Suspension Patents (Class 206/806)
  • Patent number: 6739453
    Abstract: A product package is described for enclosing an item in a non-thermoformed blister-like compartment. Also described are approaches for making the package. According to various aspects of the described package and manufacturing techniques, a blank is cut out of a sheet of see-through plastic material, the blank having a plurality of panels and flange sections such that the blank can be formed, without thermoforming, into a blister-like compartment having a plurality of panels defining an enclosure with a mouth at its base and a flange at the mouth's perimeter. The blank may include printing, cutouts, perforations, or other features. The blank is then folded into a blister-like compartment and loaded with the item to be packaged. A backing is positioned to enclose the loaded blister-like compartment and affixed to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: IMPAC Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Mazurek
  • Patent number: 6732879
    Abstract: A device for the hanging of screw-top bottles and tubes such as shampoo bottles and toothpaste tubes on a shower curtain rod, towel rod, storage rack, toothbrush rack or any other bar, rail or line. The device has threads on its bottom or lower section that screw to the top or neck of a shampoo bottle or tube and threads on its top or upper section that screw into the cap of the bottle or tube. The device also contains a hanger that hangs it over a rod or bar. The device allows bottles and tubes to be stored out of the way while still allowing for easy and safe access to the stored bottles and tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: David Hamann
  • Patent number: 6729468
    Abstract: A simple molded packaging device for a circular saw blade where the packaging securely retains the circular saw blade where a full inspection, both visual and tactile, may be made by a consumer prior to purchase of the circular saw blade while preventing the consumer from removing the circular saw blade from the packaging and securely replacing the circular saw blade relative to the packaging. Means provide for simple one time release of the circular saw blade from the packaging. Means provide for securement of a security tag relative to the packaging where ready undetectable tampering by the consumer with the security tag is prevented. Sonic welding is disclosed as the preferred method of both securing the circular saw blade relative to the packaging and securing a closure of a security tag compartment with a security tag contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas N Dobmeier
  • Publication number: 20040055930
    Abstract: A shoestring hanging card includes a hanging card printed with a shoe profile and having a plurality of shoestring holes positioned symmetrically in a vamp of the shoe profile for a shoestring to pass through crisscross to be arranged on the vamp for display. Then the hanging card with a shoestring arranged on it can present a well-matched contrast of the shoestring with a shoe so that consumers can easily select.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Chin Yin Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6708820
    Abstract: A shipping and/or display package for a disc. The package includes front and rear panels that are closed about the disc. Each of the first and second panels includes a disc-shaped embossed portion having a depth of approximately one half the thickness of the disc. The embossed regions cooperatively define a disc cavity that closely receives the disc. The front panel defines a window that permits viewing of the disc. The package further includes a transparent film extending over the window. The rear panel may include a plurality of die cut fingers positioned about the embossed region to aid in retaining the disc in the embossed region during packaging. The rear panel may also include a friction coating applied within the embossed region to further aid in retaining the disc in the embossed region during packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Display Pack, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger P. Hansen, L. D. Peoples, Harold E. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20040035731
    Abstract: A tool display member includes a board and two side pieces are connected to a first side of the board. A gap is defined between the two side pieces and each side piece has an opening defined in an inside thereof. A protrusion extends from an inside of each of the opening and includes a stepped edge so that a tool can be supported and clamped between the stepped edges. A locking plate is fixed to the board and connected between the two side pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Lee
  • Patent number: 6695143
    Abstract: A package for a product includes a base plate on which the product is disposed, and a bridge disposed on the base plate in overlying relationship to a first portion of the product. A lid is disposed in overlying relationship to a second portion of the product and is secured to the base plate by a sliding connection which guides the lid for limited sliding movement parallel to the base plate to expose the second portion of the product. The sliding connection constrains the lid against dislodgment from the base plate in a direction perpendicular to the base plate. An intermediate plate is disposed between the base plate and the lid and is arranged to prevent the sliding movement of the lid. The intermediate plate is formed of a tearable material, such as cardboard, wherein tearing of the intermediate plate releases the lid for the sliding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Kanthal AB
    Inventors: Sture Alm, Tord Englund, Staffan Lindberg
  • Patent number: 6685024
    Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary support pillow and methods for its use. An exemplary method is provided for supporting an object in front of a person's torso. According to the method, a support pillow is provided having a resilient cushion body with a medial region and first and second opposing cantilever arms extending from the medial region. The cantilever arms are curved about a vertical axis to define a substantially toroidal configuration for the cushion body. The cantilever arms and medial region cooperate to define a generally circular open well. The support pillow is placed around the person's torso with first and second end portions of the cantilever arms being at the back of the person's torso, and with the medial region of the support pillow being at the front of the person's torso. The cantilever arms are biased around the person's torso to hold the support pillow vertically positioned relative to the person's torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventor: Susan H. Matthews
  • Patent number: 6681932
    Abstract: A display hanger for an article, the hanger including a planar support body adapted for suspension from a support, a container into which at least a portion of the article may be inserted, the container being movably connected to said planar support so as to be movable between a display position and a utility position, the container when in its display position being arranged in a downwardly facing orientation to locate an article inserted therein so as to depend downwardly from the support body when the support body is suspended from said support, the container when it its utility position being supported by said support body in an upwardly facing orientation so as to define a storage container into which the article may be inserted for storage when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Plasplugs Limited
    Inventor: Iain Bradfield
  • Patent number: 6679378
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing and transporting flat, substantially two-dimensional objects (10). Said device comprises a frame or the like, in which pouches (1) with substantially U-shaped cross sections are suspended and into each of which a corresponding object (10) can be inserted. The aim of the invention is to provide a device with the above-mentioned features which substantially prevents the objects accommodated in the U-shaped pouches from tilting or slipping out of said pouches. To this end, the pouches are provided with devices (5, 20) which prevent the objects (10) from tilting or being displaced in the pouches to the front or the rear without impeding the loading or unloading of the pouches (1) by restricting the free cross section of loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Conteyor Multibag Systems N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Vermeulen, Roland Patrick Hugenholtz
  • Patent number: 6679379
    Abstract: A tool suspension device consists of a back-plate (10) and a tool bracket (20) to hang a tool on the tool suspension device. The back-plate (10) has two holding plates (11) respectively formed at two sides of the back-plate (10). Each holding plate (11) forms a mounting slot (12) with the back-plate (10). A hole (15) is defined in the back-plate (10) and a resilient arm (16) with a hook (17) is formed within the hole and protrudes to block the mounting slot (12). The tool bracket (20) has two ears (23). Each ear (23) slides into and is securely held in the corresponding mounting slot (12) by means of the hook (17) locking the mounting slot (12). The tool suspension device further has at least one lip secured on the back plate to keep the tool stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jui-Chien Kao
  • Patent number: 6672555
    Abstract: An improved structure of a suspension device for displaying articles is disclosed. The present device for displaying comprises a suspension board and a fixing element for insertion at the bottom end neck portion thereof characterized in that the bottom end neck portion directly extended to an elastic fixing element formed from bending of a plate for the insertably mounting with a work piece, and one end of the plate is extended to a wider plate edge inclined at one direction having a small connection plate connected to the suspension board to form a body thereby the suspension device is safe to hang displaying articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Chi Tsai Chang
  • Patent number: 6672762
    Abstract: A flexible package with a body portion that includes a front, a back, a bottom and two sides. A top portion extends from the front upwardly and rearwardly, ultimately engaging the back in a secured relationship with a latch. A hanger is formed in the end of the top to allow the package to be suspended or hung from a hook or peg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Faircloth, J. Reid London
  • Patent number: 6672457
    Abstract: A card gripper cap for a container is provided having one end releasably connectable to a container and an opposing end having a slot formed by adjacent flanges for receiving a display card. The flanges are interposed by fingers having hooks at their exposed ends for gripping or extending through the display card. The cap further has a piercer for perforating a product seal over an opening in the container and a nozzle releasably connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Buffalo Brothers Studios East, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Aylesworth, Richard E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6666332
    Abstract: A display package comprising a single sheet template adapted to receive printing on one side thereof is disclosed. The package comprises a container front panel, top panel, bottom panel, rear panel and two side panels, in combination with a display flap. Selected walls or “panels” may be extended to provide structures or reinforcement adapted to serve as load bearing hangers or other attachment means so that the product package may be displayed to consumers. Through the use of adhesives or other fastening means, the single piece construction may be made more rigid or durable at selected locations to promote resistance to disfiguration when manipulated by consumers at the point of display and prior to purchase, and to minimize undetected violation of product security. The package may be displayed in a variety of positions due to the use of printing in a variety of directions and selected placement of hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Lil′Drug Store Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris DeWolf, Lorin Reicks, Nancy McKinley, Steve Bosking
  • Publication number: 20030230498
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage device that can accommodate medicinal dosages. In a preferred embodiment, the storage device comprises two body portions having a cavity formed therein. The cavity is of a size such that the cavity may accommodate the medicinal dosages with a minimal amount of movement. The storage device is opened by applying a snapping force along the axis of a hinge that couples. The medicinal dosages are extracted from the storage device by tilting the opened storage device such that the cavity is facing downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert E. Maute
  • Patent number: 6662948
    Abstract: A retail display hang tag device for supportively displaying a fluid applicator of the type having a container and a fluid dispensing closure with a protective cap. The hang tag includes an elongated panel having an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion extending therebetween. The upper portion has an aperture sized for supportive engagement with a retail display hanger or hook. A second aperture of the lower portion closely fits over the neck of the container and is flexibly bendable about the first line of weakness. The central portion includes a ring which is bendably deformable about a second transverse line of weakness which is parallel to the first line of weakness. The ring fits over the cap as it is deformed out of the plane of the device about the second line of weakness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen P. Velliquette
  • Patent number: 6659278
    Abstract: A retail display hang tag device for supportively displaying a fluid applicator of the type having a container and a fluid dispensing closure with a protective cap. The hang tag includes an elongated panel having an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion extending therebetween. The upper portion has an aperture sized for supportive engagement with a retail display hanger or hook. A second aperture of the lower portion closely fits over the neck of the container and is flexibly bendable about the first line of weakness. The central portion includes a ring which is bendably deformable about a second transverse line of weakness which is parallel to the first line of weakness. The ring snugly fits over the cap as it is deformed out of the plane of the device about the second line of weakness. The hang tag is attachable to the fluid applicator with the cap within the third aperture and the neck within the second aperture with the lower portion and the ring in their in-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen P. Velliquette
  • Patent number: 6648132
    Abstract: A display case is provided for a personal accessory item such as jewelry, eyeglasses and wrist watches. The case includes a display support for vertically suspending the accessory item, an inner tube surrounding the display support, an outer tube within which the inner tube nests, and a cover positioned over an open end of the outer tube. All the walls of the display case are constructed of transparent plastic. A fluid, particularly colored water, may be positioned in a volume of space separating inner from outer tubes. The display case may stand upright upon a flat outer surface of the cover or may be hung via a mount from a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: A Classic Time Watch Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Smouha
  • Patent number: 6647697
    Abstract: Self-contained wrap for a gift comprising, a first panel; a second panel, having a perimeter, fixed to the first panel along a first portion of the perimeter, so that a cavity is formed between the first panel and the second panel which is adapted to enclose the gift therein, and so that at least one opening to the cavity is defined along a second portion of the perimeter which is adapted to allow the gift to be passed through the opening into the cavity; and at least one flap, fixed to the second panel, which is adapted to fold over the opening and to adhere to the front panel; and method for using the wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Wrap Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy Zarrow, Kenneth Buckley
  • Patent number: 6640977
    Abstract: A support pillow kit comprises a pillow comprising a pillow body having a medial region and two opposing arms, and a base member comprising a bottom and two spaced apart walls extending from the bottom. The pillow rests on the bottom and is held between the two walls, and a transparent cover covers the pillow and the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Boppy Company
    Inventors: Susan H. Matthews Brown, Sheila Littlehorn, Clarice Bonzer
  • Patent number: 6612437
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dispensing abrasive materials and to an abrasive material, such as a sheet or disc. An abrasive material means a flexibly bendable abrasive sheet product, one side of which is provided with an abrasive agent with a varying grit size. A plural number of abrasive materials are preferably arranged in a bundle in a dispenser means so that the sides of the abrasive materials provided with an abrasive agent face the same direction. The object of the present invention is to release the abrasive material from the dispenser means in a simpler way, simultaneously preventing any protective coverings on the abrasive material from being detached and spread about the working space. Such tabs are arranged on the back side of the abrasive material, the tabs being interconnected. When the abrasive materials of the invention are removed from the dispenser means, the tabs still remain attached to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Oy KWH Mirka AB
    Inventor: Ronny Klemets
  • Publication number: 20030159962
    Abstract: A hairpiece securing device has a sheath having a front and rear wall in between which a hairpiece is received. The hairpiece in inserted through an opening in the sheath. At least one receiving hole extends through the sheath. A securing means prevents the hairpiece from falling to the bottom of the sheath and an optional closing means can close the opening in the sheath. A method of securing hairpieces involves inserting a hairpiece into an opening in a sheath. The sheath has a front wall and a rear wall, and the hairpiece is received in between these two walls. At least one receiving hole extends through the sheath and a securing means in inserted through the at least one receiving hole and through the hairpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Young Jin Heo
  • Patent number: 6609613
    Abstract: Foil bags are formed as new paper bags by fusing together two webs and tying a detachable strap which has a suspension opening to one said opening of each bag, the strap being separated by a perforation line from the respective side of the bag. A pocket is formed at the end of the bag opposite the insertion opening and can have a flap provided with an adhesive strip covered by a masking layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Lemo Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Jakob Schneider, Werner Brenig, Armin Meyer
  • Patent number: 6607078
    Abstract: A label or neck hanger integrating a trial-use sample packet. The construction includes a first panel defining an aperture, a bubbled sample packet partially protruding through the aperture, and a base panel adhered to the top panel to sandwich the sample packet between the top and base panels. In the label embodiment, the base panel includes a pressure sensitive adhesive. In the neck hanger embodiment, the top panel includes a second aperture that fits around the neck of a bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: CCL Label, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Pedroli, Kenneth M. Dunkley
  • Patent number: 6595355
    Abstract: A point-of-sale hanger for footwear includes a bracket having a rear part inserted into a header, and a front part having a pair of shoe holders arranged in a mirror symmetrical relationship. The hanger has a reinforced hook-shaped cutout by which it is suspended from a support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: E.S. Originals, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrence Hooper
  • Patent number: 6581894
    Abstract: A display device includes a housing for engaging into an article and having one or more projections formed in the outer peripheral portion for engaging into the article and for locking the housing to the article. A casing is secured on the housing. A hanger device has a block rotatably received in the casing, a board secured on the block, and an actuator attached to the block and engageable into the housing and rotatable force the projections to lock the block to the article. The board has an edge to be engaged into the casing and to be locked to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Hui Lin Tong
  • Patent number: 6578711
    Abstract: A packing box for a lashing rope winch includes a holding plate, an upper cover, and a lower cover. The holding plate has several containing recesses arranged side by side. The holding plate has several pairs of opposite securing protrusions for allowing tight insertion of a main body of a winch into between when the winch is held in one containing recess. The upper cover is pivoted to the lateral edges of the holding plate to cover an upper section of the containing recesses, while the lower cover is detachably joined to the lower portion of the holding plate. Thus, the winch can be easily taken out from the packing box to be tried and inspected by consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: An-Chuan Chou
  • Patent number: 6575298
    Abstract: A surgical instrument holder for use in surgery having a holder body (10) able to hold one of a plurality of surgical instruments used together in surgery, such as a diathermy pencil and a separate suction means or two laproscopic instruments or the like, but allow easy removal of the surgical instruments. A holder attachment means (41) supports the holder body (10) and connects adjacent elongated cylinders (11, 13) at or near respective circumferential points on the elongated cylinders (11, 13) along an intersecting line between respective axes of the adjacent elongated cylinders (11, 13). A connection part (48) associated with the holder attachment means (41) enables the surgical instrument holder (10) to be removably mounted on or near a patient so that the surgical instrument holder (10) provides simultaneous access to each of the adjacent elongated cylinders (11, 13) allowing easy removal of the surgical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Richard A. McArthur, Robert Cockayne
  • Patent number: 6571944
    Abstract: A fastening device for an optical disc holder according to the present invention includes a fixed clamp and at least a resilient clamp formed on a carrier. The fixed clamp and the resilient clamp are formed on opposite positions along a longitudinal direction on at least one side of the carrier for holding the rim of the disc by resilient force of the resilient clamp. The resilient clamp locates against the insertion direction of the optical disc so as to be moved for receiving the disc when being pressed, and retrieve to a normal position for fastening the disc in place by incorporating with the fixed clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Sinta Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chia-Chun Ku
  • Patent number: 6561358
    Abstract: A hanger provides for the display of an article container having wall structure extending from a floor of the container to an open end permitting viewing of the article and a lid for the container, the hanger including a hanger portion and a support portion depending from the hanger portion and having a first course extending transversely forwardly of the hanger portion, a second course defining a bend continuous with an end of the first course, a third course extending transversely from the second course toward the hanger portion and continuous with the second course, a fourth course extending transversely rearwardly of the hanger portion and a fifth course extending downwardly from an end of the fourth course, the first and third courses defining a slot therebetween having one slot end closed by the second course and a second open slot end. One using the hanger places container wall structure in the slot by inserting the third hanger course into the open end of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: B&G Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester Kolton, Michael Norman, Robert Whittemore
  • Publication number: 20030080006
    Abstract: A fastening device for an optical disc holder according to the present invention includes a fixed clamp and at least a resilient clamp formed on a carrier. The fixed clamp and the resilient clamp are formed on opposite positions along a longitudinal direction on at least one side of the carrier for holding the rim of the disc by resilient force of the resilient clamp. The resilient clamp locates against the insertion direction of the optical disc so as to be moved for receiving the disc when being pressed, and retrieve to a normal position for fastening the disc in place by incorporation with the fixed clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Sinta Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chia-Chun Ku
  • Patent number: 6554131
    Abstract: A thermoformed display device is provided for tool belts and accessories. The display device includes a main header which extends beyond the top of the product being packaged and folds over onto itself and snaps together to trap a printed insert display card within a display chamber. The header portion includes performed hang holes for use with various merchandising systems including pegboard. The second thermoformed header piece consists of a flat sheet that slips through the belt loop portion of the product being packaged and is fastened to the main header by means of plastic push-type fasteners to securely fasten the two pieces together and to allow the header area to stand above the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Findle, David F. Vock, Matthew J. Holland, Rajiv N. Dharap
  • Patent number: 6550613
    Abstract: A fish tackle box that utilizes maximum efficiency of space wherein said tackle is stored in clear plastic bags that are hung with hooks on storage rods; wherein the storage rods are moveable and are inserted into a moveable supporting arm and wherein the storage rods slide into and out of a track. The tackle box preferably has six storage rods, three each in supporting arms located on the right and left side of the tackle box. The tackle box also possesses cargo space below the tackle that is being suspended in the plastic bags that are hung with hooks on the storage rod, said cargo space being capable of storing additional tackle, tools, and larger items including reels, flashlights, and thermos bottles. The storage rods have round spools thereon mounted on pivoting metal brackets which enable the rods to be rotated for the spools to be inserted into the overhead tracks. The tackle box preferred dimensions are height about 14½ inches, depth about 10¾ inches, and width about 22 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Salvatore Amato
  • Publication number: 20030052243
    Abstract: A hanger provides for the display of an article container having wall structure extending from a floor of the container to an open end permitting viewing of the article and a lid for the container, the hanger including a hanger portion and a support portion depending from the hanger portion and having a first course extending transversely forwardly of the hanger portion, a second course defining a bend continuous with an end of the first course, a third course extending transversely from the second course toward the hanger portion and continuous with the second course, a fourth course extending transversely rearwardly of the hanger portion and a fifth course extending downwardly from an end of the fourth course, the first and third courses defining a slot therebetween having one slot end closed by the second course and a second open slot end. One using the hanger places container wall structure in the slot by inserting the third hanger course into the open end of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Chester Kolton, Michael Norman, Robert Whittemore
  • Publication number: 20030047474
    Abstract: A flower container in accordance with the invention is characterized by a container shell comprised of a head portion, a base portion, and a connecting trunk portion. The trunk portion defines a plurality of parallel elongate channels, each dimensioned to accommodate one or more flower stems. First ends of the channels open into an upper cavity, defined by the head portion, dimensioned to accommodate flower blooms. Second ends of the channels open into a lower cavity defined by the shell base portion. The lower cavity is useful for accommodating an aqueous gel intended to contact the stem lower ends to nourish the flowers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: David Dahlson
  • Patent number: 6530488
    Abstract: A fishing lure storage and display apparatus is provided which features transparent storage receptacles releasably suspended from a hanging rod allowing the lures to be easily viewed and readily accessed. The storage receptacles retain the lure in isolation from the outer environment thus sustaining the shape, color and scent of the lure and protecting it from crushing damage or entanglement. The receptacles can take on a variety of forms such as a flexible polypropylene pouch or a tubular member constructed from a semi-rigid plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Gary L. Krammes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6523689
    Abstract: A reclosable blister container in which a backing card is slidably and removably retained in the blister without requiring staples or adhesives. The blister includes elongated grooves on opposite sides thereof that slidingly receive the backing card. The blister includes a step that is preferably curved, which facilitates slidable entry of the backing card into the blister. Protrusions may be formed in the blister that extend into corresponding openings in the backing card in order to further retain the backing card within the blister. The present invention provides a more attractive and more economical alternative to prior art “flange-folded” products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Richard D. Mickel
  • Publication number: 20030034316
    Abstract: A hand tool holder includes a base plate with two arms and a pivot seat pivotally mounted on the base plate between the two arms. The two arms extend from the base plate and each has an open end set opposite to each other. The arm has a connecting portion connected to the base plate and a clamping portion extending from the connecting portion. An indent is defined in the clamping portion and the two indents in the two arms align with each other and are adapted to partially receive a shank of a hand tool. The pivot seat has a concave groove defined in one end of the pivot seat opposite to the base plate. The concave groove in the pivot seat aligns with the indents in the two arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jui-Chien Kao
  • Patent number: 6508357
    Abstract: A fold package formed of a shell has closing members connected to the shell. One of the closing members and the shell have a slot cut in a portion between the one closing member and the shell. A pressure-sensitive hanging element adapted to be adhesively attached to the shell is provided. When the hanging element is adhesively attached to the shell and the one of the closing members is folded against the shell, the hanging element extends through the slot to facilitate hanging the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Faircloth, Reid London
  • Patent number: 6499601
    Abstract: In a system for suspending, in a single operation, a plurality of product packages on a peg, each product package includes an upwardly extending mounting portion defining a shaped slot adapted to slidably receive the peg. The slot defines a peripheral edge for engaging the peg and suspending the product package therefrom. The system also includes a band of polymeric material that engages and at least partially surrounds the plurality of product packages, binding them together such that each shaped slot is approximately aligned with the next successive slot to allow said peg to be slidably threaded through each of the mounting portions. The band of polymeric material also includes a release portion, along which the band may be torn, thereby separating the band from the product packages to provide access to individual packages suspended from the peg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: Brian W. Foster, Anthony Marciano
  • Patent number: 6499598
    Abstract: A pouch made from a heat-shrinkable, gas-barrier, thermoplastic film is suitable for packaging one or a plurality of items. The pouch has a bottom, two closed side edges, and an open mouth for the introduction of the items to be packaged. The pouch has a first seal connecting the two side edges, the seal being between the bottom of the pouch and the mouth of the pouch. The first seal, portions of the side edges, and the bottom together define a first area. The pouch has a second seal which extends toward the first seal, with the second seal and the bottom defining a second area. The second area has a precut which extends from the bottom toward the second seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Mauro Montepiani, Massimo Rigoni, Hughes Wygaerts
  • Patent number: 6488147
    Abstract: A merchandising system can display merchandise on a display rack. The system has a pair of articles to be worn by a person (for example, gloves). The articles have a right main body and a left main body, each with a user (or hand) opening. The pair of articles have an attachment subsystem for providing an outlying attachment locus for the articles. The attachment subsystem includes a right extremity and a left extremity secured at the user opening of the right main body and the left main body, respectively. The right and the left extremity are each able to reach out of the user opening. The attachment subsystem also includes a display arrangement including a panel. The attachment subsystem is arranged to detachably secure the articles together with the panel, and the right extremity and the left extremity. The attachment subsystem is adapted to hang on the display rack and support the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Magla World Wide, Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Mattesky
  • Patent number: 6481182
    Abstract: An assemblage of disposable plastic gloves held firmly in a point-of-sales display to prevent pilferage therefrom and which, during removal from the point-of-sales display after purchase, is slipped off of a cut end of a cardboard length portion contained along with the gloves, such that the grip on the gloves is loosened to the extent that they can be removed one-at-a-time as needed, and the point-of-sales display then serves as a convenient storage organizer for the gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Harrison Fuller
  • Publication number: 20020166787
    Abstract: A heat shrinkable bag having a non-shrink header for containing a product. The bag includes first and second side walls formed from heat shrinkable material joined together to form a body portion having an opening for access into an interior chamber having an inner surface to receive and contain the product. A header is attached to the inner surface of the body portion and extends outwardly from the opening in the body portion. The header is substantially formed from non-shrinkable film material that prevents distortion of the header during manufacture of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Linton
  • Patent number: 6478156
    Abstract: A headerless pack of thermoplastic film bags having weak bag to bag seals to make said pack and a teardrop like shaped supporting opening whereby said pack is supported on a dispenser rod through said opening and a single bag can easily be removed by pulling down on said bag thereby breaking said seals and tearing through said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: TC Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. Gebhardt
  • Patent number: 6474466
    Abstract: An earring holder for holding a plurality of pairs of earrings. The earring holder includes a panel having a first side, a second side and a peripheral edge. A peripheral lip is attached to and extends around the peripheral edge. The peripheral lip has an outer edge. A peripheral ridge is attached to the outer edge and extends around the peripheral lip. The peripheral ridge extends inward such that the ridge extends over the first side of the panel. A cushion member is positioned on the first side of the panel and covers the first side such that edges of the cushion member are positioned between the peripheral ridge and the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Constance R. Barahona
  • Patent number: 6474494
    Abstract: A beverage container cover with bowl (10) having a cover (12) which comprises a cover bottom (12B) having a hollow cover bottom male member (12B) extending upwardly therefrom. The cover bottom (12B) is securely sealably affixed to a cover side (12A) having a cover side lip (12AA) around a top distal edge thereof. The cover side lip (12AA) having a complementary configuration and size to a beverage container lip (18A) of a beverage container (18). A bowl (14) which comprises a bowl bottom (14B) having a hollow bowl bottom female member (14BA) having a complementary configuration and size to the cover bottom male member (12B) insertable therein. The bowl (14) further comprises a bowl side (14A) having a bowl side lip (14AA) around a top distal edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 6467617
    Abstract: An improved packaging arrangement for a fishing reel permits the reel to be tested by a consumer on a limited basis while remaining in the package. The package is preferably formed of a semirigid plastic material defining a configured reel enclosure in which the reel's body is located. A rotatable crank extends for free rotation through a crank opening defined in the package. A crank handle is located at the distal end of the rotatable crank so as to be exterior to the package. Often, the package will further define a posterior opening permitting access to a thumb button located on the reel's body. The package preferably defines a hang aperture so that the packaged reel may be presented for sale on a hanging display in a manner similar to blister pack arrangements of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Shakespeare Company
    Inventor: Shixiong Chen
  • Publication number: 20020139698
    Abstract: A fastening device for an optical disc holder according to the present invention includes a fixed clamp and at least a resilient clamp formed on a carrier. The fixed clamp and the resilient clamp are formed on opposite positions along a longitudinal direction on at least one side of the carrier for holding the rim of the disc by resilient force of the resilient clamp. The resilient clamp locates against the insertion direction of the optical disc so as to be moved for receiving the disc when being pressed, and retrieve to a normal position for fastening the disc in place by incorporating with the fixed clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Chia-Chun Ku