Abstract: An adaptor structure for connecting a plurality of beverage cans together in selected configurations comprising a base plate with connector members on a first side thereof, a can-receiving socket on the opposite side thereof and spacer members within said socket. The cans have end recesses in which the spacer members seat when an adaptor is coupled to a can to form a strong, stable connection. Cans are assembled end-to-end with back-to-back adaptors at the end interfaces, the adaptors being connected to each other by the connector members.

Abstract: A stack display system, for use in association with a multiplicity of essentially similar, essentially rigid products, the stack display packaging system comprising, a support platform, defining a front, back and sides of the display, at least one layer of product and product packaging, each layer comprising a lower support, adapted to be supported by one of a group consisting of the support platform and a lower layer, product bottom receiving forming part of the lower support adapted to receive and support bottoms of the products in a predetermined relationship to each other, and a plurality of products the bottoms of which are received in the product bottom receiving, and enclosure around the back and at least part of the sides of the layers, extending vertically from a lowermost lower support.

Abstract: An accessory tray particularly adapted for holding in an organized manner computer discs, owner's manual and other accessories frequently used with a portable computer. The accessory tray is attachable to the portable computer in such a manner that the accessory tray becomes a part of the carrying case of the portable computer.

Abstract: A carton stabilizing device including a top web, a bottom web, first and second side webs, and two tabs projecting downward from said top web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the home freezing of water in relatively large blocks for subsequent use in insulated portable ice chests for maintaining the contents cool over a period of days is disclosed and includes a plurality of support racks of truncated pyramidal configuration having open rectangular tops and bottoms and trapezoidal side walls of an open mesh configuration along with a like plurality of relatively flat floor panels each having a groove for receiving an upper edge of a subadjacent rack and a groove for receiving an edge of a superior rack so that a plurality of flexible open-topped containers may be stacked in a column in a freezer on successive floor panels with each floor panel supported by a corresponding rack to allow free air circulation around the containers to facilitate cooling as well as supporting and storing the water and the subsequent blocks of ice.

Abstract: A chain cap is provided for forming a stable load suitable for vehicular travel from a plurality of elongate articles. A plurality of the chain caps are provided for encompassing the elongate articles. Each of the chain caps are provided with interfitting surfaces which interlock when the chain caps are stacked, tie bar surfaces which define tie bar channels extending between adjacent chain caps and conformal surfaces for engaging the elongate articles. Each of the elongate articles is engaged by at least a pair of the chain caps, the conformal surfaces of the chain caps engaging opposing sides of the elongate articles. A first planar array of the elongate articles is established, the elongate articles being disposed in a roughly parallel relationship with pairs of chain caps being adjacently disposed for defining a tie bar channel therebetween. A tie bar is mounted in the tie bar channel, the tie bar extending between adjacent pairs of chain caps.

Abstract: A device for holding pipes of different diameters in a nested state comprising a plurality of engaging members each having at an intermediate portion thereof an abutting portion adapted to contact the socket end of each diametrically small pipe for restraining the small pipe from moving axially thereof, each of the engaging members being provided at least at its one end with an engaging portion fittingly engageable in an annular groove formed in the inner periphery of the socket of the diametrically largest pipe; and one or more connecting means for removably connecting the engaging members together. The holding device comprises light-weight components, is simple in construction and can be attached to nested pipes easily for holding the pipes reliably at all times.

Abstract: A structure for protectively supporting and spacing rolls of web material in a multi-layer stack. The structure includes an elongated member of expandable polystyrene material having a pair of opposed surfaces. A first of the surfaces has a plurality of spaced parallel generally semi-cylindrical indentations disposed to receive rolls of web material. The radius of each of the semi-cylindrical indentations being greater than the depth of the indentation so that the rolls will be snugly retained within indentations in a pair of members and the members will be out of contact with each other. The member has a plurality of cavities located on the lateral edge surfaces thereof extending transversely of the axis of the semi-cylindrical indentation to render the expanded foam material substantially uniformly thick throughout to enhance uniform curing thereof.

Abstract: A device for holding nested pipes which comprises an abutting member adapted to bear against the socket ends of all the pipes, and radial-axial retainer means removably mountable on the abutting member and having an engaging projection fittingly engageable in an annular groove of the diametrically larger of two adjacent pipes included in the pipes and engaging stepped means engageable with an annular shoulder of the diametrically smaller of the two pipes. The device is composed of a small number of parts, is therefore inexpensive to make and easy to install on the pipes and reliably holds the pipes even when the two adjacent pipes differ greatly in diameter. Such devices are usable as units to provide a compact and lightweight overall holding device since a mount frame which would add to the weight of the device is not always needed.

Abstract: A separator sheet for disposition between layers of newspaper bundles on a movable pallet, for stabilizing the newspaper bundles as the pallet is moved. The separator sheet has a central portion and an outer portion circumscribing the central portion. The outer portion includes inclined sections extending at acute angles to, and in both directions from, the central portion. The inclined sections engage, and exert pressure against the peripheral edges of the layers of newspaper bundles both above and below the separator sheet for stabilizing the layers of newspaper bundles on the pallet. The separator sheet is preferably a unitary structure, formed of a resilient plastic material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a modular tower-like structure for displaying merchandise for point of purchase sale. In one form, the basic tower is formed of cylinders of a plastic sheet material, such as clear "rigid" die cut vinyl plastic, of a thickness enabling it to be collapsed into a relatively flat form for shipping and storage. The sheet plastic tower elements are given a rigid cylindrical form by means of molded plastic end rings, which are of a channel-like cross sectional configuration to lockingly receive the ends of the cylinders. The end rings are of a form and configuration enabling two of them to be bonded in back-to-back relation, providing a structural interlock between the top of one tower module and the bottom of a second tower module above it. In an alternate form, the lowermost tower element is formed of corrugated board, which has certain structural, practical, and economic advantages in the overall assembly.

Abstract: A plastic tape cassette container having a general rectangular parallelpipedal shape in its closed configuration having a lid which is pivotably mounted between two parallel side walls, detent means operable to favor retention of said container in a closed configuration, and interlocking means disposed in matching relationships on the lid and the lower face by which the lower face of one container can be interlocked with the lid of the second like container.

Abstract: A packaging block for cylindrical articles includes first and second identical L-shaped members adapted to be secured around the cylindrical article. Each member is formed with first and second substantially perpendicular legs having a semi-circular concavity formed in the interior contiguous surfaces of the legs. A boss is formed at one end of the first leg and extends outward therefrom. A correspondingly shaped groove is formed at the end of the other leg and extends substantially parallel to the boss. The first and second members are adapted to be disposed in an opposed, inverted manner around the cylindrical article with respective bosses urged into the corresponding grooves of the opposed members to interconnect the first and second members around the cylindrical article. Bores formed in each of the first and second members receive interconnecting pins to align adjacent packaging blocks in rows and tiers to form a complete bundle.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a modular tower-like structure for displaying merchandise for point of purchase sale. The basic tower is formed of cylinders of a plastic sheet material, such as clear "rigid" die cut vinyl plastic, of a thickness enabling it to be collapsed into a relatively flat form for shipping and storage. The sheet plastic tower elements are given a rigid cylindrical form by means of molded plastic end rings, which are of a channel-like cross sectional configuration to lockingly receive the ends of the cylinders. The end rings are of a form and configuration enabling two of them to be bonded in back-to-back relation, providing a structural interlock between the top of one tower module and the bottom of a second tower module above it. The structure is simple, inexpensive, conveniently packaged and shipped, and easily assembled at the display site.

Abstract: A plastic material handling rack adapted to receive and translate small or relatively large parts or units, capable of being stacked vertically one rack upon another, and to be loaded by conventional fork lift trucks into transportation vehicles. The plastic material handling rack is assembled with corner posts, side rails and end rails that form the unit into a rectilinear framework. A floor plate is removably attachable to the framing. Transverse rails are attached to the side or end rails for support of larger machine units or devices, and solid or perforated side walls are attachable to the corner posts and upon the side rails and end rails, converting the open framework of the rack into a tub rack.

Abstract: A pallet or saddle used for the storage and transporting of containers such as beer kegs and the like is structured so as to allow the storage and transportation of two beer kegs, in which the saddle is placed over an upright bottom keg and a second keg is laid sideways across the top portion of the saddle. The saddle comprises a circular disk containing a concave bottom portion to fit over the top of an upright beer keg and a top portion which comprises a pair of parallel spaced shoulders extending across the disk, the spaced shoulders supporting a keg placed sideways therebetween on the top surface of the saddle.

Abstract: A brush device comprising a plurality of tubular units arranged in alignment and a cap to construct a column externally sealed by a sealing coat. The front end of each unit is provided with a brush head, and the portion around the brush head and the rear end of each unit respectively form the male part and female part of a socket joint, the male part being slightly longer than the female part, thus forming a slot at the junction of two adjacent units radially extending around the periphery of the column, which slot provides a guide to facilitate one to make a cut around this portion to remove an exhausted unit.

Abstract: A cargo retainer, having a floor contacting member provided with an upwardly facing load bearing surface and an upright member secured adjacent to the rear end of the floor contacting member, is provided with a floor piercing element. The floor piercing element is movably mounted adjacent to the juncture between the floor contacting member and the upright member and is movable relative to the cargo retainer between a position of relatively shallow floor piercing engagement and a position of substantially deeper floor piercing engagement. A member projects from the cargo retainer adjacent to the juncture between the floor contacting member and the upright member in planar alignment with the floor piercing element and serves to drive the floor piercing element from a shallow engagement position to a deeper engagement position with rearward movement of the cargo retainer and thereby limit such movement in service.

Abstract: A storage/organizer unit for the fittings of detachable wrench sets of the polygonal socket and crowfoot design types. The units comprise a base member with one or more rows of spaced holes adapted to removably receive a multiplicity of circularly cylindrical posts of various diameters corresponding to the standard drive dimensions of the detachable wrench sets. The posts have tapered bosses on the bottom to be removably inserted into the spaced holes and the upper cylindrical post is of two styles: Tapered, or stackable, and straight sided, which latter can be used to hold, for example, several of the crowfoot design. The tapered design permits easy removal and replacement of the several kinds of individual fittings. The base member can have a magnetic material impregnated therein for mounting on iron or steel surfaces, or can incorporate on the bottom surface, a "non-sticky" adhesive for affixing to non-magnetic surfaces.

Abstract: A new and improved anchor plate for maintaining stacked containers in a stable relation. The anchor plate includes a substantially rigid body for placement between adjacent containers, the body having a plurality of corrugated patterns formed therein, each corrugated pattern having a raised side with a plurality of rows of teeth extending from the raised side for engaging the adjacent containers. The corrugated pattern enhances the penetrating capability of the plate and yet prevents total penetration of the teeth through the entire thickness of the material of the container.

Abstract: In a container for a plurality of articles packaged together by means of a top gripping article carrier including top openings formed in the carrier for receiving the top portions of the associated articles, a stacking device disposed in overlying relation to the carriers and including a main panel, a pair of side panels joined respectively to the side edges of the main panel, and a plurality of notches formed along the lower edges of the side panels, the notches being disposed in general coincidence with the associated top openings.

Abstract: A commodity can assembly comprising upper and lower cylindrical cans having beads around opposed ends which are releasably gripped by a storage unit connector. The connector is molded of stiff but slightly resilient plastic and includes a cylindrical wall having annular lips inside it which grip the can beads. Between the lips a spaced pair of inwardly extending shoulders serve as stop for the can ends and define a compartment between them in which a third commodity is stored for marketing.

Abstract: A shipping carton assembly for automobile taillight assemblies. The assemblies are enclosed in cartons and two cartons are stacked on a pallet. There are two tiers of assemblies in each carton and each tier may support, for example, eight taillight assemblies. The assemblies are arranged parallel to each other with each of the ends of the assemblies resting on two parallel laterally-spaced boards; two second boards rest on top of the ends of the assemblies and the ends of the second tier of taillight assemblies rest on the second boards. Two third boards rest on the top of the ends of the second tier of taillight assemblies and the entire arrangement of the first tier and second tier are disposed in the carton.

Abstract: A stackable container comprises grooved upper and lower sides. The sides of the grooves are undercut. In the grooves of the lower sides are four hooks each having base which fits a groove, a flexible leg and a nose at the end of the leg to engage the undercut side of the groove in the upper side of an identical container. A supporting boss may be provided extending to above the leg, so that the container will be supported on the bosses.

Abstract: Boxes for produce and the like formed by corrugated paperboard containers having end walls defining vertical slots that are aligned when the containers are stacked. Column-forming members are inserted in the slots and interlocked vertically. The containers are supported primarily by the inserts so that the combined weight of containers above is not borne solely by the end walls.

Abstract: A spacer assembly for half steam table trays includes a grid-like framework upon which are mounted a plurality of non-metallic support pads adapted to accept the corners of adjacent trays laid thereon in a rectangular pattern. The framework is fabricated of a light metal functioning structurally only to position the support pads. A spacer assembly is laid atop each succeeding layer of trays and the tray corners are compressed a predetermined amount until the pads in a vertical column are in contact, whereby the pads bear the load of the trays stacked thereabove.

Abstract: A device for holding nested pipes to one another radially and axially thereof each at one end, comprising a substantially U-shaped hook member engageable with axially opposite side faces of an inner flange on one end of an outer pipe and also engageable at its bottom with an outer peripheral shoulder portion of one end of an inner pipe, an engaging member engageable with one end face of the inner pipe, and screw means for fastening these two members to each other. Like the hook member, the engaging member is preferably U-shaped. For holding at least three pipes together, an engaging member substantially resembling the hook member is used for the intermediate pipe.

Abstract: Two containers housing an expandable food product are placed in face-to-face juxtaposition and a sleeve complemental in shape to the exterior panels of the facing containers is wrapped around the containers to form a unitized package. The sleeve is bisected by a perforated score line which enables the sleeve to be separated into two pieces. Each piece has a linear and undulating edge wherein the sleeve half can be placed in a microwave oven on its linear edge to support one of the containers above the oven surface on the undulating edge enabling the microwave energy to be distributed along all surfaces of the container to heat the food product within the container.

Abstract: A magnetic cassette holder includes a synthetic resin box having a pair of cassette holding chambers each having an opening through which cassette is inserted, a cutout for permitting the hubs of the cassette to be exposed, capstan inserting hole and cassette positioning hole, in which the front ends of the cassettes are exposed.

Abstract: A serving plate set having two similar receptacles which in one form is separated by a sealing member that segregates the receptacle contents, such member also being of a plate-like configuration and which in another form employs the two receptacles to create a closured container.

Abstract: A stacking element is formed to engage two vertically stacked articles to hold the articles in position and is provided with projections on its external periphery to engage the projections on adjacent elements. These elements will maintain the articles in a stack against vertical and lateral displacement, so the stack will remain assembled during storage and transport.

Abstract: A method for supporting and heat processing a layered array of half steam table trays using a spacer assembly. The spacer assembly includes a grid-like framework upon which are mounted a plurality of non-metallic support pads adapted to accept the corners of adjacent trays laid thereon in a rectangular pattern. The framework is fabricated of a light metal functioning structurally only to position the support pads. A spacer assembly is laid atop each succeeding layer of trays and the tray corners are compressed a predetermined amount until the pads in a vertical column are in contact, whereby the pads bear the load of the trays stacked thereabove.

Abstract: A tray for packaging fruit comprising a base and converging side walls, is provided with a wide rim at its upper side, said rim being integral with a suspending ledge, while a support can be pushed through an opening in the rim at the corners of the tray and a staggered part of the support fits the ledge, the support also being fixed by cams at the base of the tray.

Abstract: A member for protectively supporting and spacing a plurality of rolls of web material such as cellophane in a multi-layer stack is formed as an elongated bar. The bar has a plurality of spaced indentations along at least one elongated surface for receiving the rolls of the stack. The bar is formed with sufficient flexibility to permit a limited, relative movement among the rolls of the stack. This provides a high degree of protection to the rolls. At the same time, the bar has sufficient strength to prevent crushing of the stack. The bar may be formed of expanded polystyrene foam and, preferably, is formed to embrace the ends of the rolls for protective purposes.

Abstract: An anchor member for unitizing a plurality of containers arranged in laterally adjacent and superimposed relationship, the anchor member including a flat body having a single wall portion extending therefrom transversely of one face of the flat body and adapted to be positioned in the space between laterally adjacent containers, and pins or teeth extending from both faces of the body for grippingly engaging the walls of adjacent and superimposed containers.

Abstract: A surgical accessory equipment housing having mounting pads at the lower corners which permit stacking of a plurality of such housings by serving as a non-slip support for the bottom housing and as an interlocked spacer between the stacked housings. Each pad has a right angular foot which engages the upper corner of a subjacent housing with spacer ribs disposed between the housings. The bottom housing rests on a flat surface, supported by the four feet of its mounting pads.

Abstract: Separable container compartments for liquids and solids are separably joined to form a composite unit of a plurality of independently closed container compartments. After the selective separation of one of the compartments from the composite, it may be opened by use of the opening means that is associated therewith.

Abstract: A storage tray assembly comprising at least two separate trays of rectangular form together with at least two pairs of sidewall members which are of similar form and of L-shaped configuration, said sidewall members being arranged so that their lower portions can engage the upper part of one tray and their upper portions can engage the lower part of another tray so as to connect said trays together in a vertically spaced relationship, each tray having in its upper surface slot means which extend along each of two opposite lateral sides of the tray and at least partially along one of the other sides so as to be adapted to receive the lower portions of two of said L-shaped sidewall members, and having in its lower surface further slot means which extend along each of said two opposite lateral sides and at least partially along each of the other two sides so as to be adapted to receive the upper portions of two further L-shaped sidewall members so that a tray can be disposed relative to the pair of sidewall membe

Abstract: Collapsible produce containers are described which have many advantages over existing structures. One embodiment is directed to a produce basket which comprises a collapsible tray which can be folded flat and a handle which is releasably connected to the side walls of the tray when the latter is in its non-collapsed form. Another embodiment is directed to a stackable collapsible tote box primarily used for carrying a plurality of the containers of the first embodiment which has releasably joined cornerbrace members which include support surfaces for a similar tote box stacked thereon.

Abstract: A device for use in supporting lead-acid batteries in vertically spaced apart stacked relation and particularly for use with limited maintenance batteries of the type which include a pair of upwardly extending battery posts projecting through the battery cover and of the type not having vent caps or other devices extending above the surface of the top cover. The invention includes a spacer which is intended to be positioned between two vertically stacked batteries and to provide support for the upper battery. The battery stacking spacer is adjustable so that it can be used in connection with batteries having various sizes and different dimensions between the battery terminal posts.

Abstract: A can carrier which is reusable and is injection molded of plastics material, the can carrier being in the form of a sheet having projecting from opposite surfaces thereof circumferentially spaced arcuate flange segments, each flange segment defining a socket receiving the double seam or chime of a can and interlocking the same with the can carrier. The flange arrangement on opposite sides of the sheet being in alignment with the flange segments on each side of the sheet being aligned with the spaces between flange segments on the opposite sides of the sheet.

Abstract: A plastic packaging product is disclosed. In its final form it can be used in packaging to locate, separate and suspend items to be packaged. The packaging product comprises a plurality of extruded members in one direction linked with a plurality of extruded members in a transverse direction.

Abstract: A combination brush holder and can connector including a holder for brushes, such as paint brushes, which is supported for vertical adjustment on a connector by means of which two cans, such as paint cans of conventional construction, are coupled together in sealing engagement with the cans arranged in vertically stacked, inverted relationship with the holder supporting the brush within the interior of the cans so that the brush bristles are immersed in the paint at any level contained in the bottom can.

Abstract: Means for mounting and securing a plurality of load bearing members to a loading platform including the stacking and locking of said members in various configurations thereupon.

Abstract: A returnable packaging system provides product protection in a simplified, low cost design. The packaging system includes a conventional pallet structure having an upper surface covered by a protective sheet. A plurality of parts are layered between a plurality of trays, the trays being identical to one another. The trays preferably generally are planar, being constructed from relatively thin sheets having receptacles formed on opposed sides of the sheets. The receptacles have a silhouette designed to receive a portion of the parts carried by the trays. The bottom tray of a second part layer serves as the cover for a first part layer so that an interlocked structure results which prevents horizontal movement of the individual parts. The layered assembly is encapsulated in a heat shrinkable cover. When shrunk, the cover holds the entire system in a stable integral package condition. The cover is removed when the parts are used.

Abstract: A substantially flat anchor member for positioning at the juncture between a plurality of containers for enabling the same to be moved as a unit. Wall means depending from the anchor member fit between the containers and cleats extending from the body of the anchor member penetrate adjacent containers to secure the same together. Cleats extending from the opposite face of the anchor member body penetrate the bottom of a container or containers placed on top of the anchor member. For open tray type containers used in shipping bottles, cans, etc., complemental retaining wall means extending from the opposite face of the anchor member engage the top of a bottle or can in the tray, thereby holding adjacent trays together.

Abstract: A shipping, storage and handling device for commercial magnetic tape furnished by the manufacturer as windings convoluted about the periphery of flat annular cores or spools, comprising a unit, such units being referred to as "pancakes" in the trade. The device comprises a flat annular base portion having a plurality of upstanding pins and a like plurality of through openings, the pins and openings being symmetrically arranged about a common concentric circle so that, upon vertical stacking of the devices, the pins of each lower device will be received within the openings of the next successive device.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a combination of plastic clips, stack of berry basket trays and paperboard dust cover secured thereby. The clip is constructed of plastics material, adapted to secure together, in a stack, a number of berry box trays, all of the general type disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,750,936 and Re. 26,386, the clips being adapted to operate at certain times as handles, and at others to coact with the paperboard dust cover to releasably bind the latter in a secure manner onto the top tray of a stack of such trays.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a clip, constructed of plastics material, adapted to secure together, in a stack, a number of berry box trays, all of the general type disclosed in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,750,936, the clips being adapted to operate at certain times as a handle, and at others to coact with a paperboard dust cover sheet to releasably bind the latter in a secure manner onto the top tray of a stack of such trays.

Abstract: A plurality of trays of substantially similar outline are stacked above each other. At least two elongated guide rods or posts are located at opposite sides of the carrier trays and extend perpendicularly through the trays, the guide posts being formed with folding joints, each, to permit folding them over when the trays are stacked tightly against each other, to serve as a carrying handle, while, upon erection, permit the trays to be slid vertically, with clearance, for access to the contents of the trays; the top tray is formed with a lock, engaging the upright posts to lock the top tray in position, when the posts are erected, the lock preferably including a spring-loaded, notched finger engaging a cross element or cross bar on the respective posts, which cross bar can hook into a locking eye on the topmost tray to lock the handles in position when folded, so that they can serve as a carrying handle for the entire tray assembly.