Structural Features For Nesting Identical Receptacles Or Closures Patents (Class 206/515)
  • Patent number: 11597561
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an exterior portion, an interior portion, a first top, and a second top. The exterior portion includes an exterior wall, an exterior top end coupled to the exterior wall, and an exterior bottom closed end coupled to the exterior wall. The interior portion nests within the exterior portion and includes an interior wall having a geometry smaller than the exterior portion, an interior bottom closed end coupled to the interior wall, and an interior top end coupled to the interior wall opposite the interior bottom closed end. The first top closes the interior top end to form an interior space within the interior portion. The first top includes a first opening. The second top includes a second opening. The second top engages with the exterior bottom end in a stored position and engages with the exterior top end in a containing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Kenton Oliver Smith
  • Patent number: 11498709
    Abstract: A transport or packaging container accommodating a plurality of supporting structures for closures, for transporting or packaging closures for closing cartridges for use in pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, in which the transport or packaging container is box-shaped and includes a bottom, which is closed or sealed by a seal, upstanding lower side-walls extending essentially perpendicularly from the bottom, a circumferential supporting step extending horizontally from the upstanding lower side-walls, upper side-walls extending upward from said circumferential supporting step, and a circumferential flange formed at upper ends of the upper side-walls; and the plurality of supporting structures for closures is accommodated inside the transport or packaging container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Schott Poonawalla Private Limted
    Inventors: Anil Narayan Narvekar, Pratul Prakash Potdar
  • Patent number: 11376768
    Abstract: Thermoplastic packaging trays are provided that are filled with a product and wrapped in film, and methods of producing the tray with a peripheral edge region that avoids tearing of the overwrap film. In various embodiments, the tray has a beaded, a flat, or a combined beaded and flat peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Babu Kuruvilla, Joe Labadie, Roger Lichtle, Mark A. Bergeron, Rafael Rivera, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11155406
    Abstract: A lid opener for interconnection with a waste container with a handle and a lid the lid opener is provided with a lever dimensioned to pivotally couple with the handle. The lid opener is further provided with a cord coupled with a force portion of the lever. A load portion of the lever is dimensioned to extend underneath the lid, whereby downward force applied to the cord causes the lever to pivot about the handle and open the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Something From Nothing LLC
    Inventor: Kim Cyril John Lavigne
  • Patent number: 10994305
    Abstract: A sifting device having an upper chamber and a lower chamber. An upper chamber offset opening is disposed on the end wall of the upper chamber and offset from a central axis. A shaft rotates about the central axis of the upper chamber. A blade in the upper chamber and attached with the shaft. The blade is configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. A cone element is disposed on the blade and concentric with the upper chamber. A lower sifting element is disposed within the lower chamber. The shaft attached with the lower sifting element such that the lower sifting element rotates in the lower chamber when the shaft rotates. The upper chamber offset opening is configured to allow powdered substance to move from the upper chamber to the lower chamber so that the blade and lower sifting element can sift powdered substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: David Lee Rahamin
  • Patent number: 10974861
    Abstract: A container having enhanced wall integrity and a rotational element is provided that includes a sidewall having polygonal cross-sectional shape and an alignment structure formed therein. The alignment structure is adapted for orienting the container with respect to a second container such that the panel sections of the containers become parallel with one another and the containers may be fully nested one within the other. The alignment structure can be recessed into the sidewall to form peaks and valleys along an inner surface of the container. The peaks include first and second faces sloping in opposite directions designed to direct corners of the first container's sidewall toward the interior valleys of the second container in order to orient the containers as they are stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: HUHTAMAKI, INC.
    Inventors: Mike Liming, Don Tomalia, Joe Trombley, Pete Brushaber
  • Patent number: 10556742
    Abstract: Systems 1000, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets for the fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods. In particular, the disclosure provides improvements in the storage and retrieval of storage and delivery containers in order processing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Stuart Richard North
  • Patent number: 10378823
    Abstract: A reinforced refractory container having a cast refractory container which includes a sidewall defining an interior volume, the sidewall having inner and outer surfaces, the container cast from a castable refractory composition, and a wound, continuous fiber tensile reinforcement structure integrated with the container sidewall. A method of fabricating the reinforced refractory container is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ALLIED MINERAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Dana G. Goski, Douglas K. Doza, Anthony S. DiSaia, Duncan Lawrie
  • Patent number: 10143318
    Abstract: Service items and utensil combinations are provided for efficiency of food service and for selective presentation of foods. Service items include at least a side wall defining an inside surface for receiving food, wherein the side wall is provided with an indentation that extends at least partially over a width of the sidewall for defining a utensil receiving recess along an outside surface of the sidewall, and a recessed edge portion provided along a peripheral edge of the sidewall providing access to the utensil receiving recess. The recessed edge portion can be defined by an edge portion of the peripheral edge and a plurality of opposed capture points. One or more utensils are provided in combination with the service item, wherein each utensil has a portion thereof that is dimensioned to be supported on the edge portion defining the recessed edge portion adjacent to the opposed capture points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: SELFECO LLC
    Inventors: Chadwick Aaron Shaffer, Daniel George Mishek
  • Patent number: 10099850
    Abstract: The present description includes containers having an improved puncture design that can be punctured without substantial deformation of the container. Such containers are particularly suitable for use in preparing beverages using automatic machines, particularly those used for preparation of single serve beverages. Also provided are thermoplastic materials having improved punctureability for use in containers, containers for preparation of a beverage, and methods for preparing a beverage using such containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Printpack Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. O'Brien, Rabeh Elleithy, Harold Stephen Bowen
  • Patent number: 10065233
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cap, which can insert a sheet member easily into a predetermined position of an upper part inside a cap body, without causing deformation to the sheet member or the cap body. The sheet member does not separate when a container is brought to reduced pressure. An annular protruding portion protruding on a lower surface side is formed in an annular flat region of a sheet member of an inside plug. After or at the same time that the sheet member is inserted into and installed at a predetermined position within a cap body, the annular protruding portion is pressed axially toward a top panel wall and deformed so as to become close to a flat shape, to enlarge the outer diameter of the sheet member. The inside plug is thereby held to be inseparable from inside a skirt wall and to be axially movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON CLOSURES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhito Ichimura, Mitsuo Kumata
  • Patent number: 9527633
    Abstract: A tamper-proof and easy-open sealing type food container includes a container body and a lid. A peripheral wall of the container body has at least one recessed wall portion disposed in one corner thereof and formed a retracted external space area and concave camber between the recessed wall portion and a hem. A pull tab extends from outside of a sealing rib that can be inserted into the concave camber. Moreover, there are two tamper-proof structures disposed on the lid. The first is that the first score line has to be poked through, and the second is the second score line needs to be torn off when opening the lid. When either structure is tampered, it could be easily distinguished, which ensures the integrity, safety, and qualities of the food inside the container. With these features plus its sealing effect, the present invention has dual function of tamper-proofing and easy-opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Ya-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 9447600
    Abstract: A pole mounting system comprises a support mounting and a pole base. The support mounting has a receiving aperture that tapers conically inwardly from a receiving aperture, and at least one helical guide channel is formed in a wall of the receiving recess and extends axially away from the receiving aperture. Each guide channel has a terminal reverse bend. The pole base has an insertion end tapering conically inwardly toward a tip thereof and having guide post(s) extending laterally therefrom. The insertion end and the receiving recess are of complementary shape. The insertion end of the pole base is inserted into the receiving recess with each guide post aligned with the entrance of a corresponding guide channel and rotated in one direction and then the other to drive the guide post(s) along the guide channel(s) until the outer surface of the insertion end engages the wall of the receiving recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: GLP DUNDAS INC.
    Inventor: David Eric Walker
  • Patent number: 9387154
    Abstract: A medication container comprises a body portion and a grid coupled to the body portion. The grid and the tray each comprise a corresponding number of wells configured to contain medication. The tray is configured to be inserted into and removed from the body portion, above the grid. The tray may be configured to be connected to and disconnected from the grid, when the tray is inserted into the body portion. The wells of the grid may be configured to be manually loaded with medication by a user and the wells of the tray may be configured to be received by the user loaded with medication in accordance with a medication regimen. The first wells may be integral with the grid and the second wells may be integral with the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: TowerView Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Ankur Aggarwal, Nikolaos Valilis, Rahul Jain, Hareesh Ganesan, Jonathan K. Friedman
  • Patent number: 9217516
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a weighting device for a longitudinally extending conduit. The weighting device is made from a flexible material, preferably woven, and has a top loading main body for receiving ballast material. The main body has a pair of legs forming a conduit accepting space between them. The legs are adapted to be positioned in straddling relation over a conduit with said conduit being embraced in said conduit accepting space between the legs. The main body has at least one inner panel extending between the inner and outer sidewalls of each of the leg sections to prevent excessive bulging of the leg section when filled with ballast material. The panel divides the legs into compartments. Ballast introduced into the main body will flow into the compartments of the legs. The weighting device may also include filling and hoisting loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: PIPESAK INC.
    Inventor: Geoff Weyman Connors
  • Patent number: 9038826
    Abstract: A stackable cup having a rigid handle with an open top, the open top shaped and dimensioned to receive a complementary handle of a stackable cup of the like such that one or more cups may be angularly stacked, the cup having a lip projecting from the open top and extending outwardly to a circular rim, which in turn extends downwardly to define the drinking cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Marco David Cocci
  • Publication number: 20150114865
    Abstract: Provided is a hangable container including a shell with a bottom portion and a top rim spaced from the bottom portion, the shell having an inner and an outer surface and defining a basin of the container. The container also including a hollow stem extending from the inner surface of the shell and having a first end associated with the bottom portion and a second, free end, remote from the bottom portion formed with an articulation member; and a catch provided at an inner portion of the hollow stem adjacent the first end, the catch being configured for engagement with an articulation member of a corresponding container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: KETER PLASTIC LTD.
    Inventors: Zvi Zak, Reut Itzhak-Sigron, Alon Blumenzweig, Ron Eyal, Ayala Bougay, Nathalie Toledan-Oved
  • Patent number: 9011031
    Abstract: A plurality of multi-applicator tools are provided, including tools which include magnetically attachable and detachable application brushes or the like. Some embodiments include a linear arrangement of brushes in a generally elongate tool configuration. Other embodiments include a central base into which application brushes fit within. Various appearances are likewise provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Anisa International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyoung Ae Jang
  • Patent number: 9004282
    Abstract: A nestable container and lid are provided. A first container may be received by a second container such that the first container nests in the second container. The lid of the first container is also nestable in the open lid of the second container when the lids of the first container and the second container are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: William Van Ness
  • Publication number: 20150027920
    Abstract: A medicine cup, preferably stackable, disposable, of frustoconical configuration and optionally biodegradable. The medicine cup includes a cup member for the medicine and an infection control tab coupled to the cup member. The tab is preferably coplanar with and integrally mounted to the sidewall of the cup member and has a textured frictional surface. The infection control tab is for holding the cup by the health care provider, the tab minimizing the possibility of contamination of the cup and patient through the health care provider's hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis Christopher Riordan
  • Patent number: 8863954
    Abstract: Cups that color liquid contents and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed herein. The cups include an inner wall with a colorant disposed and affixed therein. The colorant is predisposed (i.e., affixed) before the introduction of a liquid, and remains affixed until a liquid is introduced into the cup. The colorant can be disposed within a recess. The colorant can also be affixed to a first cup such that stacking an identical cup within the first cup does not result in the colorant touching the identical cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: Brian McCormick, Brannon McKay
  • Patent number: 8857610
    Abstract: A container for packaging a product for retail display includes a base defining a product containment area with an annular rim defining an opening into the containment area and a lid mated to the rim for selective attachment to and detachment from the rim for opening and closing access into the containment area. At least one leg, preferably a pair of legs, is connected outwardly to the base adjacent the rim for supporting the assembled base and lid for self-standing on a substantially horizontal retail display surface with the base and the lid in a substantially vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Shurtape Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: George Paul Gruber
  • Publication number: 20140216972
    Abstract: A cup made of paper material having a fillable interior is provided. The cup is formed by a conical sleeve and a bottom. The bottom is attached to the sleeve at the lower end of the interior with a bottom skirt in an essentially liquid-tight way. The sleeve and/or the bottom in the area of the bottom skirt and/or the bottom skirt itself includes, at least in one area along the periphery, an outwardly projecting widening. A lower edge of the widening forms a standing surface for the cup. The widening can form a structure for holding another cup of the same type, which structure can act together with a similar cup during stacking. The cup can include a heat-insulting outer sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Uwe MESSERSCHMID, Werner STAHLECKER
  • Publication number: 20140209500
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a nestable containing for storing and dispensing wipes. The nestable container includes a container body comprising a bottom wall, side walls, and a corner region including an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. The nestable container includes a first ledge and a second ledge. The first and second ledges each have a proximal end region and a distal end region. The proximal end region of the first ledge is connected with the exterior surface of the corner region. The proximal end region of the first ledge comprises a groove and the distal end region of the first ledge comprises a ridge. The proximal end region of the second ledge is connected with the interior surface of the corner region. The proximal end region of the second ledge comprises a groove and the distal end region of the second ledge comprises a ridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Richard Shane Mays, Richard Lawrence Horstman, Lucio Frias, William Kater LaSala, James Matthew Owen
  • Patent number: 8771428
    Abstract: A double bucket cleaning system for use with microfiber mat mops. One bucket contains clean water; the second holds dirty water. The second bucket has a slide press for extracting dirty water from the mop. The system can use a connector to connect the two buckets together, or a single bucket with two compartments can be used. Both designs use a footpad upon which the user stands during the pressing operation. This ensures that the device remains in place during the sliding. Finally, once the dirty water has been extracted from the mop, the user can pick up clean water from the first bucket for the next portion of the floor to be cleaned. In this way, the user is able to quickly clean a large floor with clean water, instead of repeatedly dipping the mop back into dirty water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Howard Goentzel
  • Patent number: 8763810
    Abstract: This is a stackable cleaning bucket composed of two adjacent compartments divided by a partition, where the bucket has the merit of being able to be stacked inside a similar bucket practically up to the top edge, and which is equipped with sufficient structural rigidity when in use, with the positioning at the bottom of the two compartments of a spacer element that connects them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: T.T.S. s.r.l.
    Inventor: Renato Zorzo
  • Patent number: 8763808
    Abstract: A watering can of appropriate shape consist of the main container (5) from which an open spout (6) extends, while the bottom wall (12) and the back edge of the main container continue into the extended can holder (7) with the holder opening (8). The main container widens from its bottom toward the top, while the extended can holder (7) becomes narrower from the bottom toward its top. The extended can holder wall creates a countersink (9) on the external side where into the extended handle of the next stacked can is put into. The open spout (6) has V-shaped cross section enabling the spout (6) to fit into the spout of the previous can during stacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Igor Juric
  • Patent number: 8727121
    Abstract: A tray for a food product is thin-walled, unitary, and plastic. The tray comprises a central portion. The central portion comprises a plurality of downwardly extending recesses for receiving at least one of the food products, and a plurality of upwardly extending posts interspersed amongst the recesses. A first set of the posts is positioned on a first side of a horizontal axis of the tray, and a second set of the posts is positioned on a second side of the horizontal axis. The first set of posts and the second set of posts are positioned asymmetrically on either side of the horizontal axis. Each post comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending lengthwise therealong. The reinforcing ribs are integral to the posts. The tray further comprises an outer wall portion extending about the central portion. A plurality of webs extend between the outer wall portion and the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Par-Pak Ltd.
    Inventors: Samir R. Parikh, Sajith Chenat
  • Patent number: 8708148
    Abstract: Various embodiments of flanged containers that can be stacked in a nested relationship are disclosed so as to provide uniform spacing between the containers to facilitate reliable denesting thereof. The flanges and/or sidewalls of the containers may be provided with features that facilitate alignment and uniform spacing of the nested containers so that a denesting apparatus can reliably denest the containers. Other containers include sidewalls divided into two sections that serve to stabilize stacked container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Graphics Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Wnek, Ronald P. Marx, James Kluz, Brian R. O'Hagan, Scott W. Middleton
  • Patent number: 8695831
    Abstract: A package comprises a lid and a container forming a lower contact area, the container having a receiving space bordered by a side wall, an apron extending along an upper region of the side wall, and a tamper-evident closure preferably including a tamper-evident tab which, after filling the packaging container, can be detached by a consumer. The lid is formed as a clamp-on or clip-on lid and can be fixed to the upper container rim, wherein the tamper-evident tab is transparent and the container has an optical indicator for marking the tamper-evident tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Poppelmann Holding GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Schick
  • Patent number: 8690007
    Abstract: A lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8678223
    Abstract: An assembly having a pan and a formed wire rack for receiving and supporting the pan. the rack includes a pair of handles freely and rotatably attached to a closed rim-rack section of the wire rack. Each handle includes a lateral portion and a pair of arms having first arm ends attached to the lateral portion, and the pair of arms having second arm ends separately terminating to a flat section, distal ends of the flat sections being rotatably secured about the closed rim-rack section, and wherein the flat sections include loops freely rotatably secured about the closed rim-rack section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Handi-Foil Corporation
    Inventors: Norton Sarnoff, Raj Patel
  • Patent number: 8636169
    Abstract: A tote having both a caddy and a removable mini caddy is disclosed. The removable mini caddy attaches to the caddy with a series of guide walls and guide rails that allow the removable mini caddy to be cooperatively received by the caddy. The handle of the removable mini caddy nests with the handle of the caddy while they are attached, providing the user with a single handled tote that is easy to transport and use while still having the convenience of an extra tote where objects can be temporarily removed and then replaced without the need for transferring the objects from one tote to another. The removable mini caddy may be easily removed and then replaced within the caddy while remaining securely in place during use and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Casabella Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Andre Sampaio
  • Publication number: 20140014537
    Abstract: Trace detection media cartridges and kits to facilitate trace detection of contraband. A cartridge may store consumables to prevent contamination and may also aid in the dispensing of consumables. A housing may hold a consumables cartridge and further prevent spoilage, such as with a self-closing lid. A trace detection kit may include a housing and at least one cartridge storing consumables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: DSA DETECTION LLC
    Inventors: Abiy Eshetu, David J. Rutter
  • Patent number: 8561823
    Abstract: Stackable trays for food items are made from fibrous plant material, the source of which may be any fibrous plant or combination of fibrous plants, such as bamboo, wheat straw, bagasse or recycled paper or other paper products. Each tray includes a plurality of locking beads which define recesses. The locking beads and recesses of adjacent identical trays mate with each other when the trays are stacked. Likewise, the locking beads and recesses of two identical trays employed to provide a food container mate with each other to secure the two trays together in a food containment configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ultra Green Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Calvin S. Krupa
  • Patent number: 8534460
    Abstract: Various embodiments of flanged containers that can be stacked in a nested relationship are disclosed so as to provide uniform spacing between the containers to facilitate reliable denesting thereof. The flanges and/or sidewalls of the containers may be provided with features that facilitate alignment and uniform spacing of the nested containers so that a denesting apparatus can reliably denest the containers. Other containers include sidewalls divided into two sections that serve to stabilize stacked container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Wnek, Ronald P. Marx, James Kluz, Brian R. O'Hagan, Scott W. Middleton
  • Patent number: 8522800
    Abstract: The invention in one variation is a specialized tub-like apparatus for cleaning sponges. The apparatus is nestable and can be seated in the mouth of a bucket. The apparatus has a ribbed flat bottom, a flanged quasi-circuline tapered side wall contiguous with a pair of elevated shelves with level control holes that establish the water level and flow rate, and a garden hose fastening element that includes two wedged shaped holes that are orthogonal. There is an indentation with drain holes in the center bottom that disburses flow of the incoming water outwardly. The apparatus has a second inward deviation that provides an access port to the interior of the bucket. The access port is large enough to accommodate a drain line for the bucket and wiring. The bottom has several tapered legs with annular drain holes that enable the apparatus to drain dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Rob Parker
  • Publication number: 20130062240
    Abstract: A display package for containing and displaying a steering wheel locking device having an elongate central tubular rod member and first and second pairs of spaced hooks connected to the tubular rod member includes a pair of generally equally sized, equally shaped front and rear panels that are superimposed and joined together to partially enclose a steering wheel locking device, the front and rear panels being configured to generally conform to the shape of the steering wheel locking device. Multiple packages can be stacked such that portions of adjacent steering wheel locks nest partially within one another and reduce otherwise wasted space between adjacent packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Gerald J. Trontel, Alan P. Brandt
  • Patent number: 8382730
    Abstract: A surgical fluid basin includes a receptacle member having a lower wall and a peripheral wall extending from the lower wall and arranged about a longitudinal axis, and having an internal chamber within the peripheral wall for reception of fluids. The peripheral wall has at least one terrace defined within the peripheral wall corresponding to a volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The at least one terrace defines an internal rise surface and an internal run surface intersecting the internal rise surface. The internal run surface includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. A plurality of terraces may be defined within the peripheral wall with each terrace corresponding to a predetermined volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The internal run surface defined by each terrace includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Mark Tauer
  • Publication number: 20120325718
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a storage container that comprises a front panel, a back or rear panel, a left side panel, a top portion, and a bottom portion. Each of the panels, as well as the top portion and the bottom portion of the storage container, comprises a contact surface with each contact surface comprising at least one contact point. The use of multiple contact surfaces and multiple contact points allows a plurality of storage containers to be efficiently and securely stacked and nested, thereby allowing for quick and easy storage of items while conserving valuable yet precious storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Helen D. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20120318810
    Abstract: A container having enhanced wall integrity and a rotational element is provided that includes a sidewall having polygonal cross-sectional shape and an alignment structure formed therein. The alignment structure is adapted for orienting the container with respect to a second container such that the panel sections of the containers become parallel with one another and the containers may be fully nested one within the other. The alignment structure can be recessed into the sidewall to form peaks and valleys along an inner surface of the container. The peaks include first and second faces sloping in opposite directions designed to direct corners of the first container's sidewall toward the interior valleys of the second container in order to orient the containers as they are stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Don Hodge, Don Tomalia, Jason Osentoski, Joe Trombley, Dan Maciag, Pete Brushaber, Mike Liming
  • Patent number: 8328039
    Abstract: A produce container comprises a basket portion and a closure portion, which are hingedly secured to one another to be relatively movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The container can be secured in the closed configuration by way of at least one tab projecting upwardly from a front edge of a basket portion peripheral lip, which is received within a corresponding slot defined inwardly of the front edge of a closure portion peripheral lip. Each slot extends into a collocated recess in the outer surface of the closure portion peripheral lip, and each tab has an outwardly extending locking projection which, in the closed configuration, engages a corresponding recess engagement surface. Each locking projection terminates inwardly of the outer surface of the front edge of the closure portion peripheral lip and each tab terminates below the upper surface of the closure portion peripheral lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Vortex Packaging Niagara, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Raymond Short, Xie Fu Song
  • Patent number: 8322555
    Abstract: A lid includes a generally flat interior portion and an outer ridge area surrounding the interior portion. The outer ridge area includes a first ridge side, a ridge top, and a second ridge side. The first ridge side extends generally upward from the interior portion. The ridge top extends from the first ridge side and is generally parallel to the interior portion. The second ridge side extends generally downward from the ridge top. The second ridge side includes a top section and a bottom section. A thickness of the bottom section is smaller than a thickness of the top section. The bottom section includes at least one fixed tab and at least one tear band. The at least one fixed tab is separated from the at least one tear band by at least one vertical membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: PWP Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan K. Chen
  • Publication number: 20120292222
    Abstract: This is a stackable cleaning bucket composed of two adjacent compartments divided by a partition, where the bucket has the merit of being able to be stacked inside a similar bucket practically up to the top edge, and which is equipped with sufficient structural rigidity when in use, with the positioning at the bottom of the two compartments of a spacer element that connects them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: T.T.S. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Renato Zorzo
  • Patent number: 8307670
    Abstract: A multi-purpose ice holding assembly is disclosed for the making and storing of ice. Parts of the assembly include an external chamber, a bucket that inserts snugly into the external chamber and a lid for closing the assembly. Pockets for the forming of ice may be formed in the external chamber or the internal bucket, depending on the embodiment. The device may also be used for the serving of ice, as well as the chilling of wine bottles and other cold beverage containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Anna M Stewart, Stephen Kraigh Stewart
  • Publication number: 20120234833
    Abstract: A container comprising a pail, removable cover, and a gasket disposed between the cover and the pail is disclosed. The pail has an angled bead at the proximal end of the pail and a plurality of satellite rings that extend circumferentially around the pail and form a wall junction with the pail. The wall junction has a substantially constant wall thickness. A bail ear is formed to connect at least two of the satellite rings to define an opening between the bail ear and the body. The pail also includes a shock absorbing wall section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ROPAK Corporation
    Inventor: Frano LUBURIC
  • Patent number: 8186540
    Abstract: A universal lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers, has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The boxed perimeter may have a predetermined height such as approximately one inch, and the lid is provided with hinge lugs having a vertical extent substantially more but not more than twice than said predetermined height. In addition, the lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions. With this type of lid, the advantages of both single layer and double layer lid constructions may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120061409
    Abstract: A cup (22) includes a base (26) and a wall (30) with an integral straw (36). A lid (24) includes a flange (52) for mating with the cup (22) to establish an assembled position of the drinking assembly (20). The lid (24) defines an orifice (66) aligned with the integral straw (36) in the assembled position, and a flexible straw (68) is disposed within the orifice (66). The flexible straw (68) has a nipple portion (70) extending to an inlet end (72) disposed in abutting relationship with the integral straw (36) in the assembled position to establish a compression fit between the flexible straw (68) and the integral straw (36). The lid (24) is also stackable with identical lids (24) and includes a cavity (60) extending between first and second ends (62, 64). The orifice (66) is disposed about one of the ends (64) and the cavity (60) has an open portion (90) disposed about the other of the ends (62) for receiving a nipple portion (70) of the identical lid (24) being stacked in alternating relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: David Fioritto, Domenic Belcastro
  • Patent number: 8079493
    Abstract: A lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20110272317
    Abstract: Various embodiments of flanged containers that can be stacked in a nested relationship are disclosed so as to provide uniform spacing between the containers to facilitate reliable denesting thereof. The flanges and/or sidewalls of the containers may be provided with features that facilitate alignment and uniform spacing of the nested containers so that a denesting apparatus can reliably denest the containers. Other containers include sidewalls divided into two sections that serve to stabilize stacked container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Patrick H. Wnek, Ronald P. Marx, James Kluz, Brian R. O' Hagan, Scott W. Middleton