Tray Type Patents (Class 206/557)
  • Patent number: 7284675
    Abstract: A plate formed from a generally rectangular flat sheet of flexible material that can be configured to be bowed both longitudinally and laterally to form a concave food holding area and a generally flat container-carrying area with a container-holding hole which permits both food and a beverage to be securely held in one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Sun Hui Chang
  • Patent number: 7258703
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for aligning a plurality of semiconductor devices placed on a carrier. Alignment guides are located adjacent to each device in use, and arranged such that they correspond to a desired alignment of each semiconductor device. For alignment, the semiconductor devices are held by a positioning device comprising a plurality of holders, each holder being configured to generate a force to hold a semiconductor device. Actuators are also provided that are operative to move the positioning device and holders to bias the semiconductor devices against the alignment guides to orientate the semiconductor devices until they are aligned with said alignment guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: ASM Assembly Automation Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi Wah Cheng, Hoi Shuen Joseph Tang, Tim Wai Tony Mak, Chi Hang Leung
  • Patent number: 7175021
    Abstract: A highly absorptive open cell foam having a ratio of cell size to pore size of between about 1 and about 10. A juice absorbing food package comprising a tray having a bottom bounded by an upwardly extending lip around the perimeter of the bottom and a liquid-absorbing pad comprised of polymer foam joined to the bottom of said tray, wherein the polymer foam is a highly absorptive open cell foam having a ratio of cell size to pore size of between about 1 and about 10. The tray of the juice-absorbing package may be overwrapped with gas permeable film, and may be provided with an oxygen absorbing substance therein. Alternatively, the overwrapped tray may be placed in a sealed barrier bag that is subsequently purged with a non-oxidizing gas such as carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Commodore Machine Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Edward A. Colombo
  • Patent number: 7134552
    Abstract: The food pan carrier has a pan carrier body and a pan carrier door. The pan carrier door is slidable relative to the pan carrier body from an open to a closed position. When the door is in the closed position, the food pan carrier will maintain food that has been heated to at least 185° at a minimum of 141° for an extended period of time. The pan carrier body has grooves in which the food pan door is received. The food pan door preferably has rails that are slidable in the grooves. The door slides in the grooves from a second end to a first end of the grooves. As the door slides from the open to the closed position, it moves toward a sealing surface that circumscribes an opening through which food pans are inserted and removed from the pan carrier body. In the fully closed position, the door sealingly engages the sealing surface that circumscribes the opening through which food pans are inserted and removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Carlisle FoodService Products, Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard McDonagh, James H. Cook, Martin R. Benning, Kent A. Birt, Larry B. Henderson, Ronald J. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7059476
    Abstract: A first construction of a tray for electronic parts according to the present invention is provided with an engaging cut-out corner portion which is formed by cutting a corner portion of a table-like flat portion which is arranged diagonally with respect to a-cut-out corner portion. A second construction of a tray for electronic parts according to the present invention is provided with a pawl engaging protruding portion which is formed on a step-like peripheral edge portion above a cut-out portion. In a third construction of a tray for electronic parts according to the present invention, when two trays are stacked up so that the top faces thereof face each other, an engaging first-shaped protrusion which is formed around a predetermined pocket of one tray engages an engaging second-shaped protrusion which is formed around a predetermined pocket of the other tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Kunii, Koji Koga, Reikichi Hatori
  • Patent number: 7017400
    Abstract: The invention described and claimed in this application is for a fluid drip, tire tread, tire pressure, and foreign exhaust identification apparatus for a vehicle and the like. The inventive device includes a mat with stenciled regions drawn on the mat that identify various vehicle systems, which is placed beneath a vehicle, whereby each region defines a receiving area for identifying fluid drips, particulate, or excessive emissions from a vehicle system and a tire platform comprised of a deformable material for measuring the tire pressure and tread depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Mathew L. Grell
  • Patent number: 7011215
    Abstract: A molded display tray and lid includes a generally planar base from which a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls extend generally perpendicularly. A downwardly extending lip extends about the periphery of the upper edge of the side walls and end walls. The side walls each include an upper edge that curves downwardly towards its center, such that the center of each side wall is the lowest point of the side wall. The base includes a plurality of integrally molded, downwardly extending feet. In use, the display tray and lid is first used as a lid on a box of produce, such as bananas. At its destination, the box and lid are inverted, and the box removed, such that the contents are left remaining on the display tray and lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Cynthia R. Meissen, Kyle L. Baltz
  • Patent number: 7005110
    Abstract: The present invention provides a more efficient and faster way to prepare tissue samples for sectioning. More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, a tissue sample is embedded in a porous embedding media in a desired orientation, processed, and sectioned all while being held in the porous embedding media. The post-tissue processing step of manual embedding in paraffin is eliminated from the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Taft, Kurt Reinhardt, Miroslav Holubec, David Bryant
  • Patent number: 6978895
    Abstract: The invention provides an open topped tray having upright peripheral side and end walls. The end walls are inwardly positioned by use of an inwardly offset score design which permits the optimization of the dimensions of the tray. This scoring technique may be employed in conventional trays designs at minimal cost for stable housing of bottles or other items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Patricia A. Tumminia
  • Patent number: 6915904
    Abstract: A tray for use in order-picking system is presented. The tray includes a base part on which order-picking articles (for example retail articles) can be stored, a frame which is attached to the base parts, and a sliding part for displacing the order-picking articles in the direction of a removal position of the order-picking articles. It is thus possible to perform the picking operation of one of the articles in an economically-favorable posture irrespective of how full or empty the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Witron Logistik + Informatik GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Winkler
  • Patent number: 6899225
    Abstract: A divider for use in handling quantities of yarn spools arranged in layers. The divider includes a main body generally planar polygonal portion and a skirt portion extending around the periphery of the main body portion and formed into a series of circumferentially spaced, arcuate, inwardly opening scallops with each scallop having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the yarn spools so that, with a layer of spools positioned on the main body portion and the skirt upstanding from the main body portion, each scallop may compliantly engage the outer periphery of an individual outer spool of the spool layer. Each scallop is connected to the main body portion by a strap extending from the main body portion to the scallop and the scallops are connected together to form a continuous circumferential band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Lyle H. Shuert
  • Patent number: 6875405
    Abstract: A tube rack comprises a base having an array of vertical openings extending therebetween, the openings being configured and dimensioned to receive a plurality of tubes, with the upper ends of the tubes being accessible at the top surface. The base includes base sidewalls that each include a co-axial trunnion extending from the associated sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Matrix Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Mathus, Daniel J. Seguin, Victor A. Torti
  • Patent number: 6834924
    Abstract: A drawer insert, in particular a cutlery insert, which may be adapted to different drawer sizes. The drawer insert comprises a plurality of separate trays (6, 7) each delimiting a receiving space. At least one of the trays (7) is compressible in a resilient manner. The trays (6, 7) are surrounded by a frame (8) whereof lateral delimiting struts (9) are compressible in a resilient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Helmut Hollenstein
  • Publication number: 20040256280
    Abstract: A molded display tray and lid includes a generally planar base from which a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls extend generally perpendicularly. A downwardly extending lip extends about the periphery of the upper edge of the side walls and end walls. The side walls each include an upper edge that curves downwardly towards its center, such that the center of each side wall is the lowest point of the side wall. The base includes a plurality of integrally molded, downwardly extending feet. In use, the display tray and lid is first used as a lid on a box of produce, such as bananas. At its destination, the box and lid are inverted, and the box removed, such that the contents are left remaining on the display tray and lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Cynthia R. Meissen, Kyle L. Baltz
  • Publication number: 20040245146
    Abstract: A portable, reusable lap tray including a detachable torso protector section. The portable lap tray section is molded from a rigid, food grade plastic material and includes a flat, textured support surface and a raised lip around the entire perimeter. The lap tray section has a curved back edge to generally conform to the user's waist and has raised attachment clip channels located on the top surface to facilitate the attachment of the torso protector section. The bottom surface of the lap tray section is textured and has molded guidelines to define areas for the end user to apply adhesive-backed, slip-resistant material. The torso protector section is molded of a flexible composite material, having an hourglass shape with a flat surface and raised edges that aid in channeling spilled food or beverage down torso protector section where it is contained within the attached lap tray section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: George Rodman Kulp, Michael Anthony Kulp, David Wayne Kresge
  • Publication number: 20040232034
    Abstract: An article carrier and a blank for forming an article carrier, for holding one or more articles, for example foodstuff or the like, including a base panel, a pair of outwardly sloping side wall panels hingedly connected to the base panel and one or more inwardly sloping end wall panels hingedly connected to the base panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Philippe Lebras
  • Patent number: 6821587
    Abstract: A continuous chain of connected absorbent pouches comprises a first panel, a second panel, and a super-absorbent material. Each of the absorbent pouches is adapted to absorb liquids. The first panel and the second panel are attached to each other along their respective general peripheries so as to form a space therebetween. The space comprises super-absorbent material. At least one of the first and second panels has at least one hole formed therein. The hole is of sufficient size to be permeable to liquid. Each of the pouches is adapted to absorb at least about 20 times its own weight of a 0.9 wt. % saline solution in an unloaded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: Alan H. Forbes, William F. Patchen, Wen Pao Wu
  • Patent number: 6815057
    Abstract: Laminated multiple layered thermoplastic film structure comprising a single layered extruded portion which is laminated to a coextruded sealant film structure containing a cheese release additive are disclosed. The film structures are useful in the packaging of food products, especially cheese.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventors: Jay D. Hodson, Kevin Douglass, Duane H. Buelow
  • Patent number: 6814235
    Abstract: A serving tray includes a holding portion, and handles at two sides of the holding portion; the holding portion has trenches formed on an upper side, recesses formed on a bottom, a through hole, upper flow passages formed on the upper side, and lower flow passages formed on the bottom; the handles have second recesses formed thereon. Slip-prevention rubber sheets are attached to the trenches and the recesses by means of injecting melted rubber into a mold used for making the holding portion and the handles via the through hole for the melted rubber to be applied over the trenches, and the recesses via the upper and the lower flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hwan Yih Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tin-Chou Wang
  • Publication number: 20040188317
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for storing and providing stacked film-like or sheet-like materials. The container is comprised of a pan, which accommodates the stacked materials and has a bottom and closed lateral walls joined thereto, and of a tightly sealing cover that at least partially encloses said pan. To this end, the cover is provided in the form of a slide cover. Both sides of the pan and of the slide cover are provided, parallel to their longitudinal direction, with parallel guide elements. All lateral walls of the pan have, up to the slide cover, a closed pan sealing surface that encircles the pan opening. The slide cover encompasses, at least in part or in areas, three lateral walls and the bottom or corresponding guide elements of the pan, whereby two of these lateral walls are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction. A cover sealing surface is provided in the slide cover and rests upon the pan sealing surface when the container is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Marcus Krumme
  • Publication number: 20040182740
    Abstract: A tray intended for the packaging of at least one article. The tray includes two parts connected together by an articulation zone enabling the tray parts to pivot relative to each other about an axis X. A first tray part forms at least one open compartment. One of the two parts includes at least two fastening means capable of engaging with two counterpart fastening means formed on the other of the two parts so as to hold both parts in a first position in which the compartment formed by the first part delimits together with the second part a closed recess capable of receiving an article. One of the two parts is also provided with at least two indentations configured to receive, in a second position of the two parts, the fastening means of a second identical tray positioned against the first.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Bernard Lechelle
  • Publication number: 20040173493
    Abstract: An article-transport tray includes a floor, two side walls, and two end walls which cooperate to form an interior regions sized to contain bags of food or other articles. A partial cover is coupled to the side walls and is arranged to overlie the floor. The cover provides a top opening into the interior region formed in the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Ray Pope, Nate Marsh, Stan Knierim
  • Patent number: 6787205
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coated food paperboard (1), to the manufacturing process and use of the same, and to products obtained thereof. The paperboard (1) comprises one or several fibre material layers (2), such as a three-layer structure consisting of a middle layer (4) of a mixture of sulphate pulp and CTMP and of sulphate pulp layers (5) on both sides of it, and of a polymeric coating (3) getting into contact with food, either on one side or on both sides of the paperboard. According to the invention, the coating (3) consists of an outer layer (6), the melting point of the polymer used in which is at least 230° C., and of an inner layer (7) placed against the fibre material layer (5); in this inner layer, a polymer with a melting point of at least 230° C. is blended with another adhesive polymer, the melting point of which is 130-185° C. Further, the inner layer (7) may be provided with mineral substance, such as calcium carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Stora Enso Oyj
    Inventors: Yrjö Aho, Tapani Penttinen, Risto Salminen, Bruce Foster
  • Publication number: 20040159578
    Abstract: A tool tray having a universal support system enables the tool tray to be placed on a variety of working surfaces. The tool tray includes a rectangular platform having a flat surface surrounded by a plurality of upstanding walls. The platform is supported by four legs which are attached to the platform and protrude downwardly therefrom. The legs each have a bottom surface for supporting the platform on a horizontal surface, and a tapered inner side surface for engaging opposite sides of a vehicle tire for supporting the platform on the vehicle tire. The legs are slidably adjustable to accommodate different sizes of vehicle tires. Two detachable socket trays and a detachable parts tray are attached to the platform by respective structures that hook over the upper edges of the platform. Handles are formed at respective opposite ends of the platform to facilitate lifting and carrying the tool tray assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Charles A. Lieffring, Francis E. Lieffring
  • Publication number: 20040144683
    Abstract: A serving tray includes a holding portion, and handles at two sides of the holding portion; the holding portion has trenches formed on an upper side, recesses formed on a bottom, a through hole, upper flow passages formed on the upper side, and lower flow passages formed on the bottom; the handles have second recesses formed thereon. Slip-prevention rubber sheets are attached to the trenches and the recesses by means of injecting melted rubber into a mold used for making the holding portion and the handles via the through hole for the melted rubber to be applied over the trenches, and the recesses via the upper and the lower flow passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Tin-Chou Wang
  • Publication number: 20040079672
    Abstract: A collapsible serving tray that is stiff and flat when open and reduced in size and compact when folded. The tray is designed to be folded up into a compact size that is about one-quarter of the fully deployed size of the tray. One embodiment of the tray includes a perimeter edge that is ninety degrees to the flat serving surface when the tray is fully deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Dominic M. D'Olimpio, Andrew W. Santin
  • Publication number: 20040060844
    Abstract: A novel container (20) for transport or storage of products such as bread, buns, or other goods. In one embodiment, there is provided a nestable container with a base (24) and sidewalls (28, 32) that can be stacked in two positions for different products and can be nested when empty for compact storage. The container has levered positions for lifting out of each stacking position and into a corresponding sliding position. The sliding positions can be used to offset the container or containers from the stack and reduce the strain on the operator when lifting for destacking. Alternatively, the container can slide in the opposite direction for stacking in either position. Thus the operator can set the container clown, offset from the stack, in the sliding position and slide into stacking position. Back strain can be reduced during stacking and destacking as the operator does not have to extend or lean over the stack to pick up or set down the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Edward L Stahl
  • Patent number: 6695138
    Abstract: A juice absorbing food package comprising a tray having a bottom bounded by an upwardly extending lip around the perimeter of the bottom and a liquid-absorbing pad comprised of polymer foam joined to the bottom of said tray, wherein the polymer foam is open cell foam. The tray of the juice absorbing package is overwrapped with gas permeable film, and may be provided with an oxygen absorbing substance therein. Alternatively, the overwrapped tray may be placed in a sealed barrier bag that is subsequently purged with a non-oxidizing gas such as carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Commodaic Machine Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Colombo, Jeffrey J. Braddon
  • Patent number: 6693537
    Abstract: A personal item storage tray which includes a storage surface that incorporates a personal item identification, placement, retention, storage and removal apparatus or structure. One embodiment includes a substantially planar arrangement of depressions or recessed compartments designed to receive specific personal items such as, for example, eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures. The compartments may be uniquely designed, shaped and marked to signal the uses of the compartment and to distinguish each compartment from the other to aid in visual identification and discrimination between the uses of each recessed compartment. The presence of items in the compartments is used to signal to the users of the tray that items are accounted for and not missing. The bottom surface of the tray includes a non-skid surface to avoid accidental or undesirable lateral movement. The tray is designed with a moldable or shapeable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Ruth Frank
  • Patent number: 6681684
    Abstract: A multi-layer platter apparatus includes an extensible elongated rod having a plurality of hollow tapered sections which are disposed concentrically one around the other in a retracted position and which are movable relative to one another along the length of the rod, the tapered sections having recesses and projections such that the recesses of each of the tapered sections interengage the projections of an adjacent one of the tapered sections in an extended position. The apparatus further includes a plurality of platters mounted respectively on the tapered sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Hann-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 6677014
    Abstract: A printed antifog packaging film incorporates one or more organic acid esters of cellulose to reduce the tendency of the film to form a ghost condensate image of the printed image after the film has been unwound from a roll form and subjected to conditions that form moisture condensation on the film. The organic acid ester of cellulose may be incorporated in the ink that forms the printed image or may be incorporated in an overprint varnish covering the printed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Alan Edlein, Joe Milton Bowen, Jean-Luc Foureys
  • Publication number: 20030106829
    Abstract: A tray assembly for a perishable foodstuff has a tray body with at least one overwrap layer. The body in use has an inner area for the foodstuff. The body has side portions separating an upper end and a lower end. The upper end provides a lip boundary portion and the lower end provides a base portion. The overwrap layer comprises a plastics film material. The plastics film material covers and spans the lip boundary portion to provide a first enclosed space for the perishable foodstuff and a second enclosed space outside the body. The body has at least one slot in the lip boundary portion to provide gas communication between the first enclosed space and the second enclosed space. The plastics material of the second enclosed space has side perforations to facilitate gas exchange between the second enclosed space and the area outside the tray assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony William Costello
  • Publication number: 20030075473
    Abstract: A tray and bag combination. The tray has tapered side walls at a front end for easy insertion of the tray into the bag. The bag is opened as the tray enters the bag. A sandwich sized to fit the tray can then be slid onto and along the tray bottom and into the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: John E. McGinnis
  • Publication number: 20030062289
    Abstract: The Tea Bag Tray is a convenient place to place the wet Tea Bag when it is taken out of a cup of water. When you are drinking Tea from a cup which is resting on a saucer and you place the wet Tea Bag on the saucer, the liquid left in the Bag runs under the cup making a mess, if you are drinking from a mug there is no where to place the wet Tea Bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Frank Theodore Vasko
  • Patent number: 6540965
    Abstract: A microtitration plate including a plastic base having a multiplicity of cups shaped and sized to receive biological liquid samples, each cup being surrounded by an attenuated zone and having an upper collar sized and shaped to cooperate with a complementary sized and shaped tool to exert a torsional force on the upper collar, thereby causing detachment of the cup by tearing at least a portion of the attenuated zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Central Labo Europe S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Nicolas Bara
  • Publication number: 20030042169
    Abstract: A justification insert block is adapted to be inserted into a flat mail sorting or storage container, bin, or tub and comprises an upper planar surface which is downwardly inclined from a first corner region toward a second diagonally opposite corner region. In this manner, when the justification insert block is inserted within the flat mail sorting or storage container, bin, or tub, two edge portions of mail pieces are automatically justified against two upstanding side walls of the sorting or storage container, bin, or tub so as to maintain the mail articles or pieces in a predetermined order within a stack of flat mail articles or pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. Caporali, Patrick J. Fitzgibbons
  • Patent number: 6520337
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Forrest Smith
  • Publication number: 20020179484
    Abstract: A personal item storage tray which includes a storage surface that incorporates a personal item identification, placement, retention, storage and removal apparatus or structure. One embodiment includes a substantially planar arrangement of depressions or recessed compartments designed to receive specific personal items such as, for example, eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures. The compartments may be uniquely designed, shaped and marked to signal the uses of the compartment and to distinguish each compartment from the other to aid in visual identification and discrimination between the uses of each recessed compartment. The presence of items in the compartments is used to signal to the users of the tray that items are accounted for and not missing. The bottom surface of the tray includes a non-skid surface to avoid accidental or undesirable lateral movement. The tray is designed with a moldable or shapeable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Ruth Frank
  • Publication number: 20020175104
    Abstract: A tray device that serves as a shipping tray and an assembly fixture to align a fabricated tape assembly in the bonding of steel locating hinge washers to a hinge assembly to facilitate doors-off/door-on processing through an automotive trim shop. The adhesive bonding system cures during the cathodic electro-cost primer bake cycle. The adhesive maintains an intimate, positive contact with both metal surfaces ensuring adequate bonding performance and maximized bonding surface area during a defined heat or bake cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher S. Autterson, John A. Haapala, Jeffery Perenic
  • Patent number: 6430467
    Abstract: Packaging and processes for facilitating fast, efficient, and reliable production line packaging of products, and more particularly perishable products including meat products. Product trays according to the present invention are formed of non-foam plastic material with three dimensional structure and configuration that imparts an esthetically pleasing appearance and feel to the customer at the point of sale, as well as offering to the consumer a container that is microwavable, dishwasher safe and freezer safe in addition, if desired, to being recyclable. Such packaging and processes are particularly useful in newly emerging automated supply chains where inventory sales are tracked to support centralized processing of meat and other perishable products at centralized facilities for shipment to geographically distant points of sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Company
    Inventors: Vince D'Amelio, Marshall Martin Van Domelen, John Kerry Hobbs, Mike Tyberghein
  • Publication number: 20020100739
    Abstract: A storage unit assembly comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Advanced Biotechnologies Limited
    Inventors: Paul Francis Day, Jeffrey Leonard Coulling
  • Patent number: 6419090
    Abstract: Tray packs (12) are packs made of cardboard or the like which are open at the top and have side walls, namely longitudinal walls (13, 14) and transverse walls (15, 16), of a low height. In order to improve the dimensional stability of the tray pack (12), upright corner supports 925, 26) which are angled in cross section are provided in the region of corners, the height of said corner supports corresponding approximately to the height of the individual packs or articles. A base wall (17) comprises base tabs, namely transverse tabs (18, 19) and longitudinal tabs (20, 21), which correspond, in shape and size, to recesses (29, 30) which are formed above the side walls (13 . . . 16) in conjunction with the corner supports (25, 26). This means that blanks for the tray pack (12) can be produced in a largely waste-free manner from a continuous material web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Hugo Mutschall
  • Patent number: 6415925
    Abstract: The invention concerns a packaging tray (1) suitable for permanently holding liquid (5) escaping from a packaged article (6). At least on and/or in its base wall (2) the packaging tray (1) has at least one cylindrical bulge (4) which is open towards the interior of the packaging tray (1) and whose diameter, which remains constant over the entire depth of the bulge (4), is between 2 and 6 mm, its depth being 1.5-times the diameter. The invention also concerns a corresponding packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Tiromat Krämer + Grebe GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rudolf Fux
  • Patent number: 6412638
    Abstract: The damage control leak pan designed to contain leaking water from defective plumbing. The leak pan contains the leaking water in it reservoir thereby preventing water damage. Said leak pan is utilized to prevent an array of damage created by water leaking into numerous areas, namely under bathroom and kitchen sinks. The leak pan is capable of being adjusted to fit into various sink areas by means of a perforated lip surrounding the upper edge of the reservoir. The leak pan solves many current problems associated with defective plumbing with and inexpensive and simple solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Frankie Lee Carter
  • Patent number: 6364183
    Abstract: A flexible mail carrying device, designed to be carried on the inner forearm between the elbow and hand, which will accommodate a mixed bundle of letter sized and magazine sized mail, as required by the U.S. Postal Service's one-bundle delivery method. The mail carrier includes a firm flexible base unit defining a rectangular back portion, with curved flaps at the full left side and full bottom side, and a movable, rigid, transparent retaining strap for securing the mail bundle. An absorbent washable cover attaches to the outer side of the carrier and can be removed for laundering as desired. The carrier can be used to safely and securely carry mixed bundles of mail, protects the mail pieces from undue body contact and offers a comfortable and hygienic means for a mail carrier to deliver a one-bundle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Tamela R. Barnard
  • Patent number: 6315125
    Abstract: A storage tray for storing magnetized magnets for assembly in a disc drive. The tray includes a base having a support surface and a cover sized to cover the support surface. The base is formed of a material having magnetic properties for attracting magnetized magnets for removably supporting the magnets until assembled in a voice coil motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Terry R. Fahley
  • Patent number: 6308833
    Abstract: A food packaging system for a food product such as an uncooked deep dish pizza includes an aluminum pan for receiving the food product. A paperboard ring is placed over the upper rim of the pan to provide a local shield, retarding the cooking time of the upper outer edge of the food product. Together, the pan and ring form a cooking vessel for the food product. A formed tray of plastic material receives the pan and provides pocket-like stepped recesses to aid in cushioning the pan and to hold the ring in desired position about the pan rim. A support member is applied to the bottom and one end of the tray to provide a bottom support for positioning the tray and its contents, on-edge, in an upright position. A film covers the contents of the tray and is removed, along with the tray and support member, to prepare the food product for cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Oravez
  • Publication number: 20010033890
    Abstract: The neuro-cottonoid dispensing device comprises a tray of plastic or similar disposable material with a trough and a series of channels to accommodate neurosurgical sponges. A neurosurgical sponge comprises a string attached to an absorbent material, usually cotton. Either the sponge or the string can be radio-opaque (x-ray detectable). The absorbent part of the neurosurgical sponge is often referred to as a cottonoid by those skilled in the art. The aforementioned grooves or channels keep the strings tangle-free and the cottonoids immediately accessible. The cottonoids rest within the trough. Immediately preceding or during neurosurgery, the trough can be filled with a wetting solution, usually saline. A plastic film or similar material covers the tray and encloses the neurosurgical sponges in a sterile environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Carl Kissling
  • Publication number: 20010022048
    Abstract: A biodegradable tray for raising seedlings is obtained by obtaining a pulp mold from pulp slurry by suction molding and hot pressing after the molding. Thus, there is provided a biodegradable tray for raising seedlings composed of a pulp mold that has superior mechanical strength and dimensional accuracy during use and can easily be degraded after raising seedlings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Osamu Hasegawa, Yojiro Ohno
  • Patent number: 6279738
    Abstract: A foam sheet comprising a cellular structure having two or more interconnected cells in fluid communication with one another, the foam sheet being in the form of a tray. One or more perforations are provided in the exterior surface of the tray, and extend into the cellular structure of the foam sheet to fluidly communicate with the interconnected cells. This arrangement is sufficient to permit gas to escape from the cellular structure in order to substantially prevent damage to the tray upon exposure thereof to a reduction in ambient pressure. A method of making the trays and a packaging method employing such trays is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren B. Mungo, Joseph E. Owensby