Abstract: A package insert between two layers of articles comprises a rigid plate formed with openings spanned by at least one and preferably two flexible and advantageously elastic films which are deformed when upper articles are stacked on lower articles through the openings to nest the articles in place.

Abstract: A container for the freezing and compact storage of foodstuffs prepared in large batches is provided with a rectangular open top with two or more transverse pockets in the bottom to provide maximum exposure of the contents to a cooling medium. The spaces between the pockets are greater than the size of the pockets themselves and a space is reserved at one end of the bottom so that when frozen one container may be inverted and also turned end-for-end to enable another container to be stacked upon it in upright position overall vertical alignment. Portions of the side walls are spatially offset so that the line of demarcation between the two wall areas provide for expansion of the walls as a whole to resist "doming" of the frozen contents.

Abstract: A multiple container package includes four containers which each have a polyhedral body portion with an elongated neck portion. The body portion of each container has lateral polygonal side walls, spaced apart front and rear walls a top shoulder and bottom wall. A recess which is perpendicular to the neck extends either in the front wall or the rear wall and receives the neck of an adjacent container. Four containers can be mated together to form a package having a polyhedron volume with the volume being substantially filled by the containers.

Abstract: The food carrier assembly comprises a container for holding a food product with a structure for grasping the container to support the container while transporting the assembly. A handle mechanism is disposed on the grasping section for carrying the container as a compact carrier assembly for the good product. A specific feature of the invention has the container shaped as a pan to receive a plurality of cupcakes. A lid portion on the container has a structural configuration for stacking a second container on top of the lid portion to provide an upper and lower container. The handle structure includes a hand gripping portion with coupling members located at each end thereof for attaching to the grasping configuration on a plurality of stacked containers.

Abstract: A core barrel hole plug. A plug body sized to easily fit the hole to be plugged is slidably attached to a flange sized larger than the hole to limit the movement of the plug body into the hole. A rectangular bore at the inner end of the plug body has a pair of pawls pivotally mounted therein which are moveable between retracted and extended positions for releasing or locking the plug in position. An actuator screw is threadably engaged through a cylindrical bore in the plug body and in communication with the rectangular bore where a cam on the actuator screw causes movement of the pawls between the release and locking positions. The flange and screw are adapted to receive a remotely operated tool for remote operation of the assembly.

Abstract: A transport and storage container for artillery shells and other projectiles has a base member and cover each of molded plastic rectangular box-like form defining four (4) projectile compartments. The base member has supporting hardware including a vertical central tube, hoop frames around the exterior of the base member and transverse connecting rods between the central tube and the hoop frames. Corner recesses in the base member provide access to the respective corner portions of the hoop frames allowing the corner portions to be used as attachment and lifting points so that containers can be coupled together in groups. The cover is attached to the base member via a central latch rod which threads into the central base member tube. A projectile self-latching mechanism is provided in each projectile compartment of the base member.

Abstract: A container replacing a 55-gallon drum is substantially elongate rectangular with a length and width equal to or greater than its height to present a low center of gravity. An upstanding lip on a top wall and a depending lip on a bottom wall rest within one another to prevent lateral shifting of stacked containers. The lips have pairs of registered notches along all four sides to facilitate fork lifting from any side. The bottom depending lip spaces the bottom wall of the container from a floor to create a space for receiving the lift truck tines thereunder. The nesting depending and upstanding lips likewise create a space between stacked containers for receiving the lift truck tines therebetween. Openings in the top wall and both end walls provide access to the internal storage chamber, and the openings are protected from damage by overhanging top and bottom walls and the upstanding lip. The upstanding lip also includes perforations for lifting the container with such as rope, slings or chains from above.

Abstract: An integrally molded storage receptacle having sidewalls which taper slightly from front to back to facilitate removal of the receptacle from the mold in which it is made. The receptacle also includes pairs of compensating ribs to enable it to be stacked on similarly constructed receptacles while maintaining vertical alignment. The receptacle also includes a transparent pivotable door.

Abstract: A case in which stacks of dough rising pans are held, the case being divided into vertical compartments for the stacks, an access opening on top of the case for placement of the pans thereinto, caster wheels under the case and handles on a side to pull the case and move it from place to place.

Abstract: A container package comprises a plurality of individual containers which each have a hollow polygonal body from which an elongated hollow neck extends. Each hollow body has side walls, a bottom wall and a top shoulder wall. A recess is provided either in the bottom wall or one of the side walls for receiving the neck of an adjacent container in the package. The containers are mated together and form a polyhedron. The containers may have interior volumes which are different from each other so that the containers contain different amounts of materials or may have identical volumes but be shaped differently from each other. At least one of the recesses may also contain a secondary container which, together with a neck of another container, substantially fill the recess.

Abstract: The interlocking environmental container allows milk, juice and various food containers to be saved for use as building blocks for such items as children's toys, lawn furniture or sheds. Tongue and groove construction of one pair of opposing sides combined with top and bottom mounting means and special corner pieces allows the containers to be built into semi-rigid structures. The invention is both a retail marketing aid and a conservation aid. Plastic containers are preferred for the strongest building blocks, but any other container material can be used.

Abstract: Described is a tray-shaped packing container, particularly for containing components of a combination tool system or the like. The packing container may at the same time be used as a storage container, and may be combined with further containers of similar construction to form a packing and storage unit. To this purpose, the sidewalls and bottom of the packing container are formed of a shape-retaining material, the outer surfaces of at least two opposite sidewalls being provided with locking means for engagement with connecting elements employed for interconnecting stacked packing containers of the same type. Adjacent the sidewalls the bottom of the container is formed with a circumferentially extending recess dimensioned to receive the free upper edges of the sidewalls of a subjacent container. The packing container is finally provided with a transparent cover, so that no further packing materials are required.

Abstract: This invention defines an improved shipping-and-storage container unit for produce, more particularly the berry-type fruit such as strawberries. The container unit is formed having a basket-support tray in which a plurality of receptacles are formed to receive baskets therein. The container includes a peripheral frame member which provides an interlocking arrangement between containers when placed in a stacked mode, one above the other. The interlocking arrangement further includes a basket-securing means, whereby the baskets are secured as long as the peripheral frame member is mounted about the basket-support tray.

Abstract: A specimen tray apparatus is disclosed primarily for use in cell culture studies. The apparatus includes a tray and a plurality of individual cells in the form of specimen vessels which can be removably located in the tray. A lid is also provided for the tray and is physically identical therewith. Each vessel has a cover which is received in an opening in the lid when the tray and lid are assembled, so that pressure sensitive tape can then be used to releasably secure the covers to the lid while allowing one or more of the covers to be released when appropriate by peeling back the tape.

Abstract: The nestable case is generally box-shaped with four side walls and a base. The side walls include upper fixed wall portions that are rigidly joined together to define a mouth portion of the case. The side walls also include moveable wall portions that are hinged to corresponding foldable sections of the base. When the case is fully loaded with containers the moveable wall portions and foldable sections of the base are in an expanded limit position. When the case is emptied the moveable wall portions and the foldable sections of the base can be moved to a contracted condition, which permits nesting of similarly empty cases. Fully loaded cases in the expanded limit position can be stacked one upon the other or arranged in a pinwheel configuration. A further embodiment of the invention includes provision of a shield at corner clearance openings to protect bruising of any portions of the containers that project from the corner clearance opening.

Abstract: A tray-like container is disclosed having an open compartment for containing articles therein when shipped. The container includes a top surface with a first downwardly depending well defining a female element, and a second downwardly depending well within the compartment bottom, laterally offset with respect to said first well defining a male element. When formed into a display structure a base having an inclined top surface is employed. Within the inclined surface is disposed a well defining a female element engageable with the male element of a container stacked thereon. The nestable engagement of the male and female elements of stackably tiered containers engaged with the inclined base form a unitary display structure wherein the articles contained within each container are accessible.

Abstract: A small autoclave for bonding composite lenses comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel adapted to contain therein a lens tray for holding optical lenses aligned horizontally in a vertical array.

Abstract: A food serving tray has a hood shaped to define a generally planar upper surface along with a downwardly depending first marginal skirt. A generally planar lid has an upwardly projecting second marginal skirt that is bonded to the first skirt. A food support is also of generally planar shape and has a downwardly depending third marginal skirt that is bonded to an upwardly-projecting fourth marginal skirt of a likewise generally planar base. The lid is indexed so as to lie in mating relationship atop the support. A liner desirably covers the support.

Abstract: This invention discloses an improved container designed for shipping and storing fresh produce, particularly strawberries. The container includes a substantially rectangular basket-support tray in which a plurality of receptacles are formed to receive baskets therein. A peripheral frame member is fixedly secured to the basket-support tray and is positioned thereon to further define an interlocking arrangement between superposed containers so as to stabilize a group of containers when vertically stacked.

Abstract: Improved tray, suitable for packaging croissants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a system of containerized handling of fish onboard an ocean-going vessel. Fish are stored in closely stacking containers within the hold of the fishing vessel and are cyclically removed from within the hold to working positions on the deck of the vessel, where they are charged with fish and ice and returned to storage positions, by the cooperative use of an in-hold travelling hoist adapted to move a selected plurality of containers to and from chosen position within the hold compartment without disturbing other containers and an above-deck conveying system operable to convey the plurality of containers between a position inside the hold compartment directly below the hatchway through the deck overlying the hold compartment and a selected working position on the deck.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved construction for air filters wherein the filter frame is provided with indentations or recesses adjacent to its opposite corners which allow a plurality of filters to nest together in a laterally offset relationship to conserve space. The invention can be employed with an air filter including a filter element of fibrous material and a frame for supporting the filter element at its marginal edges. A set of recesses is formed in the same face of the filter frame and located along adjacent sides of the frame at positions adjacent to its opposite corners. The recesses are spaced from diagonally opposite corners of the filter frame by substantially the same distance to permit a pair of filters to nest together in a laterally offset relationship for shipment or storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device for use in the analysis of fluid samples and, more particularly, to a self-stacking reagent slide which is especially useful in an automated instrument for carrying out quantitative chemical analysis of biological fluid samples.

Abstract: An improved insulated tray having both of its top and bottom surfaces configured so that either may receive food articles. In addition, the configuration is such that the trays may be stacked one upon the other in a wide variety of configurations. When so stacked, the depressions in the upper tray serve to provide a closure for the depressions in the lower tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to freight containers, in particular containers for air transport with a supporting frame which is made of profiled sections or the like, the long sides of which frame comprise polygonal frames which have roof sections and reinforcing vertical struts, and are joined by transverse sections. In spite of being made according to standard, it should be possible to stack these readily on top of one another and secure them to each other. They should also feature facilities which allow access at all times to the freight to be transported. The supporting frame (7) of such an improved container (5) features, between the roof sections (18), clamping elements (21,24) to secure neighboring, stacked containers in place; also for stacking purposes, the roof sections are reinforced and the vertical struts (16) are positioned at the places of greatest load. If desired, the reinforced roof sections house facilities (40,41,42) to guide closure means (35) for stacked freight containers.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved construction for air filters wherein the filter frame is provided with indentations or recesses adjacent to its opposite corners which allow a plurality of filters to nest together in a laterally offset relationship to conserve space. The invention can be employed with an air filter including a filter element of fibrous material and a frame for supporting the filter element at its marginal edges. Preferably, a set of recesses is formed in the filter frame at positions adjacent to its diagonally opposite corners. Each recess is adapted to receive the frame of another air filter to permit the filters to nest together in a laterally offset relationship for shipment or storage. The air filters are arranged in a stack with alternate filters in the stack diagonally displaced relative to the remaining air filters. The recesses permit each air filter to be nested with one or both of its neighbors.

Abstract: A system of packaging sets of thread cutting dies which are used in pipe and bolt threaders or the like, the system including a display cabinet holding a plurality of die packages without the necessity of having to provide a compartment in the cabinet for each of the die packages. The die packages comprise a one piece box and a top removably fitted on the box. In order to package a wide range of sizes of die sets in the minimum number of boxes, the outside dimensions of the box remain fixed so that the packages can be utilized in the display case and various supports for the die sets are provided internally within the boxes so as to hold various sizes of die sets in position within the box without substantial vertical, lateral or longitudinal movement of the die set relative to the box. The box and the lids are so structured that when the boxes are stacked on one another in the display cabinet, horizontal movement of the stacked boxes relative to one another is prevented.

Abstract: A device adapted for storing items, in particular, magnetic information media, said device including a hollow exterior rectangular box having depressions and ridges such that the box may be stacked efficiently with other identical boxes to have lateral interlocks both on the vertical and horizontal surfaces and including in the interior thereof guide rails for receiving a drawer. The drawer is designed to be usable in either of two orientations, the second orientation being a 90.degree. rotation from the first, the drawer further including walls for enclosing the media and a hinged gate for allowing the media to tilt forward for ready access while restraining the media within the drawer.

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 serving tray for use in a food rethermalizing cabinet. The tray is sectioned by a thermal divider and formed so that dishes of food placed therein can be selectively heated or cooled by separate air streams flowing from one end of the tray to the other. The thermal divider extends from one side of the tray to the other separating the tray interior into two channels. Inlet and outlet ports are provided at opposite ends of each channel. Tapered connectors on the sides of the tray are designed to mate with matching tapered sections in the cabinet such that when the tray is firmly seated in the cabinet, a fluid tight seal exists between the mating connector members. The inlet and outlet ports for each channel are precisely aligned with corresponding ports in the cabinet and the tray is supported thereby in the cabinet and cannot be inserted in reverse orientation.

Abstract: In the embodiment shown, the Plug comprises an elongate body which has a throughgoing passage formed therein and an external ramp surface. A plurality of jaws are independently engaged with the body, and constrained thereon, for movement along the ramp surface to cause the jaws to extend and grip the inside surface of a to-be-tested tube. The body is externally threaded and receives an internally-threaded nut which is used to move the jaws along the ramp surface. One end of the body has land surfaces formed thereon to accommodate a quick-disconnect coupling thereat of a tube. The opposite end of the body has an expandable seal, for sealingly engaging the inside surface of the to-be-tested tube. The seal comprises a nosepiece, centrally bored, with a hexagonal socket formed therein, and a hollow shaft, externally threaded, which threadedly engages an internal thread formed in the mating end of the body.

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: A reusable case 2 for bottles 4 has a plurality of pockets 64 for receiving base portions of the bottles. Each pocket 64 is equipped with a bottle side-wall gripper 15 and a bottle base support 70 for supporting the bottle 4 and orienting it so that a symmetry axis of the bottle 4 substantially coincides with a centerline of the pocket 64. Substantially coaxial with the pocket centerline is a stacking/cross-stacking case-rest 76. The cases 4 are dimensioned and the pockets 64 positioned so that cases of bottles can be arranged in layers in cross-stacked structure with the bottles 4 in each lower layer being oriented and positioned to locate closures 6 of the bottles 4 within the stacking/cross-stacking case rests 76 of the cases 2 of the next higher layer.

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 radioimmunoassay plate composed of a tray and a cover. The tray has a plurality of wells having downwardly tapered side walls and coplanar bottom walls. Each bottom wall has a flat central portion and rounded peripheral portion, the peripheral portion merging into the side wall.

Abstract: A container for transported goods can be carried by a road transport vehicle arranged longitudinally or transversely, its length being approximately equal to its width. Supports fixed under the container define passages to receive, from either end and either side, the arms of a fork-lift vehicle, and further are made for inter-engagement with locating members on the container top so two superimposed similar containers are held in alignment. One end of the container, with a doorway and closure, also has means for releasably locking the container end to end with the corresponding end of another similar container.

Abstract: A model track section including a bed of generally rectangular cross-sectional outline, and a vertical wall of rectangular cross section on each side edge of the bed arranged with the lower edge of each wall spaced above the underside of the bed to define a rectangular recess configured to conformably receive a wall of a like track section with the underside of the bed substantially engaging the bed of the like track section. This enables a substantially complete nesting relationship between superposed sections with the outer sides of the section walls defining vertical sides for conforming engagement of adjacent stacks of nesting sections.

Abstract: A closure device which seals against the internal circumferential surface of a tube by an O-ring seal between a plug member and the circumferential surface and the plug being held in the tube by a plurality of segmented members that are positioned around the plug and pressed against the O-ring seal and the internal circumference of the tube by means on the plug that forces the segments into contact with the O-ring seal and the internal circumference of the tube.

Abstract: A serving tray arrangement including a tray divided by a bifurcated wall member which together with the angled side wall structure of the tray is adapted to support a plurality of differently sized containers in a variety of positions thereon so as to further compartmentalize the assembly in one of many possible arrays for food service.

Abstract: Set of jug, sugar bowl, coffee container and cups capable of being assembled into a single unit by attaching the bowl, container and cups to the jug.

Abstract: A container provided with a partition forming compartments for accommodating wine bottles.The container has a triangular cross section and two adjoining side walls are provided with a step directed towards the corner between the side walls.A handle for carrying the container is formed by an opening in said step.

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 deck container restraint system is disclosed which unitizes discrete containers against vertical movement in modules of three-wide, typically four-high stacks or columns to prevent overboard loss due to static and dynamic load conditions experienced at sea. A three-wide, one-high bottom tier of containers is secured against side to side and vertical movement by deck cones having locking devices. The overlying three-wide second tier is secured against side to side and vertical movement by cones having locking devices at the top of the first tier. Finally the three-wide, two-high top third and fourth tiers of containers are loaded, first by being tied vertically together by cones having locking devices and second, by being lifted in vertically tied pairs onto stacking fittings at the second-third tier interface. The stacking fittings restrain side to side movement at the second-third tier interface only.

Abstract: A box for reserving cassette or cartridge comprises a shield having flanges and channels on its outer surface for engaging with other shields, and a drawer assembled in the said shield for accepting cassette or cartridge, which having accessories of a spring and a steel ball etc. and may be opened from said shield to present the reserved cassette or cartridge by slightly pressing the front wall of the drawer. Therefore, the present invention is convenient for taking out or putting in a cassette or cartridge. Due to the fact that a plurality of boxes can be engaged together, the boxes may be easily classified and managed according to the tapes contained therein. Furthermore, the boxes occupy a smaller space than conventional boxes.

Abstract: A dump valve assembly for opening and fluid-tightly sealing the drain outlet of a waste tank, the assembly comprisng a rotatable elongated shaft having a handle at its upper end and a first or lower compression plate adjustably secured to its lower end. Disposed concentrically about the shaft are a first and second tubular member, the former having a length less than that of the shaft, and the latter having a length less than that of the first tubular member. Fixedly secured to the lower end of the first tubular member is a second or upper compression plate spaced from the lower plate. Sandwiched and pre-loaded between the upper and lower compression plates is a valve plug made of an expandable material. The shaft is provided with a double-thrust ball bearing which abuttingly engages the upper end of the first tubular member to permit independent rotation of the shaft relative to the former member.

Abstract: A nestable and stackable container for eggs packaged in cartons. The configuration of the container permits stacking when filled or nesting when empty and is provided with means for receiving and positioning packaging strapping material about the exterior of the container to facilitate assembly of multiple containers for palletizing and shipping.

Abstract: A set of four longitudinal, four vertical and four cross bars are secured together to form a three dimensional open frame of a storage unit capable of being closed to a box-like structure by a plurality of flat panels. The longitudinal bars each have a longitudinal T-shaped rib and a T-shaped, longitudinal recess, capable of slideably receiving the rib of an adjacent frame so that a plurality of frames may be arranged and stacked to form a self sustaining structure from which one or more frames or storage units may be slideably removed without disturbance to the remaining structure and units.

Abstract: A self-packaged structure for use as a test kit for convenient handling of the component parts of the kit as a modular unit. The structure is designed such that tests may be carried out using certain components to effect semi-automatic collection of chemical or biochemical fractions in tubes. The fractions result from allowing a liquid sample to flow through a column which contains support media. The components of the structure include, rack structures which are adapted to package the columns and tubes in a stackable array and a tray adapted to secure the rack structures in a group.

Abstract: An insulated tray for holding and serving food or the like, either directly on the tray or in receptacles supported on the tray. One embodiment comprises upper and lower cover members made of thin impervious material, preferably plastic sheet material, the space between said cover members being filled with insulating foam, preferably plastic foam, the edges of said cover members being joined around the periphery of the tray, the upper cover member being dished to form one or more receptacles for holding food or the like, the upper cover member being formed with a groove extending around one or more of the dished portions, the lower cover member being formed with a complementary tongue, whereby a plurality of the trays may be stacked with the tongue of one tray nesting in the groove of the underlying tray, the tongue and groove forming a seal around the dished portion. In another embodiment, the lower cover member is omitted.