Plural Distinct Feet Or Supports Type Patents (Class 206/511)
  • Patent number: 8561832
    Abstract: A bakery tray includes a base. A front wall extends upward from a front edge of the base. Side walls extend upward from side edges of the base. A rear wall extends upward from a rear edge of the base. The rear wall includes an inner panel portion and an outer lip portion that protrudes outward and then downward from an uppermost edge of the inner panel portion. A plurality of ribs connect the inner panel portion to the outer lip portion. In one feature, the plurality of ribs may include an increased concentration of the ribs in the center of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Jon P. Hassell
  • Patent number: 8544648
    Abstract: A system for stacking fire-resistant archive boxes on top of one another is provided. Each of the archive boxes comprise an outer shell, an inner shell disposed within the outer shell, a drywall support shell, and a lid. The inner shell has an opening defining a storage compartment, and is spaced apart from the outer shell defining a cavity therebetween. The inner shell includes a bottom wall and side walls. The drywall support shell is disposed within the cavity and surrounds a substantial portion of the inner shell. The lid is configured to be disposed over the opening in the inner shell to selectively enclose the storage compartment. The drywall support shell of the upper archive box is substantially aligned with the drywall support shell of the lower archive box whereby the lower archive box is supportive of the upper archive box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: John D. Brush & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Terri P. Cleveland, Kelvin H. Wildman, Douglas O. Nichol
  • Patent number: 8534492
    Abstract: A storage system including, in an exemplary embodiment, a unitary open-topped container, and an air-tight lid system, suitable for storage of food items. The lid system includes a plastic lid including a cover portion and a plurality of lid latches connected to the lid cover portion by living hinges, and a seal gasket fitted into an inner seal channel formed in a lid peripheral region. The latches are configured for movement between extended positions in which the lid is removable from the container, and a latching position in which latch features engage a peripheral edge of the container to secure the lid and gasket in a sealed position on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Smyers, Michael E. Williams
  • Patent number: 8505729
    Abstract: A container constructed and arranged to be connected to at least one other container. The container has a container portion, a cover, and a latch member movable between a first position and a second position. A retaining member on the container portion is engageable with the latch member. In the first position, the latch member engages the retaining member to inhibit movement of the latch member away from the first position. In the second position, the latch member is engageable with a container portion of the other container to connect the containers. The latch member is pivotally movable in a clockwise and counterclockwise manner. The latch member can be pivoted upwards to the second position to engage the other container and the latch member can be pivoted downwards to the first position to engage the retaining member to inhibit movement of the latch member away from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: The Stanley Works Israel Ltd.
    Inventors: David Sosnovsky, Mark Bensman
  • Patent number: 8434632
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide stackable meal trays for use in transporting and heating meal casseroles in an induction oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Aziz Boubeddi, Paul Merrill
  • Publication number: 20130081971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport container comprising a rectangular base, with feet located at the underside thereof, with side walls that can pivot about hinges and that rise from said base, wherein the side walls, which lie on top in the folded-together state, and the bordering base edge comprising the hinges form support surfaces for the feet of an identical second container, the feet thereof being located below the base, characterized in that recesses are provided in the left and the right side area of the side walls, which lie on top in the folded-together state, the recesses being separated from one another by ribs and being used to receive protrusions formed on the bottom side of the feet, the height of the protrusions being less than the depth of the recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GEORG UTZ HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Georg Utz Holding Ag
  • Patent number: 8381909
    Abstract: A tray system is described herein comprising a plurality of trays. Each of the trays comprise generally increasing widths and lengths, and may be alternatively arranged in a stacked configuration, in which a tray with a larger width and length is stacked on a tray with a smaller width and length, or in a nested configuration, in which a tray with a smaller width and length is nested within a tray with a larger width and length. The trays further comprise latches that selectively lock the trays in the stacked configuration and prevent the accidental unlocking thereof when the stacked trays are being lifted or otherwise moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Rolando Hernandez, Jacqueline Gagnon-Volles, Thomas Welsh
  • Patent number: 8381910
    Abstract: A stackable unit having two longitudinal sections and two transverse sections forming a frame with at least one trough having each end fixed to the transverse sections and a fixed cover underneath. Vertical posts are distributed over each longitudinal section for support of a unit stacked above it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Armor Inox
    Inventors: Bernard Cadoret, Olivier Marquet
  • Patent number: 8348086
    Abstract: A beer keg includes a container having a base and a wall extending upward from a periphery of the base. A liner within the container includes a base, sidewalls and a mouth. The base of the liner interlocks with the base of the container to prevent relative rotation therebetween. A valve is disposed over the mouth of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 8333275
    Abstract: A tray for holding canning jars comprising a plurality of wells arranged in a first row, second row and third row, each well comprising a bottom surface with ridges. The ridges in the first and third rows comprise an inner circle, two first opposing crescents, and two second opposing crescents. The ridges in the second row comprise a first semicircle and a second semicircle. The two first opposing crescents are situated opposite one another, and the two second opposing crescents are situated opposite one another on the bottom of the well and at a ninety-degree angle relative to the first opposing crescents. The first semicircle is situated opposite the second semicircle and is closer to the center of the bottom surface of the well than the second semicircle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Store-it-More, LLC
    Inventors: Jeri A. McFarlane, Robert J. Wright, Patrick M. Thayer
  • Patent number: 8297466
    Abstract: A sewage tank for use with a pump such as a grinder pump to convey sewage. The sewage tank includes a container having an upper portion and a lower tapering portion defining a chamber for containing the pump. The lower tapering portion has a reduced size compared to the upper portion. The upper portion and the lower portion may include a plurality of intersecting vertical ribs and horizontal ribs defining a plurality of recessed pockets. The lower portion of the sewage tank may also include an outwardly-extending flange sufficiently sized so that soil may be backfilled around the bottom of the tank to prevent the tank from floating upward out of the ground due to its buoyancy under high ground water conditions. The sewage tank may also include a stepped flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Environment One Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Daley, Clark A. Henry, Adrian Massey
  • Patent number: 8292117
    Abstract: A water holding tank with an approximately rectangular bottom wall and four side walls that are connected respectively to the sides of the bottom wall, each side wall has number of upper support platforms that are arranged periodically along one side of the bottom wall, a number of lower support platforms that are arranged alternately relative to the upper support platforms at a distance from the bottom wall, and a number of connecting walls, whereby each connecting wall connects an upper support platform to a lower support platform while leaving open a passage for water, in which the upper support platforms of a side wall are arranged in mirror positions of the lower support platforms of the opposite side wall relative to a 180° rotation and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Aliaxis Participations
    Inventors: Philippe Guibert, Fabien Yvai, Stephane Kugener, Tony Calton
  • Publication number: 20120211390
    Abstract: A bakery tray includes a base and side walls extending upward from sides of the base, each side wall including an outer side rail and an inner side rail. Side drag rails extend downward from the base proximate sides of the base, with feet projecting outward from the side drag rails. An outer rib projects downward from an outer edge of each of the feet such that the side drag rail of an identical upper tray being stacked on the bakery tray contacts the flanges while the outer ribs of the upper tray are received between the outer side rail and the inner side rail. In another feature, the side walls include handle openings, the handle openings each partially defined by a convex outer wall. In another feature, an upper edge of the front wall includes finger corrugations for accommodating the fingers of a user's hand grasping the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Jon P. Hassell, Margaret McCanless, Kyle L. Baltz, Glenn E. Rindfleisch
  • Patent number: 8231002
    Abstract: A containment device includes a base, vertical walls extending from the base and an open end for accepting the mailpieces therein. The containment device, furthermore, has a slot formed in at least one of the vertical walls thereof. The containment device also includes a recess extending on an underside of the base between the vertical walls; a lip extending outward from an edge of the vertical walls; detents provided in the lip of opposing vertical walls of the vertical walls; and protrusions extending beyond the base and structured and adapted to mate with detents of a lower container in a stacked configuration of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Denis J. Stemmle
  • Patent number: 8215485
    Abstract: A container comprises a clamshell-like shape. The container includes a hinge positioned low on a viewing face and opens high on the rear end. The interior of the container is shaped so as to present its contents at a desirable viewing angle, the container intended to provide an unobstructed view through the viewing face. The container may comprise a closing mechanism at the rear end to hold the container closed. The container can contain products for sale, including cookies, slices of pound cake, other baked goods, and other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventors: Ira Maroofian, Tim Oberloier
  • Patent number: 8201699
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a water or soda bottle or vessel which is designed to allow for the bottle to interconnect with other bottles of similar design and standard dimensions to form useful second use products. A recess in the lower surface of the bottle receives the neck of another storage bottle. There are recesses perpendicular to the vertical axis of the bottle capable of receiving the mating side recess of another storage bottle. There are two such recesses on each storage bottle, one on each side of the bottle, parallel to each other. This allows for a bottle positioned on its side perpendicular to a vertically positioned bottle to be used to connect two vertically perpendicular storage bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Zummo, Matthew John Naples
  • Patent number: 8177123
    Abstract: A system for use in storing biopharmaceutical materials includes a holder and a container for holding biopharmaceutical materials therein. The container includes a storage portion and a sampling portion connected to each other by a connecting portion. The holder has a storage cavity receiving the storage portion and a sampling cavity receiving the sampling portion. The holder includes a first portion and second portion. The container is received between the first portion and the second portion to connect the container to the holder. The holder includes an interior storage cradle bounding the storage cavity of the holder. The holder includes an interior sampling cradle bounding the sampling cavity. The sampling cradle is separated from the storage cradle and connected to the storage cradle by a passage receiving the connecting portion connecting the storage portion to the sampling portion. An outer rim of the holder is connected to the cradle and separated from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim North America Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Voute, Jonathan Cutting, Isabelle Gay
  • Publication number: 20120090270
    Abstract: Containers with reinforced bottom panels, methods of making containers with reinforced bottom panels, and methods of using containers with reinforced bottom panels. The containers with reinforced bottom panels have one or more bottom panels, one or more pleats folded along a center line at an angle of about 180°, two side panels, two end panels, and two pairs of side panel extensions. The pleats provide extra strength to the bottom panels of the containers, thereby reducing or eliminating sag in the bottom panels of such containers, particularly when high-water content goods are placed in such containers or when such containers are stored or used in a high-humidity environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Max FLAMING, Aaron Coon
  • Patent number: 8079474
    Abstract: A stackable container and blanks for forming a stackable container are disclosed. In one embodiment, a stackable container has (a) a base having two pairs of opposed base edges, (b) two first sidewall structures foldably attached to the first base edges at an angle of from about 90 degrees to about 100 degrees, and (c) two second sidewall structures. The second sidewall structures generally each include (i) a wall flap foldably attached to one of the base edges at an angle of from about 90 degrees to about 100 degrees, (ii) an index fold-down flap foldably attached to the wall flap at an angle of about 180 degrees, and (iii) a plurality of inner fold-down flaps foldably attached to the wall flap at an angle of about 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Maxco Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Max Flaming
  • Patent number: 8069986
    Abstract: A blow molded plastic container is disclosed that includes a bottom portion, a top portion and a body portion. In an embodiment, the body portion includes side portions and includes at least one side portion that has a support protrusion extending therefrom. The top portion is connected to the body portion and includes a dispensing opening. The bottom portion is connected to the side portions. In an embodiment, when the container is positioned to rest on a surface on a side portion, the centerline axis of the dispensing opening is angled with respect to a plane formed by said surface. Embodiments of a container in which the side portion opposing the side support portion includes a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the support protrusion from a second similarly configured container are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Darr, James J. Miller, Richard A. Lovelace, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8056723
    Abstract: A container includes a plurality of walls extending upward from a base. At least one support is movable between a retracted position and a support position. The base includes projections downwardly from each corner of the base for interlocking with a larger container stacked thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Mauricio D. Cavalcante
  • Patent number: 8006843
    Abstract: A stackable food and beverage service tray includes a substantially planar tray bottom and a sloping side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from an inner peripheral edge of the tray bottom so as to surround said tray bottom. The tray bottom has an upper floor surface and an underside surface. The tray's sloping side wall has an inner surface and an outer surface with the side wall's outer surface adjoining the tray's underside surface at a peripheral bottom edge of the tray. A raised rib is provided on the inner surface of the sloping side wall. Feet are also provided on the tray's underside surface along the bottom edge of the tray. The tray's raised rib and feet cooperate to define a space between stacked trays through which air can flow to facilitate drying of the stacked trays after they have been washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Gadsen Coffee Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David Bruce McFarland
  • Patent number: 8002145
    Abstract: The present invention is a reusable assembly for containing, distributing and consuming mineral water. The assembly includes a container having a top mounted handle and recesses and projections to facilitate piling. The lower portion has recesses and projections that match the upper recesses and projections when piled up among several units. The container has a partial cutout with a contoured opening so that a vane-like inner part can be placed thereupon. A bag is placed inside the container, on the vane, and has a nozzle that can fit an opening in the front wall of the container. The nozzle has a tubular configuration, allowing a plug to tightly fit inside. The assembly has a tap with a free end having side windows to let the water in. The plug and the head can be coupled to each other when the tap is inserted into the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Stop Air Locacao de Sistemas de Embalagens de Liquidos Ltda.
    Inventor: Carlos Alberto Rodrigues Anjos
  • Patent number: 7992745
    Abstract: A water resistant absorbent towel dispenser. The dispenser includes a container having top, bottom and side walls housing a supply of absorbent towels, and an exterior handle for facilitating transport of the dispenser. The top wall includes a finger-accessible opening through which absorbent towels may be withdrawn. In certain embodiments, the top wall is convex upwardly, but is flexible to enable it to be depressed when dispensers are stacked vertically so as to come into load bearing contact with the towel supply. In some embodiments, the top and bottom walls have interlocking configurations to add lateral stability to vertically stacked dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Sellars Absorbent Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Sellars, Jerry Ballas, Balbir Singh, Neal D. Watson, Ronald A. Bogdanovich
  • Patent number: 7967155
    Abstract: A rack for an appliance that can stack upon another rack. The rack includes a support platform having a support frame and a plurality of elongated support wires that form a support surface. The rack also includes a plurality of downwardly depending leg sections that can include a shoulder portion and a foot portion located below the shoulder portion. The rack also includes at least one cross member that can cooperate with the support platform to form a reception area that can receive a foot portion of a superjacent rack. In addition or alternatively, at least one reception area can be located vertically above a foot portion. In addition or alternatively, each foot portion includes an upturned portion. In addition or alternatively, the shoulder portion can enable the rack to be supported by a subjacent rack located within an interior cavity of an appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Carolina Klingspor, Maureen Donoho, James Hughes
  • Patent number: 7942268
    Abstract: A container for take-away pizza or the like comprises a first dish-shaped semi-container and a second dish-shaped semi-container comprising a first and a second support portions, respectively, adapted to support the pizza, and means for the mutual releasable connection of the first and the second semi-containers. The first and the second semi-containers are shaped so that, when they are connected, the respective support portions thereof form, together, a pizza seat adapted to internally contain the take-away pizza and, when they are separated, each of them can act as a dish for the pizza through the respective support portion thereof. The first and the second semi-containers are made of a washable material so that the container can be used many times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Silvio Manca
  • Patent number: 7942282
    Abstract: A retainer for securing together upper and lower shipping containers includes interconnected upper and lower retaining members each adapted to be inserted into a hole in a corner piece of a respective one of the upper and lower shipping containers, and at least one swing member disposed inside the lower retaining member. The upper retaining member has a top end aligned with a bottom end of the lower retaining member along an axial line of the retainer. The swing member includes a lower pivot portion connected pivotally to the lower retaining member, and an upper engaging portion which is proximate to the axial line in a non-engaging position and when the axial line of the retainer is substantially vertical, and which moves away from the axial line in an engaging position when the axial line of the retainer is inclined and non-vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Universal Global Investment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jen-Yao Hung
  • Patent number: 7874434
    Abstract: A substrate carrying tray capable of horizontally placing a substrate thereon and enabling a plurality of trays to be stacked on each other, comprising an upper contact part coming into contact with one tray disposed on the upper side of the tray when the plurality of the substrates are stacked on each other and a lower contact part coming into contact with the other tray disposed on the lower side. The shapes of the upper contact part and the lower contact part are formed such that, when one tray is placed on the upper side of the tray, the one tray can be moved in the direction that the gravity center of the one tray is disposed just above the gravity center of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takenori Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 7861864
    Abstract: A tray includes a base having opposed front and rear walls and opposed side walls. The front and rear walls are shorter to provide access to products stored on the tray when in a stacked configuration. The trays provide audible feedback when one tray is slid on another when they are properly aligned during a blind stacking operation to confirm the proper alignment. The tray further includes reinforced intersections between the front and rear walls and side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Jon P. Hassell, William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 7861877
    Abstract: A foldable container comprises a box including a floor and sidewalls attached to one another to present a chamber. The box further includes foldable panels that shift from a retracted position within the chamber to an upright extended position. The extended panels serve to expand the chamber for containing a liquid or solid bulk material. The extended panels are interconnected by joints that resist tampering and that are tamper-evident. The container further includes a retaining assembly for securely holding the material in the chamber and a lid for covering the chamber. The lid cooperates with the panels to resist tampering and to be tamper-evident. The container also includes stanchions for selectively stacking at least two containers when the containers are storing the bulk material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Custom Metalcraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Higgins
  • Patent number: 7784615
    Abstract: A container for containing and transporting baked goods includes a front wall, left side wall, rear wall and a right side wall, wherein each of the walls is substantially orthogonal to a base. The base includes a substantially flat, smooth upper surface. Integrally formed as part of and rising from the base are a plurality of base projections, each with a plurality of sloped curved wall surfaces. There are at least two stacking feet per wall of the container. The container further includes 180° stacking recesses located on a rim that surrounds the container and that substantially prevent an upper container from shifting or sliding when stacked in a 180° stacking orientation, preferably for the transportation of baked goods. Each of the recesses further comprises a “U” or “[” shaped projection to interface and retain the stacking feet of an upper container when stacked in the 180° stacking orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Orbis Canada Limited
    Inventor: Edward L. Stahl
  • Patent number: 7721891
    Abstract: A nest and stack container system is provided. The system comprises a plurality of containers in various sizes, allowing the stacking of smaller sized containers on a larger sized container. Alternatively, the large container may be stacked on at least two adjacently-arranged small containers. The inventive nest and stack containers allow flexible handling of various sizes of storage containers. Individual containers can be stacked and nested among each other, and in combination, stacks of containers can be formed in any desired sequence of large and small containers, with individual containers each being placed in a slip-proof manner on top of another container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: George Utz Holding AG
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Dubois
  • Patent number: 7718924
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple-compartment insulated food tray and lid for storage and service. The insulated food trays allow for two or more stacked strays to be mechanically unified using the weight of the top tray on the bottom tray in any orientation where the weight of the second tray remains on the first tray. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a polymer with foam and blowing agents are used during the molding process to create in a first phase a hard shell in contact with the mold. In a second phase, insulation is created in the hard shell by thermal treatment and expansion of the residual polymer inserted in the mold. In a third embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulated food trays, when stacked, can be placed in a nondiscriminatory arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Claffy
  • Publication number: 20100108544
    Abstract: A stackable tray may have a main bottom panel and a plurality of wall members extending from the main bottom panel that are adaptable to be folded about a respective plurality of score lines to form a tray. The main bottom panel may have at least one perforation that is at least partially deformable due to engagement of the main bottom panel with a protrusion of a pre-determined item located beneath the tray in the vicinity of the at least one perforation. A blank for forming a stackable tray and a plurality of stackable trays are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Vito Biundo
  • Patent number: 7699172
    Abstract: A two position stacking delivery tray is provided which is capable of stacking with itself, and also stacking with existing single position stacking delivery trays. A single uneven upstanding tongue is positioned along a top edge of each of a first side wall and a second side wall. The uneven upstanding tongue defines a first engagement with peaks and valleys. Tongue receivers are positioned in the bottom defining an uneven groove adapted to mate with a single upstanding tongue of an underlying tray having a single stacking product height position. The uneven groove defines a second engagement with peaks and valleys. The peaks and valleys of the first engagement and the second engagement are asymmetrically positioned, so as to provide two stacking product height positions by relative rotation of stacking trays by 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Drader Manufacturing Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Gordon McTavish, Cory Koski, Hongqiao Li
  • Patent number: 7686167
    Abstract: A container for transporting and displaying baked products. The container can be stacked in a 0° and 180° stacking configuration, and when in the former, utilizes stacking feet projections to provide additional strength for carrying heavier products, and to substantially prevent lateral motion of the stacked containers. Further, the containers comprise curved stacking feet and stacking receptacles so that when containers are stacked in the 180° stacking configuration, they can be more easily removed. The containers further include substantially non-glossy, non-smooth areas that allow stickers to be more easily removed, and to reduce errors in counting containers by automated counting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Orbis Canada Limited
    Inventor: Edward L. Stahl
  • Patent number: 7637372
    Abstract: A stackable display case for protecting products which are unable to support a compressive load. Such display case provides improved protection of products during shipping and sale. Such display cases are loaded with products, stacked three or more cases high, two per layer, on a pallet at a production facility before being shipped to warehouse style and other retail outlets. Such display cases allow products to be sold directly from pallets and require a minimal amount of manual labor compared to prior art shipping displays. Such display case provides visibility and accessibility from four sides of pallets, and from at least three sides of each display case. Such a display case requires substantially less manual labor at a manufacturing and shipping facility, and almost no manual labor at the point of sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Keel, Garrett William Kohl, David Charlton McFadden, III
  • Publication number: 20090255893
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a water or soda bottle or vessel which is designed to allow for the bottle to interconnect with other bottles of similar design and standard dimensions to form useful second use products. A recess in the lower surface of the bottle receives the neck of another storage bottle. There are recesses perpendicular to the vertical axis of the bottle capable of receiving the mating side recess of another storage bottle. There are two such recesses on each storage bottle, one on each side of the bottle, parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Peter Zummo, Matthew John Naples
  • Publication number: 20090250369
    Abstract: Water holding tank (1) that includes an approximately rectangular bottom wall (2) and four side walls (3) that are connected respectively to the sides of the bottom wall, characterized in that each side wall includes: A number of upper support platforms (9) that are arranged periodically along one side of the bottom wall; A number of lower support platforms (8) that are arranged alternately relative to the upper support platforms at a distance from the bottom wall; and A number of connecting walls (30), whereby each connecting wall connects an upper support platform to a lower support platform while leaving open a passage for water, in which the upper support platforms of a side wall are arranged in mirror positions of the lower support platforms of the opposite side wall relative to a 180° rotation and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: ALIAXIS PARTICIPATION
    Inventors: Philippe Guibert, Fabien Yvai, Stephane Kugener, Tony Calton
  • Patent number: 7568581
    Abstract: A stackable unit includes at least one cell for carrying a foodstuff during cooking. The cell includes a pressing structure for causing pressing of a foodstuff contained in a corresponding cell of a second identical stackable unit of a lower rank, the stackable unit including a support structure for seating the stackable unit on the second identical stackable unit and a centering structure for laterally positioning the stackable unit during stacking thereof on the second identical stackable unit such that the stackable unit can be disposed vertically in line with the second stackable unit. During stacking, a guidance structure guides the stackable unit onto the second identical stackable unit in at least one plane containing the vertical stacking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Armor Inox SA
    Inventor: Claude Dreano
  • Publication number: 20090184021
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stackable transport container which is adapted, 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. In the left side wall and in the right side wall, respectively, grooves (602 a-f) are formed which respectively have upper openings and lower groove stops. At the outside surface of the left side wall and at the outside surface of the right side wall, respectively, several guide pegs (600 a-f) are formed. In a horizontal direction, the distances between the guide pegs are different from the distances between the upper openings (603 a-f) of the grooves, thus preventing an upper transport container being inadvertently placed inside a lower transport container. Further, the distances between the guide pegs are chosen that placement of an upper container inside a lower container is possible in one direction only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Willi Ötting, Vedat Pehlivan, Jörg Stockmann
  • Publication number: 20090134052
    Abstract: The invention concerns a stackable unit (100a) comprising: two longitudinal sections (104a) and two transverse sections (102a) forming a frame; at least one trough (106a) whereof each end is fixed to the transverse sections (102a); and under each trough (106a) there is fixed a cover (108a); the stackable unit (100a) being characterised in that it comprises at least two vertical posts (110a) distributed over and fixed to each longitudinal section (104a), the upper face of each post (110a) serving as a rest for the lower surface of a post of a higher stackable unit, and the lower face of each post (110a) coming to rest on the upper face of a post (110b) of the lower stackable unit (100b) or on the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Armor Inox
    Inventors: Bernard Cadoret, Olivier Marquet
  • Publication number: 20090126394
    Abstract: A portable cooler for storing and cooling beverage(s) and/or food product(s) comprising a hollow main compartment, a lid assembly for closing the hollow main compartment and a spout assembly extending from the hollow main compartment for discharging stored liquid product wherein said lid assembly includes an independent storage compartment for dry food product and wherein said hollow main compartment includes a body with at least one protrusion forming a coupling member for removably attaching at least one block of stored coolant adapted to be pre-refrigerated before liquid product is stored into the hollow main compartment of the portable cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: TORBEN KROG
  • Publication number: 20090127158
    Abstract: A collapsible bin includes a base having a floor from which a plurality of spaced apart columns extend downwardly. A plurality of walls are hingeably connected to an upper surface of the base. A lid is securely received on upper edges of the walls when the walls are in the erected position. The lid can also be secured to the base when the walls are in the collapsed position. The bin is securely stackable in the collapsed and erected positions, with and without lids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 7503455
    Abstract: A stackable container that can be stacked with containers of various sizes, and that increases available storage volume without increasing weight. The stackable container includes a plurality of sidewalls and an integrally-formed bottom wall. The sidewalls have respective top edges which define a top opening and rim. At least one recess is formed in the bottom wall and extends exteriorly of the container beyond a plane of the bottom wall, and is defined by a perimeter support in the plane of the bottom wall. The recess is dimensioned for being received into a top opening of a second container with a rim of the second container being positioned on the perimeter support of the container for maintaining the container and the second container in stacked alignment with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Schaefer Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton McDade
  • Publication number: 20090057321
    Abstract: Collapsible bottles and methods of using the collapsible bottles are provided. In an embodiment, the collapsible bottle comprises a top panel having a neck, a middle panel foldable along a fold between the top panel and the middle panel, and a bottom panel comprising a bottom surface defining a molded recess so constructed and arranged for receiving a neck of a second bottle within the molded recess. The bottom panel is foldable along a fold between the middle panel and the bottom panel. The bottle is foldable into a collapsed position wherein the top panel folds into the middle panel and the middle panel folds into the bottom panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: NESTLE S.A.
    Inventors: Seung Hong, Robert Lepior
  • Patent number: 7431173
    Abstract: An intermediate bulk container comprising a storage container which is made from a suitable flexible material, a forklift pallet base including pole engaging formations on its upper surface which are arranged about its periphery, a plurality of poles the lower ends of which are releasably engageable with formations on the pallet base to provide a support cage for the storage container, a holed pole location member including pole engaging formations with which the upper ends of the poles are engageable to lock the poles together to inhibit transverse outward bulging of the storage container from between the poles and to preserve the container support cage against a load in the storage container with the underside of the pallet base and the upper surface of the pole locating member including formations, which are releasably engageable with compatible formations on containers below and above it in a stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Almar Packaging International Inc.
    Inventor: John Richard Thorpe
  • Patent number: 7431171
    Abstract: A two piece storage container including a lid having a rectangular shape with sides and ends defining therebetween a recessed interior, the lid including a plurality of spaced apart lips extending from a selected end. A base corresponding generally in outline with the lid and including an equal plurality of upwardly projecting hinge supports which are located proximate to an associated end of the base arrayed in opposing and communicable fashion relative to the lips upon positioning of the lid over the base. The lips are angularly supported within said hinge supports in a first open rotated position and, upon being rotated to a closed position, capable of being linearly displaced against said hinge supports to lock said lid to said base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Lamarche
  • Patent number: 7416092
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stackable and collapsible transport box. The transport box comprises a base plate, two shorter side walls which are mutually opposite and collapsible in a lower first plane connected to the base plate via hinge joints and two shorter side walls which are mutually opposite and collapsible in a higher second plane, also connected to the base plate via hinge joints. The base plate comprises a plurality of supporting pillars arranged as tube elements beneath the base plate and arranged as angle elements above the base plate. The angle elements are provided with step-like arrangements so that the angle elements may receive tube elements of another similar or identical transport box in the collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: George Utz Holding AG
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Dubois, Marc Emmenegger, Boris Schab
  • Patent number: D595537
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hurricane Shooters, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan D. Mansfield, Ricky R. Lambert