Sections Are Container Units Patents (Class 220/4.27)
  • Patent number: 11992457
    Abstract: A protective container for a biopharmaceutical liquid bag comprises: a lower shell comprising a bottom and side walls; and an upper shell, said upper shell comprising a recess capable of covering the bag and being insertable in the lower shell, so that the upper shell is retained in the upper part of the side walls of the lower shell by resting on support elements located in the lower shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM FMT SAS
    Inventor: Stéphane Baud
  • Patent number: 11992461
    Abstract: A connecting system for providing a fluidic connection between containers, the connecting system having at least two connecting arrangements configured to produce the fluidic connection. Each container has an initial state in which the two containers are fluidically separated from one another and a connected state in which the two containers have been fluidically connected together by a relative movement of the containers. A securing device prevents relative movement of the containers in the initial state, and a receptacle is provided in which the securing device can be accommodated for enabling said relative movement. The system is usable in a method for preparing a mixture of substances in which the containers are placed in a connecting orientation with the securing device arranged between the containers in a manner preventing fluidic connection of the containers, and releasing the securing device for enabling fluidic connection the containers by a relative connecting movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Rainer Rahmel, Guido Endert, Jonas Ruf, Horst Wergen
  • Patent number: 11929596
    Abstract: An electrical enclosure includes a main cabinet and a modular cabinet removably secured to the main cabinet. The main cabinet includes a bus compartment that includes a busbar assembly, and the bus compartment is located between an end wall of the main cabinet and a partition opposite the end wall. The modular cabinet is comprised of interlocking compartment modules. Each compartment module interlocks with an adjacent compartment module. Each compartment module includes first and second side panels. Each side panel includes an alignment member that engages an alignment member of a respective side panel of the adjacent compartment module. Each compartment module also includes a base that extends between the first and second side panels and a terminal wall that joins the first and second side panels. The terminal walls of the interlocking compartment modules engage to form a structural wall of the modular cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Brittany Leigh McBride, Erik Ryan Khzouz, Michael Paul Lafond
  • Patent number: 11858723
    Abstract: A modular portable storage container system includes a storage container having first and second sections. The first section defines a first partial volume of storage space and the second section defines a second partial volume of storage space. The system further includes a lock mechanism with a lock arm, lock handle, and pivot shaft defining an axis of rotation. The lock arm and handle are fixed for common rotation with the pivot shaft. The arm extends radially outward from the pivot shaft to a roller assembly. A lock track is disposed within the second section and extends from a fluted open portion to a closed end, with a continuous track portion disposed therebetween. The first and second sections are movable between at least closed and open positions. In the closed position, the roller assembly engages with the lock track and retains the first section in contact with the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: QT-System LLC
    Inventors: Stuart Fletcher, Scott Owen
  • Patent number: 11730251
    Abstract: A jar, in particular for a cosmetic product, includes a base configured to contain said product, a lid configured to be screwed reversibly onto the base along a screwing axis, the jar further including an intermediate piece ensuring a pivotal mounting of said lid on the base along an axis transverse to the screwing axis. The lid includes at least a first interface wall the is a first lateral skirt positioned opposite a lateral ring of a second interface wall that is an intermediate piece. One of the interface walls is provided with at least one helical groove in which a counterpart formed on the other of the interface walls engages by sliding between a lower position and an upper position, enabling pivoting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: ALBEA SERVICES
    Inventors: Daniel Carraro, Franck Seguin
  • Patent number: 11697566
    Abstract: A tape dispensing system, including: a first roll cartridge including a hub with a first axial side and a second axial side opposite the first side; a first twist-lock connector integral with the first axial side of the hub a second twist-lock connector integral with the second axial side of the hub; a tape cutter extending radially from the hub; and a second roll cartridge substantially identical to the first roll cartridge, the first twist-lock connector of the second roll cartridge mates with the second twist lock connector of the first roll cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Inventor: Wayne Grimes Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 11655094
    Abstract: A transport box, in particular for partially prepared meals and food, includes a lower part having a receiving space limited by lateral walls and at least one base. The receiving space can be sealed by a cover. The cover has a coolant space for receiving a coolant. In addition, the lower part (11) has two receiving spaces. The receiving spaces can be sealed by a respective cover. The covers can be arranged in two cover positions sealing the receiving space. The cover positions differ in terms of a cooling effect that can be achieved by the coolant, such that the transport box offers at least two different options for temperature control via the selection of the cover positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: MCHEF GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Martin Eilerts
  • Patent number: 11623787
    Abstract: An interlocking reusable spill-proof container is disclosed. More particularly, an interlocking reusable spill-proof travel bottle that can house a cosmetic or personal care product, or separately house multiple cosmetics or personal care products is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: KEEP YOUR CADENCE, INC.
    Inventors: Stephanie Justine Hon, Hadley Earl Allen
  • Patent number: 11536012
    Abstract: A system for treating the hair, to be connected to a water inlet, that includes at least one source of a cosmetic product, a water-dispensing device to convey the water to the hair, an adjustment device making it possible to inject, into the water, the product originating from the at least one source of product and to vary the content of product originating from this source in the water conveyed to the hair by the dispensing device and/or the amount of product conveyed to the hair by the dispensing device, this adjustment being able to assume at least one intermediate value between minimum and maximum content and/or amount values, a pressure booster to increase the pressure of the water at the inlet of the dispensing device beyond the pressure of the water at the inlet of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Henri Samain
  • Patent number: 11426743
    Abstract: A liquid tank for an electrostatic atomizer for liquids is provided, including a receiving space for a liquid and a delimiting wall delimiting the receiving space with respect to the surrounding area. The liquid tank further includes a self-closing valve connecting the liquid tank to the atomizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: J. Wagner GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Barthelmes, Thomas Jeltsch, Holger Stohl
  • Patent number: 11390446
    Abstract: Disclosed is a container apparatus for shipping fragile items, such as beer and wine bottles. The container apparatus can include a housing and a cushioning member positioned within the interior of the housing. The housing can include first and second complementary sections that are releasably attached to each other by a plurality of complementary attachment members. The cushioning member can be made of a shock absorbing material and a bottle can be positioned within a cylindrical cavity formed in the cushioning member, which provides a barrier between the bottle and the housing that can absorb force from an impact to the housing thereby protecting the bottle from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Inventor: Brett W. Hengen
  • Patent number: 11383911
    Abstract: A liquid containing assembly includes a clamping device, a supplementary package and a positioning mechanism. The clamping device includes a first and second surrounding bodies rotatably connected to each other. A clamping space is formed when the first and second surrounding bodies are closed to each other. The supplementary package includes an accommodating body to accommodate liquid and an open tube connected to the accommodating body. The positioning mechanism includes a first positioning portion on a portion of the accommodating body adjacent to the open tube, a second positioning portion corresponding to the first positioning portion and is at least on one of the first and second surrounding bodies, a third positioning portion on the accommodating body, and a fourth positioning portion corresponding to the third positioning portion and at least on one of the first and second surrounding bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: Wei-Sheng Chia
  • Patent number: 11155382
    Abstract: A stackable storage system with a pressure sensitive lock where downward pressure on the first container causes a surface of a first locking portion on a first container to slide against an inclined surface of a second locking portion on a second container and causes the inclined surface of the second locking portion to pivot outward and snap back into place to connect the first container and the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shujun Cai
  • Patent number: 11078013
    Abstract: An accessory comprises a clamp configured for clamping onto the transport device frame and a trash container coupled to the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: PAIL PAL INC.
    Inventor: Karen Factor
  • Patent number: 11071366
    Abstract: A razor drying container. The razor drying container includes a housing. The housing is defined by a base and a first sidewall that extends upward from the base. The first sidewall defines a first open end. A first diaphragm is mounted on the first open end. The first diaphragm has a first slot. The first open end defines an interface for the second sidewall. The second sidewall forms a second open end. A second diaphragm is formed on the second open end. The second diaphragm includes a second slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: David Capell
  • Patent number: 11027961
    Abstract: Systems for filling and dispensing free-flowing contents into and out of a container, the container comprising: a top and a bottom, a plurality of vertical walls extending between the bottom and the top, an ice portal disposed in the top, the ice portal having a removable cap for filling an ice chamber with ice, a removable container cap, a tube vertically disposed in the container cap, the tube extending between a beverage bag and a gate valve above the container cap, an air hose disposed in the container cap parallel with the tube, an air bag attached to a bottom end of the air hose, the air bag being adjacent to the beverage bag, such that a volume between the bags and an interior of the plurality of vertical walls is the ice chamber, and a beverage flow portal protruding longitudinally from a side of the gate valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Inventor: Edward Showalter
  • Patent number: 10849445
    Abstract: A beverage container includes a first vessel, a second vessel, a cap assembly, a first conduit, and a second conduit. The first and second vessels are vertically stacked and define first and second internal cavities, respectively. The first vessel is disposed above the second vessel. A cap assembly is secured to a top of the first vessel. The cap assembly defines first, second, and third orifices. The first orifice establishes fluid communication with the first internal cavity. The first conduit establishes fluid communication between the second internal cavity and the second orifice. The second conduit establishes fluid communication between the second internal cavity and the third orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Upslope Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Anthony, Brett Moody, James Orrico
  • Patent number: 10822143
    Abstract: An interlocking reusable spill-proof container is disclosed. More particularly, an interlocking reusable spill-proof travel bottle that can house a cosmetic or personal care product, or separately house multiple cosmetics or personal care products is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Keep Your Cadence, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Justine Hon, Hadley Earl Allen, Graeme Greenwood
  • Patent number: 10647469
    Abstract: A container system comprising a hollow body defined by a continuous outer peripheral wall having a first cavity and a second cavity opposing the first cavity and separated by a dividing wall, a neck opening into the first cavity and a wider open mouth at the end opposing the neck for receiving a base container therein having a lid that engages the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall to secure the base container in the mouth and substantially seal the second cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Christopher J Steiger
  • Patent number: 10568312
    Abstract: A floating storage box includes a box that may contain objects. A first float is coupled around the box. The first float is comprised of a buoyant material to float the box when the box is placed in water. A pair of wheels is each rotatably coupled to the box to roll along a support surface. A pair of legs is coupled to the box to abut the support surface. A first lid is hingedly coupled to the box such that the first lid selectively closes the box. A second lid is hingedly coupled to the first lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Anthony McPherson
  • Patent number: 10232997
    Abstract: A food container system is disclosed that includes a food container lid. The lid has a beverage container coupling structure that removably attaches to a beverage container. The beverage container coupling structure circumscribes a footprint of the lid. The lid also has a drink-hole surface within the lid footprint and an annular surface above the beverage container coupling structure and within the lid footprint. The annular surface is connected to the drink-hole planar surface and includes food container coupling structure that removably attaches to a second food container. A food compartment is formed from a food compartment inner wall extending from the annular surface, and a bottom connected to the food compartment inner wall. The lid also includes a drink hole extending through the drink-hole surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SNACKTOPS, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Engel, Allen Tucker, Mike Henry
  • Patent number: 9687064
    Abstract: A system of implements mutually and separably joined as a carrying unit for easy transport and subsequent use, the implements comprising a plurality of nestible buckets, a caddy removably receiving of the plurality of nestible buckets, optionally a collapsible chair removably attached to the caddy, at least one shovel removably attached to the caddy, and a carrying strap. Preferably, one of the buckets is modified to constitute a chamber for tempering food contained in the bucket at a non-ambient temperature during a holding period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: THE MELLICK GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Harrison Mellick, Beatrice Sophie Mellick
  • Patent number: 9629314
    Abstract: A holder for producing a plant of any one of lettuce, sprout and herbs, having a container and a semi-permeable filter, for defining a closed space for wholly accommodating the plant; a reservoir for holding an amount of liquid in the close space; and a passage which is open during use for supplying the liquid to the plant, wherein the reservoir, the container and the semi-permeable filter are arranged to allow the whole plant to grow in the closed space, wherein the semi-permeable filter has a vapor permeation capacity related to a type of the plant and the content of the reservoir, and wherein the amount of liquid is pre-determined corresponding to the vapor permeation capacity, such that the amount of liquid is sufficient for the plant to be isolated in the closed space from cultivation through to offering for sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Vivi B.V.
    Inventors: Jacob Johannes Bijl, Cornelis Frans Taco Visser
  • Patent number: 9517875
    Abstract: A packaging (10) for receiving a filling material comprises a filling material compartment (12) for receiving the filling material is provided. The packaging (10) further comprises an additional compartment (14) for forming an additional volume separated from the filling material compartment (12). The additional compartment (14) is moveable along a fastening direction (44) from an unfastened state to a state fastened to the filling material compartment (12). In the fastened state, the additional compartment (14) is fastened to the filling material compartment (12) via a first fastening means (30). Additionally, the additional compartment (14) is fastened to the filling material compartment (12) via a second fastening means (42) spaced to the first fastening means (30) both in fastening direction (44) and crosswise to the fastening direction (44). Thereby, compartments (12, 14), are separated from each other, and provide a secure connection of the compartments (12, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: KAO GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Zeiter, Peter Lamboy, Heiko Tullney, Guenter Wissmann
  • Patent number: 9497988
    Abstract: A system of rapidly cooling hot bulk liquids includes a chilling station having a reservoir for holding a cooling medium. The reservoir includes an outlet for removing excess of the cooling medium. A container bay disposed substantially above the reservoir is adapted to receive at least one container of hot bulk liquid to be cooled. At least one rotator is adapted to rotate the container placed in the container bay substantially around the container's longitudinal axis. A spray jet outlet is disposed substantially above the container bay and in fluid communication with the reservoir. The spray jet outlet is adapted to spray the container with the cooling medium while the roller is rotating the container. The container includes a void volume, preferably at least 5%. The rotator rotates the container at a rate that depends on the size of the container and/or the viscosity of the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: The Cooper Union
    Inventors: Gregory H. Loibl, George Sidebotham, Michael B. Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 9463913
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a snack container adapted for use with a beverage container comprising a lid, a beverage container engaging portion shaped to engage a rim portion of a beverage container, at least one sidewall, and a floor, wherein the lid is adapted to open and close for a user thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Crazy Minds LLC
    Inventor: Bonnie Sussman Strominger
  • Patent number: 9422088
    Abstract: A storage container apparatus for use with commercial material containers that includes three elements. The first element is compartment sides having a substantially horizontal surface, an outer top edge that is within 0.25 inches of the sides proximate the bottom of a commercial material container, and a contour that extends downward and ends in an edge with a first attachment element. The second element is a compartment base with a top, a bottom, and an edge, the top having a second attachment element that detachably attaches to the first attachment element of the sides and the edge extends outward from the attachment element at least 0.13 inches. The third element is a joining element that is configured to affix the storage compartment proximate to the bottom of a commercial material container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: LJA Companies, LLC
    Inventor: Chad Steven Erickson
  • Patent number: 9289042
    Abstract: A container for storing cosmetics or cosmetics accessories includes a main body having an inner storage compartment. An upper cap portion is removably attached to an upper end of the main body and includes a plurality of shelves. Each of the shelves is rotatable to the left or right of a central axis of the container, independently of remaining ones of the shelves, between a closed position and a respective open position. When each of the shelves is in the closed position, shelves are substantially concentric with each other and with a first opening in the upper end of the main body. When the shelves are in the respective open positions, the shelves are not concentric with each other or with the first opening. When the shelves are in the respective open positions, the first opening is revealed to provide access to the inner storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: MAKE-CUP, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christina Bellas, Karl Sommer, Richard Alan Knill
  • Patent number: 9278788
    Abstract: A gravity-feed bin includes a generally hollow main bin that has a storage reservoir and an open end. A first generally hollow extension section is selectably coupled to the open end of the main bin. The first extension section is in communication with the reservoir, and the storage capacity of the reservoir is increased by the first extension section. In some embodiments a seal element is intermediate the open end of the main bin and the first extension section, the seal element providing a substantially air-tight seal between the main bin and the first extension section. A plurality of extension sections and seal elements may be selectably coupled together in a stacked arrangement upon the main bin to increase the storage capacity of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: TRADE FIXTURES, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald Brundick
  • Patent number: 9185996
    Abstract: A gravity-feed bin includes a generally hollow main bin that has a storage reservoir and an open end. A first generally hollow extension section is selectably coupled to the open end of the main bin. The first extension section is in communication with the reservoir, and the storage capacity of the reservoir is increased by the first extension section. In some embodiments a seal element is intermediate the open end of the main bin and the first extension section, the seal element providing a substantially air-tight seal between the main bin and the first extension section. A plurality of extension sections and seal elements may be selectably coupled together in a stacked arrangement upon the main bin to increase the storage capacity of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: TRADE FIXTURES, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Brundick, Scott Johnson, John Clayton Odom
  • Patent number: 9187210
    Abstract: A dual function two stage draw latch has a first stage loop member pivotally attached at one end to a latch lever pivotally mounted to a base member secured to a wall of a first container. A second stage loop member is pivotally attached to the other end of the first stage loop member. The free end of the second stage loop member is able to engage a catch mounted on a wall of a second container stacked on top of the first container to provide a holding force for the two containers. This free end is also able to engage a catch element mounted on a container lid to hold the lid in place. Electrically conductive strips interconnect the latch and catch to provide electrical interconnection between the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: MICRODATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
  • Patent number: 9125471
    Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a bottle, a cap unit and a magnetic member. The bottle is adapted for accommodating a magnetic nail polish having magnetic particles. The cap unit includes a cap body that removably covers the bottle, and a finger support that is mounted on the cap body. The magnetic member is mounted on the cap unit and includes a magnetic patterning portion. The magnetic member is disposed such that the fingernail of a finger that is supported on the finger support is proximate thereto, such that the magnetic patterning portion is able to attract the magnetic particles of the magnetic nail polish applied on the fingernail so as to forma corresponding pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: TAIR JIUH ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hou-Ju Ko
  • Patent number: 9038840
    Abstract: A multi-compartmented food storage device having a top hermetic storage compartment, a bottom hermetic storage compartment and a central hermetic storage compartment that is interposed there between. Each of the top and bottom compartments being hingedly secured to the central compartment along an upper and lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Kurt Umholtz
  • Patent number: 9038820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to utility surfaces. Specifically, the invention relates to a utility surface, generally a table or other flat surface, with drawers attached to the utility surface. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the utility surface and attached drawers may be folded into a collapsed format that is convenient for portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Mohamed Ashry
  • Patent number: 9033181
    Abstract: A baking device for baking and cooling baked goods includes a rectangular baking pan formed from a single sheet of metal with planar opposing baking and bottom pan surfaces, including indentations positioned at four corners to extend out as protrusions from the bottom pan surface as standoffs. The baking device also includes a complementary rectangular cooling rack formed from a single sheet of metal with planar opposing baking and bottom rack surfaces, including indentations or depressions formed in the baking rack surface and positioned at four corners to extend out as protrusions from the bottom cooling rack surface and a plurality of small gauge holes. Dimensions of the cooling rack and baking pan are ensure that the cooling rack seats snugly in the baking pan so that the bottom cooling rack surface contacts and presses against the baking pan surface in an assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Feriola, George McConnell Davison, III, Peter Arthur Meier, Jason Reed Rogge, Colin Derek Curry, Matthew David McClatchey
  • Publication number: 20150122808
    Abstract: A container system useful for holding prepared foodstuffs in a refrigerator in an organized and convenient manner, having a frame, a plurality of containers with removable lids, and a retention means for holding the containers in fixed position relative to the frame when placed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Ellen TRASK
  • Patent number: 9016500
    Abstract: A universal cap to be placed on standard containers for lip balm and lipstick that contains one or more modules that house therein functional items to assist the user for personal health and safety applications. The cap includes modules that contain space for the inclusion of identifying information, interior space for a flashlight and battery, interior space for an audio alarm, an interior space to house medication, a place for a nail file and a place for a glass breaker along with a flange to allow attachment to a lanyard or similar item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Ralph Rossi
  • Patent number: 9007182
    Abstract: A package includes a chassis, a plurality of components arranged within the chassis, a plurality of RFID devices, and at least one processing device. The RFID devices are arranged at a plurality of locations to form an array configured to authenticate compliance of the actual configuration of the package with a model configuration. The processing device is configured to communicate with the RFID devices, determine if the actual configuration of the package is in compliance with the model configuration based on communications with the RFID devices, and set an operational mode of one or more of the components of the package in response to determining if the actual configuration of the package is in compliance with the model configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin D. Cruzado, William J. Dalzell, Keith A. Souders
  • Patent number: 8997993
    Abstract: A stackable tray is provided that includes a tray having a bottom, a pair of side walls each having an upper edge, and a rear wall. A pair of support columns is provided on each side wall. Each of the support columns includes: a protrusion extending upwardly from a top portion of the support column; a first groove formed in a bottom portion of the support column, the first groove being aligned with the protrusion in the vertical direction; and a second groove formed in the bottom portion of the support column, the second groove being aligned with the upper edge of the respective side wall in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: E.M.I. Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman L. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 8991600
    Abstract: A portable container for transporting and storing a plurality of perishable items including food and beverage items, having a heat-resistant outer tubular member with double-layered insulation in an adjacent inner tubular member to accommodate a plurality of perishable items and to sustain the prescribed temperature of such food and beverage items and to promote longevity thereof. The portable container optionally includes a plurality of external compartments and has removable endcaps enclosing both ends thereof. Each endcap is conveniently removed from a tubular end and then used as a cup for drinking a plurality of beverage items or used as a dish for eating a plurality of food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Marsha A. Normand
  • Patent number: 8991134
    Abstract: A modular building unit includes a top member, a bottom member, a plurality of wall members and at least one door member. The at least one door member and the wall members include a plurality of uniform-sized panel members. First attachment members are provided to reinforce openings in the unit. Second attachment members are provided on the uniform-sized panel members. The uniform-sized panel member are mounted in the openings and interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Carson Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8985330
    Abstract: A portable container for transporting and storing a plurality of perishable items including food and beverage items, having a heat-resistant outer tubular member with double-layered insulation in an adjacent inner tubular member to accommodate a plurality of perishable items and to sustain the prescribed temperature of such food and beverage items and to promote longevity thereof. The portable container optionally includes a plurality of external compartments and has removable endcaps enclosing both ends thereof. Each endcap is conveniently removed from a tubular end and then used as a cup for drinking a plurality of beverage items or used as a dish for eating a plurality of food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Marsha A. Normand
  • Patent number: 8985018
    Abstract: A container system for containing a plurality of ink pads including a cover and a plurality of bases. The cover defines a cover mounting portion. Each base defines a support surface, a first base mounting portion, and a second base mounting portion. Each of the support surfaces is adapted to support at least one of the ink pads. The cover mounting portion is capable of engaging any one of the first base mounting portions to detachably attach the cover to the plurality of bases. The first base mounting portions are capable of engaging the second base mounting portions to detachably attach at least one of the bases to at least another of the bases. The container system operates in a stack mode and in a single mode. In the stack mode, the cover is detachably attached to one of the plurality of bases, and the one of the plurality of bases to which the cover is detachably attached is detachably attached to another of the plurality of bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Clearsnap Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark G. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20150053676
    Abstract: A multi-tiered assembly for carrying pluralities of items and including a multi base, within an open interior of which is nested or inserted at least one intermediate body. A lid is secured over the base and intermediate body and an inter-engagement mechanism is associated with each exterior facing side of the base, lid and intermediate body for assembling the base, lid and body into a tier defining enclosure for holding and transporting the items. A pair of intermediate bodies may further include each a primary tier defining body and a secondary tier defining body. The base may further include a recessed flat interior and upwardly extending and interconnecting side and end walls. Each of the primary and secondary tier defining bodies can, in a preferred embodiment, exhibit a generally similar four sided profile incorporating a plurality of inner perimeter defined and item receiving apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: MICHELLE SAND
  • Patent number: 8960479
    Abstract: A crate includes a base, a pair of opposed end walls extending upward from the base, and a pair of opposed side walls extending upward from the base between the end walls. Each side wall includes a plurality of side columns extending upward from the base to a side band. Each side band includes a logo portion having a protruding portion protruding upward relative to an upper edge of the side band. Each side band further includes a curved recess formed in a lower edge of the side band, the curved recess complementary to the protruding portion of the logo portion. The protruding portions of the logo portions are offset in opposite directions from a center of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Reehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, William P. Apps, Suzanne Whitfield Clark
  • Patent number: 8950581
    Abstract: This invention relates to a stackable container adapted to be stacked with a second substantially identical container in two positions. The container comprises a container body; and an arm movably connected to the container body. The container body comprising a base and walls extending upwardly from the base. The walls define an interior space and an opening. The arm is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the arm provides a support for the second substantially identical container wherein, when stacked, the second identical container is supported above the stackable container with at least part of the interior accessible. In the second position, the arm is positioned to allow the second identical container to nest within the stackable container with the interior space inaccessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Busch Systems International Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Busch
  • Patent number: 8939310
    Abstract: Vessel including a unitary or two-part vessel base having an intermediate wall portion, upper and lower wall portions on opposite sides of the intermediate wall portion, and upper and lower rims adjacent the respective upper and lower wall portions. The upper and intermediate wall portions define an upper chamber space including at least one upper chamber. The lower and intermediate wall portions define a lower chamber space including at least one lower chamber. Inner lids engage with upper and lower lid-receiving portions, respectively, defined by the vessel base to selectively close the upper or lower chamber space. The two-part vessel base has a mating structure to facilitate selective attachment and separation. Outer lids engaged the upper and lower rims independent of the engagement of the inner lids with the vessel base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: David M Stravitz
  • Patent number: 8925752
    Abstract: An exemplary modular cooler system is provided that includes couplings that may, in one embodiment, be implemented as integrated or interfaced receptacles and corresponding inserts that allow accessory items to couple with an insulated compartment, which may be referred to as a “wet box”, and used as an insulated cooler that holds ice. The accessories may include, for example, a second compartment or “dry box” for holding items that need to be kept dry, a fishing rod holder, a shelf, a cutting board, a cup holder, a chair or seating platform, one or more dollies, or virtually any needed accessory. In one embodiment the thermal properties of the insulated compartment are enhanced with the use of one or more radiant barrier members, such as one positioned adjacent the lid of the insulated compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Gulf Coast Cooler Company, LLC
    Inventor: Craig A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8905255
    Abstract: A container for a flexible bag of liquid that supports the bag during transportation, storage and use in dispensing of the liquid. The container is made from two generally similar pans that form lower and upper parts of the container. Each pan includes a plurality of generally similar multiple projections that function to support the container on a surface as well as in a stable stacked formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nalge Nunc International Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Leoncavallo, Peter K. Baird
  • Patent number: 8887944
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with substantially thermally sealed storage containers are described herein. These include an apparatus comprising a stored material module, a stabilizer unit, a stored material module cap and a central stabilizer unit. The apparatus also include a transportation stabilizer unit with dimensions corresponding to a substantially thermally sealed storage container with a flexible conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tokitae LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey F. Deane, Lawrence Morgan Fowler, William Gates, Jenny Ezu Hu, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Mark K. Kuiper, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Nathan Pegram, Nels R. Peterson, Clarence T. Tegreene, Mike Vilhauer, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Ozgur Emek Yildirim