Closure Carried Gasket And Expander Means Patents (Class 220/234)
  • Patent number: 5862934
    Abstract: Packaging system for liquid reagents in which two or more vessels with holding areas are combined by pressing a plug-on plate onto the holding areas of the vessels. For this purpose the plug-on plate has two or more apertures the cross-section of which essentially corresponds to the cross-section of the holding areas of the vessels. Plug-on plate and/or holding areas of the vessels can have stop elements which, after the combination, hinder the separation vessels and plug-on plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Sattler, Albert Wohland, Hermann Erb
  • Patent number: 5845790
    Abstract: Apparatus for interconnecting a plurality of articles includes a connecting member having a circular walled periphery, a portion of which is selectively engaged by at least one arcuate slotted portion provided on each of the articles to provide interconnection therebetween. The arcuate slot matches the curvature and thickness of the connecting member. According to the invention, a plurality of connecting members can interconnect a variable number of articles to create expandable planar arrangements which can also be secured to a mounting surface, such as a wall or table-top. In a preferable embodiment, the articles and connecting members can also be stacked one upon another to form an expandable vertical arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Smith Tool & Die, Inc.
    Inventor: Aron J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5823391
    Abstract: A dual chamber flexible tube dispensing package is formed by providing a pair of plastic parisons, blow molding each parison to form a tube having a rigid finish, a shoulder adjacent the finish and a flexible body extending from the shoulder with a closed lower end; each tube having a generally D-shaped cross section throughout the finish, shoulder and body; each tube having an arcuate wall and a generally flat wall; and bringing the flat walls into abutting relationship. Each tube has a thread such that when the flat walls are in abutting relation, the thread on one tube form continuous thread with the thread of the other tube. In another form of dual chamber dispensing package, each tube has a plurality of vertically spaced integral ribs which extend transversely. The ribs on is one tube are staggered relative to the ribs on the other tube so that when the tubes are brought into engagement, the ribs on one tube engage the ribs on the other tube and the shoulders are in abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Christian W. Klauke, Igor F. Beaufils
  • Patent number: 5819936
    Abstract: A cylindrical container for containing a film cassette includes a bottom surface having a pair of radially extending rib members for engaging with a centering apparatus. According to the invention, the radially extending members are diametrically opposed to one another to reduce axial misalignment of the container when it is being centered on the centering apparatus. The centering apparatus includes a pair of restricting elements which engage the rib members when the container is mounted to the apparatus and which more accurately locate the container to a predetermined radial location due to the engagement of each restricting element with each of the rib members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Alex Saveliev, Victoria Lynn Decker, Michael William Didas
  • Patent number: 5810187
    Abstract: A drawer organizer assembly including a plurality of releasably interlocked juxtaposed containers, each container having a bottom wall and a plurality of interconnected side walls open at the top. A peripheral ledge surrounds each open top having a plurality of spaced corners, each ledge having an cut-out section at each of the corners with one ledge of one container abutting against the ledge of an adjacent container. A plurality of connectors are disposed in certain ones of the cut-out sections, the connectors mounted in the cut-out sections of one container which abuts against adjacent cut-out sections of another container being connected to both of the containers at the abutting cut-out sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Barbara D. Arner
    Inventor: Cooper C. Woodring
  • Patent number: 5810192
    Abstract: A device for storing empty soda pop cans or the like includes an elongated assembly defined by a plurality of interlocking and interconnectable sections which may be suspended from a stairway banister or the like. A flap or cover closes off each end of the device to prevent unwanted ejection of any containers stored therewithin. The container may include a locking member for interconnecting the device to a similar type of device in a depending manner therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Gail L. Cruz
  • Patent number: 5782358
    Abstract: A cubic plastic container has a cylindrical neck formed centrally in its top defining a mouth for the container. The top of the neck is provided with a collar capable of receiving a snap fitting cap. The container also has circular recesses formed centrally in its bottom and two opposing sides. The recesses are sized to snuggly, but releasably, receive the neck of another such container so that the two containers may be coupled by the engagement of the collar of one container with the sidewall of the recess of the other container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Walker
  • Patent number: 5779085
    Abstract: This invention is a new device that can be used to plug perforations in materials. This plug comprises a cylinder plug with a tapered bore partially extending through the plug from one end. A cylinder pin that is tapered substantially the same as the plug will fit in the plug after installation is complete. A shear flange surrounds the pin so that when the pin is installed in the plug, the shear flange is against a plug flange. The pin is adhered to the plug by means such as a thin layer of epoxy or glue which allows the pin and plug to be handled as a single component. The pin is designed so that while in this position, there is no significant radial expansion of the plug. The pin has a pattern of holes or grooves that extend the entire length of the pin in order to allow for the expansion of any trapped fluids in the bore of the plug. The pin can have a groove along the outer diameter to allow for easier handling of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventors: Kenneth Havlinek, Michele Tesciuba, Thomas D. MacDougall
  • Patent number: 5779035
    Abstract: A multi-purpose container (10) is provided. The container has a lid (14) having an edge (60) and a ridge (54) rising from a top surface of the lid (14). The multi-purpose container also has a container portion (12) defining an opening (25) for the container (10). The container portion (12) includes a base (16) having a recess (82) defined in one surface (80) of the base (16). The container portion also includes first (22) and second (24) sides joined to the other surface of the base (16). Each side (22 & 24) has a lid channel (48) along a top inside edge (46) for receiving the lid's edge. The back (18) is joined to the base (16) and sides (22 & 24) and has a back ridge (72) rising from an outside surface (70) and a lid channel (61) along its top inside edge for receiving the lid's edge. The container portion (12) also includes a front (20) joined to the base (16) and sides (22 & 24) and has a front ridge (28) rising from its outside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: John C. Marrelli
    Inventors: John C. Marrelli, Gary L. Rutledge
  • Patent number: 5772038
    Abstract: A parts transporting tray (1) has a rectangular body, a plurality of parts receiving pits (6) formed in the upper face of the body, rows of detention means (2) each formed along one of perimeters of the body such that the adjacent trays can engage one with another, and a locking means (5) for keeping engaged the detention means of the adjacent trays. Each row consists of an upper and lower series of recesses (3) and protrusions (4) alternating one another at a constant pitch and being of a half thickness of the body. The protrusions on one perimeter are staggered with respect to those on the other perimeter, and each protrusion having a hooking portion (4a) facing transverse sides of the tray's body. The protrusions on one tray can loosely fit in the recesses on the other tray, and the trays are caused to slide relatively so that the protrusions on the neighboring trays engage with the recesses when a desired number of the trays are disintegratively connected one to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignees: Gold Industries Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kentaro Murata, Noriho Matsuzoe, Takao Emoto, Hisayoshi Kunii
  • Patent number: 5767433
    Abstract: A holder for feeding components, such as primers or bullets, into a reloading machine is disclosed. The component holder is an elongate strip having notched longitudinal margins for indexing the strip as it progresses through the reloading machine. The strip includes a plurality of receptacles for holding components. Each receptacle has an inner surface that is a combination of a cylindrical portion, a prismatical portion, and a transition portion which cooperate to allow easy loading of the component into the strip and which firmly holds the component in place. The holder also includes an engagement portion so that successive holders may be ganged together to provide a continuous component holder for continuous reloading operations. A tape is applied to at least one side of the holder to cover the component held therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene F. Bill, Fred B. Blodgett, Arthur F. Peters, Kurt Ranft, Lester V. Rodrigues, Ronald L. Smith, Donald A. Zuck
  • Patent number: 5743400
    Abstract: A carrying and/or uniting device (1), designed for mainly parallelepiped-shaped packages (4), having outer fastening tapes (8), provided with glue and designed to fasten the device onto a set of packages (49). The device is subdivided into plurality of longitudinal or horizontal sections (12, 14), which are separated from each other by means of folding indications, designed as perforations or the like and/or tearing-off tapes or the like (11, 16, 18). At least one of these sections is provided with one or several recesses (13) with a carrying and/or information function. The device is close to the tearing-off indication provided with transverse perforations (9) for dividing up and consequently detaching separate packages from a set of packages, which are united by a device. In accordance with the invention the applied device with the carrying function has a rhomboidal open shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Dalwell AB
    Inventors: Finn R. Hansen, Bjorn Bjorge
  • Patent number: 5740947
    Abstract: A dual compartment pump dispenser is provided which includes a first and second container with a pair of independent pump mechanisms each for emptying product through a respective dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzles have openings oriented in a direction at least 60.degree. apart from one another, preferably 180.degree. apart. Different compositions are intended to be stored in each container for sequential rather than simultaneous use. The containers are joined along a sinusoidal curvilinear surface having complementary mating elongated recesses and ridges. A collar and base cup fasten the containers together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Michael Flaig, James Lynn Turbett, Peter Bertolini
  • Patent number: 5735422
    Abstract: A molded thermoplastic multiple part container having a plurality of individual containers arranged about a central longitudinal axis to form fractional portions of the multiple part container and locking structure integral with the sidewalls of each individual container for locking together the individual containers about the central longitudinal axis to form a unitary multiple part container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Randolph K. Binter
  • Patent number: 5720406
    Abstract: A throwaway arrangement of reaction containers each having the same shape and dimensions for bringing about temperature cycles in a liquid mixture contained within the reaction containers. Each reaction container having a first conical wall region, and a second cylindrical wall region which at one end forms the opening of the reaction container. The thickness of the first wall region is less than the thickness of the second wall region. The opening of the reaction container is adapted to receive a cover for closing the container in gas-tight manner when placed on the opening of the reaction container. To facilitate handling and access to the liquids in the reaction containers, the arrangement reaction containers is annular, and the closure of each reaction container can be pierced by a pipetting needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Fassbind, Emanuele Japichino
  • Patent number: 5715948
    Abstract: A CD rack includes at least two parts and each of the two parts has four connections, a first connection, a second connection, a third connection and a fourth connection. Each of the connections has a first tube extending upwardly therefrom and each of the first tubes has an inserting portion extending downwardly therefrom so that the inserting portions of one part are sized to be received in the first tubes of another part. The first connection and the second connection are located on one of two sides of the respective part and the third connection and the fourth connection are located on the other side of the respective part. Each of the first connection and the second connection has a second tube extending laterally from the respective first tube thereof and each of the third connection and the fourth connection has a third tube extending laterally from the respective first tube thereof so that the third tubes in one part are sized to be received in the second tubes of another part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Chun-jen Hung
  • Patent number: 5713499
    Abstract: A device for attaching a smaller container to a larger container which comprises of a base, two vertical hooks at appropriate angle to the base to hold and attach the smaller container to the side of the larger container, two adjustable hooks to hold the smaller container in place, and two legs to support the weight of the smaller container and the device, keep it in place on the side of the larger container and help to keep the smaller container away from the larger container when it detaches from the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: John Thazhamana Daniel
  • Patent number: 5706970
    Abstract: For fastening an equalizing tank of plastic material on a water tank made of plastic material, a three-point or multipoint mating connection is provided. The multipoint mating connection is joined together in the horizontal direction and includes a mating point situated in the region of an end wall of the equalizing tank and two or more mating points which are situated at a distance therefrom and from one another, preferably in the region of the bottom of the equalizing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: BEHR GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Helmut Dobler, Siegfried Jenz
  • Patent number: 5704625
    Abstract: A carrier including a platform body for supporting a refuse container having a base, first and second side walls and a generally tapered front wall; and including interlocking members which assist in securing together the carrier and a like carrier, wherein the interlocking members may be separated in response to pressure on a foot pedal secured to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Presnell, Carl R. Schulz, Robert J. Tokash, Brett Severance, Joel Wittkamp
  • Patent number: 5702017
    Abstract: Combination of a row of containers and a strip of caps, each of the containers and caps being respectively joined by breakable links allowing the joined strip of caps to be placed on necks of the joined row of containers by a translational movement parallel to axes of the containers. Click-fasteners are provided on the container necks to interact with complementary click-fasteners formed on the caps. The caps close the containers in a leaktight fashion when snapped into place. The links between each container/cap combination can then be broken to separate each container/cap assembly from the other container/cap assemblies. The click-fasteners also allow each cap to be removed from the corresponding container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Antonin Goncalves
  • Patent number: 5692626
    Abstract: An integral dual compartment container includes a pair of container bodies positioned back-to-back relative to one another. Each of the container bodies includes respective upper and lower container body portions. The upper body portions each has an opening and is asymmetrically disposed relative to the respective lower container body portions thereof. A handle spans the upper container body portions so as to establish a generally rectangular space therebelow. A pair of generally vertically oriented attachment flanges integrally attach a respective end of the handle to the upper container body portion, while a generally vertically oriented connecting flange extends continuously between the opposed rear walls of the container bodies and connects them in a back-to-back relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Wehrle, Neil P. Stapensea, Douglas J. Mattson, Ted E. Piatt, Joseph P. Quinn
  • Patent number: 5692431
    Abstract: A bread baking pan and complementary protective carrier. The pan has edge flanges that enter complementary recesses at the edges of the carrier, and which serve to protect the user from injury by the edges of the pans. The carrier eliminates any air zones defined between the base of the pan and a corresponding face of the carrier, one embodiment of the carrier being fabricated from wire, and another embodiment providing face to face contact between the base of the carrier and the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Mackies (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Arthur Herring
  • Patent number: 5690245
    Abstract: A food tray comprising a frame having a plurality of apertures therein. The apertures generally correspond to the configuration of the respective food container to be engaged therein. Each food container has a pair of parallel ridges extending about its perimeter so as to present a slot therebetween. The slot of each container engages the portions of the frame which define each aperture. Each food container is thus releasably engageable with the frame. The tray enables a plurality of initially separate containers to be separately heated and/or chilled prior to releasable engagement with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Donald E. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5687895
    Abstract: An interlocking arrangement of storage boxes in the rear section of a passenger vehicle such as a sport utility vehicle. The arrangement preferably includes at least three storage boxes. Two of the boxes are respectively secured to the side walls of the vehicle. These side boxes are spaced from each other and the third box is slidably receivable between them. In the preferred embodiment, the third box has lips on its sides that respectively interlock with lips on the two side boxes to prevent the third box from being removed by lifting it upwardly between the two side boxes. Forward stops on the side boxes prevent the third box from being moved forwardly beyond the side boxes and the vehicle's tailgate in its closed position serves to prevent the third box from being moved rearwardly out of the vehicle. In this manner and with the tailgate in its locked, closed position, the three interlocking storage boxes are securely held in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory P. Allison, Dallas L. Vernon
  • Patent number: 5669519
    Abstract: A two container assembly comprises a first container for containing a fluid and a second container for containing a fluid. The first container has a handle and a handle opening, and the second container has a resilient sidewall, a top end and a bottom end. The second container is dimensioned to fit into the handle opening of the first container. The two container assembly has a means for snap-fitting the second container into the handle opening or frictionally engaging the second container in the handle opening. The means for snap-fitting preferably comprises a concave portion in the resilient sidewall of the second container. The concave portion has a shape that mates with a convex shaped portion of the handle. For example, the handle may have an oval cross-section. Also, the second container has a top-to-bottom axis which is substantially perpendicular to a top-to-bottom axis of the first container when the second container is located in the handle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert R. Notz, Jerome P. Cappel, Gregory A. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5667136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an object collector for collecting objects in a plurality of containers, which comprises a tank body, an inlet device, a guiding device, a receiving device, and a collecting device. The tank body has a top inlet opening. The inlet device comprises a swinging plate which is pivotally and rotatably mounted, above the top inlet opening, to the upper portion of the tank body by means of a mounting device. The container and the objects thereon, which are placed on the swinging plate, may fall down from the swung down swinging plate due to the weight of the container and the objects. The guiding device comprises at least two guide rails which are mounted and extended from one side of the upper portion of the tank body toward the opposing side of the lower portion of the tank body for guiding the falling down container to slide down and toss over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignees: Shirley Chen, Therese Chen
    Inventor: Walter Chen
  • Patent number: 5664696
    Abstract: A battery of reservoirs for storing fuel, gas, contaminants and/or fluids, including external means for structurally protecting the tanks and providing stability to protect the surrounding environment from fluid leaks. The external means comprise a plurality of two-tiered containers, each sealed off below and all around its sides by a wall the inner surface of which is covered by a membrane of a impermeable and chemically resistent material. A concrete lid seals each tank and has at least one orifice communicating with the load inlet of the corresponding tank. The walls of the container have at least one orifice through which a respective pipe passes for dispensing fuel and means for coupling slings for hoisting and lowering the container. Such coupling means are later used for attaching deadweights after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Jose Luis Martinez Canga
  • Patent number: 5655658
    Abstract: A cylindrical container for containing a film cassette includes a bottom surface having a pair of radially extending rib members for engaging with a centering apparatus. According to the invention, the radially extending members are diametrically opposed to one another to reduce axial misalignment of the container when it is being centered on the centering apparatus. The centering apparatus includes a pair of restricting elements which engage the rib members when the container is mounted to the apparatus and which more accurately locate the container to a predetermined radial location due to the engagement of each restricting element with each of the rib members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Alex Saveliev, Victoria Lynn Decker, Michael William Didas
  • Patent number: 5651523
    Abstract: A system for supporting at least one article, comprising an article support member and a base support member for supporting a base member of the article support. The article support comprises a member comprising a first end including a base member projecting therefrom, and a second end including an article support portion capable of supporting at least one article. The base support member comprises a wall which defines a cavity for receiving a portion of the base member projecting from the first portion of the member. Further, the cavity is provided with a protrusion. Preferably, the base support member comprises a cupholder in an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Aladdin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Bridges
  • Patent number: 5649638
    Abstract: A device for joining a first face of a first container to a second face of a second container, in which the first face and the second face are alignable along a longitudinal axis, includes a plurality of hooks and a hook receiving portion. The plurality of hooks are spaced around a periphery of the first face of the first container. The hooks have tips and are movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The hook receiving portion is disposed around a periphery of the second face of the second container. The hook receiving portion includes a groove shaped to receive the tips of the hooks so that the first container can be joined to the second container. As a result, the device permits two containers to be joined securely yet disassembled quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Richard Roy, Marie-Christine Paris
  • Patent number: 5649624
    Abstract: A self-hanging and self-engaging display package includes a rear panel having an aperture formed therein and a front panel having an integrally formed tab. A plurality of display packages form a display package system for automatically forming a chain of a plurality of self-hanging display packages. The tab of a first display package releasably engages the aperture of a second adjacent display package as the first display package is pulled out of the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Fiskars Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Seaton
  • Patent number: 5638974
    Abstract: The invention relates to small container (2.1, 2.2), in particular of plastic, including at least one cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical section with a means (16.1a to c, 16.2a and b, 18.2a and b) located in the region of cylindrical peripheral area of this section for producing a form-locked slide-insertion-connection with at least one further such small container. The invention is characterized in that the container is rollable in the peripheral direction perpendicular to the insertion direction with its means (16.1a to c, 16.2a and b, 18.2a and b) for producing the slide-insertion-connection on a similarly formed means (16.1a to 16c, 16.2a and b, 18.2a and b) of a further such small container and is always held in a form-locked manner in the radial direction during this rolling movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Ferrero offene Handelsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Horst Mann
  • Patent number: 5617953
    Abstract: A stack of containers is formed from a container system. The system includes a plurality of open-topped containers each adapted to be selectively stackable or nestable with like containers. First containers are of relatively large plan. Second containers are of smaller plan. Thus, large containers can stack or nest with large containers. Small containers can stack or nest with small containers. Additionally, small containers are adapted to allow two smaller containers to form a layer in the stack which includes at least one larger container. The smaller containers are supported at the edges of the large container and reach toward the middle, where they engage one another to form a locked cantilever-style bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: McKechnie UK Limited
    Inventor: Andrew C. Cope
  • Patent number: 5611206
    Abstract: A butter storing and conditioning device which maintains butter at a desired temperature to keep the butter cool enough not to melt and warm enough to easily spread. The device includes a housing which covers the butter while placed upon a butter dish resting on a counter or table top. Heating and cooling means are provided for heating or cooling the air to maintain the butter at the desired temperature. In one embodiment, an air duct is formed by the housing and a fan for circulating air through the housing and past the butter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Charles L. Sargent
  • Patent number: 5597219
    Abstract: A box-shaped container for temporary storage of filled or empty cigarette trays defines a plurality of compartments for temporary storage of a set of trays. The compartments have open front sides for introduction or extraction of trays and at least partially open undersides to permit evacuation of tobacco particles and/or other solid particulate matter. The container is provided with pairs of tracks at the lower portions of upright or sloping partitions which flank the compartments, which extend to an upright rear wall of the container, and which are overlapped by a horizontal top wall of the container. The latter is or can be designed in such a way that the contents of filled trays in the compartments are at least substantially sealed from the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Matthias Horn, Peter Kageler, Christian Kreusch
  • Patent number: 5597114
    Abstract: A product display and delivery system comprising modular, disposable, product-filled cartridges fitted with a plurality of external fastener devices, positioned in a unique arrangement, which enables the cartridges to be releasably joined in a plurality of different orientations relative to one another, including orientations in which a cartridge is rotated 180 degrees relative to the other cartridges of the product display. The positioning of the fastener devices also enables the releasable joining of cartridges having different depths and the releasable joining of cartridges to a stabilizing system which extends beneath a first row of cartridges to reduce movement of the cartridges relative to a surface on which the cartridges rest. In accordance with a preferred apparatus, each cartridge is created from two elongated, rectangular, interlocking sleeves positioned with the first sleeve residing inside the second sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventors: Armand J. Kramedjian, Terrance F. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5595294
    Abstract: The present invention provides a modular bit holder which stores and displays a single bit, and can be linked with other such bit holders to form a variable set. A bit is inserted in one end of the holder and is held in place by a flange. To remove the bit, a second bit is forced into the holder, displacing the first bit to a holding position from which it can be removed. Each holder has means along either side of it to removably attach it in side-by-side fashion to another similar holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventors: Archibald M. McKenzie, Paul D. McKenzie, Robert Suter
  • Patent number: 5576214
    Abstract: An array of tips is disclosed for multiple loading onto plural aspirators, wherein the array comprises columns of tips temporarily joined together within and between columns, at discontinuously spaced junctions. The array is moved along in tracks spaced so as to diverge when tip columns are to be broken out of the array. Each track ends in a step-down ledge that allows an aspirator to punch an engaged tip out of its column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5562047
    Abstract: A spill deck module includes a substantially planar bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls and a pair of opposing end walls which form an interior chamber. Each side wall and end wall includes an aperture allowing fluid communication between adjacent modules. Initially, the side wall and end wall apertures are closed by a removable sealing assembly. When a number of modules are desired to be arranged to form a composite spill deck, the sealing assemblies in adjacent modules are removed and replaced with module connection assemblies allowing fluid transfer between adjacent modules. A deck grating either rests on the bottom surface of the spill deck or rests on top of ribs provided in each module. The grating forms a continuous spill deck for support of containers of hazardous or non-hazardous liquid materials in various configurations using different combinations of the spill decks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: New Pig Corporation
    Inventors: Frank G. Forney, Matthew J. Huff, Mark Shaw, Robert J. Starr
  • Patent number: 5544969
    Abstract: A module is sandwiched between an underlying member and a superimposed enclosure. The underlying member may be a base or another enclosure. The module is constructed so that it can be secured to the underlying member. The superimposed member has feet formed with horizontal grooves which fit into pockets in corners of the module. A slide is horizontally movable in the module between retracted position and an operative position. In the operative position edges of the slide engage in the grooves in the feet to lock the superimposed enclosure to the module and thereby to the underlying member. The slide may be detachably secured in operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Ammon, John C. Nuttall
  • Patent number: 5544499
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a plurality of yarn storage containers which receive skeins of different yarns which are to be interwoven to form a pattern in a knitted garment or article. The yarn containers include a removable top which contains a yarn outlet guide hole. The storage containers are mounted vertically on a horizontal base which has an upper plate that rotates and a lower plate that rests on the floor. About the periphery of the upper plate there are manually actuated turn pedals which may be operated by the foot or hand. As a garment or article is manually knitted, using different yarns in the pattern, the different yarns are twisted about each other forming unmanageable tangles as each leaves its skein due to the necessary manipulation of the yarns on the knitting needles. In use, this apparatus may be rotated manually in relation to the knitting procedure to obviate the formation of tangles in the yarns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Linda W. Boggs
  • Patent number: 5544778
    Abstract: Combination of a row of containers and a strip of caps, each of the containers and caps being respectively joined by breakable links allowing the joined strip of caps to be placed on necks of the joined row of containers by a translational movement parallel to axes of the containers. Click-fasteners are provided on the container necks to interact with complementary click-fasteners formed on the caps. The caps close the containers in a leaktight fashion when snapped into place. The links between each container/cap combination can then be broken to separate each container/cap assembly from the other container/cap assemblies. The click-fasteners also allow each cap to be removed from the corresponding container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Antonin Goncalves
  • Patent number: 5535889
    Abstract: A canteen includes a canteen body which confines a compartment for storing refreshments therein, a food container which has a container body that is mounted to a base of the canteen body and that confines a compartment for storing solid food therein, and a base plate that is mounted on an open bottom of the container body and that is formed with an access hole to access the compartment of the container body, and a cover plate which is mounted movably to the food container so as to cover selectively the access hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Shing Hong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bang H. Lin
  • Patent number: 5533667
    Abstract: Separable modular containers in the form of rectangular parallelepipeds are each formed from identical separate individual blanks of corrugated fiberboard or other sheet material, and include provision for separably securing at least two such containers together laterally. Each blank forms a separate, complete flat container adapted for lateral loading and to hold a single layer of canned goods or the like therein. Each container includes at least one specially formed connecting flap which is modified from one of the minor flaps of the container, which connecting flaps on two mating containers serve to secure opposite ends of the two containers together along adjacent sides. Another embodiment provides two connecting flaps per container, of which only one is needed for each container to be joined to a second container. Thus, the remaining connecting flaps may be used to connect additional containers in a multiple container flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: PERF-PAK
    Inventor: Gregory Gale
  • Patent number: 5524760
    Abstract: An apparatus for interlocking the top layer of corrugated cardboard cartons in a palletized load of said cartons while also providing edge protection, load containment, a flat even surface to stack additional palletized loads upon, and the ability to stack palletized units of boxed product while not damaging the stacking tabs used in produce corrugated cardboard carton designs. The apparatus has two sides at substantially right angles to each other that meet to form an edge. Material is removed from at least one side to create a plurality of slots for receiving the stacking tabs in the tops of the corrugated cardboard cartons. The apparatus is placed on the edge of the upper layer of cartons on a palletized load to interlock the cartons for greater load stability and to reduce load failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Laminations Corporation
    Inventor: Lyn Funk
  • Patent number: 5520279
    Abstract: A compact disk carrying container comprising: an upper cover having left and right side walls each formed with a plurality of inwardly extending flanges at a lower edge and a projection close to a rear end; and a lower cover having a left side and a right side walls each formed with an upper groove and a lower groove, said upper groove being provided with a protuberance adapted to engage the projection of said upper cover while said lower groove being adapted to receive the flanges of said upper cover thereby enabling said upper cover to slide with respect to said lower cover, said lower cover being formed at a center with a retainer for keeping a compact disk in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Shih-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 5520307
    Abstract: A medication dispenser cap and container comprises a base connected to the container and including a non-circular, for example polygonal, indication portion with multiple points or nodes. A cover which also has a non-circular shape is rotatably mounted to the base and moveable into aligned closed position with the base. The base includes multiple openings around its periphery and the cover includes one opening which can be aligned with one of the base openings to dispense medication, for example pills, from the container. The openings are aligned only when the cover is offset with respect to the base. This exposes parts of the base which may carry indicia that indicate when the dosage should be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Ronee Miller
    Inventors: Ronee Miller, Anna Freed
  • Patent number: 5518112
    Abstract: A software disk holder holds in a coupled state a plurality of software disk cases each having a case body and a lid such that the lid of each case can be opened and closed. Holder plates are each interposed between an upper and a lower software disk case. Each plate has upper case coupling structure to be coupled to the case body of an upper software disk case and lower case coupling structure to be coupled to the lid of a lower software disk case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Hatakeyama Seisakusho CO., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masuo Ono, Shigeo Sano
  • Patent number: 5503288
    Abstract: A container for small objects, with mutual coupling elements, comprising a first and a second half-shells which can be mutually coupled to form a container for removably accommodating small objects. Furthermore, on at least one of the half-shells, engagement elements are provided for coupling with engagement elements formed on the half-shell of an adjacent container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Luigi Conconi
  • Patent number: 5497902
    Abstract: A thermally insulated beverage mug with detachable pouch comprising a shell having a bottom wall, a tubular side wall coupled to the bottom wall and extended upwards therefrom to define a hollow interior and an opening for allowing access thereto; an insulating liner having a bottom wall, a tubular side wall coupled to the bottom wall and extended upwards therefrom to define a hollow interior adapted for receiving a beverage can and an opening for allowing access thereto for placing the beverage can therein and with the liner disposed within the interior of the shell; a handle for allowing a user a rim grip; a handle coupling mechanism for removably coupling the handle to the shell; a pouch for holding miscellaneous items therein; and a pouch coupling mechanism for removably coupling the pouch to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Gary H. Crock