Abstract: A leakproof, resealable container and cap assembly, consisting essentially of: a container having a rim at its upper portion and a cap having a circular base with an outer periphery, a cylindrical tubular skirt having an inner wall with at least one recess, a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing of the container, and a hinge connecting the cap to the container, and in a closed portion, the skirt of the cap overlies the container and the rim of the container is situated within the recess of the inner wall of the skirt of the cap.

Abstract: A media cartridge is constructed as a case in which a roll of blank media may be deployed for supplying a wallpaper printer. The case has two halves, hinged together. An area between the two halves, when they are closed, defines a media supply slot. The case has internally and adjacent to the slot, a pair of rollers. At least one of the rollers is a driven roller which is supported at each end, by the case, for rotation by an external motor.

Abstract: A leak-resistant hinged polymeric foam container comprises a base and a lid. The base comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall that encompasses and extends generally upwardly from the bottom wall. The sidewall comprises a first sealing area and a first generally upwardly projecting wall. The lid includes a second sealing area that is adapted to engage the first sealing area upon securing the lid and the base. The container forms a locking structure for securing the lid and the base. The base and the lid comprise polymeric foams. The container may include a hinge that hingedly connects the base to the lid.

Abstract: A protective food storage container includes a first member and a second member that are engageable with one another, with at least one of the first and second members being corrugated, and with at least a portion of the first and second members engaged with one another being structured to generally depict a food item such as a banana. Another embodiment of a protective food storage container includes a first member, a second member, and a connection member extending between and connecting together the first and second members. At least a portion of the first and second members engaged with one another are structured to generally depict a food item that can be stored therein such as an apple, a peach, a pear, or a bunch of grapes.

Abstract: A reusable coin holder, counter and sorter, known as COINSMETER™ utilizes inexpensive semi-disposable packaging technology. In each half of a semi-elastic plastic material, at least one grove is provided in the shape of half cylinder. When the two halves are closed, a cylinder or a number of cylinders are created. Each cylinder has a scaled line(s) for indicating the amount of coins vertically stacked in the cylindrical columns. Coins may be inserted through a slot at the top of each cylinder. The diameter of the cylindrical columns may be slightly bigger than the diameter of the coins. The two meeting sections may be connected from a solid base portion of the article. The present invention also includes a handle and stand for supporting the coin holder. In another embodiment, a carrying case for multiple coin holders may be provided to store and carry coins in a secure manner.

Abstract: A coin container for receiving coins or tokens therein, comprising a receptacle having a longitudinal wall along a longitudinal axis and end faces at opposed ends of the longitudinal wall. The longitudinal wall has an inner surface defining a cavity portion with the end faces. The cavity portion is adapted to partially receive therein a predetermined number of coins. Grooves protrude radially in the inner surface of the longitudinal wall. The grooves are adapted to receive partially therein at least one coin of the predetermined number of coins thereby separating other ones of the predetermined number of coins in groups of the predetermined number of coins, such that the coins in the grooves are offset radially from the groups. Means are provide for forming a tubular container with the cavity portion of the receptacle to hold the coins captive in the tubular container.

Abstract: A transformable storage and protection apparatus comprising a top half portion; a bottom half portion; a back portion; first hinge means disposed between the top half portion and the back portion; and second hinge means disposed between the bottom half portion and the back portion, wherein the transformable storage and protection apparatus transforms between (1) a first configuration in which the top half portion, the bottom half portion and the back portion form a closed container; and (2) a second configuration in which the top half portion is pivoted along the first hinge means, and said back portion is pivoted along the second hinge means thereby forming a single planar bottom area.

Abstract: Container for electronic apparatus and for tools of one's own or professional use, characterized in that it comprises:—an openable case made up of a first half-shell (2) and a second half-shell (3) which are disposed substantially coplanar and connected to each other via a relevant hinge (4) in correspondence of a common corner, so that they can be disposed at least in a closed configuration in which they are juxtaposed, and an open position in which they are stretched apart;—at least a movable plane (5) able to be positioned internally of said half-shells (2, 3);—means for guiding the movement of said plane (5) relative to said half-shells (2, 3), which means consist of projections or pins (6) slidingly fitted within corresponding guides or slots (7, 8).

Abstract: The present patent concerns to packing industry, specifically to improvements related to sandwich packing, to reduce the sale costs and to turn more practical and hygienic the consumption of this food, having two basic parts: a superior part (2) and an inferior (3), joined by fittings like male type (4) female (5) in its borders, which are interrupted by a flexible fold (6) in one of its sides, still having, in the inferior part (3) a cut line (7) to allow its division in two parts (3A and 3B) with little effort; said parts, when joined, they form a similar contour of a sandwich with base and superior extremity are straight (8) and outline arched (9) in the level of the fittings.

Abstract: A food container comprising a polymer foam bottom compartment hingeably joined to a transparent polymer top cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers and their use in an automatic vending machine that vends articles of frozen confectionery. The vending machine includes an outer body, an outer door, and an environment-controlled chamber. The containers are of cylindrical, quasi-cylindrical or polyhedral shape to contain the frozen confectionery. The machine has an environment-controlled chamber maintained at about −18° C. and has insulating panels and an inner door, the machine being maintained by a refrigeration system and a defrost system. Within the chamber are vertical compartments for the storage of stacked containers, a dispensing device, and a discharge hopper leading to an outlet tray. In the outer door there are product selection and cash box mechanisms that monitors not only the amount or number of articles of frozen confectionery but also the amount of money inserted and dispensed.

Abstract: A container has two tray sections that fold over each other along a living hinge. Each of the trays is defined by a recessed domes that is contained within the hinge and lip surfaces opposite and on either side of the hinge. A contoured flap containing a cavity extends from a forward edge of the front of one of the tray lips. A step is provided in the other tray's lip. When the container is closed, the flap may be folded over the step where a recess in the flap engages a detent in the step. A lip extends about the flap cavity and provides a continues tab around the step parts of which facilitate a consumer flipping the flap out of engagement with the step thereby facilitate opening of a closed container.

Abstract: A container is formed in a blank having two body halves interconnected by a hinge. The container body is at least partially clear to allow inspection of an article held in the interior. The container optionally includes an integrally formed carrying handle. Empty containers are nested to minimize shipping space. Each container optionally includes stack-stabilizing structure so that plural containers may be stacked into stable stacks, and any selected container may be easily removed from the stack. The inventive container protects articles held therein during shipping and storage, and displays the articles both before and after sale.

Abstract: A clamshell package for displaying and housing products or other objects that is substantially pilfer-resistant, yet safe to open. The clamshell packaging includes a substantially tear-resistant housing that encloses a display chamber by criss-cross grain material to provide cut or tear resistance in multiple directions. The display chamber of the clamshell package may be either substantially transparent to allow for the product to be displayed or substantially opaque display graphics and/or to prevent the contents from being viewed. The chamber is preferably seamless such that it may not be opened without the use of scissors and, when opened, such opening is readily apparent. Furthermore, when cut open, the material used does not form sharp or jagged edges that may pose a danger to anyone handling the package. In addition to clamshell packages, the tear resistant material may also be used in blister packs and other types of packaging.

Abstract: A protective case which includes two mating case components and a liner extending between a peripheral area for mating engagement to ensure a relatively sealed relationship when the case components are closed. A latch face is a single elongated element on the front and has two spaced interlocking components to cooperate with hooks in the opposite case component.

Abstract: A latching system including both apparatus and methods addresses the need for a reusable latch that is identical on either side of a container opening, thereby facilitating container manufacture. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods for assuring the quality of latchable container enclosed contents and enhancing the safety of container users by providing an unopened condition assurance element such as a tab that is removable from a reusable container latch. A novel latching system with a split insertion element on a first latch side and unitary receptor element on a second latch side is also disclosed. A preferred embodiment involves an elastically obstructed latch as used on a squeeze-openable container.

Abstract: A leak resistant foam hinged lid container includes a base and a lid joined by a hinge allowing the lid to be pivoted about the hinge onto the base to close the container. The lid includes a first uninterrupted sealing ring which engages a second uninterrupted sealing ring on the base when the container is closed providing an uninterrupted leak resistant seal between the first and second sealing rings.

Abstract: A blister pack container having child resistant characteristics yet, which can be opened with one hand. The container has a top tray and a bottom tray preferably connected by a hinge. The top and bottom trays each have a tab extending therefrom. Each of the tabs has at least one aperture through which a button passes and locks the container in a closed position. The finger pads can be unlocked with an inward and downward force thereby opening the container.

Abstract: A packing box is composed of a cover and a container, and a ridge connecting the cover and the container. The cover has a cap formed at a top thereof. A first step is formed under the cap and with an upper surface and a wall. Two notches are respectively defined in the cap at two corners to form two pressed portions on the upper surface. A first rim is formed around the first step. Two first triangular portions are respectively formed on the first rim at the corners. The container has a second step corresponding to the first step. A second rim is formed around the second step. Two second triangular portions are respectively formed on the second rim and corresponding to the first triangular portions.

Abstract: A packing box made up of a plastic material is disclosed. The packing box has a cover with a first rim formed around the cover. A container is integrated with the cover. The container has a second rim formed around the container. A ridge is formed between the cover and the container to connect them together. The ridge has two tapered portions formed at two distal ends thereof. Two arcuate protective borders extend from the cover and are respectively formed beside and spaced apart from the ridge. Each of gaps between the ridge and the protective borders is narrower than a normal finger.

Abstract: A container includes a substantially planar cover having a top surface, a lower portion and an upper portion. The container further includes a substantially planar base having a bottom surface, a lower portion, an upper portion, and a bottom wall. In addition, the container includes a flexible member joining the base and the cover for permitting the cover and the base to move relative to each between a joined position, defining a line of closure, and an opened position. The line of closure lies in a plane forming an angle with the bottom wall of between about 35° and about 60°.

Abstract: A wallet for the safe disposal of sharp implements including a closeable cover member. Implement receiving means is provided on the cover member to receive at least one sharp implement. When one or more sharp implements are received in the receiving means, the cover member can be closed over the receiving means to hold the implements in the wallet. The cover member may comprise first and second portions. At least the first portion may define a recess in which the implement receiving means is arranged. Each of the first and second portions may include inner and outer parts. Each outer part is in the form of a flange which are adapted to engage each other when the cover member is closed. A hinge member may extend outwardly from the cover member. A part of the second portion arranged over the implement receiving means may be formed of a transparent material.

Abstract: A container for holding a pair of shoes is formed in a blank having two body halves interconnected by a living hinge. The container body is at least partially clear to reveal a pair of shoes held in the interior. The interior of the container defines a space having non-uniform dimensions in which a pair of shoes is securely held. The container optionally includes an integrally formed carrying handle. Empty containers are nested to minimize shipping space. Each container includes stack stabilizing structure so that plural containers containing shoes may be stacked into stable stacks, and any selected container may be easily removed from the stack. The inventive container protects the shoes during shipping and storage, and displays the shoes both before and after sale.

Abstract: A fastening mechanism for a package device is provided, which includes a plurality of first protrusions stagger-arranged in two rows at an edge of a lid of the package device, wherein a gap is formed between the two rows of the first protrusions; a second protrusion formed on an edge of a body of the package device and corresponding in position to the gap; at least a projection formed on the edge of the body and substantially opposed in position to the second protrusion; and at least a recess formed on the edge of the lid and corresponding in position to the projection of the body. By coupling the lid to the body, the second protrusion is engaged with the gap between the first protrusions, and the projection of the body is engaged with the recess of the lid, so as to provide strong fastening effect for the package device.

Abstract: Methods of making one-piece lidded containers are described along with containers made by such methods. In one embodiment, the method entails providing a first length of thermoplastic material and a second length of thermoplastic material where a portion of the two lengths of thermoplastic material are brought into an overlapping or abutting orientation to provide a juncture of thermoplastic material. The juncture of thermoplastic material is subsequently secured. The one-piece lidded container is completed by forming a first container and a corresponding lid on the first and second lengths of thermoplastic material. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A banana protective device for storing and transporting a banana carefully. The banana protective device includes a container having a first cover member and a second cover member being hingedly attached to the first cover member and being adapted to store a banana therein; and also includes pad members being securely disposed upon the first and second cover members for protecting and cushioning the banana; and further includes fastening members being attached to the first and second cover members for fastenably closing the first and second cover members together.

Abstract: A storage box includes an upper cover integrally connected at a rear edge to a lower cover. The upper and the lower covers are provided along their peripheral edges with a recess and a flange, respectively, that engage with each other when the upper cover is closed onto the lower cover. Upper and lower marginal belts surrounding the recess and the flange, respectively, are provided with projections, so that a gap always exists between the two marginal belts to facilitate easy opening of the upper cover relative to the lower cover. The recess and the flange are provided with tongues that abut on each other to lock the upper cover to the lower cover but allow a fit clearance between the recess and the flange, so that the upper and the lower covers would not become stuck at the recess and the flange.

Abstract: A thermoformed container is formed with a receptacle and a separate cover which is hingeably and detachably attached to the receptacle. The receptacle and cover each have a hinge flange with side skirt walls descending therefrom in which indentations are formed during the thermoforming process. The indentations on one of the cover or receptacle form pivot pins which seat in the sockets defined by the indentations on the other of the cover or the receptacle, defining an axis of rotation about which the cover can rotate with respect to the receptacle. The cover and receptacle can thus can be formed of different plastics or of plastics in which conventional integral living hinges can not be used. The pivot pin indentations are produced in the thermoforming process by forming pins which engage into the softened sheet at the side skirt walls. The plastic material cools and hardens to form sharply defined pivot pins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pad for a computer mouse that is capable of receiving a plurality of sheets of paper for memos and advertisements between an upper plate and a lower plate, thereby achieving an improved advertising effect. According to the present invention, the upper plate and the lower plate are rotatably operated in a hinge-coupling manner, and the lower plate is provided with a receiving part in which the plurality of sheets of paper for memos and advertisements is received.

Abstract: A plastic container has a base and a lid hinged together by a hinge. The hinge has a series of relatively thick sections joined together by a series of relatively thin sections. The thin sections are sufficiently thin to be severed upon an initial folding of the hinge. The thick sections are sufficiently thick to remain at least partially intact during the initial folding. The container may be filled with product and closed with the hinge becoming partially severed and weakened and may be later opened with the hinge becoming completely severed to separate the base and the lid.

Abstract: By providing an elongated, flexible hinge which extends between one edge of the base and an adjacent edge of the lid or cover, with the hinge being constructed for controlling the arcuate pivoting movement of the lid relative to the base, a uniquely constructed, self-sealing, perimeter, clam-shell container is realized. By precisely controlling the arcuate path through which the lid moves relative to the base, as well as maintaining precisely controlled positions and orientations, automatic engagement of the cooperating ridge and groove of each component is realized, and complete engagement of the ridge and groove is attained.

Abstract: A hinged container includes a basket having a base, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of endwalls. The pair of sidewalls and the pair of endwalls integrally extend outwardly to form a first latching portion. A concave channel, a first concave region, and a second concave region are all formed in the base. The concave channel extends along a major axis of the base, while the first concave region extends from the concave channel to one of the pair of sidewalls, and the second concave region extends from the concave channel to the other of the pair of sidewalls. A lid is hingedly connected to the first latching portion. The lid includes a second latching portion corresponding to the first latching portion. The first and second latching portions lock together to retain the lid and the basket in a closed relationship.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a container comprises a basket and a lid. The basket has a base, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of endwalls. The base, pair of sidewalls, and pair of endwalls are integrally connected. The pair of sidewalls and the pair of endwalls integrally extend outwardly to form a first latching portion. The base forms a concave channel, a first concave region, and a second concave region. The concave channel extends along a major axis of the base. The first concave region extends from the concave channel to one of the pair of sidewalls, and the second concave region extends from the concave channel to the other of the pair of sidewalls. At least one of the sidewalls and endwall intersections forms a wall ventilation aperture. The lid is connected to the first latching portion of the base. The lid has a second latching portion corresponding to the first latching portion of the base. The first and second latching portions are adapted to retain the lid and the basket in a closed relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers and their use in an automatic vending machine that vends articles of frozen confectionery. The vending machine includes an outer body, an outer door, and an environment-controlled chamber. The containers are of cylindrical, quasi-cylindrical or polyhedral shape to contain the frozen confectionery. The machine has an environment-controlled chamber maintained at about −18° C. and has insulating panels and an inner door, the machine being maintained by a refrigeration system and a defrost system. Within the chamber are vertical compartments for the storage of stacked containers, a dispensing device, and a discharge hopper leading to an outlet tray. In the outer door there are product selection and cash box mechanisms that monitors not only the amount or number of articles of frozen confectionery but also the amount of money inserted and dispensed.

Abstract: A container particularly adapted for small confectionery items and the like has a bottom with a floor and surrounding walls. The rear wall is of reduced height in comparison to the other walls. A cover having a rear wall pivotally affixed to a top edge of the bottom rear wall. When the cover is in a vertical position the cover's rear wall extends horizontally rearwardly from the bottom rear wall, forming a balcony-like extension to the floor, allowing product to be loaded into the container to be supported thereon during a filling process. When the cover is closed the product on the balcony is directed into the main container volume, allowing a more dense packing of the product to be achieved.

Abstract: A container has two tray sections that fold over each other along a living hinge. Each of the trays is defined by a recessed domes that is contained within the hinge and lip surfaces opposite and on either side of the hinge. A contoured flap containing a cavity extends from a forward edge of the front of one of the tray lips. A step is provided in the other tray's lip. When the container is closed, the flap may be folded over the step where a recess in the flap engages a detent in the step. A lip extends about the flap cavity and provides a continues tab around the step parts of which facilitate a consumer flipping the flap out of engagement with the step thereby facilitate opening of a closed container.

Abstract: A strong-hold, weak-release container latch holds a lid on a base. A slide is movable in the base. A lever is attached to one end of the slide. A latch top is mounted on one end of the lever and overlies the lid; a fulcrum is provided on an opposite end. Moving the lever flexes and arcs the web and lifts a latching detent which holds the slide in the base. Latching the container includes closing the lid on the container base, sliding the lever, slide and lid latch inward toward the container base, and engaging the lid with the latch. Sliding the slide in the receiver in the base engages the detent. Lifting the lid latch and rotating the lever around the fulcrum flexes the slide and arcs the detent away from the holder, releasing the slide and subsequently releasing the lid.

Abstract: An articulable container. The container is articulable from and between a first open position to a second closed position. In the first open position the container can receive product. Additionally, the user may dispense or display product from the container while it is in the first open position. In the second closed position, the container covers or encloses the product. The closed position is useful for storing the product or transporting the product between two points such as the point of manufacture to the point of use or sale. The container may take the form of a plate, bowl, tray, clam shell, shipping container, display device, or other known configurations.

Abstract: A container for storage of items during watersports is described, having a base (10) affixed to the watersports equipment such as a surfboard or diver's gas tank and a body forming a waterproof enclosure detachably secured to the base. The top cover (14) of the body has tabs (44) which are retained under projections (22) of the base such that the bottom tray (12) and top cover of the body cannot be unsealed without disengaging the body from the base. The top surface (40) of the cover forms a ramp engageable by the foot of the surf rider and may have grip material attached thereto.

Abstract: An auxiliary handle of an L shape spanner comprises a handle, and at least one hollow. The handle has a hollow structure, and two sides thereof are spaced with at least one groove for being inserted by the cylinder. The center of the handle has a spanner through hole and an extension portion. The cylinder has at least one spanner fixing holes for being inserted by the L shape spanner and being fixed therein and thus, the cylinder is embedded into the groove of the handle. A short rod of a selected L shape spanner is be inserted into the cylinder of the spanner retaining hole so that a long rod protrudes from the spanner through hole so as to be formed with an L shape spanner with a T shape auxiliary handle; only one handle can match with L shape spanner of different size. The auxiliary handle can be varied easily by assembly and can be operated easily.

Abstract: A clamshell package for holding and displaying a product including first and second outer clamshell members each having three dimensionally shaped pocket areas for holding a portion of the product. The clamshell members also each include respective sealing portions which may be sealed together in a permanent manner. The package further includes selectively engageable fastening structure disposed on the first and second outer clamshell members generally adjacent the first and second sealing portions. When the sealing portions are removed, such as by cutting off the sealing portions, the selectively engageable fastening structure may be used to allow subsequent selective access to the product. A hinge portion may also be provided and may be formed from a pair of the sealing portions of the clamshell members to allow hinged movement of the clamshell members after other sealing portions have been removed by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food packaging made of a thermally and/or mechanically mouldable plastic film with two bodies which display an essentially similar cross-section and are connected via at least one joint located between the first and the second body in a manner permitting opening and closing, where at least one of the two bodies has at least one foot serving as a stabiliser and where the foot ensures a stable upright position, which the packaging would not assume at all, or not assume stably, without the foot.

Abstract: An electronics enclosure includes first and second clamshell components which are hingedly coupled by engaged, respective hinge members. A biased latch is attached to one of the clamshell components and is moveable between a position where it is aligned with one of the hinge members and maintains the hinge engagement and a second nonaligned position where the hinge members can be disengaged and the clamshell components decoupled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container comprising: (a) a semi-enclosed container body including a tubular structure having two open ends and a bottom panel enclosing one end of the container body, the other end of the tubular structure opposite from the bottom panel forming a substantially continuous outwardly-extending peripheral flange; (b) a lid for selectively converting the semi-enclosed container to a closed container; and (c) a closure for sealing the lid to the container body, the closure comprising a mechanical interlocking seal and a slideable mechanical closure for sealing the mechanical interlocking seal. The container is preferably stackable and self-supporting, and the mechanical interlocking seal includes at least one interlocking bead and groove pair located on the lid and flange. The container may also be collapsible via folding of the tubular structure.

Abstract: A fragility package having a pair of shell halves. The shell halves cooperatively define an envelope for closely retaining the article to be packaged and a plurality of fragility supports that extend outwardly beyond the envelope to protect the article from impacts. The package is preferably manufactured from a transparent material, such as an impact-modified polymer, that permits the article to be visually inspected without opening the package. The top and bottom surfaces of the package are shaped so that adjacent packages nest together when stacked one atop the other.

Abstract: A container for holding food items and the like. The container comprises a base for holding the food item and a cover hingedly mounted to the base and movable between an open and closed position. The cover has a latch wipe opening that is sized to receive a tab extending from the base. The latch wipe opening has a generally rectangular shape. During the manufacturing process, the material in which the latch wipe opening is formed is pre-cooled to reduce the tendency of the latch wipe opening to deform. Further, the form against which the latch wipe opening is formed has a knurled portion that engages the container material above the latch wipe opening to further prevent the deforming of the latch wipe opening during manufacturing.

Abstract: A hinge configuration includes: a first member having a plurality of hinge fingers with partially cylindrical surfaces, wherein at least one of these surfaces is upwardly facing and at least one of these surfaces is downwardly facing, and wherein the hinge fingers are spaced apart along an axis of rotation and the surfaces of the hinge fingers are radially aligned along the axis of rotation; a second member having a plurality of hinge fingers with partially cylindrical surfaces, wherein at least one of these surfaces is upwardly facing and at least one of these surfaces is downwardly facing, and wherein the hinge fingers are spaced apart along the axis of rotation and the surfaces of the hinge fingers are radially aligned along the axis of rotation; and a pin including a shaft extending along the axis of rotation, an end head at one end of the shaft, and an intermediate head spaced apart from the end head and extending radially from the shaft.

Abstract: An annular pack for a cylindrical member for use in a wellbore includes a housing adapted to be mounted about an exterior circumference of the cylindrical member. The housing has mutually engagable annular segments. At least one of the annular segments defines a chamber for housing an electrical device.

Abstract: A cat litter system allows a pet owner to recycle unused cat litter without coming into contact with the used cat litter. The cat litter system includes a cover, a base and a screen. The cover engages the base over the screen. The system is rotated to pass unused cat litter through the screen into the cover which is then used as the base. The used cat litter is trapped by the screen and can easily be removed and thrown in a garbage receptacle.

Abstract: Container for transporting heated food, particularly pizza and the like, formed by a first and a second half-shell of moulded plastic material each having a bottom wall and a lateral wall with mutually substantially sealed coupling means to define, in the coupled condition, a cavity for containing food and communicating to the outside through vent openings.