Foamlike Retainer Patents (Class 206/523)
  • Patent number: 6695141
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a container package for an entire computer system. The entire computer system includes at least a computer monitor, a computer case, and a computer printer. The computer case includes a processor and the computer case can be either a horizontal or a tower type case. Advantageously, the present invention provides a container package in which the computer case, monitor and computer printer can all be placed into a single box for shipment and display purposes. The present invention provides a low cost solution for both shipping and for point of display purchase. This environmentally friendly solution reduces the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of after the computer system is unpacked. Further, the present invention makes it more likely that a potential customer will purchase a computer monitor, computer case and computer printer from the same manufacturer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: William C. Kropf, Samuel R. Szteinbaum, Mark J. Bony
  • Patent number: 6695140
    Abstract: A pivot component (11) is inserted into a bottom component (12) positioned in a shipping container (43) and can be positioned in either a loading position or a support position. In the loading position, the pivot component (11) is tilted outwardly with respect to the bottom component (12), allowing a product (41) to be easily inserted in the container (43). When the product (41) is inserted into the container, contact between the product (41) and the pivot component (11) causes the pivot component (11) to automatically pivot into the support position. In the support position, the pivot component (11) is tilted inwardly with respect to the loading position, and is in position to support and protect the product (41) in the container (43). A top element (51) may be included over the product (41) in the received position so as to capture a top part of the pivot component (11) and thereby retain the pivot component in the support position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventor: James Edwin Manuel
  • Patent number: 6681931
    Abstract: A cable tie dispenser for holding a supply of individual cable ties and which allows removal of individual cable ties therefrom while firmly, yet removably, holding the remaining supply of cable ties. The cable tie dispenser includes members of compressible resilient material disposed within the dispenser case which compresses around at least a portion of the length of the cable ties sandwiched therebetween to maintain a firm and substantially uniform pressure on the cable ties. The compressible resilient material expands to fill the void left by any removed cable ties thereby ensuring that even the last cable tie remaining within the dispenser is firmly restrained and will not fall out of the dispenser until it is purposefully removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Allen D. Finley
  • Publication number: 20030209464
    Abstract: A packing case for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a first packing member 5 for packing an image forming apparatus main body 1 including a reading section 11 having a scanner unit for reading a document image, an image forming section 14 having an image forming unit 12 for forming an image according to image data and a sheet feed unit 13 for feeding a sheet to the image forming unit 12, and a sheet storage space 16, formed to be open to outside between the reading section 11 and the image forming section 14, for storing a sheet transported from the image forming unit 12; and a second packing member 4 for packing a toner cartridge 2 containing toner to be supplied to the image forming unit 12 and capable of being inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus main body 1, in which the second packing member 4 is inserted and fixed in the sheet storage space 16. This packing case enables a decrease in the overall size of the packing case and a reduction in the cost of the packing case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshinori Otsuka, Yoshiaki Sanada, Kouichi Mihara, Haruko Yoneda
  • Patent number: 6631804
    Abstract: A displayable lighter package includes a display stand including a circular upper deck having an upper receiving cavity, a circular lower deck having a lower receiving cavity, and a central supporting shaft detachably supported between the upper deck and the lower deck in a rotatably movable manner. A lighter holder arrangement for securely holding at least a lighter on the display stand includes an upper holder and a lower holder fittedly disposed in the upper and lower receiving cavities respectively, wherein a plurality of upper holding slots are radially formed on the upper and lower holders respectively and adapted for securely supporting bottom portions of lighters on the upper and lower holders respectively. A stand base is detachably mounted underneath said lower deck for enabling said display stand in a rotatably movable manner. A cover is detachably sheltered the display stand for protecting the lighters mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Zreative Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Tommy Wong
  • Publication number: 20030156767
    Abstract: A ventilated sport bag having a permeable inner layer and a detachable impermeable outer layer is disclosed. The permeable inner layer allows moisture to evaporate so that the sport item will not become mildewed, discolored, or rust. When a wet sport item is placed in the bag, the impermeable outer layer is detached so that the item can dry. The inner layer is comprised of two portions of material that are formed in the shape of the bag. The outer layer is comprised of two cover portions that cover the two inner layer portions. The outer cover portions are attached to the inner layer portions by an attachment device such as a zipper. When the outer cover wears out it can be replaced without having to purchase an entire new bag. A handle and a detachable shoulder strap are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Homero Valdez
  • Patent number: 6601680
    Abstract: A carrying case for storing and carrying items of high value and/or potentially dangerous items such as firearms, which has an improved, latching mechanism and a reinforced case construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: David R. Japchen
  • Patent number: 6595362
    Abstract: Cases are provided for carrying medication delivery devices such as auto-injectors, syringes or vials. The cases include a cradling structure to protect the medication delivery device from jostling and impact encountered during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Lindon Products Inc.
    Inventors: Melinda Penney, Sherin Lussier, Dalita R. Tomellini
  • Publication number: 20030127353
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a container package for an entire computer system. The entire computer system includes at least a computer monitor, a computer case, and a computer printer. The computer case includes a processor and the computer case can be either a horizontal or a tower type case. Advantageously, the present invention provides a container package in which the computer case, monitor and computer printer can all be placed into a single box for shipment and display purposes. The present invention provides a low cost solution for both shipping and for point of display purchase. This environmentally friendly solution reduces the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of after the computer system is unpacked. Further, the present invention makes it more likely that a potential customer will purchase a computer monitor, computer case and computer printer from the same manufacturer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: William C. Kropf, Samuel R. Szteinbaum, Mark J. Bony
  • Patent number: 6588595
    Abstract: An anti-motor fret package/container is provided including a main insert, a top cover, and a cardboard shell. The package is especially adapted for securing computer disk drives therein. Potential damage to the computer disk drives is minimized by isolating any movement of the disk drives within the package. A central rib, displacement means, or contacting means are provided to press or hold the disk drives tightly against side walls of their loading compartments. Movement of the disk drives within the package is particularly constrained in the lateral or transverse direction to avoid the phenomena known as motor fret. The overall arrangement and construction of the package minimizes vibration and shock transferred to the disk drives during shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Maxtor Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Levin, Terence Ten Teck Hong, David Duell
  • Patent number: 6586058
    Abstract: The invention provides novel equipment packages, principally for portable equipment such as laptop computers, which provide decoupling, damping and shock isolation of acceleration sensitive components within the packages. Two principal embodiments are disclosed. In the flexible shell embodiment, a plurality of flexible fillers are attached to a flexible shell and a plurality of objects or components are attached to the fillers. In the flexible chassis embodiment, a plurality of objects or components are mounted to the flexible chassis to form an assembly and a plurality of flexible fillers are attached to the chassis to form the complete package. One design methodology employs a decoupled simple harmonic oscillator (SHO) model to optimize the shock response behavior. A second design methodology uses a deterministic method (finite element method) to establish the parameters for the filler and shell materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Karl-Friedrich Etzold
  • Patent number: 6581768
    Abstract: A desktop storage device is provided comprising an elongated platform element adapted to be inserted and retained within an elongated container. The elongated platform element includes a lower platform upon which said pens, pencils and similar elongated objects rest, and an upper platform connected to the lower platform by means of an elongated connecting member. Disposed within the upper platform is at least one aperture, said aperture serving to allow the pens or pencils to be inserted therethrough, and further allowing the user to grasp the elongated platform in order to slide it out of the container. The elongated platform element is adapted to be inserted into and securely retained within the container. Pens and pencils may be inserted through the aperture in the upper platform, and thereupon come to rest on the lower platform, being bound by the interior surface of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Loop Licensing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: China Young, Jude Pauli
  • Publication number: 20030102244
    Abstract: Shipping and storage container for laptop computers which generally includes a one (1) piece exterior portion, preferably fabricated from corrugated cardboard, an inner protective base insert and an inner protective cover insert, both of the protective inserts preferably being fabricated from a material which provides cushioning and protection, most preferably a protective foam type material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: C. W. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6567265
    Abstract: An apparatus having a flexible mounting mechanism according to the present invention includes a storage section, a casing accommodating and holding the storage section, a protective housing accommodating and protecting the casing, a supporting member provided between the casing and the protective housing for supporting the casing, and a maintaining member supporting the protective housing. The supporting member and the maintaining member have different vibration damping characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Yamamura, Toshiyuki Wada, Makoto Kuwamoto
  • Patent number: 6554133
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a container package for an entire computer system. The entire computer system includes at least a computer monitor, a computer case, and a computer printer. The computer case includes a processor and the computer case can be either a horizontal or a tower type case. Advantageously, the present invention provides a container package in which the computer case, monitor and computer printer can all be placed into a single box for shipment and display purposes. The present invention provides a low cost solution for both shipping and for point of display purchase. This environmentally friendly solution reduces the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of after the computer system is unpacked. Further, the present invention makes it more likely that a potential customer will purchase a computer monitor, computer case and computer printer from the same manufacturer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: William C. Kropf, Samuel R. Szteinbaum, Mark J. Bony
  • Patent number: 6540080
    Abstract: A protective wrap is disclosed that includes a single solution to protecting rigid angled products that require vertical and horizontal strength of interior forms or posts as well as a resilient cushioning property of a flexible poly-based based product to prevent damage upon impact from mechanical or manual handling. Many applications will benefit from the opportunity to reduce costs through a reduction in packing materials and in downgrading the corrugated construction or eliminate the exterior protection of corrugated boxes. The protective wrap includes at least one layer poly-based material, such as of a closed or open cell foam secured between laminated layers of paper or, alternatively, laminated to one layer of laminated paper with the flexible poly-based material exposed. The protective wrap is formed to a rigid right angle, a C-channel, or any angled shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Albert Moreyra
  • Patent number: 6530480
    Abstract: An overpack carton for packing a primary shipping case includes a packing strap having interconnected side panels and a latching panel, one or more cushion strips secured to the side panels, and latching elements for latching the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case. A method for packing a primary shipping case includes steps of providing a cushioned packing strap having latching elements, wrapping the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case and interengaging the latching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Hardy
  • Patent number: 6527113
    Abstract: A waterproof fly fishing fly box is disclosed including a central base member, a top cover and a bottom cover. The top and bottom covers affix to the central base member so that, when closed, the top cover and central base member define a first internal environment therebetween. Similarly, when the bottom cover is closed, the bottom cover and central base member define a second internal environment. The fly fishing fly box further includes a first and second closed cell foam layers affixed to and covering substantially all of a top surface and bottom surface, respectively, of the central base member. The first and second foam layers serve to fix the flies within the first and second internal environments, and to ensure a tight seal of the first and second internal environments against water from the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Todd Blake
  • Patent number: 6520332
    Abstract: A packaging cushion is disclosed for supporting and protecting objects during shipment. The cushion has upper and lower surfaces and one or more compartments for supporting the objects in positions so that the objects are higher than the lower surfaces of the cushions. The cushions may include upper and lower nodes which increase the separation distance between the objects when the cushions are stacked one on top of another. The cushions may be held in a stack by an outer box, or by wrapping the stack of cushions in a protective film, eliminating the need for an outer box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Rice Barmore, Kenneth Paul Chrisman, Stephen Floyd Compton, Steve B. Garland, Alan S. Weinberg, George Dean Wofford
  • Publication number: 20030029766
    Abstract: A light-sensitive material package includes a light-shielding envelope containing a stack of sheet-form light-sensitive material, the light-shielding envelope having heat-seal parts on four edges. The light-sensitive material package further includes a cushioning member, which holds down all or a part of the heat-seal parts. The light-sensitive material package further includes a fitting-type box for storing the envelope, the fitting-type box being formed from an inner box and a lid. The stiffness of the heat-seal parts is at least 0.05 N·cm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Abe, Yoshio Hara, Reiko Furuya
  • Patent number: 6513661
    Abstract: An insulated pack has a main, insulated compartment suitable for holding refreshments at either a warmed or chilled temperature. It also has another compartment for valuables that has receptacles for such objects as cellular telephone handsets, wallets, and keys. It has a reinforced web framework structure, and a carrying handle mounted on the lid. Use of two of these packs, allows a user to keep different objects at different temperatures. The pack is particularly useful for attachment to a golf bag or golf cart to provide cool drinks during a round of golf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: California Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin S. Mogil
  • Patent number: 6508362
    Abstract: A hinged flexible polyurethane foam protective packaging element is formed from a flexible polyurethane foam laminated to a polyethylene, polypropylene or urethane film. The flexible polyurethane foam has a density in the range of 0.7 lbs/ft3 to 2.8 lbs/ft3 and IFD25 in the range of 25 lbs to 270 lbs. The film has a thickness from 2 mil to 125 mil. The foam is cut through all or substantially all of its thickness without cutting through a portion of the film. The uncut portion of the film creates a repeatably bendable hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Foamex L.P.
    Inventors: Michael F. Hnatow, Vincenzo A. Bonaddio, Chiu Y. Chan, Daniel V. Tursi, John R. Rucker
  • Patent number: 6503590
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a packing material comprised of a Styrofoam core 14 having a polyethylene or stretch film 16 bonded by adhesive 18 to the upper and lower surface of the Styrofoam material. The coating materials improve the characteristic of Styrofoam 14 by dispersing a load force across the material. A corrugated layer 20 may be added by adhesive means 18 either as an additional layer or substituting for one or both of the film layers 16 and thereby forms a product that can be die cut which will replace the need for formed Styrofoam in many applications. The die cut material can be shipped in a substantially planar form and assembled on the job site. The edge of the Styrofoam core 14 may be coated with an additional adhesive layer 18 for attachment thereto of a peel-away protective layer 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: Tom Luu, Ana Luu
  • Patent number: 6499599
    Abstract: The packing end cap includes a collar defining an interior cavity into which an item to be packaged may extend. The collar is comprised of longitudinal leg members interconnected at opposite ends by lateral leg members. An expansion joint is integrated within each lateral and longitudinal leg member. A plurality of blocks can also be disposed within the interior cavity hinged across an interior edge of a lateral member. Each block can pivot about the interior edge, enabling it to be positionable in a first position substantially parallel to a plane defined by the collar, and a second position perpendicular to the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Tuscarora, Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hopkins, Robert S. Biddinger
  • Publication number: 20020195366
    Abstract: A floral container having a substantially rigid outer cylindrical member with a bottom planar surface. A plurality of flexible foamed plastic members having the same overall cylindrical shape as the cylindrical member are stacked and secured together forming an insert body which is mounted in the chamber of the cylindrical member. Each of the flexible foamed plastic members defines a throughgoing substantially circular cutout of a different size with a defined tooth assembly extending inward toward the center point of each substantially circular cutout. The foamed plastic member cutouts being axially aligned with cutouts of an adjacent foamed plastic member to form a stepped bore which can hold various sized articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne Jackson Castleberry
  • Publication number: 20020189970
    Abstract: A package cushion member includes an upper pad 10 and a lower pad 20 from which a plurality of upper-pad hollow projections 15 and a plurality of lower-pad hollow projections 25 project so as to surround a storage space for a projector 50, and also adopts a reinforcing pad 30 having bottom-protecting hollow projections 31 which are in contact with recesses 22 of the lower pad 20, and side-reinforcing hollow projections 35 which are inserted halfway into the lower-pad hollow projections 25, when the reinforcing pad 30 is placed under the lower pad 20. This makes it possible to reliably prevent an outer case of a packed object from being broken even when the outer case is easily distorted at the center portion in the thickness direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Motomu Koike
  • Patent number: 6488153
    Abstract: A cushioning member with three interconnecting parts provides a full internal corner for contacting and protecting the external surfaces of an article during shipping and handling. The three interconnecting parts also provide a full external corner. Both full internal and external corners provide a rugged shipping and handling protector for an article (e.g., personal computer) to be shipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: John Jay Morris
  • Patent number: 6481577
    Abstract: A nail care case for organizing and storing manicuring implements and articles is designed to be carried by hand or stored in a purse. The case is a foldable semi-rigid enclosure defining a receptacle in which at least two panels are attached. These panels include retaining flexible loops for mounting a plurality of manicuring implements and articles, a detachable hinged retainer member for stabilizing bottles and other containers when performing a manicure, a detachable holder in which other objects are stored, a mesh-type pocketed retainer with foldable flap using hook and loop fasteners. Attached to the enclosure is a foldable workstation panel that has an unobstructed work area and can include storage pocket to hold objects. An auxiliary pivotally mounted panel can be attached to the enclosure for mounting additional manicuring implements and articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: DeAnna Roegner
  • Patent number: 6471067
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an article during shipment is provided. In one embodiment, a packaging apparatus includes a formed body comprised having a first resiliency. The formed body has a plurality of recesses disposed on a first side of the formed body. An insert having a resiliency greater than the resiliency of the formed body is disposed in at least one of the recesses disposed in the formed replace. In another embodiment, a method for packing an article includes inserting an insert of resilient material into selected recesses in a cushioning material in locations where additional protection of a packaged device is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing, S.A.
    Inventor: Robert Charles Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20020153275
    Abstract: A shipping container for elongated articles includes (a) a rigid container housing, including a bottom wall and at least one upright side wall enclosing the bottom wall, and having an open upper end for receiving a plurality of elongated articles, (b) a cushioning member supported by at least a portion of the bottom wall, and positioned between the bottom wall and the open upper end, and (c) a plurality of receptacle members, each defining a hollow channel having a lower end and an upper end and being adapted for holding one of the elongated articles, and being positioned with the lower end in proximity to the cushioning member and the upper end in proximity to the open upper end of the rigid container housing, the plurality of receptacle members being stably supported by each other and the at least one side wall of the rigid container housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ryals
  • Patent number: 6467619
    Abstract: A compact, multiple halogen bulb storage container used to temporarily hold and protect a plurality of halogen bulbs. The container includes an outer, rigid box with a closable lid. Disposed inside the rigid case is an insert designed to hold a plurality of halogen bulbs in a spaced-apart, longitudinally aligned configuration. The insert may be made of elastic or rigid foam material that completely fills the inside central space in the rigid box. In one embodiment, the bulb receiving spaces are aligned on the top surface of the insert holder insert so that the bulb may be horizontally aligned and vertically inserted in to the bulb receiving space. In a second embodiment, the insert is longitudinally aligned in the rigid case with the bulb receiving spaces longitudinally aligned inside the bulb holder. The bulbs slide through the end of the bulb receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Corey Leen, Teresa Leen
  • Patent number: 6464074
    Abstract: A reusable cover for a wind instrument includes an approximately trapezoidal base surface or a base surface widening approximately in a trumpet shape. The length of the base surface corresponds approximately to the length of the wind instrument. The cover also has a semicircular front surface with a straight bottom edge which at the same time forms a front edge of the trapezoidal or trumpet-shaped base surface. The cover has the advantage of being able to stand when it is loaded with the wind instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Wolfgang Dimbath
  • Publication number: 20020139706
    Abstract: A packing box has a bottom surface formed double by folding flaps 11 through 14 extending downward from respective four side surfaces 1 through 4 such that mutually-opposing flaps are folded in a pair. Cushioning members 31 through 34 are individually disposed at four corners of an inner bottom of the packing box. Smaller flaps 51, 52 are formed in the flaps 11 and 12 which constitute an inner bottom surface of the double bottom surface. Notches 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b are formed in the smaller flaps 51, 52 to come into contact with the corresponding outer shapes of the cushioning members 31, 32, 33, and 34 when the smaller flaps 51, 52 are raised. By raising the smaller flaps 51, 52, the cushioning members 31 through 34 are held between the side surfaces 1 through 4 of the box and the notches 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Haruhiko Fujii
  • Patent number: 6454097
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved first aid kit having a foam case with a plurality of integral, internal compartments containing medical supplies for treating a number of medical emergencies. Each compartment is directed to a specific type of medical emergency, which is identified by indicia on the lid of each compartment. The indicia on the compartment lids preferably contain simple, eye-catching, color-coded graphical illustrations of the particular medical emergencies so that an unskilled person can readily ascertain the appropriate compartments to access in an emergency situation. Additionally, the various medical emergencies are preferably prioritized in order of life threatening severity. The kit is buoyant and also functions as a personal flotation device. The compartment lids of the present invention are preferably installed with special hinges having ribs that are embedded in the foam of the case to help prevent the hinges from coming loose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Aceves Blanco
  • Patent number: 6446809
    Abstract: A rigid lightweight carrying case includes first and second frame members hingedly attached to one another, each comprising a band of rigid material substantially defining the outline of the carrying case, and at least partially circumscribing the object to be carried in the case, a layer of rigid foam material affixed within each frame member located towards the exterior of the case a layer of soft foam material affixed within each frame member adjacent the rigid foam material and located towards the interior of the case, the soft foam providing support for an object to be carried in the case, an inner fabric layer of plush material on the interior of the case covering substantially the soft foam material, an outer fabric layer affixed to the exterior of the case covering substantially the rigid frame members and rigid foam material, and a carrying handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: GWW, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6443306
    Abstract: A storage case for small format memory cards is taught which utilizes those sections of known and existing computer furniture specifically designed to receive compact disc jewel cases to thereby allow for more reliable storage of small format memory cards. The storage case includes a compact disc jewel case without a disc retaining mechanism therein. A foam insert resides within the compact disc jewel case and has at least one precut cut-out section therein which is removable to provide at least one space in the foam insert to receive a small format memory card. The jewel case is preferably formed from a clear plastic material and there is preferably an insert sheet adapted to be retained proximate to a front wall of the jewel case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Peter Davies, Donald J. Appleton, Jeffery T. Matteson, Barbara A. Sayers
  • Patent number: 6439389
    Abstract: An insulated pack has a main, insulated compartment suitable for holding refreshments at either a warmed or chilled temperature. The insulated pack has an externally mounted receptacle for carrying a liquid containing vessel, in the nature of a drink bottle or a mister. It also has another compartment for valuables that has receptacles for such objects as cellular telephone handsets, wallets, and keys. It has a reinforced web framework structure, and a carrying handle mounted on the lid. Use of two of these packs, allows a user to keep different objects at different temperatures. The pack is particularly useful for attachment to a golf bag or golf cart to provide cool drinks during a round of golf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: California Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin S. Mogil
  • Publication number: 20020108886
    Abstract: An air cushion for shock absorption according to the present invention, comprises a flexible and elastic foam material capable of restoring an air cell thereof to its original shape and size under a static pressure transformable by an impact force, a cover made of a soft non-porous material for closely enclosing the foam material in the inside thereof, a discharge valve formed in the cover for discharging an air in the inside of the air cell of the foam material to the atmosphere when the air cell is subject to the shock, and one or more intake valve formed in the cover separately from the discharge valve for intaking the atmosphere to the air cell when the air cell is restored to its original size and shape after impacted. When shocked or restored, the shock can be efficiently absorbed by selectively operating the discharge valve and intake valve and differing their volumes from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: June-Sik Kim
  • Publication number: 20020104772
    Abstract: A hinged flexible polyurethane foam protective packaging element is formed from a flexible polyurethane foam laminated to a polyethylene, polypropylene or urethane film. The flexible polyurethane foam has a density in the range of 0.7 lbs/ft3 to 2.8 lbs/ft3 and IFD25 in the range of 25 lbs to 270 lbs. The film has a thickness from 2 mil to 125 mil. The foam is cut through all or substantially all of its thickness without cutting through a portion of the film. The uncut portion of the film creates a repeatably bendable hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Michael F. Hnatow, Vincenzo A. Bonaddio, Chiu Y. Chan, Daniel V. Tursi, John R. Rucker
  • Patent number: 6427834
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved structure of an artificial fish bait organizer providing a containing box, a supporting frame, and a positioning cushion, and more particularly to a artificial fish bait organizer for neatly arranging the fish bait in position and providing a more convenient way of storing and accessing the artificial baits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Po-Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 6412635
    Abstract: An item to be packaged which has at least a first substantially planar surface is positioned within the carton, also having at least a first substantially planar exterior carton surface such that the plane of the item to be packaged is non-orthogonal to and non-parallel with the plane of the carton exterior. In one aspect, a substantially parallelepiped-shaped item is rotated about one, two or three orthogonal axes for placing in a carton which may itself have a substantially parallelepiped exterior shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Torence Lu
  • Publication number: 20020066683
    Abstract: Shipping and storage container for laptop computers which generally includes a one (1) piece exterior portion, preferably fabricated from corrugated cardboard, an inner protective base insert and an inner protective cover insert, both of the protective inserts preferably being fabricated from a material which provides cushioning and protection, most preferably a protective foam type material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Alpha Packinging Systems
    Inventor: C. W. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20020060165
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing an item or plurality of items for shipment. Disposing one or a plurality of items on a rigid surface having a layer of deformable cushioning material with a bonding material thereon wherein the items are connectingly bonded to the foam layer which is deformed in response to the items. The items may be items of china, floral containers, and flower pots, or other similar items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20020050462
    Abstract: Cases are provided for carrying medication delivery devices such as auto-injectors, syringes or vials. The cases include a cradling structure to protect the medication delivery device from jostling and impact encountered during transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Melinda Penney, Sherin Lussier, Dalita R. Tomellini
  • Publication number: 20020023857
    Abstract: A unitary product cushioning structure for supporting a shock sensitive product in an outer packaging container is formed of moldable resilient plastics material. It has an outer container contacting wall at each side which is intended to contact an outer packaging container, and a flexible shock absorbing spring section at each such side. A product supporting region is bounded by outer product supporting region defining walls, inner product contacting walls, an upper ridge between them, and a product supporting platform. Shock absorption support for a shock sensitive product is provided in at least two of three mutually perpendicular directions; most embodiments, including end pieces, end caps, trays and covers, and corner pieces, provide shock absorption protection in three mutually perpendicular directions. The structure is usually thermoformed, but may be otherwise molded from a suitable resilient and moldable plastics material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 6343693
    Abstract: A cable tie dispenser which can hold a plurality of individual cable ties and which allows removal of individual cable ties therefrom while firmly holding the remaining plurality of cable ties. The cable tie dispenser includes an area of compressible resilient material which is compressed within the case of the dispenser around at least a portion of the length the cable ties. The area of compressible resilient material thereby firmly but removably restrains the plurality of individual cable ties within the dispenser with an end of each of the cable ties extending above the edge of the area of compressible resilient material such that individual cable ties may be grasped and removed for use. As the individual cable ties are removed from the dispenser, the compressible resilient material expands to fill the void left by the removed cable ties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Allen D. Finley
  • Patent number: 6340087
    Abstract: A packaging device (1) including a flap retention arrangement (30). The packaging device incorporating the flap retention arrangement (30) includes a panel (22) and a flap member (26). The flap member (26) is connected to the panel (22) and adapted to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the panel (22). The flap retention arrangement (30) includes a retention member (33) and a capture element (37). The retention member (33) is mounted on one of the flap member (26) or the panel (22) while the capture element (37) is located on the other one of the flap member (26) or the panel (22). Regardless of which portion of the flap retention arrangement (30) is mounted on one of the flap member (26) or the panel (22), the retention member (33) and the capture element (37) are situated so as to make contact with each other when the flap member (26) is moved to the second position. This contact retains the flap member (26) in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP.
    Inventors: John William Bridges, Nancy Shubeck Romano
  • Publication number: 20020000390
    Abstract: A carrying case for electronic equipment, such as a portable computer, includes back, front, top, bottom and side walls defining an interior including a compartment for receiving electronic equipment defined between a wall surface and a floating panel of the carrying case. The floating panel is selectively movable linearly toward and away from the wall surface to adjust the size of the compartment in accordance with the size of the electronic equipment received therein. A securing mechanism within the interior resiliently biases the floating panel toward the wall surface and provides a shock or impact absorbing effect for the electronic equipment. The carrying case has a handle including first and second handle portions rotatable between an engaged position wherein the handle portions are in abutment and a disengaged position wherein the handle portions are separated from one another. The first and second handle portions are configured to automatically matingly engage one another when rotated into abutment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: W. Dale Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 6334534
    Abstract: An adjustable, impact resistant cushion for use in a carrying case or the like has a first pad including a compressible, substantially rectangular foam piece covered with a pliable non-porous cover. The cover continuously covers the foam piece and includes an air flow controlling vent. Air escapes from the pad through the vent at a controlled rate when the foam material is compressed and so the pad absorbs shock by providing resistance to compression which increases with increasing compression velocity. Preferably, open cell urethane foam is employed in the compressible foam piece. The adjustable impact resistant cushion includes a second pad hingedly connected by a flexible hinge segment of webbing or plastic. The adjustable cushion includes, on a back surface, one or more releasable hook and loop type fasteners elements (e.g., either hooks or loops).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Targus Group International
    Inventors: W. Dale Hollingsworth, Charles S. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6334533
    Abstract: An adjustable, impact resistant cushion for use in a carrying case or the like has a first pad including a compressible, substantially rectangular foam piece covered with a pliable non-porous cover. The cover continuously covers the foam piece and includes an air flow controlling vent. Air escapes from the pad through the vent at a controlled rate when the foam material is compressed and so the pad absorbs shock by providing resistance to compression which increases with increasing compression velocity. Preferably, open cell urethane foam is employed in the compressible foam piece. The adjustable impact resistant cushion includes a second pad hingedly connected by a flexible hinge segment of webbing or plastic. The adjustable cushion includes, on a back surface, one or more releasable hook and loop type fasteners elements (e.g., either hooks or loops).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Targus Group Insternational
    Inventors: W. Dale Hollingsworth, Charles S. O'Connor