Having Vertical Projecting Element Or Recess For Interlock Patents (Class 206/509)
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Publication number: 20020063080Abstract: A containment device for retaining semiconductor wafers (54) is disclosed. The containment device comprises a first housing member (10) having a frame (12), an inner wall (14) and an outer wall (16). The inner wall (14) and outer wall (16) each extend generally perpendicularly from the frame (12). The inner wall (14) and outer wall (16) have a spaced apart relationship forming a gap (18) therebetween. The inner wall (14) closely receives the semiconductor wafers (54). The containment device also comprises a second housing member (36) that is securably attachable to the first housing member (10). The second housing member (36) has a frame (38) that forms the top of the containment device when the first and second housing members (10, 36) are securably attached together.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventors: Lee Lewis, Kurodearimasu Takeshi Hirose, Jeffrey Wilson, James Dove, Michael Hayden
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Patent number: 6394296Abstract: A folding bulk container, such as may be used for the bulk transport of fruit produce and the like, includes a base unit having at least one peripheral edge wall which has all outer surface, an inner surface and an upper surface, and at least one side wall pivotably mounted on the base unit about an axis adjacent the edge wall for movement between an erect position and a folded position. The container is foldable and may be stackable with like containers. The side wall may cooperate with the edge wall in releasable engagement when in the erect position.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventors: Marc P Elvin-Jensen, Gavin J Elvin-Jensen
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Patent number: 6390357Abstract: A ventilated container includes a rectangular bottom panel and first and second end panels connected to the bottom panel which extend outwardly therefrom. There are first and second side panels connected to the bottom panel which also extend outwardly therefrom. The side panels are connected to adjacent end panels. Each of the side panels has a longitudinal passageway extending therethrough from the first end panel to the second end panel to permit air to pass from the first end panel to the second end panel. When the containers are stacked in two adjacent rows, air can pass through the passageways from the first row to the second row to cool and ventilate contents of the containers. Alternatively the passageway may be in an end panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Corrugated Synergies International, LLCInventors: Michael Marian Ogryzlo, Gregory Felix Koch
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Patent number: 6386361Abstract: A compact disc case includes an upper panel, a lower panel and a holding panel; the upper and the lower panels pivotally interconnect from rear ends, and have openings at fronts for the holding panel to be separably slided into between same. The upper panel and the lower panel have securing hooks and securing holes on lateral edges respectively such that the CD case can be securely positioned on top of a second case of the kind with the securing holes engaging the hooks of the second case for allowing a secured neat pile of cases to form. The holding panel is formed with several retaining protrusions arranged to form a circle in a spaced manner in the middle part so as to retain a CD by passing the retaining protrusions through the central hole of the CD; the connecting of the CD to the holding panel is loosened by depressing upper bent parts of the protrusions towards the center point of holding panel for removal of the CD.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Chieh-I Ting
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Patent number: 6378764Abstract: A tray for transporting products and a method for its manufacture, the tray being formed from a sheet of cardboard which is die cut and includes fold lines defining the bottom and sides of the tray. The tray includes a hollow corner column (5) into which a reinforcing element (6) is inserted.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Videcart, S.A.Inventor: Pere Teixidor Casanovas
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Patent number: 6367645Abstract: A bottle that can be stacked on other similar bottles (4), either with or without an intermediate carrier plate (1), is bound together with adjacent bottles to form stable stacks. The bottom surface of the bottle includes a cavity (15, 16, 18) adapted to receive at least a part of the capsule (12) of a bottle in an underlying layer. The cavity has at least one guiding and constraining surface (15) which coacts, with a tight fit, with a corresponding guiding and constraining surface of the capsule or with some other part of the bottle in the underlying layer, or with a corresponding guiding and constraining surface (11) of a bottle-guiding and constraining device (11, 13, 17) that projects up from a carrier plate positioned between the layers of bottles and in which there is received at least a part of the capsule of the bottle in the underlying layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Inventor: Lars Erik Trygg
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Patent number: 6367631Abstract: The invention describes a locking system for stacking boxes that is characterized by individual plate-shaped elements, where two such plate-shaped elements each are assigned and can be attached to two opposite sides of a stacking box. Each element exhibits locking components at its top and bottom side, that can be locked in an engaging manner to locking components of elements that are assigned to a stacking box stacked above or below.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: I.V.E. AG Gesellschaft fuer Innovative VerpackungsentwicklungenInventor: Manfred Steigerwald
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Patent number: 6364559Abstract: A folder that has a spine that is hinged to two covers. The preferred covers have a convex portion that extends around a binding mechanism over most of the distance of that the binding mechanism protrudes inwardly from the spine support portion that extends outwardly with respect to a portion of the cover pivotably attached to the spine. A concave portion is located adjacent the convex portion towards the free end of the binder. The preferred folder portion of the binder has projections that are deformed through openings in the binding mechanism to secure the binding mechanism to the folder. A preferred cover has an arcuate cross-section extending parallel to the hinges.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: ACCO Brands, Inc.Inventors: Julian Francis Brown, Timothy John Parsey, Timothy Edward McKeown, Fred Edward Cecala
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Patent number: 6357582Abstract: The ammunition container (1) is formed in a special way and comprises a stackable outer container (2), which is provided with a reinforcing frame (20) in the region of a hinged lid (15), the reinforcing frame (20) projecting beyond the hinged lid (15) with its closing lever (16). The ammunition container (1) comprises an inner packaging (8), which encompasses an adapter part (12) and an inner sleeve (10). This adapter part (12) co-operates in the form of a locking mechanism with the inner sleeve (10) and enables an ammunition body (7) to be easily introduced, secured in its packaged position (S) and removed again.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Müller AG VerpackungenInventor: Marco Fischer
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Patent number: 6349877Abstract: A tote box is disclosed which incorporates a box, four corner enhancers and a top rail which is secured over the top edge of the erected walls of the box. The walls of the box are held together with the corner enhancers without the benefit of any mechanical fasteners such as rivets or the like. A multiple piece top rail is secured onto the box by hooks which engage tabs extending outwardly from the walls of the box. The top rail has a vertical lip which facilitates stacking multiple tote boxes.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Bradford CompanyInventor: Judson A. Bradford
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Patent number: 6341695Abstract: A containment device for retaining semiconductor wafers (54) which includes a first housing member (10) having a frame (12), an inner wall (14) and an outer wall (16), the inner wall (14) and outer wall (16) having a spaced apart relationship forming a gap (18) therebetween. The inner wall (14) closely receives the semiconductor wafers (54). The containment device also includes a second housing member (36) that is securably attachable to the first housing member (10) and which has a frame (38) that forms the top of the containment device when the first and second housing members (10, 36) are securably attached together. The first and second housing members are secured by a plurality of latches (20), each with a hook (22) secured to the first housing member which passes through a hole (40) in the second housing member and is releasably secured within the hole by the hook.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Lee Lewis, Kurodearimasu Takeshi Hirose, Jeffrey Wilson, James Dove, Michael Hayden
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Publication number: 20020008134Abstract: The present invention provides a stackable open-top container for use in shipping, storing and retail display of produce and other articles. The produce container contains a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls. The ledges of the side walls of the present invention contain opposed concave curved scores. The produce container is formed by folding the side walls to the outside to achieve structural rigidity. The produce container of the present invention provides for full graphical coverage on all visible surfaces by use of a one-piece blank that is color coated/printed on only one side.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventor: James D. Southwell
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Patent number: 6325212Abstract: A reusable container, made of a thermoplastic material, with at least one filler and drain opening (18) in the top panel (20) and with a circumferential upper and lower stacking ring (12, 16). To permit reuse, direct stackability, good residual drainability as well as good manipulability of the container, this invention provides for the upper stacking ring (12) to have a slightly larger diameter than the lower stacking ring (16) and to feature on the inside of its upper rim a recess matching the diameter of the lower stacking ring (16) and on the outside a vertically protruding circular flange, so that, when stacked one container atop the other, the lower stacking ring of the upper container fits into the recess in the upper stacking ring of the barrel underneath and is snugly centered therein by the vertically protruding circular flange. This allows for the direct, multiple, secure stacking of the containers that are the object of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Mauser-Werke GmbHInventors: Dietmar Przytulla, Khaled Atta
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Patent number: 6321911Abstract: A fragility package having a pair of shell halves. The shell halves cooperatively define an envelope for closely retaining the article to be packaged and a plurality of fragility supports that extend outwardly beyond the envelope to protect the article from impacts. The package is preferably manufactured from a transparent material, such as an impact-modified polymer, that permits the article to be visually inspected without opening the package. The top and bottom surfaces of the package are shaped so that adjacent packages nest together when stacked one atop the other.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Display Pack, Inc.Inventors: George Edwin Raimer, Nicholas J. Malone
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Publication number: 20010042783Abstract: The present invention provides a stackable open-top container for use in shipping, storing and retail display of produce and other articles. The produce container of the present invention contains a bottom wall, two side walls, and two end walls. The concave ledges of the side walls contain curved scores. Each side wall contains two panels, each of which contains a mirrored curved score and two minor flaps. The curved scores cause the side walls to go into tension and create stacking shoulders for other containers. The minor flaps of the side walls surround the end walls to increase structural rigidity.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: Keith A. Jackson, James D. Southwell
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Patent number: 6318556Abstract: In order to simplify the process of preparing and packaging of semiconductor chips and the like type of items for transport to customers who use the items in the production of larger devices such as computers and the like, the items are placed in the trays. An o-ring or the like type of gasket is disposed between each of the trays (wherein the upper tray acts as lid for the lower one). This resilient member has a predetermined shape/configuration which maintains a gap or non-sealing condition between the trays sufficient to permit moisture to escape from the trays during baking in an oven. When the interiors of the trays are desiccated, the upper tray is strapped down on the lower tray or trays, with sufficient force as to be deform the gasket to the degree that a hermetic seal is produced at each interface. Stacks of trays can be baked, desiccated, cooled in a dry/desiccated atmosphere, and then strapped together to cause each container to become hermetically sealed.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventor: Donald L. Lambert
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Patent number: 6312364Abstract: A blow-moldable container, having a centrally located, generally tubular handle spanning a central recess has improved balance and ergonomics over existing blow-molded containers. Such a balanced container has great utility as a handheld freeweight, or as a container for pourable substances. An integrally molded base allows our container to be stood upright on end like a regular bottle. Products may be marketed in such containers under the premise that the consumer automatically acquires a freeweight by purchasing the product. The inclusion of fitably engageable contours on its top and bottom surfaces makes such a container stackable with others of its kind, for ease of packaging, shipping, and storage. A graduated set of handheld fillable freeweights may thus be compactly stored without a special rack. Since blow-molding offers great economy of production for sufficiently large numbers of containers, the average person will now be able to afford an entire graduated set of freeweights.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Inventor: Douglas Spriggs Selsam
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Patent number: 6305544Abstract: A container system and method for shipping and storing an item is provided. The container system may comprise a storage vessel with an interior compartment, and an access opening at one end. A removable end cap may be releasably and mechanically coupled to the storage vessel at the access opening, fully enclosing the access opening. Mechanical fasteners may also be secured to the storage vessel and removable end cap to form the releasable, mechanical connection. In one embodiment, at least one stacking lug may be provided at the perimeter of the storage vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Franky Lee Shacklee
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Patent number: 6302271Abstract: A closeable shipping container for containment of a plurality of flowers with stems which includes separated protective bud-containing housings and/or separate stem supporting notched bridging or supporting members. The container is made of plastic, or other lightweight, but strong materials. The container is dimensioned so that the volume it occupies, per dozen flowers, is most economical to ship.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventor: Selwyn E. Grant
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Patent number: 6299011Abstract: A stackable knock down box is provided for the bulk transportation and storage of fresh produce such as fruit. The box comprises a base pallet, and six side wall panels which are hinged together to define a composite side wall enclosure which can be folded into a stack. A number of drop-away base clip arrangements are provided for releasably holding the composite side wall enclosure to the base pallet in both its erected and folded conditions. The box can be stacked in both the erected and folded conditions, and includes a number of panel aligning inserts located at the upper edge corners of the side walls. Each panel aligning insert is formed with an angled contact face which slopes downwardly and outwardly. A number of complemental panel aligning formations are formed within pedestals on the pallet, and have an angled contact face which slopes upwardly and inwardly.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1998Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Clip-Lok International Ltd.Inventor: Niels Rosenfeldt
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Publication number: 20010023839Abstract: A first construction of a tray for electronic parts according to the present invention is provided with an engaging cut-out corner portion which is formed by cutting a corner portion of a table-like flat portion which is arranged diagonally with respect to a cut-out corner portion. A second construction of a tray for electronic parts according to the present invention is provided with a pawl engaging protruding portion which is formed on a step-like peripheral edge portion above a cut-out portion. In a third construction of a tray for electronic parts according to the present invention, when two trays are stacked up so that the top faces thereof face each other, an engaging first-shaped protrusion which is formed around a predetermined pocket of one tray engages an engaging second-shaped protrusion which is formed around a predetermined pocket of the other tray.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hisayoshi Kunii, Koji Koga, Reikichi Hatori
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Patent number: 6290087Abstract: A container system and method for shipping and storing an item is provided. The container system may comprise a storage vessel with an interior compartment, and an access opening at one end. A removable end cap may be releasably and mechanically coupled to the storage vessel at the access opening, fully enclosing the access opening. Mechanical fasteners may also be secured to the storage vessel and removable end cap to form the releasable, mechanical connection. In one embodiment, at least one stacking lug may be provided at the perimeter of the storage vessel. In another embodiment, the container may comprise a pressure vessel, which may be adapted to receive a round of ammunition.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Franky Lee Shacklee
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Publication number: 20010015357Abstract: A transportation container includes a body having a plurality of side walls, a bottom and an open upper end, a pair of handles mounted on the body so as to be rotated inside or outside the body and including grip portions having both ends respectively, a pair of arms formed on the respective ends of each grip portion of each handle, and a pair of engaging portions formed on an interface between each grip portion and the corresponding arm. The side walls of the body are inclined downwardly inward so that a cross-sectional area of the body is gradually decreased from the upper end to the bottom of the body. Each arm has a distal end mounted on an outer face of one of the side walls of the body so that each handle is rotated inside or outside the body. Each engaging portion engages the upper end of the body, and each grip portion extends across the open upper end of the body and is located lower than an upper end of the side wall when each handle is rotated inside the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Inventor: Kiyoyoshi Mori
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Publication number: 20010015331Abstract: A reusable container, made of a thermoplastic material, with at least one filler and drain opening (18) in the top panel (20) and with a circumferential upper and lower stacking ring (12, 16). To permit reuse, direct stackability, good residual drainability as well as good manipulability of the container, this invention provides for the upper stacking ring (12) to have a slightly larger diameter than the lower stacking ring (16) and to feature on the inside of its upper rim a recess matching the diameter of the lower stacking ring (16) and on the outside a vertically protruding circular flange, so that, when stacked one container atop the other, the lower stacking ring of the upper container fits into the recess in the upper stacking ring of the barrel underneath and is snugly centered therein by the vertically protruding circular flange. This allows for the direct, multiple, secure stacking of the containers that are the object of this invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Applicant: Mauser-Werke GMBHInventors: Dietmar Przytulla, Khaled Atta
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Publication number: 20010013482Abstract: A stacked container array has at least a first and a second container each having a closure having a recess on which a portion of the other container is seated for nesting. The recess has a dimension that enables the closed base of the other container and a portion of the upright standing side walls supporting the closed base to nest thereon with minimal translation movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 1999Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventors: EDGAR G. EARNHART, PARKER J. BURNS
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Patent number: 6273259Abstract: A novel container for transport or storage of products such as bread, buns, or other goods. In one embodiment, there is provided a nestable container with a base and sidewalls that can be stacked in two positions for different products and can be nested when empty for compact storage. The container has levered positions for lifting out of each stacking position and into a corresponding sliding position. The sliding positions can be used to offset the container or containers from the stack and reduce the strain on the operator when lifting for destacking. Alternatively, the container can slide in the opposite direction for stacking in either position. Thus the operator can set the container down, offset from the stack, in the sliding position and slide into stacking position. Back strain can be reduced during stacking and destacking as the operator does not have to extend or lean over the stack to pick up or set down the containers.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Norseman Plastics LimitedInventor: Edward L. Stahl
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Patent number: 6264026Abstract: A food, beverage and utility tray which includes in a first embodiment a plate section having downwardly-extending legs or supports and a flat area bordered by a tapered lip for receiving and supporting a plate. An intermediate section extends from the plate section and includes a downwardly-extending conical hand grip and a slotted cup holder. A stiffening and finger access indentation typically extends from the plate section, through the upper surface of the hand grip to the cup holder. A downwardly-extending arm rest may be provided in the plate section for engaging the forearm of the user. In another embodiment a supplemental cup holder may be included in the intermediate section between the plate section and the cup holder. In yet another embodiment two to four legs may be provided on the plate section and these legs may project from the lip extending around the plate section as substantially flat or slightly curved supports, or as frusto-conical legs extending from the plate section.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Inventor: Vincent H. Bradley
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Patent number: 6257411Abstract: The invention concerns a case and a blank made of sheet corrugated cardboard or the like, the case having a polygonal cross section, having side faces, an upper face forming a lid, and a lower face forming the bottom of the case. The lid has at least two tabs located on two opposite sides of the lid, cut from the upper face or from side faces adjacent the upper face. The bottom has at least two recesses on its lower surface corresponding to the tabs, complementary in shape to the tabs and arranged such that the recesses fit into the tabs of a case stacked beneath.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: OtorInventors: Jean-Yves Bacques, Gérard Mathieu
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Patent number: 6247593Abstract: The present invention is for a carton or box for holding containers such as oil bottles wherein the box is formed from a single sheet of precut corrugated material so that the upper edges have short tabs which cooperatively engage slots formed in the bottom of said boxes. The tabs are long enough to provide resistance to stacked boxes from sliding over one another but sized and shaped so as to not interfere with intentional stacking and moving of the boxes using manual labor or equipment. The tabs engage the slots in order to biase the boxes but not prevent all lateral movement.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Ashland Inc.Inventor: Steve B. Ruble
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Patent number: 6237772Abstract: An assembly of interconnected containers includes a plurality of containers each of which has an upper portion connected to a lower portion by a hinge or hinges with the upper portion having a pair of elongated generally parallel upwardly open channels. The container also has a pair of generally parallel generally downwardly projecting flanges structured to engage an upwardly open channel of an adjacent container and adjacent containers have either at least one of the channels engaged by a flange of an adjacent container or at least one of its flanges engaged in a channel of an adjacent container or both. The channels are preferably open having at least one end so as to permit relative sliding removal and insertion of the containers from and into the assembly. In another embodiment, a rail and flange structure is provided to interengage adjacent containers within an assembly. A container can also be provided that has a lid portion hingably attached to the upper portion of the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Neotech Industries, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. LaMarche, Victor Golani, James P. McCarthy, James E. Smith, Gregory J. Thompson
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Patent number: 6230891Abstract: A container for memory disks comprising an upper case; a bottom case; and a supporting member which is adapted to be held between the upper case and the bottom case and to be inserted into each central hole of the memory disks so as to retain the memory disks, thus rendering the outer peripheral portions of the memory disks to become free in the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Sakurai Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Usui, Shigeru Sekihara, Mitsuhiro Kikuchi, Takahide Abiko
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Patent number: 6230892Abstract: A reusable container, made of a thermoplastic material, with at least one filler and drain opening (18) in the top panel (20) and with a circumferential upper and lower stacking ring (12, 16). To permit reuse, direct stackability, good residual drainability as well as good manipulability of the container, this invention provides for the upper stacking ring (12) to have a slightly larger diameter than the lower stacking ring (16) and to feature on the inside of its upper rim a recess matching the diameter of the lower stacking ring (16) and on the outside a vertically protruding circular flange, so that, when stacked one container atop the other, the lower stacking ring of the upper container fits into the recess in the upper stacking ring of the barrel underneath and is snugly centered therein by the vertically protruding circular flange. This allows for the direct, multiple, secure stacking of the containers that are the object of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Mauser-Werke GmbHInventors: Dietmar Przytulla, Khaled Atta
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Patent number: 6227370Abstract: A tiered pack comprising a plurality of tiers 10, 10′, 10″ each comprising a generally planar base 1 and a plurality of compartment defining dividers 21 supported thereon, wherein one or more dividers 21 of at least one of the tiers and the base 1 of an adjacent tier include respective complementary engaging means 16, 24 for enhancing the stability and rigidity of the pack. The pack may be placed on a conventional pallet and shrink-wrapped once each compartment has been filled with goods thereby forming a transit package.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Linpac Containers LimitedInventors: Nigel William Earnshaw, Michael Hartley
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Patent number: 6202847Abstract: A box comprising a bottom, a pair of side walls, and a pair of end walls is stackable due to the shape of the end walls and their interaction with the bottom of the box. The end walls include parallel, upwardly directed arches flanked by flat surfaces which prevent lateral relative movement of stacked boxes. Notching the bottom to receive the end walls such that they grip the bottom prevents longitudinal relative movement of the stacked boxes.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.Inventors: Christopher Hardy, Jason Walsh
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Patent number: 6199879Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Inventors: Nadine Cino, Martin Spindel
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Patent number: 6193068Abstract: A containment device for retaining semiconductor wafers (54) is disclosed. The containment device comprises a first housing member (10) having a frame (12), an inner wall (14) and an outer wall (16). The inner wall (14) and outer wall (16) each extend generally perpendicularly from the frame (12). The inner wall (14) and outer wall (16) have a spaced apart relationship forming a gap (18) therebetween. The inner wall (14) closely receives the semiconductor wafers (54). The containment device also comprises a second housing member (36) that is securably attachable to the first housing member (10). The second housing member (36) has a frame (38) that forms the top of the containment device when the first and second housing members (10, 36) are securably attached together.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Lee Lewis, Kurodearimasu Takeshi Hirose, Jeffrey Wilson, James Dove, Michael Hayden
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Patent number: 6189695Abstract: An improved structure for foldable storage bins, the structure has on the edges of a bottom board upright stop pieces and has tenons and slot mortises on the ends of the side plates, in order to increase stability of the structure; and a plurality of protuberances and engaging recesses are provided at the pivotal connecting areas between the bottom board and the bottom edges of the side plates, so that a side plate can be maintained in its upright position with the protuberances and engaging recesses when it is erected, then another side plate can be erected under the favor of the stability of the former side plate. Some small sheets are provided on the external walls of the side plates at both ends of the storage bin to allow insertion of indicating tags.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2000Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Inventor: Liu Ching-rong
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Patent number: 6188032Abstract: A stacking, self-cleaning CD holder assembly includes a plurality of CD and CD booklet receptacles which are flattened and square in shape and a plurality of sets of corner connectors which connect to the receptacles and connect among the connectors. The receptacles have mitered corners with receptacle tongues extending therealong. The connectors have respective receptacle grooves, connector tongues, and connector grooves formed therein and thereon. The corner connectors releasably attach to the corners of a receptacle by engagement of the receptacle tongue and groove and releasably connect to corner connectors of other receptacles by engagement of the respective connector tongues and grooves. The receptacles have internal walls shaped to conform to a compact disc or a booklet from a CD package. The CD receptacles have cleaning pads positioned therein for engagement by a CD when inserted into or withdrawn from a CD receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: Erick V. Hartman
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Patent number: 6170689Abstract: A collapsible container includes a substantially rectangular plastic base, a first plastic wall coupled by a first hinge to a first edge of the base, and a second plastic wall coupled by a second hinge to a second edge of the base opposite the first edge of the base. A first corrugated element is folded to form a first corrugated floor portion and a first corrugated wall portion, wherein the first corrugated floor portion is attached to the base so that the first corrugated wall portion is positioned between and adjacent to the first and second plastic walls. The first corrugated wall portion mates with a first lip of the first plastic wall and a first lip of the second plastic wall.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Apogee Designs, Ltd.Inventors: Robert W. Flesher, Kevin J. Barnes, Michael Monteleone
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Patent number: 6161696Abstract: A base and a plurality of containers is described. The base may have a plurality of receptacles, each of the plurality of receptacles having a first dimension. Each of the plurality of containers may correspond to one of the plurality of receptacles. Each container may have a first dimension which is about the same as the first dimension of its corresponding receptacle. The base may have a top surface and each of the plurality of receptacles may be comprised of a plurality of walls, each of which extends upward from the top surface of the base. Each of the plurality of containers may have a lid which can be sealed and unsealed. The plurality of receptacles can be arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. Each of the plurality of containers may have protrusion at its top and a recess at its bottom so that a first container can be stacked on a second container.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Inventor: Natalie Lashley
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Patent number: 6149872Abstract: 52350626 The invention concerns a modular reagent cartridge (10) which includes a plurality of reagent containers (12 to 18) directly interconnected by integrally formed coupling devices (22). The connection is brought about by form-locking rail guides.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Byk-Sangtec Diagnostica GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael Mack, Peter Nebel, Peter Stoerk
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Patent number: 6134832Abstract: A plant pot which not only is capable, when empty, of being conveniently and compactly stored or "nested" in a columnar formation along with other unfilled pots like itself, but also has the ability, after a plant and growing medium have been placed in the pot, to be stacked in any of a number of orderly and stable arrangements among other planted pots, also of the same construction. Stacking of plant-containing pots is made possible by a plurality of interlock stacking grooves provided on the bottom of each pot. Six (6) grooves are provided, and the sides of every other groove define an arced ledge that can be rested upon and abutted against the inner periphery of the rim of another pot so that a number of pots can be arranged to form a securely stacked structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Landmark Plastic CorporationInventors: David Bokmiller, Michael Moon, Robert Gumpf, Shannon Mullins, Mike Blomerley, Steve Pavelka
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Patent number: 6136396Abstract: An article comprised of a polymeric material bearing a coating. The coating comprises a residual layer formed by applying and allowing to dry a mixture containing from about 7.5 to about 23.5 weight percent of a humidity sensitive antistatic surfactant compound and from about 10 to about 30 weight percent of a water soluble ink. The article possesses an electrostatic potential of from about -5 to about +5 kilovolts as measured at one inch from the coating. A process for producing a formed article which is relatively free from the effects of static electricity. The process includes the steps of topically applying a mixture comprising a humidity sensitive antistatic surfactant compound to a stock comprising a foamed polymeric material, conditioning the foam stock in a humidity-controlled environment effective to reduce electrostatic potential of the stock to between from about -5 to about +5 kilovolts, and thereafter forming the article from the conditioned foam stock.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.Inventor: Robin A. Gilmer
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Patent number: 6129505Abstract: Stackable trays and methods for stacking the trays are disclosed. A stackable tray has two side walls, each wall having a top channel along its top edge and a bottom channel along its bottom edge, each channel having an inner and an outer channel wall, where the width of two adjacent top channel outer channel walls is less than the width of the bottom channel, whereby two such top channel walls may slide into a bottom channel of a stackable tray of like kind, and where the width of two adjacent bottom channel outer channel walls is less than the width of the top channel, whereby two such bottom channel walls may slide into a top channel of a stackable tray of like kind.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Jupille Design IncorporatedInventors: Henry Jupille, David James Tostenson
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Patent number: 6126029Abstract: A can with a cover comprises a pull ring (5) and a score line (7) adjacent the closing flange (8) of the cover, and a bottom closing flange (9). The nose (5b) of the pull ring (5) is spaced such a distance (x) from the weakening line (7) that two cans (1', 1) can be stacked atop one another without any risks of damaging the pull ring. When the handle part (5a) is lifted, the pull ring is displaced the distance (x) outwards towards the cover flange (8) before it perforates the cover through the score line (7). The resulting can is less vulnerable compared to known cans at the score line during handling and can thus withstand heavy vertical loads. Moreover more room is provided for a closing chuck at the seaming of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Glud & Marstrand A/SInventor: Bo Storgaard
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Patent number: 6126034Abstract: Lightweight beverage containers disclosed herein require less metal per container, exhibit less earing and have one or more of the following features: 1) a reduced seam between the can end and the can body, 2) a side wall having vertically disposed alternating portions of relatively thicker and relatively thinner metal, 3) a can end dimensioned to fit within the domed bottom of a vertically adjacent similar can when stacked, 4) a can body produced from an acircular blank dimensioned to produce said can body without ears, and 5) a can body produced from a cup having a variable radius between the side of said cup and the bottom thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Alcan Aluminum CorporationInventors: Craig L. Borden, McKay C. Brown, Edmund T. Gillest, David P. Lieb
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Patent number: 6105980Abstract: A box and a dolly 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 at least one complementary surface for engaging the overhang to support the box along the overhang. The dolly does not have a horizontal platform typical of conventional dollies.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1997Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventors: Nadine Cino, Martin Spindel
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Patent number: 6102242Abstract: A can, in particular a metal can, is provided for drinkable liquids. The can includes a body part having a peripheral wall and base panel and which is connected liquid-tightly on the edge remote from the base to the edge of a cover panel which is provided with a closable aperture having a pouring edge facing toward the wall. At least on the portion between the pouring edge of the aperture and the cover rim, an inward curved surface is arranged to enable placing thereagainst the lower lip of the user.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Inventor: Josephus Ignatius Matthias Jansen
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Patent number: 6095332Abstract: A canister includes a substantially cylindrical body having (i) a sidewall shell; (ii) a transition region; (iii) a dome portion extending from a convex annular portion to define at least a partially closed dome at one end of the body cylinder; (iv) and an opposing, open end of the cylindrical body; and a curved bottom member recessed within and sealed at a periphery thereof to the sidewall shell at the open end of the cylindrical body. An annular, exterior surface portion of the bottom member bears on an annular, exterior surface portion of the transition region thereby forming a space between and within the annular exterior surface portion of the bottom member and an exterior surface of the dome portion when the canister is stacked on a substantially identical canister.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Application Des GazInventors: Daniel Finand, Gerard Scremin
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Patent number: 6092659Abstract: A shipping container which inhibits improper orientation by its shape and also provides protection for its contents. The container has a number of side panels, a top end and a bottom end. A top closure covers the top end and a bottom closure covers the bottom end. The top closure projects above the top end to a preselected height and by it shape inhibits placing the container on the top closure. The bottom closure is recessed within the container to a depth at least as deep as the height of the top closure so that a plurality of containers may be nested together. The container may also include a crush resistant structure as an integral part of the top closure or a separate insert. The structure has outer walls and inner load-bearing walls which inhibit the structure from collapsing when a compressive force is applied.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1998Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Gateway 2000, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Peasley, Roger D. Schlapia, Paul R. Kayl, Matthew R. Merk