Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a recyclable product is disclosed herein. In one embodiment the apparatus includes: a structure defining an interior cavity, the structure having a plurality of walls; a bottle return mechanism for determining when a bottle has been received within the interior cavity, comprising: an elongated cylinder providing a passage into the interior cavity, the elongated cylinder having an inlet opening proximate to an exterior of the enclosed structure and an outlet opening proximate to the interior cavity; a bottle return mechanism configured to provide an output when a bottle has been inserted into the elongated cylinder; and a dispensing rack secured to one of the walls of the enclosure.

Abstract: A container is provided. The container is configured to receive other containers containing materials to be held and/or transported.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another example, the method includes forming the rail so that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a container formed by such method.

Abstract: A fryer basket having at least one bottom panel that is normally retained in a closed relationship relative to side walls of the basket but which is released to pivot to an open position upon operation of a latching mechanism that is operable adjacent to a handgrip of a handle connected to the basket and wherein a blocking member carried by the at least one bottom panel prevents the latching mechanism from returning to its closed position until the at least one bottom panel is returned to its closed positioned after having been opened.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another example, the method includes forming the rail so that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a container formed by such method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a recyclable product is disclosed herein. In one embodiment the apparatus includes: an enclosed structure defining an interior cavity; a bottle return mechanism for determining when a bottle has been received within the interior cavity; and a mechanism coupled to the bottle return mechanism, the mechanism being configured to provide an output when the bottle return mechanism has determined that a bottle has been inserted into the interior cavity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for bottled beverage distribution. Apparatus includes bin, means for receiving bottles, sensor and receipt dispenser. Method of selling includes providing an inventory, assigning identification indicia, assigning first and second purchase prices and positioning apparatus for receiving, storing and dispensing receipt. Method of distributing includes delivering to a first location water bottles, positioning at a second location a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus, and retrieving empty bottles from the apparatus. Method of distributing includes creating an account, assigning a first amount charged for each bottle sold, assigning a second amount deducted from the first amount for each bottle received, delivering bottles and positioning a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for bottled beverage distribution. Apparatus includes bin, means for receiving bottles, sensor and receipt dispenser. Method of selling includes providing an inventory, assigning identification indicia, assigning first and second purchase prices and positioning apparatus for receiving, storing and dispensing receipt. Method of distributing includes delivering to a first location water bottles, positioning at a second location a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus, and retrieving empty bottles from the apparatus. Method of distributing includes creating an account, assigning a first amount charged for each bottle sold, assigning a second amount deducted from the first amount for each bottle received, delivering bottles and positioning a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A fryer basket having at least one bottom wall or panel that is normally retained in a closed relationship relative to side walls of the basket but which is released to pivot to an open position upon operation of a latching mechanism that is operable adjacent to a handgrip of a handle connected to the basket.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another example, the method includes forming the rail so that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a container formed by such method.

Abstract: A device for containing plastic container lids for use in an automatic dishwasher or for storage. The device includes an open lattice structure having a top, bottom, back and side walls and a removable door. The lattice members preferably have convex outer surfaces and substantially planar interior surfaces and are configured to maximize water penetration into the device during a wash cycle. Longitudinally-oriented lattice members include projections and grooves that assist in retaining lids in position and maintaining separation between adjacent lids. Concentric circular members may be provided on the sides of the device.

Abstract: A gabion deployment system comprising: a container (30) for retaining a gabion (22) and a gabion (22) of the folding type comprising hingedly attached, connected side walls (16 & 18) and cross-members (12) such that it can be folded for storage and deployed for use; a retaining means (50) associated with the container (30) for retaining the gabion (20) in the container; and at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentive engaging means (66) for attaching, connecting or retentively engaging at least one part of the gabion (22) to the retaining means (50); wherein the at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentively engaging means (66) is adapted to attach, connect or retentively engage a part of the gabion (22) to the retaining means (50) when the gabion (22) is folded but to release the gabion (22) from the retaining means (50) when the gabion (22) is deployed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another example, the method includes forming the rail so that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a container formed by such method.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a basket body, a basket door with a pivoting mechanism for attaching the door to a bottom portion of the basket body and a basket slider connected to the basket door. The basket door is pivotal between an open position and a closed position. The apparatus also includes a handle with a handle housing and comprising a trigger member in the handle housing. The trigger member has a pivot end in the slot in the opposite end. The apparatus also has a basket drive rod with a first end and a second end. The first end connects to the basket slider and the second end slidably engages the slot of the trigger member. In operation, pivoting of the trigger member about the trigger pivot and translates the basket drive rod with a translation moving the basket slider. The basket slider moves the basket door between an opened and a closed position.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus includes a metal basket and a metal frame. The metal basket includes a bottom and a wall attached to the bottom. The wall includes an upper edge and a bent connection extending from the wall to the upper edge. The metal frame includes a vertical portion, a first horizontal portion, a bent connection extending from the vertical portion to the first horizontal portion, a second horizontal portion, a retroflex connection extending from the first horizontal portion to the second horizontal portion and a roiled edge extending from the second horizontal portion. The bent connection of the basket is clamped between the bent connection and the rolled edge of the frame. Therefore, the frame is secured to the basket.

Abstract: A collapsible container configured to lay substantially flat in a collapsed position and maintain an extended or usable position by utilizing load-bearing means rigidly disposed among and affixed to various support members. The load-bearing means are adapted to receive support members and sustain the container in its usable position when a load is placed therein. The load bearing means resist movement of support members in the direction caused by the load exerted on the container. When the load is removed, the load-bearing means is adapted to permit the support members to be withdrawn there from so that the container may be transitioned to a substantially flat collapsed position.

Abstract: A woven plastic container for plants is provided having an outside bottom band, a plurality of splints, an inside top band, a plurality of weave strips, and an outside top band. The outside bottom band has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Each splint is spaced apart a predetermined distance from each directly adjacent splint, and each splint is in contact with the outside bottom band interior surface. The inside top band has an interior surface and an exterior surface, with the exterior surface being in contact with each of the splints. Each of the weave strips is woven through the splints, and each of the weave strips is spaced at predetermined distances from each directly adjacent weave strip. The outside top band has an interior surface and an exterior surface, and with the interior surface being in contact with each of the splints. In one embodiment of the invention the container has a base, with the base being attached to the splints and the outside bottom band.

Abstract: A tennis ball container is disclosed. This container has a top barrier rod (110) having a closed rectangular profile and forming the top structure of a barrier body (100), a bottom barrier rod (120) having a closed rectangular profile and forming the bottom structure of the body. A plurality of side barrier rods (140) extend in a vertical direction between the top and bottom barrier rods to connect them into a single structure, and form two inclined opposite sidewalls of the barrier body. A plurality of elastic barrier rods (150) are vertically arranged inside the side barrier rods while being mounted to the top barrier rod at their top ends such that the rods (150) are elastically displaceable in opposite directions at their bottom portions. Two first handle rods (210) are rotatably attached to the side barrier rods at the opposite sidewalls of the barrier body. Each of the first handle rods includes a U-shaped rod part, with a linear rod part integrated with the ends of the U-shaped rod part.

Abstract: A device for grilling small pieces of food is described which is a basket made of a perforated metal. The device fits inside of conventional grills even when the lid of the grill is closed and can be easily removed for shaking and turning over of the small pieces of food without their falling out. The basket has upper and lower portions each with two outwardly extending flaps. When the upper portion is placed over the lower portion the flaps interface so that the basket may be easily shaken or turned over. Furthermore, when the upper portion is placed inside the lower portion stacking during shipping and storage is facilitated.

Abstract: A silverware basket for use in a dishwashing machine, the basket having a bottom wall disposed along the basket bottom. The bottom wall being an offset grid type structure formed by a plurality of parallel longitudinal ribs extending lengthwise across the basket bottom in a first plane and a plurality of parallel, transverse ribs extending across the width of the basket bottom in second plane spaced a predetermined distance below and parallel to the first plane. A plurality of connecting ribs connect the longitudinal ribs and the transverse ribs at the projected intersection points between the longitudinal ribs and the transverse ribs. A plurality of projections extend from the transverse ribs downwardly away from the longitudinal ribs for providing drip off tips for the bottom wall. The plurality of projections align with the plurality of connecting ribs and each of the projections comprise a generally inverted frustoconical body having a fully radiused bottom tip.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to wall-mounted baskets which are easily collapsible for cost effective transportation and which are assembled with ease by the end-user. The devices are characterized by unique, yet simple locking mechanisms permitting individual pieces of the basket to combine to form a stable receptacle with superior structural integrity.

Abstract: An improved basket for the preparation of fried food products includes a wire mesh bottom wall and three upstanding wire mesh side walls. A perforate gate is pivotally attached along the fourth side of the basket and is secured in a closed configuration by a latching arm pivotally attached to a top edge of each side wall. Handles including a grip are also attached to the top edge of the side walls and can be used for the insertion and removal of the basket containing food products from a hot oil bath. The fried food products can be gently removed from the basket and deposited onto a worktable by conveniently tilting the basket to an inclined orientation so that the latching arm disengages from the gate either by gravity or by downward pressure on a lever arm attached thereto.

Abstract: A large-volume storage and transport container has a flexible wall inner vessel within an outer vessel of gridwork. The bottom of this outer vessel is likewise formed as a gridwork and stabilized by welding with additional bars if necessary. Pallet feet or other palletizing elements can be formed on the additional bars, welded to the bottom or otherwise attached thereto.

Abstract: A storage and transport container for a fluent material has a stiff outer vessel having an upright side wall formed of a grid of steel bars and a floor. The floor is inclined with respect to the horizontal downward to a predetermined low point at the side wall. An elastically flexible liner in the vessel has a side and a base respectively generally corresponding to the side wall and floor of the vessel and is provided at the low point with a drain fitting. The base is inclined when the liner is only partially filled with the fluent material to the horizontal to the low point at an angle substantially greater than that between the vessel floor and the horizontal but forms the same angle and lying on the floor when fully filled with the fluent material.