Cells (i.e., Identical Or Similar Compartments Each Intended To Hold A Single Item) Patents (Class 220/507)
  • Publication number: 20070257041
    Abstract: In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, a portable caddy for care items is disclosed. The caddy has a container lined with a removable flexible liner. The flexible liner contains a compartment that is sufficiently sturdy to hold and center for balance a wet wipes box in place, allowing a caregiver to open it easily. The liner also can have other compartments of various sizes and can have a plurality of pockets along the sides of the liner to keep organized a variety of care items. The liner can be removed from the container and either washed or wiped clean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Melissa Bramlage
  • Patent number: 7290674
    Abstract: A bifurcated trash bin includes a rectangular housing having an open top portion and a closed bottom portion defining a cavity therein. A divider member is removably positionable along the top portion for bifurcating the cavity into a pair of substantially symmetric partitions. The trash bin further includes a plurality of rectangular lids pivotally connected to the housing and a plurality of bag-supporting members pivotally connected to the housing adjacent to the lids. A mechanism for maintaining the lids and the bag-supporting members at closed positions is disposed about a partial perimeter of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Andrew K. Ledford
  • Patent number: 7258246
    Abstract: A tray for use in baking bread, baguettes, crusty rolls, or the like comprising a contoured baking sheet fabricated from a single piece of material and at least one support member attached to the baking sheet. The support member includes a plurality of protrusions that correspond to a series of fastening apertures formed in the baking sheet. Pressure applied to the protrusions deforms the top portion thereof and creates a series of permanent connectors that connect the support member to the baking sheet to form a baking tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: American Pan Company
    Inventor: Jason Tingley
  • Patent number: 7195285
    Abstract: A connection arrangement for detachably connecting a first flexible tank and a second flexible tank in an aircraft includes a latching device, a first tubular connecting element attached to the first tank, and a second tubular connecting element attached to the second tank. The first and the second connecting elements are detachably connected to each other using the latching device. In a connected state of the connecting elements, fluid exchange can take place between the first and the second tanks via the first and the second connecting elements, the latching device is disposed inside one of the first and second flexible tanks and is actuatable from outside the respective flexible tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Eleftherios Rodousakis, Harald Kiowsky
  • Patent number: 7156226
    Abstract: A multi-compartment container for storage of food, personal and miscellaneous items. The container has a base with a bottom and a circular sidewall. Radial dividers for a plurality of generally pre-shaped individual compartments which may be integral or removable. An access opening with a closure is provided for each compartment. The center of the container defines a through aperture which may be used for support in a position of use or for receiving an accessory such as a small battery-powered light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Matthew C. Van Sickle
  • Patent number: 7066326
    Abstract: A box for an electric fan, which can include a fan body, a wire and a connector, generally includes a plurality of first boards, second boards, and connector boards within the box. These boards can form respective containers for the fan body and respective containers for the connector. Desirably, each board of the plurality of second boards and the plurality of connector boards form respective fillisters. As such, at least one of the fillister of a second board and the fillister of a connector board can receive at least a portion of the wire of the electric fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Datech Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nien-Lun Li, Chin-Yueh Chu
  • Patent number: 7033821
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices, devices for arraying biomolecules, including cells, methods for arraying biomolecules, assays for monitoring cellular movement, and systems for monitoring cellular movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Surface Logix, Inc.
    Inventors: Enoch Kim, Gregory L. Kirk, Olivier Schueller, Emanuele Ostuni
  • Patent number: 6997340
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing easier, more ergonomic access to parts stored in a shipping container to be used in a manufacturing environment. Shipping containers having trays with packaging cells for containing production parts may be accessed by a person whose responsibility it is to remove the parts from the container for use on an assembly line, for example. By enabling the trays containing packaging cells to be moved forward as parts are removed from the container, the person's job is rendered easier to access parts that would have otherwise remained at the rear of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the packaging cells or packs are arranged to slidably move closer to the person removing the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael L. Stefanik, Carrie S. Simpson, John Detwiler
  • Patent number: 6953128
    Abstract: A structure and kit and method of use are disclosed of a plurality of interegaging panels forming a plurality of open-topped compartments, such structure adapted for positioning within a bucket for storage of objects, baited fish or seedlings therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventors: Michael A. Pfister, Gregory R. Brotz
  • Patent number: 6929141
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises indexing means (75) arranged for indexing sheet material (1) along an advancing direction (F) through a forming station (5) in which shells (50, 50a, 50b) of containers (53, 54, 55, 56, 80) joined by undeformed parts of said sheet material (1) are obtained, a filling station (7, 7a) in which said shells are filled with product (52), a shearing station (11) in which said shells (50, 50a, 50b) are severed from said sheet material (1); a method comprises forming sheet material (1) deforming portions thereof so as to obtain shells (50, 50a, 50b) of containers, filling said shells (50, 50a, 50b) with product (52), shearing said shells (50, 50a, 50b) severing them from said sheet material (1); a container comprises a first part of container (50) and a second part of container (50) between which interposing (20) means is peelably interposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Green Pack S.r.l.
    Inventor: Bianca Elena Minghetti
  • Patent number: 6913164
    Abstract: A versatile drawer organizer structure for segregating a plurality of items. The structure includes a front and back wall and a blank of sheet material wherein a filler is sandwiched between a lower liner and an upper liner. The blank is folded transversely along break lines to define end walls, dividing walls and floor panels between successive walls. The blank is then adjusted in accordion fashion to the inside width of a drawer and held in that shape by attaching a front and a back wall. Thus the structure can be easily sized to precisely fit the inside width of a large number of different drawers and many other enclosed spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: David Michael Duquette
  • Patent number: 6886710
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tray including a front, a back, a first side, a second side, and a bottom. The tray can include beams extending from the front of the tray and slots defined in the back of the tray. When two trays are stacked in opposite directions with respect to one another, the beams are received by the slots. The tray also includes a domed bottom. The domed bottom has a convex profile with respect to the interior of the tray and can include transverse ribs or longitudinal ribs. The tray also includes drain apertures positioned along the front and back of the tray. The drain apertures can enhance cleaning of the tray by communicating fluid from channels defined by the front and back. The tray also includes a stop for projection for limiting sliding movement of a top tray relative to a bottom tray when two trays are stacked in a similar orientation with respect to one another. The tray also includes handles in the first and second side and a gripping portion on one of the first and second handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Pinckney Molded Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Verna, Douglas T. Cox, Douglas Hood
  • Publication number: 20040245254
    Abstract: An organizer for a drawer or other rectangular or non rectangular space. The organizer has a plurality of individual elements that are mutually nested together and can be moved both in the width direction and in the length direction to expand or contract the organizer so as to conform to the dimensions of the drawer or other rectangular or non rectangular space. Each element has a bottom surface that combines to provide a contiguous bottom surface of the organizer in the expanded and contracted positions. There is also a peripheral continuous raised edge that surrounds the perimeter of the organizer when in the contracted or expanded positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Gayle Rosenberg, Eli Pine
  • Publication number: 20040118854
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for storing and organizing articles within a defined space. The apparatus is collapsible and includes exterior panels, a base panel and a panel opposite the base. The interior of the apparatus is composed of a plurality of panels that are arranged to form compartments of varying sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence B. Kutun
  • Patent number: 6702139
    Abstract: A packing tray is provided for use in both cell pack and tray pack arrangements. The packing tray is unitarily formed from polystyrene foam to have a cellular structure. Cells are arranged in longitudinal rows of alternating odd and even numbers, and the cells are partially separated by cell dividers, which have at least major portions recessed within the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 6672480
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system comprises a container in a generally rectilinear configuration with a plurality of fluid receiving zones are provided within the walls. At least one suction cup has a mounting portion coupled to the rear wall of the container and a suction portion to facilitate a holding suction force upon the pressing of the suction cup onto a flat surface. A top wall has side edges coupled to the top edges of the front, rear and side walls and with coupling regions above the fluid receiving zones. A plurality of container caps with internal female coupling regions allow the cap to be removably received and held-on the container. Cap links have a first end coupled to the caps and a second end coupled to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Keith D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030230582
    Abstract: An integrally formed ensemble of interconnected, separable containers and associated lids is adapted for use as disposable containers for condiments, sauces, and the like. The interconnected assembly typically includes a first plurality of containers arranged in a first linear array and a second plurality of containers arranged in a second linear array wherein the first linear array and the second linear array are secured to each other by way of a plurality of tear portions. First and second pluralities of lids are hinged to the containers and outwardly disposed with respect thereto such that the lids and containers are balanced during a fill operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Rebecca E. Whitmore, Gerald J. Van Handel
  • Publication number: 20030230581
    Abstract: A stationary container with straight, vertical walls and an open top has a bottom frame with an array of holes through which closely packed support cells can slide so that the base of the container roughly contours to the surface on which it is set while maintaining a level top surface. This arrangement allows the load of a contained fluid material to be applied normal to the top of each support cell, distributing the vertical load over multiple points between the bottom of the container and the load-bearing surface on which the container is set. The support cells may be solid, hollow, or have openings to allow fluid to pass between the interior and exterior of the container. The container walls are vertical and attach to adjustable corner posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Garrison Wark
  • Patent number: 6648165
    Abstract: A container is provided that has two receptacles joined at a common edge and is thereby suitable for resting on the forearm of a user. A liner for the container is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Carl A. Accardo
  • Publication number: 20030192895
    Abstract: A structure and kit and method of use are disclosed of a plurality of interegaging panels forming a plurality of open-topped compartments, such structure adapted for positioning within a bucket for storage of objects, baited fish or seedlings therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Michael A. Pfister, Gregory R. Brotz
  • Patent number: 6557718
    Abstract: A box of plastics material, comprising a bottom wall (22) having a rectangular shape, from which a pair of longer lateral walls (28) and a pair of shorter lateral walls (24, 6) project. The box comprises a first and a second pair of support elements, in which the support elements of the first pair are arranged along a first lateral wall (24) and the support elements of the second pair are arranged along respective lateral walls (28) orthogonal with respect to the first wall. The support elements are arranged so that the box can be interpenetrated with a box of the same type when the two boxes have the same relative orientation and can be superimposed to a box of the same type when the two boxes have an opposite relative orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Sicav Sas Di Militemi & Co.
    Inventor: Franco Cesano
  • Patent number: 6550629
    Abstract: A structure and kit and method of use is disclosed of a plurality of interegaging panels forming a plurality of open-topped compartments, such structure adapted for positioning within a bucket for storage of objects therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Pfister
  • Publication number: 20030029744
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cigar storage are provided. The apparatus preferably has a main body container having a bottom, side portions connected to and extending upwardly from the bottom, and a plurality of separate, individual and elongate cigar storage compartments formed within the main body and within the confines of the side portions and each having an open upper end thereof to position a cigar therein. The separate and individual storage compartments advantageously protect each individual cigar from damage, contamination, moisture, and other aspects such as during travel, extensive use, toting, or other uses of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher A. Holler
  • Patent number: 6517780
    Abstract: A container for liquids, particularly for analysis of biological liquids, comprising a main body which is constituted by a cylindrical chamber and by a plurality of cup-shaped parts for containing the liquids which protrude axially from the bottom of the chamber, an intermediate closure element which can be accommodated in the chamber and is in turn provided with tubular portions which can be inserted in the cup-shaped parts, and a sealing cover which can be coupled to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Kaltek S.r.l.
    Inventor: Lorenzo Cortelazzo
  • Publication number: 20030024843
    Abstract: A pizza separator for use with a pizza box of the type having an upper and lower panel, includes a separator member dimensioned for positioning within a pizza box. The separator member includes a base having at least one compartment for accommodating seasonings and upper and lower support surfaces for respectively positioning adjacent upper and lower covers of the pizza box. The upper and lower support surfaces define a height sufficient to maintain the upper and lower covers at a predetermined spacial distance. The base preferably includes a plurality of compartments, with each compartment dimensioned to accommodate a different seasoning. At least one leg may depend from the base for positioning on the pizza. Preferably, a plurality of legs are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas dePoortere
  • Patent number: 6491179
    Abstract: An anchored, floating drink tray having an annular floating member which maintains a main body above the surface of the water, the main body having a plural number of drinking glass recesses which receive lidded glasses in a secure manner, such that the tray may be temporarily inverted or submerged without harm to the contents in the glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Gabriel O. Dokun
  • Patent number: 6463647
    Abstract: A method of making a multiwell plate involving joining a top plate that has been extruded and has a plurality of open ended channels, with a bottom plate that is substantially flat. The top plate forms the sidewalls of the wells of the plate and the bottom plate forms the bottoms of the wells. The resulting plate, which conforms to the industry standard footprint, has a potentially high density of wells, the volume of which may be controlled by the height of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Thierry L. A. Dannoux
  • Patent number: 6450341
    Abstract: A packaging system in which food items can be frozen, stored, shipped, baked and served is disclosed. The packaging system includes a base, a pair of trays, a plurality of baking cups and a shrink wrap protective covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Oven Ready Foods LLC
    Inventors: Calvin S. Krupa, Patrick Boedigheimer
  • Patent number: 6330955
    Abstract: A container filled with a freezable mixture for use in refrigeration or temporary cooling purposes. The container of the invention is generally one of the common metal cylindrical containers or cans but may also include both plastic and glass bottles. Normally such containers are unsuitable for holding a freezable mixture due to the expansion of the freezing mixture causing the deformation or rupture of said container. By using a fully soluble eutectic mixture, such as propylene glycol and water mixed at a ratio of 20% propylene glycol, an ice slurry is formed at the temperatures normally present in home freezers. A small gas space is also needed for expansion and contraction of the container contents. When a can or other inwardly flexible container is utilized, a positive pressure within the container, relative to the external pressure, can be maintained with a gas charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Vincent Michael Easler, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6296133
    Abstract: A container for bulk material such as siding panels has a plurality of upright posts mounted in stanchions along opposite sides of a base. Tubular cells extend lengthwise of the base between the posts. Cross rods are supported by the posts. The cells are suspended from the cross rods by hanger straps. The posts are pivoted to the stanchions so that the posts may be collapsed to horizontal positions. The cells when empty are also collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph L. Cobane
  • Patent number: 6290085
    Abstract: An inventive partitioned closed container comprises a cylindrical main body, a partition provided within said main body in a body therewith along the longitudinal direction thereof and lids for closing openings of the main body. The lids are joined with the main body and the partition by means of frictional agitating joining or laser welding. Thereby, it is possible to realize a good joining condition and to assure reliability in terms of strength without increasing the weight and the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventor: Masaharu Tochigi
  • Patent number: 6237535
    Abstract: A blank for forming a multi-sided container suitable for storing and/or shipping live crustaceans, such as lobsters, shrimp, and crayfish is disclosed. The blank has a base member to which one or more thermal conditioning wall members are foldably connected. In addition, one or more infiltration barrier wall members are foldably connected to the base opposite the thermal conditioning wall member or members. The thermal conditioning wall member or members and infiltration wall member or members have partial side wall members extending substantially orthogonally from them in an aligned relationship. Thus, the thermal conditioning wall member and infiltration barrier wall member can be folded to bring their partial side wall members into contact, thereby forming one or more multi-sided containers for live crustaceans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Rose Seafood Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonardo LaRosa
  • Patent number: 6221449
    Abstract: A preform (9) made of thermoplastic material and including a body (11) provided with an at least partially longitudinally extending inner partition (10). The preform is used for molding and particularly blow molding or stretch-blow molding a container with a body having opposed portions defining hollow recesses with inwardly-directed convex surfaces, said portions being spaced apart by said inner partition. In a straight cross-sectional view, the body (11) has a non-circular outline with two opposed portions (a, b) separated by a minimum distance (d1) that is smaller than the distances between the other pairs of opposed portions of said outline. The inner partition (10) extends between said two opposed portions (a, b), and said distance (d1) is such that, relative to the periphery of the body (11) of the preform, during molding, the inner partition (10) is transversely stretched at a rate equal to that at which the body (11) is transversely or peripherally stretched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Sidel S.A.
    Inventor: Paul La Barre
  • Patent number: 6206224
    Abstract: A shopping caddy system including a multi-compartmented caddy and a plurality of collapsible bags that fit into the compartments of the caddy. The caddy is preferably collapsible so that its end panels and intermediate dividers form a stack. The end panels of the caddy can preferably folded downward to provide extra support when the endmost caddy compartments are not occupied. The caddy and bags are preferably sized and shaped to allow close engagement between the caddy and the bags when the caddy is in the open position and the collapsible bags are in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Kenneth Lee Potts, Debra Lee Potts
  • Patent number: 6202878
    Abstract: A closure apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of plug closures interconnected by straps. Each plug includes a blind bore therein into which a sampling needle may be inserted for penetration of the plug in order to extract a sample from the container to which the plug is attached. The plugs are arranged within an array that may correspond to an array of containers set within wells located in a block array. A membrane is also provided that interconnects the straps and the plugs. The plugs are fashioned from an elastomer such as a silicone elastomer. A layer of PTFE is provided on the bottom outer surface of the plugs and may also be included on the underside of the interconnecting straps and membrane, so as to provide an inert barrier in contact with the contents of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Chromacol Limited
    Inventor: Charles David Cook
  • Patent number: 6202883
    Abstract: A tray for semiconductor integrated circuit devices, including a plurality of first partition walls extending in a first direction, a plurality of second partition walls extending in a second direction at right angles with the first direction, and circumferential frame portions connecting end portions of the first and second partition walls. The regions surrounded by the first partition walls and the second partition walls constitute seating portions for seating semiconductor integrated circuit devices. The first partition walls are disposed such that one first partition wall is disposed between two rows of the seating portions which are adjacent to each other in the second direction. The second partition walls are disposed such that two second partition walls are disposed between two rows of the seating portions which are adjacent to each other in the first direction, and opening portions are formed between the two second partition walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corp.
    Inventors: Norio Narazaki, Yutaka Shiraishi, Osamu Kakinoki
  • Patent number: 6193088
    Abstract: A closure (20) for sealing a micro-organism container (50) is disclosed. The closure (20) includes a resilient seal (24) for sealing the container (50), a passageway (26) extending through the seal (24), or filter media (28) extending across the passageway (26) integrally molded to the seal (24) for allowing sterile gas exchange therethrough. A method of making a flask closure (20) is also disclosed. The method includes molding a sealing member (24) having a port (26) extending therethrough while simultaneously sealing a peripheral edge (31) of a filter media (28) within the passageway (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Monty E. Vincent, John R. Costello, Jr., Jonathan N. Lipsky, Ralph W. Collins, Robert A. Giacobbe
  • Patent number: 6193064
    Abstract: A vial plate includes a base plate having protrusions spaced from each other to form compartments for supporting vials and openings which allow the flow of liquids or gases to heat or cool the vials. The vial plate may have a cover and use a multi-tiered structure having one or more spacers which attach to the base plate, each other, or the cover to vary the height of the vial plate for accommodating vials of different sizes. The vial plate does not float in water, can accommodate vials containing volatile solvents, and can support individual vials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: J. G. Finneran Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Finneran
  • Patent number: 6188840
    Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a pressure vessel made from a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting resin. The vessel comprises a first and a second vessel end part, and possibly an intermediate tube part. The vessel end parts include a circumfering shell (4) and each one dome (3). A number of partition and load distributing walls (5) stretch from the domes (3) towards the open part of each vessel end part. The possible intermediate tube part includes similar walls (5). The edges of the walls (5) will meet when the different parts are joined. A number of cells (6) are formed between the walls (5). A number of crossing areas are formed between intersecting walls (5). At least one crossing area is provided with a determination by achieving a hole (14) from the outside of the dome. The hole (14) is bigger than the crossing area and has a depth greater than thickness of the dome part (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Perstorp AB
    Inventors: Witold Orlowski, Olof Norrlöw
  • Patent number: 6167680
    Abstract: A portable storage and display case for toy action figurines. Compartments, located within the case, allow the user to strategically place the figurines within the case. Transparent walls facilitate use of the case for display purposes in addition to allowing the user to quickly assess its contents and easily locate desired figurines within the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Sidney Horn
  • Patent number: 6138831
    Abstract: A multi-purpose organizing container system for storing various items for facilitating entertainment and refreshment during travel. The multi-purpose organizing container system includes an outer housing, a plurality of compartments for holding various items, a pair of oppositional tracks, and a pair of lid members for sliding into the tracks to cover the housing. Preferably, the lid members are planar boards each having a clip attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of containers includes insulated beverage holders, utensil compartments for holding removable utensil cups, a central storage compartment, book slots, and a trash bin compartment for holding a removable trash bin. It is further preferred that all exterior corners of the housing and exterior edges of the tracks are substantially rounded to enhance safe use of the container system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Donna L. Agostinelli
  • Patent number: 6093430
    Abstract: This Precise Recipe Spice Dispenser is an aid to cooks, providing accurate and speedy dispensing of proper amounts of spices in correct sequence for a given recipe. A transparent plastic form contains a series of separate trough-shaped spice compartments with open faces. The sequence and sizes of the compartments depend on the order and amounts of the individual spices required. The plastic form, when filled with the spices, is sealed to the front layer of a double-layer chipboard backing, such that the open periphery of the spice compartments exactly matches a cutout in the front layer. The back layer has a peelable strip with a peripheral perforation exactly back-to-back with the cutout periphery in the front layer. The names of the spices and the recipe as a whole may be printed on the front layer next to the sealed spice compartments. When the first spice is needed, the peelable strip is peeled back to expose just the first compartment, leaving the other compartments sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Suresh Gupta
  • Patent number: 6089372
    Abstract: A reusable carrier for yogurt pots or the like has pot receptacles that transmit vertical forces in a stack of carriers and that surround the yogurt pots. The lower ends of the pot receptacles of each carrier co-operate with positioning ribs of the top surface of an underlying carrier, so that layers of stacked carriers can not be horizontally moved in relation to each other. The carrier as a whole is a stackable single piece made of a deep-drawn foil that is cheap to produce and easy to clean before being reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Otmar Fahrion
  • Patent number: 6065592
    Abstract: An article for assisting persons to quit smoking and a method for doing same comprising a cigarette case; an insert located within said cigarette case and dividing its interior into a plurality of spaces, each sized to hold a single cigarette; and a plurality of closure devices, each of which can be used to seal one such space as the smoker gradually tapers daily cigarette consumption downward. A preferred embodiment includes a clear plastic shell covering the outside of said cigarette case, behind which shell such inspirational and motivational materials as photographs, other images, and/or handwritten or printed matter may be positioned in such a way as to be visible to the user each time the cigarette case is accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis Ole Wik
  • Patent number: 6036044
    Abstract: A modular, multi-compartment container includes four pre-stamped blanks of material, such as paperboard that may be folded into a preferred orientation and placed into a cooperative arrangement. The blanks of material form a contiguous ring of outwardly-facing compartments and a selectively covered internal chamber. Vertically-aligned pairs of apertures accommodate included hollow tubes. The tubes increase the structural integrity of the container and may be used for storage and display purposes as well. A corrugated base is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: Elaine Parker, Gary Parker
  • Patent number: 6036023
    Abstract: Convective heat transfer enhancement features are formed in trays for carrying and thermally conditioning semiconductor devices or on integrated circuit chip packages. Upward extending ribs, perpendicular to a fluid flow, are formed in the trays and/or packages for increasing the mixing of the fluid flow near the devices under test, thereby enhancing convective heat transfer to or from the devices. Downward extending ribs are also formed in the trays and/or packages. The upward and downward extending ribs formed in the trays are in a staggered relationship for facilitating the stacking of trays. Alternatively, a surface roughness is applied to the trays and/or packages. The surface roughness applied to the packages is such that sufficient smooth regions remain on the packages for allowing pick-and-place machines to handle the packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas C. Pfahnl, Alexander H. Slocum, John H. Lienhard, V
  • Patent number: 5992665
    Abstract: A see-through display case has a plurality of compartments for storing, displaying and transporting a plurality of collectibles. Each case has an open front face which is closed by a clear plastic cover hinged to the front edge of the top surface. A case may be attached to vertically adjacent cases by means of a pair of tongue and groove interlocks integral to both the top and bottom surfaces and to laterally adjacent cases by a tongue on one case and a groove on the adjacent case to form a unit of interconnected cases. Each of the interlocks is activated by sliding a first of the adjacent cases front to back relative to the other adjacent case. An array of cases as large as two by two can be transported using an attachable handle which can be connected to the uppermost, centrally positioned pair of tongue and groove interlocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Richard W. Deeter
  • Patent number: 5967315
    Abstract: A partitioned storage tube for tip-ups and other ice fishing accessories including an elongated, cylindrical body partitioned into five separate tip-up storage compartments for storing and protecting tip-ups when not in use. A structure for protecting the tip-up reels is incorporated into the body. Elastic straps provide an adjustable means of securing a cover to the body. A cylindrical interior compartment is accessible through an access opening in the cover to store ice fishing accessories that may be longer than the tube. Drain apertures in the bottom of each tip-up storage compartment facilitate the removal of excess moisture. The storage tube is made of a durable plastic material so it could be used as a stool when standing upright with the cover on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Allen G. Langtry, II
  • Patent number: D481584
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: David L. Nolan
  • Patent number: D481905
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: David L. Nolan