extending downwardly therefrom with a screw thread which matingly engages with the screw thread of the upper wall of the base jar. For sealing with the base jar, the removable lid also includes a circular projection extending downwardly from the lid which engages and seals with the circular brim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Kraft General Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger D. Wilkinson, Dean R. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 5381918
    Abstract: Device for securing the lid of a can, in particular a can of paint, against opening when this is not desired, with a surface at the upper end and a peripheral side wall forming a hollow body and consisting of two sections with different diameters, and with a projection arranged at a distance from the upper end of the device and on the inside of the first section of the side wall, which projection is designed so as to be largely peripheral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Herberts Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Jurgen Dahl
  • Patent number: 5377858
    Abstract: A space saving rectangular container having a child resistant lid assembly wherein the rectangular container has a rectangular closure provided with a central opening. The child resistant lid assembly is removably mounted on the closure to close the opening and is positioned inwardly of the container side walls so that when placing a plurality of the containers having child resistant lid assemblies thereon in a stacked or side-by-side relationship, the child resistant lid assembly is positioned inwardly from the side wall of an adjacent container to thereby prevent damage to the lid assembly by the adjacent container during shipment and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Glenn H. Morris, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5377861
    Abstract: An injection molded closure and a container has a closure with external ribs for preventing jamming together of adjacent closures in stacked relation, and facilitating self-alignment of stacked closures. The closure has a central circular panel and a sidewall extending generally upwardly therefrom. The sidewall has upper and lower vertical portions with a lateral offset portion extending therebetween, which define a plug-like portion of the closure. Upon engagement of the closure with a container, the plug-like section is inserted into the container opening. The ribs are spaced peripherally about the outside of the closure and include an upper closure-engaging surface for contact with the rim of another closure stacked therebelow, and a lower closure-engaging surface for contact with the lateral offset portion of the other closure stacked therebelow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Landis Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Richard Landis
  • Patent number: 5372787
    Abstract: In a sterilizing container for medical and surgical instruments comprising a box with a bottom part and a cover for sealing the bottom part in a germ-tight manner, the side walls of the bottom part of the box have openings covered on the outside with germ-tight but sterilization gas permeable filter layers which are held in position by retaining plates mounted on the side walls, the cover of the box being locked to the bottom part by a locking structure formed at one end of the box at which the cover and bottom part includes retaining structures receiving a safety tag which covers the locking structure when the cover is closed in such a way that the safety tag is firmly positioned in front of the locking structure and the locking structure is only accessible by destroying the safety tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Ralf Ritter
  • Patent number: 5373104
    Abstract: A control module having an integral fastening and locking case assembly whereby a support spacer frame for circuit boards and case members are assembled to create a single unit without the use of conventional fasteners. The structure of the housing and the support spacer frame provides an arrangement whereby the sectional equipment may securely snapped together to form a single unit without the use of conventional fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Eric A. Brauer
  • Patent number: 5370227
    Abstract: A film cartridge container which can accommodate two film cartridges with short film tongues projecting straight from the cartridges. The film cartridge container has devices for fixing the film cartridges in the container and for attaching another film cartridge container by lid and bottom so that many containers can be stack for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Shibazaki, Toshiyuki Ikariya, Shigekazu Sakai
  • Patent number: 5344023
    Abstract: A three piece egg container assembly is provided which includes a rectangular base member having a bottom wall, sidewalls and an open top, an egg tray with a plurality of egg receiving receptacles receivable within the base member and a removable lid for the base member. The lid is configured with a peripheral lip such that one side of the lid conforms to the base member bottom wall, the open top of the base member and the egg tray such that the first surface of the lid could receive any of those elements. A second side of the lid conforms to the opening of the base member such that the lid can be received in the opening either in an upright position or an inverted position. Stacking of numerous base members with intervening inverted lids or stacking of the egg tray on the lid is thereby accommodated by this construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Patricia A. Cox, David K. Miller
  • Patent number: 5332114
    Abstract: A container for containing automatic transmissions or the like comprises first and second cases which are identical in shape. A first group of coupling portions are possessed by each case, which establish a coupling of the first and second cases when the first and second cases are mated in a front-to-front mating manner. A second group of coupling portions are possessed by each case, which establish a coupling of the first and second cases when the first and second cases are mated in a back-to-back mating manner. A third group of coupling portions are possessed by each case, which establish a coupling of the first and second cases when the first and second cases are mated in a front-to-back mating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Jatco Corporation
    Inventors: Yasumasa Sano, Takao Ohsugi
  • Patent number: 5311993
    Abstract: A multi-media storage tray with at least one uni-directional partition member provided to store and organize different combinations of media. The bottom of the try is provided with a plurality of positioning slots each surrounded by detents having substantially the same shape as the partition members. The partition members will fit in the detents only when the partitions are oriented in a single direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Fellowes Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Richard C. Koch
  • Patent number: 5312011
    Abstract: A stackable container system having a plurality of individual containers wherein each container is snapped onto and securely fastened to another similarly configured container. Each container has a lid securely tethered to the side of the container by an integrally molded strap such that the lids of the individual containers do not get lost or misplaced. The container lids are configured so as to securely engage the container sidewall by a snap-fit design having a conveniently placed thumb tab to facilitate the quick and easy release of the lid. A removable divider may be positioned within each container receptacle to compartmentalize the receptacle such that individual component parts can be stored in a single container and not become mixed or interspersed during storage. Each container of the stackable system may comprise a transparent material for the visual inspection of the contents contained therein prior to opening the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan E. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5299972
    Abstract: Crab sections are held in stacks of nested baskets detachably mounted on opposite sides of a lift tree which is adapted to be hung from an overhead hoist and conveyed from a loading station to processing stations and then to an unloading station. At the loading and unloading stations the lift tree is held vertically on a turntable which is preferably adjustable in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Northwest Wire Works, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Heffernan, James D. Orr
  • Patent number: 5285900
    Abstract: A stackable storage container for storing articles has a box having a bottom, a pair of opposed side walls, and a pair of opposed end walls. The walls extend up from the bottom to a free edge, and the opposed walls angle away from each other as they extend from the bottom towards the free edge. The bottom and the walls define a storage space for articles. The free edge defines an opening for access to the storage space. A cover has a top and a downwardly depending lip for engaging the walls adjacent to the free edge for releasably retaining the cover on the box and an upward projecting rim for engaging the walls of a second box adjacent its bottom for releasably retaining the second box on the cover. One of the end walls has a cut-out therein opening onto the free edge. A ledge bordering the cut-out and projecting outboard has a track for receiving and retaining a movable insert panel there for selectably opening and closing the cut-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Sheni S. Swingler
  • Patent number: 5267663
    Abstract: A collapsible shipping container formed on a supporting pallet and made up of a base and cover tray, separator members and rectilinear partition tubes, all made of sheet material such as corrugated paper. The separator members are made up of a pair of trays fixed to each other to form a cover for a lower layer of partition members and a receiving tray for an upper layer of partition members. All of the sheet material elements are foldable for stacking in a folded condition in the order in which they are used for movement as a unit to the packing area where packing is accomplished by removing layers of the folded components in the order of which they are used to erect an interlocked shipping container in which the various layers of material resist shifting relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Howard J. Dykhouse
  • Patent number: 5259509
    Abstract: A stackable portable container assembly for storing fluid having a pallet base and a tank having top, middle and bottom portions. The top portion can be integral with the tank or removable from the middle portion. A plurality of cables removably secure the tank to the pallet base. The bottom portion and an upper surface of the pallet base comprise cooperating male and female receptacles which are adopted to cooperate with each other when the tank is mounted to the pallet base. The bottom portion further comprises at least one drain. A drain valve coupled to the drain of the tank to enable the fluid stored in the tank to be removed at a predetermined rate. A lever-operated drain stopper is optionally disposed in the tank to prevent the fluid from flowing through the drain opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventors: Stewart Boal, Jr., Susan H. Boal, Philip W. Moore
  • Patent number: 5259526
    Abstract: A closure is disclosed for use with a tubular container having an open end with a cylindrical connecting bead at the open end. The closure includes a circular wall and a peripheral connecting flange surrounding a peripheral edge of the connecting bead so that the circular wall closes the open end of the container. First and second coaxial reinforcement ribs depend downward from the circular wall to provide suitable reinforcement while eliminating crevices on the circular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: Michael D. Stolzman
  • Patent number: 5253777
    Abstract: The pallet container (101) for liquids comprises an exchangeable inner container (102) of a synthetic resin, an outer jacket (106) of a latticework, as well as a pallet (109) fashioned as a floor pan (110), this pallet receiving in flush manner the bottom (111) of the inner container designed as a drainage bottom, the bottom exhibiting a filling connection (103) as well as a discharge connection (115) with a drainage tap (105). Reinforcing creases (118a, 118b) are molded into the floor pan (110) adapted to the inclination of the drainage bottom (111); the bases (119) of these creases lie in a joint horizontal plane (120--120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Udo Schutz
  • Patent number: 5253758
    Abstract: A stackable device is disclosed comprising a cooking vessel with tapered sidewalls, lid halves and a handle, whereby the lid halves slidably mount to the cookware vessel and contain apertures for draining and pouring excess liquid therefrom, and whereby the lid halves contain locking channels which interlock and mate with stacking leg projections depending downwardly from the bottom surface. Whereby once the lid halves are attached to the projections of the bottom surface, one unit may be placed within the cavity of another unit for stacking to accommodate convenient packaging, storage and display. In addition, by attaching the lid halves to the bottom surface of the cooking container, lids are prevented from being lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Irving J. Bissell, II
  • Patent number: 5249549
    Abstract: A disposable litter container for pets, usually cats, includes a molded tray of water-absorbent paper material that does not lose appreciable structural strength upon absorption of limited quantities of water. The paper material preferably includes an appreciable wax content. The tray has a bottom wall formed integrally with side walls, enclosing a litter chamber, with the side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall for a predetermined height greater than the litter chamber height. Lid retainers are molded into the side walls at the top of the chamber. A lid interfits with the lid retainers to seal the top of the litter chamber. There are complementary, interfitting supports on the lid and on the tray that adapt the lid to service as a base for the tray when the lid is removed. The lid can be replaced, when the litter is spent, to re-seal the container for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Joseph J. Rockaitis, III
  • Patent number: 5251106
    Abstract: An electronic system having a plurality of electronic devices contained in a plurality of stackable enclosures is provided. Each of the plurality of stackable enclosures is stackable and interlockable together with another one of the plurality of stackable enclosures. Each of the plurality of stackable enclosures comprises a housing having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first plurality of projections are provided to extend upwardly from the top surface. The first plurality of projections are spaced to define a first group of grooves therebetween. A second plurality of projections are provided to extend downwardly from the bottom surface. The second plurality of projections are spaced to define a second group of grooves therebetween. Each of the second group of grooves corresponds to a respective one of the first plurality of projections. Each of the first group of grooves corresponds to a respective one of the second plurality of projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Everex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Hui
  • Patent number: 5232120
    Abstract: A bulk shipping and storage container for liquids or dry powders comprising a rigid, round, plastic vessel, molded in one piece, and a lid for the vessel. Preferably, these parts are molded of poly(dicyclopentadiene), using the reaction injection molding (RIM) process. The lateral wall of the vessel is inclined inwardly from top to bottom so as to define an upper truncated conical section and lower truncated conical section coaxial with the upper section. The lateral wall is equipped with means for securing the lid to the top of the vessel. A recess is formed in the lateral wall of the vessel and this recess can be tapped with a threaded drainage hole to receive a threaded drain valve. The vessel's bottom is sloped towards this recess to permit complete draining of the container's contents. The container may be mounted on a pallet member or seated in a tub. Alternatively, it may be molded with an integral pallet formed by the lower portion of its lateral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: 21st Century Containers, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sidney H. Dunken, Joseph J. Lane, Jack E. Harris
  • Patent number: 5224635
    Abstract: An integral double wall hopper for handling, storing and dispensing dry flowables such as capsules, tablets, and powders in the pharmaceutical industry, comprises an outer shell having a bottom wall and four walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, an inner shell having a frustoconical bottom wall and four walls extending upwardly from the frustoconical bottom wall, a lip along the upper edges of the upwardly extending walls connecting the outer shell to the inner shell, four downwardly extending legs formed in the bottom wall of the outer shell forming supporting members for the hopper, a discharge opening molded in the center of the frustoconical bottom wall of the inner shell and in the bottom wall of the outer shell, and a closure member positioned on the discharge opening for opening and closing the discharge opening to dispense the contents of the hopper when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Plastech International Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Wise
  • Patent number: 5220999
    Abstract: A nestable hinged container for packaging consumer articles. The container includes a receptacle having a base formed with relation to the consumer article, the base terminating in an uppermost edge having an outer periphery, the receptacle further having an upstanding peripheral side wall integral to the outer periphery of the uppermost edge of the base, the peripheral side wall terminating at an upper end thereof in an outwardly projecting peripheral rim flange; and a lid hingedly connected to the receptacle, the lid having an an outwardly projecting peripheral rim flange and an inwardly projecting concave portion located on an upper surface of the lid, the concave portion formed in relation to the base so as to enable nested stacking of a plurality of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Goulette
  • Patent number: 5211289
    Abstract: There is provided a new and useful removable lid, particularly adapted for commercial sized containers of the type which holds oils, grease, bulk food stuffs and the like. The lid comprises a central lid area which has parallel upper and lower surfaces. A continuous channel extends about the periphery of the lower surface. The channel has inner and outer walls for releasably receiving therebetween the upper lid of a container. A skirt downwardly depends about the periphery of the lid area. The skirt forms part of the outer wall of the channel. Means at the bottom of the channel act as a seal between the lid and the container when the lid is in position on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Irving Oil Limited
    Inventor: Walter A. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5202098
    Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container 90 has a housing 12, a removable tray 16 adapted for holding medical instruments and a removable lid 92. Lid 92 has no apertures or other inlets and is sealingly affixed to the housing 12 so that pressure induced positive drainage occurs providing for significantly improved drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Robert L. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5201419
    Abstract: A unitary container for storing and dispensing chain includes a box-shaped chain holder portion having a continuous top edge adapted for interlocking receipt of a selectively removable lid, a bottom wall, and first and second pairs of opposed side walls which extend between and connect the open top edge and the bottom wall. The container also includes a lid adapted for selectively easily removable attachment to the continuous open top edge of the chain holder position. The lid has an integral chain dispensing and retaining portion to permit access to and removal from the chain holder portion through the lid of desired lengths of chain, and is formed so as to deter chain removed from the chain holder from unintentionally slipping thereinto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Laclede Chain Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 5186330
    Abstract: A mobile infectious waste container including a lid which is sealable to a container body. The container includes a target region projecting outwardly from the lid and an alignment region extending oppositely from the container's floor. Upon vertically adjacent positioning of a similar container, without offset, the alignment region and target regions cooperatively interfit to oppose relative transverse movement of the containers. The container includes a bumper which extends at least partially perimetrically thereabout. The bumper includes a substantially uniformly inclined contact surface and is dimensioned such that the bumper's height is at least twice the bumper's thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: McClure Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Delmar H. McClure
  • Patent number: 5178276
    Abstract: A support apparatus for stacking bottles of water in a vertical fashion one atop the other includes a bottom support having an inclined side wall with a lower annular rim that fits against the top end portion of a lowermost bottle. An upper support registers with the bottom support and includes a plurality of radially extending struts that provide a surface for conforming to the bottom of an uppermost bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: Kerney T. Sheets
  • Patent number: 5169017
    Abstract: The can end closure member includes a removable central panel for opening the can, and a stepped panel portion allowing the can to be opened by means of a conventional can opener. The stepped panel portion has an angled configuration which recesses the scoreline of the central panel and protects the scoreline from shocks during shipping and handling. The stepped panel portion also includes a ledge portion which serves as a seat for stacking another can on the stepped panel portion without bearing upon the scoreline or the central panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: H. J. Heinz Company
    Inventors: Terry Cooper, Walter Lum, Peter Douglas
  • Patent number: 5165978
    Abstract: This relates to the special construction of shells for closure panels of composite closures which, in production, for all practical purposes will eliminate nesting of stacked closure panels. Most specifically, each closure panel will be provided with flutes indenting the skirts thereof so as to prevent closure panels from nesting when stacked. Preferably, each closure panel is provided with at least three flutes and preferably four with the circumferential spacing of the flutes of a closure panel all being different and when the shells of the closure panels are formed in a multiple cavity die, the flute arrangement in each cavity will also be different. This will, for all practical purposes, eliminate nesting of the closure panels when stacked during production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Continental White Cap, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank H. Lecinski
  • Patent number: 5161689
    Abstract: A rim seal for use with containers for paint having an upstanding rim at one end and a groove located radially inwardly of the rim defined in part by an inner terminal edge. The rim seal includes an annular top section disposed generally transverely to the axis of a container and providing a planar support surface when assembled to a container. An inner wall section extends downwardly at an angle from the inner peripheral edge of the top section terminating in a radially inwardly directed rib adapted to overlie and seal with the edge of the container. Also, an angular outer section depending from the outer peripheral edge of the top section includes a radial section defining a ledge, and a lower terminal axially extending wall terminating and having an inwardly directed radial circumferentially extending rib. Application of an axial force on the top section produces outward flexing of the inner and outer sections whereby the rim seal can be applied to a container by automatic assembly means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: John E. Balson
  • Patent number: 5156273
    Abstract: A composite lid closure assembly, for use with a container body, comprising a paper board central panel coated on two sides with sealable material and bonded to a semi-rigid plastic lid ring. The lid ring and central panel are ultrasonically bonded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Empak, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger L. Mortensen
  • Patent number: 5154291
    Abstract: A plurality of storage trays are arranged for a stacked relationship relative to one another defined by side walls mounting projections on top surfaces of the side walls received within slots directed through bottom surfaces of an adjacent side wall of an overlying tray. The tray structure defines a cavity between a forward edge of a floor and a rear first wall. A rear second wall is spaced relative to the first wall to mount spaced flanges therewithin, wherein the flanges are further received within openings within an overlying tray. A ratchet plunger is positioned medially of the first rear wall to provide selective projection of a compact disc positioned on the floor in communication with the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Francis Y. Sur
  • Patent number: 5150804
    Abstract: In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the invention provides a rotationally resistive pail, pail support and coupling. The apparatus includes a pail, and a lid for closing the pail in a closing position, and for supporting the pail in a supporting and locking position. The pail has notches in the base of the pail. The lid has corresponding lugs for vertical interlocking and rotationally resistive engagement with the notches when the lid is in the supporting position. When the lid is in the supporting position, the lid supports the pail vertically and laterally, and the mating engagement of the lid and pail resists relative rotation between the lid and the pail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventors: Oscar Blanchet, Donald Mills
  • Patent number: 5143219
    Abstract: A stackable container includes a continuous sidewall interconnecting a lip means and the bottom along with a lid for engaging the lip and for covering an open end of the stackable container. An elastic seal is provided between the lid and the lip when the lip is engaged by the lid and an interior shelf limits pressure applied to the plastic seal during stacking of the containers to prevent setting thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: George Yates, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5109977
    Abstract: A tamperproof coin case defined by two interlocking plastic plate members ultrasonically bonded together to define a unitary assembly within which a coin and its certificate of authenticity may be permanently secured. One plate member includes a cavity for fully receiving the other plate member therein, with opposing inner surfaces of the plate members being provided with corresponding cylindrical recesses which collectively form a cylindrical cavity within which a pliable plastic retention ring is disposed for securing the coin in a stationary position and permitting its obverse and reverse sides to be viewed through dome-shaped windows provided on the opposite sides of the case. The case is also provided with outwardly extending circumferential flanges which permit a plurality of cases to be vertically stacked for transport or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Professional Coin Grading Service, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen H. Mayer, David Hall
  • Patent number: 5083674
    Abstract: A two compartment container for epoxy adhesives and the like includes a pair of upper and lower, pail-shaped containers, each including a removable cover. The lower end of the upper container is bonded to the cover of the lower container so that both containers form a unitary structure when the cover is in place on the lower container. Because the cover for the lower container is bonded to the upper container, the possibility of incorrectly replacing the covers on the upper and lower containers is minimized. A user graspable bail is attached to the upper container so that both containers can be easily carried as a unit when the covers are in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Power Poxy, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan J. Clark
  • Patent number: 5080874
    Abstract: The specification discloses a medical instruments sterilization container (10) which includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Robert L. Nichols
  • Patent number: 5076437
    Abstract: A container for storing slices of pizza therein, comprising a main container housing having an interior storage compartment structured and configured to conform with the shape of a standard slice of pizza. The container housing includes an open end adapted to receive at least one slice of pizza therethrough for containment within the storage compartment. A removable cap is structured to fit over the open end in covering, sealed relation to the storage compartment and is secured thereto by protruding knobs on the cap which snap into slots formed in opposite sides of the container housing. A surrounding outer lip formed on the upper peripheral edge of the container facilitates vertical stacking of several containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Philip Y. Schindler
  • Patent number: 5069344
    Abstract: A novel basket cover and the combination of the novel cover and a novel basket are disclosed. The basket cover is essentially a dome-shaped article of clear plastic having a straight skirt depending from a dome portion and corners in the skirt having detents which releasably mate with and lock onto corners of the basket. In a preferred embodiment the detent includes a flat triangular section having an apex aligned with the rim of the dome and extending down to an arc-shaped rigde merging with a convex detent, which in turn, extends to the periphery of the skirt. The basket cover is further provided with ribs extending up its sides and presenting perpendicular basket engaging surfaces which engage and hold in place the bottom of a second basket stacked thereon. In the preferred embodiment the basket cover is further provided with vents which are angled with respect to both the flat top of the cover and its sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Plexiform, Incorporated
    Inventor: David L. Dehart
  • Patent number: 5069343
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided wherein an organization includes a lower container of a trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration accommodating a lid defined by a further trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration, wherein the lid is complementarily received upon the container and includes a pivoted entrance door, as well as a handle mounted on the lid receivable within a recessed cavity to permit vertical stacking of containers and lids. Each lid includes plural pairs of "L" shaped brackets to align and position a container thereon. A modification of the invention includes a disposable intermediate lid plate positioned between the lid and the container to receive disposed components of a lesser volume to minimize cleaning and maintenance of the container during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Inventor: Jerry A. Markle
  • Patent number: 5062539
    Abstract: The container comprises two or more tube-like storage modules that are stacked on top of one another and interconnected by a plate-like lid which is removably interposed in the joint between the modules and has male/female joint-forming attachment grooves on the upper and lower sides thereof, which mate with in-turned out-turned flanges on the lower and upper rims of the modules, respectively, to form a joint in which the modules are releasably interlocked against relative movement in the lateral directions thereof. The modules have open-ended bins therewithin, and additional openings in the sides thereof through which a pair of panels are removably insertable to form false bottoms for the bins, or in the alternative, to open the bottoms of the bins for the unloading operation, when the panels are removed from the bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: John W. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5044502
    Abstract: A fiber drum with an integral skid is made by providing a lower skirt on a drum body. The skirt has cutouts for engagement by mechanized drum handling apparatus. The drum may also include an upper skirt cooperating with the lower skirt to maintain several drums aligned vertically for stacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: 501 Greif Bros.
    Inventor: James A. Hale
  • Patent number: 5042674
    Abstract: A container made up of a box and a lid. Three internal container volumes can electively be obtained in use. Two container volumes are obtainable by different orientations of the lid on the box. The third volume is achieved by use of a second box placed in inverted fashion on the first box, in place of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Rent A Boxx Moving Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Susan J. Ramsay, Krzysztof D. Otoka, Raymond Calistus
  • Patent number: 5038937
    Abstract: A stackable container has an open top and a substantially open front defined by a flange, with a transparent cover securable over the front opening to allow viewing of the contents of the container. The container has a removable lid with formed structures for stacking additional containers thereon, with the cover hinged from the lid. The container also has strengthening ribs which are incorporated in the sides and back of the container, with the ribs providing complementary recesses for nesting the containers when empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Tucker Housewares, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. DiSesa, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5038935
    Abstract: A photographic print and storage unit includes a frame and a tray. A stack of photographs is held within the tray and against the frame by a set of stack lifting members activated when the frame and tray are closed. The stack lifting members include a cam plate that is compressed by the closing of the frame to lift a flexible finger against the bottom of the stack pressing the stack against the inner surface of the frame regardless of the number of pictures in the stack. An integral negative tray stores the negatives and a leg, detachably molded to the tray, may be used in conjunction with a series of mounting holes to provide support to the storage unit for tabletop display. The tray and frame are molded in one piece and attached by means of a living hinge of molded material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Uniek Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Wenkman, Ferdinand F. Salzmann
  • Patent number: D344891
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Empak, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Dressen