With Recess Or Groove For Article Patents (Class 206/564)
  • Patent number: 5422442
    Abstract: The mechanism for containing an input pen is provided with a pen holder having a shape of pipe, which contains an input pen having substantially a shape of stick, keeping the back end of the input pen exposed. The pen holder is provided with a pen stopper to couple with the input pen. There is provided a locking groove which is coupled with the pen stopper. There is provided a plate spring which supplies force to the pen stopper to the inside of the pen holder. At least one of the pen stopper and the locking groove is so shaped that the pen stopper is supplied force against the force of the plate spring when the input pen is supplied force in the discharge direction. In this arrangement, the mechanism for containing an input pen can be made simpler since the input pen can be taken out without a releasing button conventionally needed. Therefore, since the number of parts and the number of manufacturing procedures in assembly decrease, manufacturing cost can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norifumi Gouda, Syunichi Miyako, Takeshi Sawada
  • Patent number: 5419455
    Abstract: A plate (12) for use with stemware (14) that has a center portion (16) and an outer periphery (24) with a notch (28) therethrough that lead to an aperture (30) that passes through the plate. The aperture is substantially surrounded by a rim (32) that is coplanar with the upper edge of the periphery and a lower lip (36) that is coplanar with the central portion. A base foot (20) is under the central portion and elevates the lip to allow a stemware foot flange (58) to fit under the lip when the stem and plate are seated flat on a table surface (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Kathleen Russeau
  • Patent number: 5409560
    Abstract: A method of making liners for tool boxes provides custom formed liners to fit a specific selection and arrangement of tools in a tool chest, box or drawer. The method comprises first cutting a backing sheet and a tool receptacle sheet to fit the selected tool drawer or container, and laminating the receptacle sheet to the underlying backing sheet. The selected tools are then laid out on top of the receptacle sheet according to the pattern desired and their outlines traced on the top of the receptacle sheet. The tool receptacles are then cut through the receptacle sheet, down to but not through the underlying backing sheet, along the traced lines. A liquid plastic or vinyl material may be added to the bottoms of the completed receptacles if desired, and allowed to cure to further cushion any tools placed therein. The liquid plastic material may be provided in different colors to assist in the proper placement of tools and in the determination of missing tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventors: Erik D. Hammer, Leslie L. Staadt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5396989
    Abstract: A dipwell tray for a variety of liquids to be selectively applied by sharp pointed needles to a person's skin. For example, the liquids may be antigens used in skin testing for allergies. The tray has a number of so-called dipwells with co-planar mouths or top openings. In use, the liquids are introduced into the dipwells and the needles are then inserted into the dipwells, making the set-up loaded and ready for the needles to be removed one-by-one with liquid adhering to their sharp points. In order to facilitate the removal of the needles the top openings of the dipwells are provided with oriented needle-receiving pockets whereby the needles in the dipwells will be inclined in a desired oriented direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Lincoln Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Hein
  • Patent number: 5394983
    Abstract: A device for use in a surgical delivery system, comprising a block formed from a sterilizable plastic and having a plurality of cavities with drain holes or vents. The cavities are sized and shaped to display a plurality of surgical components. A lid slideably engages the block and is sized to enclose the cavities when the lid is in a closed position. The block includes lid guides for positioning the lid in the closed position. Printed indicia for displaying graphics with the block are non-removably mounted in the block in a position for displaying the block graphics upon removal of the lid. The lid includes lid graphics displaying at least a portion of the contents of the cavities. An angularly disposed slot in the block along one side thereof is used to display the lid graphics in cooperation with the contents in the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Poly-Vac, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Latulippe, John A. Brooks
  • Patent number: 5394986
    Abstract: A can end tray for storing a plurality of arrays of can ends while the can ends are being conveyed has a substantially rectangular upstanding side wall having a height at least equal to the diameter of the can ends, and a plurality of can end supports on a bottom of said side wall for supporting arrays of can ends thereon, said can end supports having a plurality of partitions for holding the arrays of can ends spaced from each other when the arrays of can ends are placed on said can end supports. A plurality of spacers are disposed on said side wall in longitudinal alignment with said can end supports for spacing said side wall and ends of the arrays of can ends from each other when the arrays of can ends are placed on said can end supports. When the arrays of can ends are placed on said can end supports, the spacers extend across the can ends on the ends of the arrays of can ends defining gaps between said side wall and the can ends on the ends of the arrays of can ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Hokkai Can Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Oya, Yasunori Asada
  • Patent number: 5381901
    Abstract: A nestable food or snack tray having a pair of recessed food storage compartments each adapted to receive and hold food is vacuum molded from a single sheet of lightweight plastic, such as polystyrene. A first recessed compartment is shaped in the form of an athletic field or stadium such as a tennis or basketball court, a baseball or football stadium, a hockey rink, etc., and includes a tiered, or step-like layered, peripheral portion representing court-side (or field-side) seats. The floor of the first recessed compartment includes various details of the court, field or rink and may include terrain features such as where the recessed compartment depicts a golf course. The tiered structure forms spaced horizontal ribs which increase the strength and rigidity of the lightweight plastic tray, particularly when the compartments carry food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Bobby V. Hundley
  • Patent number: 5381896
    Abstract: A tray is described herein for holding and displaying a number of surgical instruments. Each of these instruments have a handle and contain an elongated shaft extending from the handle. The shaft itself defines a longitudinal axis. The tray contains a base defining a first plane for supporting the shafts of the instruments. There is further described a handle holding portion extending from the base. The handle holding portion contains a first side wall attached to the base and a bottom for holding the handle extending from the first side wall. The bottom defines a second plane. The first and second planes are not parallel. A package which holds the tray of this invention has a first surface which supports the base and a second surface which supports the bottom of the handle portion. Ideally, there is also a third surface extending from the base. The first and third surfaces are co-planar and capable of supporting the package and the tray containing the instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa M. Simons
  • Patent number: 5377855
    Abstract: A tray (10) for receiving a plurality of fish fillets (28) in a layer for compaction and freezing in a stack of layers. The tray is formed from a sheet (18) of material having a first portion (12) joined to a second portion (14) by a flexible hinge portion (16). The first portion is formed to define a plurality of first recesses (24) and the second portion is formed to define a plurality of negative second recesses (26). A fillet is received within each of the first recesses to form a layer, the tray is folded, and an additional layer of fillets is received within the second recesses. The tray is constructed and configured to be deformed and to enable the fillets to deform within the recesses, under the force of compaction, to form separable layers of substantially separate frozen fillets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Marco Seattle, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold T. Cook, Jr., Mimi S. Fielding, Donn B. Furlong
  • Patent number: 5375716
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a durable, lightweight disposable container containing a plurality of holders for holding blood product tubes. These tubes are firmly secured in each slot yet can be easily removed from the slot after filling. According to a preferred embodiment, the box can be fixed to a table top or other substantially flat surface in an area where the blood drawing procedure is to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventors: David H. Rubin, Steven M. Gronsman
  • Patent number: 5370224
    Abstract: A disc holder comprises a base member having an engagement portion and a flexible sheet, the base member and the flexible sheet forming a pocket holding an information recording disc. A housing case body comprises a housing member housing the disc holder and a mounting member with which the engagement portion of the disc holder housed by the housing member engages. A disc housing case combines the disc holder and the housing case body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: TEAC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Karakane, Fujio Nagai, Hikaru Igarashi, Akio Takeda, Hisashi Kuma
  • Patent number: 5368183
    Abstract: A food tray is provided which contains food, beverage, napkin and utensil compartments for receiving these items. Food compartment inserts which interlock with the tray and are secured therein are provided. A reusable cup and cold/hot insert(s) which is inserted into and is secured in the cup are provided. A reusable bowl and cold/hot insert(s) which is inserted into and is secured in the bowl are provided. A special food compartment insert which enables the bowl to be held securely in the food compartment and protects the food compartment from soiling is provided. A convenient mechanism of storing and transporting the trays is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Stuart H. Singer
  • Patent number: 5368156
    Abstract: A pallet assembly 10 with a select container 16, 18, 20, or 22 thereon comprises a body member 11 having a rear face 12 and front face 14, and sidewalls 48 supportably surrounding the rear and front faces 12, 14. In an alternative embodiment, a face plate 27 having a plurality of contoured openings 32 is affixed to rear face 12. Rear face 12 has at least one cavity 24 and a base 26 extending upwardly into cavity 24 defining a container receptacle 28. Front face 14 has at least one cavity 30 having a base 34 extending inwardly of cavity 30 and means cooperatively associated with the cavity 30 for defining a container receptacle 36 in front face 14. In practice, either the front face 14 or rear face 14 can be used to transport and store thereon a select container 16, 18, 20. 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark T. Bruzzi, Peter C. Sherer
  • Patent number: 5360109
    Abstract: A manually manipulatable tray is provided for supporting electrical connectors. The tray includes a thin sheet of formed plastic material having side walls, an open end, a closed end and a floor. The floor has a plurality of generally parallel, spaced-apart, upwardly extending rails generally parallel to the side walls and defining generally parallel channels therebetween. A pair of finger-gripping portions are formed on a respective pair of the rails spaced inwardly of the side walls a sufficient distance such that an individual can finger-grip the finger-gripping portions with the individual's hands substantially being within the side walls of the tray. The pair of finger-gripping portions are located on opposite sides of a mid-point located generally equidistant between the open and closed ends of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Janota
  • Patent number: 5358692
    Abstract: A tissue cassette holder including a rectangular open-top tray having a pair of locking side rails affixed to the upper portion of the longitudinal sides thereof, the rails having a raised elastomeric protuberance projecting inwardly from the center thereof and spaced sufficiently apart to permit a conventional tissue cassette to snap firmly therebetween. Preferably, the trays are configured to permit removably locking a plurality thereof into superposed and/or side-by-side relationship, and further to positively lock a plurality of cassettes within each such tray for liquid processing and to break such cassettes loose after the tray and cassettes are wax-dipped preparatory to slicing the tissue therein for microanalysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Douglas W. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5356008
    Abstract: The coaster tray comprising a base tray and the movable coaster units, functioning in two way: In one way, it is an integral tray for a complete arrangement of a coffee or tea set with pots and cups; in the other way, the coaster units can be detached from the base tray and served individually for individual pots or cups; the coaster units, while grouping together, having tongue joint devices at sides, sliding into the grooves at the inner edge of the bracing bar of the base tray, being locked at edges of the base tray by edge locks; for individual serving, removing edge lock, sliding each coaster units out of the groove of the base tray; the design features of each coaster unit, such as shapes, colors, etc., being parts of the base tray as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Yueh-Min Chung
  • Patent number: 5353929
    Abstract: A package for an elongated surgical instrument having a handle portion, an elongated body portion and a working distal end. The package includes a first channel for receiving the handle portion, a second channel for receiving the body portion and a third channel for receiving the working distal end. At least one flange retains the handle portion in the first channel and a second plurality of flanges retain the elongated body portion in the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: Brian W. Foster
  • Patent number: 5348154
    Abstract: An article includs a) a tray having at least two holes; b) at least two substrates each having a top surface and a single well opening only at the top surface and being removably retained in one of the holes in the tray; c) a lid releasably attached to the top surface so as to cover the well opening in a manner such that the substrate is removable from the hole with the lid attached to the top surface thereof; d) an orthodontic appliance having a tacky substance on an exterior surface thereof that is positioned in the well such that the tacky substance does not separate from the appliance upon removal from the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dwight W. Jacobs, Kenneth E. Hoevel, Bruce E. Chester
  • Patent number: 5346070
    Abstract: A portable food tray for supporting food and a drink container which is adapted to be securely and comfortably held by one hand of the user. The nestable food tray is formed from a sheet material and has a generally flat surface portion and a cup-like portion for supporting a drink container. An interconnecting wall portion connects the cylindrical wall of the cup-like portion to the flat surface portion so that sufficient space is provided to permit the thumb and at least the index finger of the user to surround and grip the outside of the cylindrical wall. The peripheral outer edge portion of the tray has convex and concave side edge portions so that the concave portion can be held closely against the user's body. The tray includes two ribs that divide the flat surface portion into separate compartments and that serve to strengthen the tray. The underside of the ribs are sized so as to accommodate a portion of the hand or wrist to further support and stabilize the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: McSpadden Development Company
    Inventor: Douglas S. McSpadden
  • Patent number: 5344015
    Abstract: In combination, a polystyrene holder for baseball cards, stamps and the like comprising two planar-shaped members adapted to receive each other in snap-fit engagement to provide the holder with an inner space for retaining the card and a case for storing and transporting the holders. The case is formed of polypropylene having a base with a double row of a plurality of semi-cylindrical recesses in single-file arrangements to receive a plurality of holders in a single-file arrangement. The card holders and case provide convenient, lightweight, light-resistant systems for the quick viewing, storage and retention of the cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Pro-Index Corp.
    Inventors: Ira W. Carlin, Morris Fischtein
  • Patent number: 5344225
    Abstract: A lawn mower attachment is provided which dispenses plastic bags for the collection of lawn clippings. The lawn mower attachment includes a housing adapted to store interiorly therein a roll or other supply of plastic trash bags. An elongated slot is located on the housing through which plastic trash bags may be withdrawn from the interior of lawn mower attachment. The lawn mower attachment also includes a rectangular storage bin with a sliding cover for bag ties or the like recessed into the housing. A cylindrical cavity is recessed into the housing proximal to the storage bin and has a suction cup disposed at the bottom thereof to secure a beverage can or bottle. A pair of opposed arms, one of which is extensible, facilitates attachment of the housing to a lawn mower handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Clinton A. Blyth
  • Patent number: 5335770
    Abstract: New molded pulp and molded fiber structures provide interior package cushioning to protect products shipped in a package. The molded pulp fiber interior package cushioning (IPC) structure defines a cavity for receiving and holding a product to be shipped. The IPC structure incorporates a plurality of structural ribs in the form of elongate hollow ridges molded in the IPC structure and extending between different locations for reinforcing the IPC structure between the locations. The IPC structure comprises intersecting ribs extending in at least two orthogonal directions or axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Moulded Fibre Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. Baker, Matthew P. Noel, Brian C. McCullough
  • Patent number: 5335787
    Abstract: A food and beverage tray for holding food and drink which is designed to be grasped in one hand of a user, wherein the user's thumb is placed on a thumb placement region on the upper surface of the tray and the user's remaining fingers grasp the tray along the bottom surface, which comprises a tray having a bottom comprising a beverage container recess and a continuous sidewall having a height which is lower adjacent to a beverage container recess located next to the thumb placement region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Finchum, Timothy K. Sheehan
  • Patent number: 5323910
    Abstract: A party plate comprising a first portion having a top surface for holding food and a bottom surface for resting on the forearm of a user; a second portion attached to said first portion having a beverage container support; an aperture in the second portion for receiving a thumb of a user; and an edge on the second portion for providing a non-fatiguing grip for the fingers of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Pieter A. van de Graaf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5320223
    Abstract: An insert for a tool box drawer or the like has a first lower layer of compressible material such as foam above which is a second upper layer of compressible material. The second upper layer of compressible material has a plurality of cut outs therein, each cut out being in the shape of the silhouette of the item or tool to be retained therein. A film of material is bonded between the first layer of compressible material and the second layer of compressible material such that the cut out portions become pockets. Labels are provided at the bottom of each pocket by printing information on either the first layer of compressible material or on the film with the printing positioned so as to be visible through the cut out portions of the upper second layer of compressible material. Where the lower layer of compressible material is non-porous, the film is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Foam Cutting Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip L. Allen
  • Patent number: 5316173
    Abstract: Known trays for carrying beverage cups have three or four pressure panels spaced apart around the perimeter of each cell in a manner to hold the cup upright. In the tray of this invention each cell has only two opposing pressure panels, each directed downwardly and inwardly toward the central area of the cell, and each panel having two projections on its inwardly directed face appropriately spaced apart to provide four pressure contacts around the perimeter of the contained article. The pairs of pressure contacts are thus displaced outwardly in diametrically opposite directions by the contained article, so that round, oval or rectangular shapes can be contacted by each of the four pressure contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Roy W. Emery
  • Patent number: 5316138
    Abstract: A carpet sample display kit having a carpet sample display rack mounted therein which supports carpet samples at an angle to the viewer to provide an efficient view of the carpet samples. The carpet rack has a plurality of spaced support members mounted at an angle to hold carpet samples therebetween with the help of a bent portion at the top thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Milliken Research Corporation
    Inventor: Carl D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5305879
    Abstract: A packaging container for elongate electrical connectors includes a base and a cover. The base has a plurality of parallel connector receiving channels. Each channel has a width suitably sized and shaped to receive a row of connectors in an adjacent side-by-side orientation and a length suitably sized and shaped to receive a column of rows of connectors in an adjacent end-by-end orientation. A spacing section between each connector receiving channel and at the outsides of exterior connector channels are provided to allow an unloader's thumb and fingers to be inserted at two of the spacing sections to grasp a row of the connectors with one grasping operation to remove the row of connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Burndy Corporation
    Inventor: Rocco J. Noschese
  • Patent number: 5284244
    Abstract: A sterile package for surgical instruments, the package comprises upper and lower layers sealed about their periphery. A thermal formed tray is positioned between the layers. The thermal formed tray has an outwardly extending flange about its periphery. The flange is disposed between the upper plane and the lower plane of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O'Toole, Robert J. Kalinski
  • Patent number: 5275281
    Abstract: A plate-like device has six recesses in its top surface for holding in face up relation a set of six commonly used micrometers of from 0-25.4 mm (0-1") through 127.0-152.4 mm (5-6"). The width and length dimensions of the holder are approximately 187.325 mm (73/8") by 625.476 mm (245/8), respectively, and the recesses are specifically arranged to be contained in an area of this size as well as being arranged in continuously ascending order from one end to the other. The particular dimensions of the device allow it to be inserted in and removed from a conventional tool box drawer in a snug fit. It is rigid so as to be self-standing and supporting when out of a tool box drawer and has finger notches for manual handling and removal and a side edge taper and bottom edge rounding for efficient insertion and removal relative to a drawer. The top surface of the device also has auxiliary recesses for holding calibrating standards and one or more adjusting wrenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Keith R. Ebeling
  • Patent number: 5269447
    Abstract: An elongated plastic vehicular cargo tray (10) includes a corrugated floor (14), a pair of spaced and corrugated side walls (20, 22), and a pair of end walls (24, 26) forming a truncated box-like structure. A selectively moveable divider device (34) is securely received in the tray (10) to provide lateral support for cargo disposed therein. The divider device (34) includes a bent wire form frame member (52) having first and second tabs (46, 48) for seating within respective grooves (30, 32) formed in the side walls (20, 22) of the tray (10). The frame member (52) also includes first and second hook-like feet (40, 42) for anchoring the divider device (34) to the corrugations (16) in the tray floor (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Durakon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald Gower, Kelly J. Trent, Gary R. Godwin, Greg B. Reeves
  • Patent number: 5266369
    Abstract: A packaging material according to the present invention includes an electret material having a surface part mutually different polarized electric charges on a front surface and a rear surface thereof. A method of packaging according to the present invention includes covering at least a portion of an object using the packaging material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Ando, Katsuya Ogawa, Eiichi Nishiura, Yoshiharu Okumura, Yoshikazu Ii
  • Patent number: 5263588
    Abstract: A sorting tray having a plurality of adjacent bins. Each of the bins has a front, a back and a bottom. Each bin is v-shaped with inclined sides diverging upwardly from the bottom thereof. Preferably the sorting tray includes recesses for protecting corners of cards placed or dropped in each bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: John K. Bryde
  • Patent number: 5253568
    Abstract: A tray for making cheese has a plate having upper and lower faces and a frame having walls having an inner surface connected to the plate about its periphery, thereby defining upper and lower tray portions. The frame has a slot positioned, respectively, adjacent each of the upper and lower plate faces for receiving a removable store which, upon insertion, is juxtaposed to a surface of the plate. Block molds may be positioned on the store, and a second tray may be placed above, so that the frame walls of the trays are in contact and so that the upper tray portion of the first tray and the lower tray portion of the second tray nest around the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Prella, Roberto Zugni
  • Patent number: 5244094
    Abstract: A molded pulp tray for holding cold containers includes a bottom wall with upwardly and outwardly extending side walls terminating in a peripheral edge. A plurality of upwardly extending, partitions divides the tray into a corresponding plurality of container receiving pockets. Each of the pockets is defined by a portion of the bottom wall and by four peripheral sides which includes at least one of the partitions and at least two of the side walls. Each pocket has at least one raised pillow extending upwardly from the bottom wall to support the lid of an inverted container located in the pocket with the pillow spaced inwardly of the peripheral sides to create a continuous peripheral groove between the pillow and the peripheral sides so that the edge of the outer surface of the lid may be located in the peripheral groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Keyes Fibre
    Inventors: John F. Graff, Jr., Gary P. Fedunok, Ray B. Swart, Henry R. Vigue
  • Patent number: 5226543
    Abstract: The invention provides a unitary packaging structure for a shock sensitive article. The packaging structure includes a platform portion which includes a platform portion adapted to support the article, and a sidewall structure of preferably flexible material forming an enclosure around the platform portion. The sidewall structure includes an inboard wall being integral with the platform portion, and an outboard wall maintained in spaced relationship from the inboard wall by a bridge section, the inboard wall being relatively shorter than the outboard wall so that the platform portion is held a specified cushion distance above a lower edge of the outboard wall. Shock limiting formations are formed in the sidewall structure for restricting the movement of the platform portion toward the lower edge of the outboard wall upon shock loading of the platform portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignees: Plastofilm Industries, Inc., Roberts, Stephens, Van Amburg Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Foos, Thomas Stephens
  • Patent number: 5224596
    Abstract: A syringe carrier comprising an elongate member with a plurality of bores thereon for retaining the capped needles of syringes is described. The elongate member is capable of holding a number of syringes and corresponding indicia for each syringe. The syringes are retained within inclined bores on the member, which allows for the easy removal and replacement of the syringe needle, without the need to hold the syringe cap with one's hand. The device can safely carry a number of syringes, as well as allow for the safe removal and insertion of the needle from the syringe cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Kerry Kruger
  • Patent number: 5223220
    Abstract: In response to an express need for an immunoassay device with universal applicability, which further promotes the goals of inventory reduction and simplified, less costly manufacture, a container for holding materials used in conjunction with an immunoassay, having a housing with an inside, an outside, and a top, wherein the top is provided with a plurality of apertures communicating with the inside of the housing, and a thin web of opaque material applied over the top of the housing covering at least one but not all of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Pacific Biotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Fan, Sinfu Tzeng, Fon-Chiu M. Chen, Ching Huang, Dou-Mei Wang, Theresa Popejoy
  • Patent number: 5215726
    Abstract: A sterilizable instrument cassette for use in storage and sterilization of medical and dental instruments includes two individual storage trays with base plates carrying silicone instrument-locating rails, and rotatable clamping members provided with silicone compression rails. The two trays may be separated or assembled and latched together, while the rotatable clamping member may be latched in its closed position. Multiple functions are performed by unitary structures simply and economically formed from single sheets of metal by stamping and bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Kudla, Roy E. Riihimaki
  • Patent number: 5213214
    Abstract: A confection/gift holding structure for disposition in greeting cards and greeting card envelopes includes a base constructed of a generally planar sheet of material having a plurality of relatively shallow recesses formed in one surface thereof to define open receptacles for receiving and holding confections, where such confections have thicknesses and parametric shapes which generally conform to the depths and shapes of corresponding receptacles. A channel is also formed in said one surface of the sheet of material at a location to circumscribe the recesses, with the channel having facing sidewalls and notches formed in at least one of the sidewalls and spaced apart about the channel. A generally flexible planar lid is also provided, where the perimeter of the lid is formed to overlie the channel when the lid is placed on the base. The lid includes a lip projecting downwardly from the perimeter to fit in the channel and allow the lid to lie flat on the one surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Richard B. Stringham
  • Patent number: 5209352
    Abstract: A package structure 10 for storing and transporting photographic film magazines comprises a container 12 having a open end 24 and a base 14 supporting opposing end walls 16 and opposing side walls 20,24. Side walls 20,22 have a plurality of spaced apart recesses 32,34, respectively, forming chambers or receptacles 30, for frictionally receiving the end portion and the hub extending from the opposite end portion of the 135 photographic film magazines disposed therein. A lid member 26, made from a flexible opaque laminate material environmentally compatible with the container 12, is hermetically sealed to a flange member 42 formed in the top edge 28 of the end and side walls 16,20,22. The sealed package 10 protects the enclosed product from deleterious environmental effects, such as dirt, light and moisture, and is convenient to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Susan L. Light, Luke T. Faulstick, William G. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 5207325
    Abstract: An instrument storage tray is provided that is compartmentalized for the storage of instruments of various sizes and for the storage of instruments of given configurations. The tray has slots at the wall junctions and legs extending from the wall junctions configured for insertion of the legs of one tray in to the slots of another tray so that a plurality of trays may be transported at one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Patricia B. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5207727
    Abstract: A system for storing and transporting can end members comprising multiple tray units having multiple parallel rows of elongated compartments for receiving and supporting stacks of end members. The tray units are nestable and stackable one upon another to provide palletized loads of both empty and filled tray units. End loading and unloading apparatus is provided to enable simultaneous loading and unloading full tray compartments by simultaneous lateral movement of all of the stacks of end members between the tray compartments and a shuttle tray unit whereat all the stacks of end members are stored prior to loading and unloading of the tray unit. The shuttle tray unit is loaded and unloaded by stacking units of a lesser number than the number of tray compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Rapsco Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald A. Pearce, Ira D. Hooker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5203450
    Abstract: A system for ingots of holding dental material includes a holder having a plurality of spaced-apart depressions each configured to hold one ingot. The container has a retaining cover for retaining the holder and ingots in the container. The container also has a master cover which when closed encloses a storage space between it and the retaining cover. The container and covers may be made from a transparent material such that ingots in the container are visible even when the container is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Aalba Dent, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent M. Benetti
  • Patent number: 5199567
    Abstract: A dental tray for counting, storing, shipping and dispensing cartridges that includes a plurality of integrally formed wells for securely holding and sealing a dental cartridge which are placed horizontally within the wells in a manner whereby the discharge nozzle of the cartridge is positioned so that it abuts a portion of the well for sealing it from contamination and which the tray may be formed of opaque or color material which will block curing rays when light activated material is placed within the dental cartridges. Each cartridge is individually retained within its respective well by a snap or friction fit. A sliding or rotating cover is provided which is spaced slightly above the cartridges so as to prevent unintentional dislodgement of the cartridge from its well or seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Centrix, Inc.
    Inventor: John Discko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5197657
    Abstract: A package including a flanged tray and a wrapper surrounding it. The tray typically contains a foodstuff such as a pie. The wrapper is formed of a rectangular, unitary blank of paperboard which is folded and wrapped aroung the tray, the wrapper being folded to the form of a tube with the tray therein. The wrapper includes two oppositely located latching flaps (24) whose free edges (28) are curved so as to match the curvature of the tray. The curved or arcuate latching flaps are initially folded downwardly more than 90 degrees from the plane of the blank. Other portions (16, 18) of the blank are bent upwardly along respective transverse fold lines (23), causing the arcuate latching flaps to bow inwardly and beneath the flanges of a tray (32) and contact the tray flanges (34). Portions (16, 18) of the wrapper are then folded beneath and on the sides of the tray and ends (17) are overlapped and glued together to finish the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Cassidy, Gerald F. Justice
  • Patent number: 5184750
    Abstract: A party dish includes a generally circular food receiving section and a cup supporting member comprising an extension from the food receiving section. The dish can be held in one hand thereby freeing the other hand for eating off the dish or drinking from the cup. The dish is made from a generally square stock of material having a side substantially equal to the diameter of the food receiving section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: B. Weems Moller
  • Patent number: 5180052
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is disclosed a display tray having a tray body with a bottom wall, opposing front and rear walls and an open top. At least one support wall is spaced between the rear walls and extends upward from the bottom wall to define a plurality of article carrying rows. A plurality of openings are positioned in the front, rear or support walls adjacent to the bottom wall for receiving projections of articles to be carried in the display tray and retaining the articles in the article carrying rows. In one embodiment, a bottom wall flap member overlies the bottom wall and is folded to form at least one support wall spaced between front and rear walls and extending upward from the bottom wall to form a plurality of article carrying rows. The bottom wall flap member includes front and rear upward extending flap wall members positioned adjacent the interior of respective front and rear walls of the tray body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Chesapeake Display and Packaging Company
    Inventors: Raymond D. Smith, Janet A. Reckers
  • Patent number: 5173273
    Abstract: A cassette for dental instruments includes a tray having bottom and a plurality of walls extending to a particular plane, the walls defining first and second generally opposing slots. A lid having a generally planar configuration is adapted to mount on the tray with its outer surface disposed in the particular plane. A fixed tab on the lid is adapted to register with the first slot, while a moveable tab on the lid is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the moveable tab registers with the second slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Charles A. Brewer
  • Patent number: 5172809
    Abstract: Disclosed is a packaged element containing a) a substrate that transmits less than about 0.5% of actinic radiation and has at least one recess, b) a cover that transmits less than about 0.5% of actinic radiation and transmits at least part of the visible light spectrum, c) a structure for maintaining the cover in contact with the substrate such that the cover filters incident radiation entering the recess, and d) an element located in the recess and having a substance thereon that is curable by exposure to the actinic radiation. Also disclosed is an article containing a) a substrate having at least one recess with an interior surface, b) an element having a tacky substance on a surface thereof, and c) a structure for positioning the element inside the recess such that the tacky substance does not separate from the element upon removal from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dwight W. Jacobs, Gregory D. Crowe