Molded In One Piece Patents (Class 220/516)
  • Patent number: 11286095
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a supporting structure for concurrently supporting a plurality of containers for substances for pharmaceutical, medical or cosmetic applications, having a plurality of receptacles for accommodating the containers therein at least partially. Each of the receptacles has an open upper end for inserting the containers into the receptacles and a lower end having a retaining portion for delimiting an axial movement of the containers in the receptacles. Guiding portions are provided for guiding the containers into the receptacles during insertion. The guiding portions can have upper guiding and positioning portions close to the upper ends of the receptacles and lower guiding and positioning portions close to the lower ends of the receptacles, which are formed separately from each other and delimit a radial movement of the containers in the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: SCHOTT SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Arne Kloke, Christian Komann
  • Patent number: 11097870
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a container for transporting and storing goods, having a floor and side walls extending from the floor. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the side walls or a part thereof is formed by a grid-like structure which is extensible and compressible or able to be pulled apart and squeezed together at least in one direction and within the side wall plane so as to demarcate or to close the container toward the side in a first position and to release the container toward the side in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: IFCO SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: John Huizingh, Richard Kellerer
  • Patent number: 10000321
    Abstract: A tray system includes a first tray having a plurality of stacking units. In one embodiment, each stacking unit forms a lower receptacle for receiving a neck portion of a first bottle, and an upper receptacle for receiving a base portion of a second bottle to be stacked above the first bottle. The lower receptacle has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a sidewall connecting the first end with the second end. The first end forms an opening for receiving a neck of a second bottle into the lower receptacle. The tray system may also include a second tray and a pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Polymer Solutions International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Kelly, John A. Spadavecchia, James A. Favaron, Jeff Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9935345
    Abstract: A cooling structure of a power storage device includes a cooling plate, a partition member, and a heat conduction material. The cooling plate is to cool a storage battery bank including storage batteries which are stacked. The partition member is disposed between the storage battery bank and the cooling plate and includes divided areas. At least one of the storage batteries is provided in each of the divided areas. The heat conduction material is accommodated in at least one of the divided areas and is in contact with the at least one of the storage batteries and the cooling plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hayashida, Kazuhisa In
  • Patent number: 9428321
    Abstract: A nestable crate or container for holding bottles. The crate has a floor portion substantially in a first plane having a plurality of bottle seating areas, with each bottle seating area being adapted to receive a lower portion of a bottle. The crate also includes a peripheral wall surrounding the floor portion and extending upward from the floor portion, a plurality of central columns extending upward from the floor portion and oriented proximate to a longitudinal centerline of the crate, and a plurality of pylons extending upward from the floor portion along the periphery of the crate. Each central column includes at least one first bottle-contacting surface and each pylon includes at least one second bottle-contacting surface. Both the first and second bottle contacting surfaces are substantially orthogonal to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Orbis Canada Limited
    Inventor: Edward L. Stahl
  • 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: 8961908
    Abstract: An incubation system for incubating membranes in western blot experiments featuring a base with an inner cavity adapted to hold membranes and small amounts of solutions and a lid that can pivot between an open and closed position to respectively allow and prevent access to the inner cavity. A gasket is disposed in between the lid and base to provide a water-tight seal between the lid and base. The systems can be stacked atop one another to allow for multiple systems to be placed atop a moving platform such as a rocking platform or an orbital shaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Prashant Bommi
  • Patent number: 8893891
    Abstract: A tray for storing and transporting bottles includes a plurality of spaced apart base walls each for supporting a bottle thereon. A pair of opposed side walls and a plurality of interior columns are connected by a plurality of dividers. The dividers also connect the columns and the side walls to the base wall. Each divider includes a lower end having spaced apart pocket walls each connected to a different one of the base walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 8608015
    Abstract: A device capable of storing beverages is provided with a base and a lid. The base includes a central cavity capable of retaining beverage containers and a cooling component. The bottoms of beverage containers may rest in container-retaining pockets molded into the bottom of the base and the tops of beverage containers may rest in one or more pockets protruding from the lid. One advantage is that the beverage containers may come into direct contact with the cooling component located in the central cavity of the base of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Plastech, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy C. Wolf, Sarah E. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 8517203
    Abstract: A tray includes a base, a pair of opposed side walls extending along side edges of the base and a pair of opposed end walls extending along end edges of the base. A central lateral divider extends between the side walls. The central lateral divider has a width approximately twice a width of the side walls to permit cross stacking. The central lateral divider includes a pair of spaced-apart divider walls and at least one center rib between the divider walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 8448806
    Abstract: A crate according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a pair of opposed side walls extending upward from the sides of the base and a pair of end walls extending upward from ends of the base. The end walls each include a pair of spaced apart end columns each having a side flange partially defining a bottle receiving pocket and a lower rib projecting upwardly from the base between the side flanges. A handle extends across the pair of spaced apart columns at each end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Jon P. Hassell
  • Patent number: 8397936
    Abstract: A package has a base for holding foodstuff objects, a cover fittable downwardly over the lid and having a rim with a rear edge and a front edge parallel thereto, and a hinge interconnecting the cover and base at the rear edge for movement between an open position with the rims separated at the front edge and a closed position with the rims engaging each other at the front edge. A female formation open vertically at one of the rims toward the other of the rims has a recess with a rear side formed by a forwardly projecting counterhook and a front side defined by a flank extending vertically forward and toward the other rim. A male formation projecting vertically from the other of the rims toward the one rim is fittable into the recess and has a hook matable with the counterhook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ovotherm International Handels GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Schleining
  • Patent number: 8371472
    Abstract: A freestanding cup holder is disclosed comprising a primary cylinder for holding a cup, the primary cylinder wrapped in one of a memory foam or a rubber material; one or more secondary cylinders each capable of holding a cup; and a connecting member connecting the primary cylinder to one or more of the secondary cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: John Skopis
  • Patent number: 8186534
    Abstract: A tray includes a base, a pair of opposed side walls extending along side edges of the base and a pair of opposed end walls extending along end edges of the base. A central lateral divider extends between the side walls. The central lateral divider has a width approximately twice a width of the side walls to permit cross stacking. The central lateral divider includes a pair of spaced-apart divider walls and at least one center rib between the divider walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 8146746
    Abstract: A tray for storing and transporting bottles according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base and a plurality of corner columns and side columns extending upwardly from the base, including center side columns. The center side columns and the corner columns having outer ledges defining a nesting height of the tray, such that the side walls of a similar tray nested thereon would contact and rest on the outer ledges of the center side columns and the corner columns. According to another, independent feature of the present invention, the noncenter side columns are offset inwardly relative to adjacent columns. This accommodates the handle of the tray in a ninety-degree cross-stacked configuration. As another optional feature, end columns are offset inwardly relative to adjacent corner columns in order to accommodate the handle of a similar tray nested thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 8109408
    Abstract: A crate according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a pair of opposed side walls extending upward from the sides of the base and a pair of end walls extending upward from ends of the base. The end walls each include a pair of spaced apart end columns each having a side flange partially defining a bottle receiving pocket and a lower rib projecting upwardly from the base between the side flanges. A handle extends across the pair of spaced apart columns at each end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Jon P. Hassell
  • Patent number: 8056753
    Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles which includes a floor member and first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls integrally formed with the floor member. Each sidewall includes a side band member which is defined by a centrally disposed upper edge and lower edge. The lower edge is spaced above the floor member by a predetermined distance to define a sidewall nesting area therebelow. The upper and lower edges each contoured downwardly to form a corner band portion having a corner upper edge and corner lower edge, wherein each nesting area matingly receives a corresponding side band member of a crate nested subjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Gerald R. Koefelda, William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 7793783
    Abstract: A nestable crate or container for holding bottles. The crate has a floor portion substantially in a first plane having a plurality of bottle seating areas, with each bottle seating area being adapted to receive a lower portion of a bottle. The crate also includes a peripheral wall surrounding the floor portion and extending upward from the floor portion, a plurality of central columns extending upward from the floor portion and oriented proximate to a longitudinal centerline of the crate, and a plurality of pylons extending upward from the floor portion along the periphery of the crate. Each central column includes at least one first bottle-contacting surface and each pylon includes at least one second bottle-contacting surface. Both the first and second bottle contacting surfaces are substantially orthogonal to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Orbis Canada Limited
    Inventor: Edward L. Stahl
  • Patent number: 7735676
    Abstract: A crate includes a bottom wall including a plurality of dividers defining a plurality of container pockets and a peripheral wall extending upward from a periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and peripheral wall are thermoformed from a single sheet of plastic, such as recycled PET bottles. Optional features include stabilizing feet, a peripheral lip that prevents shingling and flexible retainers protruding into the pockets to provide a tighter fit with bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Sean T. Ogburn
  • Patent number: 7694839
    Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles which includes a floor member and first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls integrally formed with the floor member. Each sidewall includes a side band member which is defined by a centrally disposed upper edge and lower edge. The lower edge is spaced above the floor member by a predetermined distance to define a sidewall nesting area therebelow. The upper and lower edges each contoured downwardly to form a corner band portion having a corner upper edge and corner lower edge, wherein each nesting area matingly receives a corresponding side band member of a crate nested subjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Gerald R. Koefelda, William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 7677405
    Abstract: A crate includes a bottom wall including a plurality of dividers defining a plurality of container pockets and a peripheral wall extending upward from a periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and peripheral wall are thermoformed from a single sheet of plastic, such as recycled PET bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Sean T. Ogburn, Cynthia R. Meissen
  • Publication number: 20090242568
    Abstract: A tray for storing and transporting bottles includes a plurality of spaced apart base walls each for supporting a bottle thereon. A pair of opposed side walls and a plurality of interior columns are connected by a plurality of dividers. The dividers also connect the columns and the side walls to the base wall. Each divider includes a lower end having spaced apart pocket walls each connected to a different one of the base walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Publication number: 20090206088
    Abstract: A crate includes a bottom wall including a plurality of dividers defining a plurality of container pockets and a peripheral wall extending upward from a periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and peripheral wall are thermoformed from a single sheet of plastic, such as recycled PET bottles. Optional features include stabilizing feet, a peripheral lip that prevents shingling and flexible retainers protruding into the pockets to provide a tighter fit with bottles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Sean T. Ogburn
  • Publication number: 20080179336
    Abstract: A reusable plastic container for delivery products, such as a dairy crate, a bakery tray, a beverage crate or a produce tray, is formed of a composition including a plastic resin and an electrically conductive or magnetic material distributed substantially uniformly throughout the plastic resin. The electrically conductive or magnetic material can be carbonyl iron powder in an amount between about 0.25% and about 2.0% of the composition by weight. The powder is distributed throughout the container and is detectable by an electromagnetic detection apparatus for screening plastic materials for regrinding. The container has a notice affixed to it, which indicates that the container includes the electrically conductive or magnetic material and that discourages regrinding of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: James Whitney
  • Patent number: 7322486
    Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles which includes a floor member and first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls integrally formed with the floor member. Each sidewall includes a side band member which is defined by a centrally disposed upper edge and lower edge. The lower edge is spaced above the floor member by a predetermined distance to define a sidewall nesting area therebelow. The upper and lower edges each contoured downwardly to form a corner band portion having a corner upper edge and corner lower edge, wherein each nesting area matingly receives a corresponding side band member of a crate nested subjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Gerald R. Koefelda, William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 7281641
    Abstract: A low depth tray for bottles is provided which includes a first pair of opposed walls, a second pair of opposed walls attached to the first pair of opposed walls to form a wall structure, a base attached to the wall structure, and a plurality of interior divider walls extending upwardly from the base. At least one member projects upwardly from an interior of the wall structure and is connected to the divider walls, where the interior member has a height less than the height of the wall structure and less than the height of bottles loaded in the tray. Together, the interior member, the base, the divider walls, and the wall structure define a plurality of bottle retaining pockets which are each sized to receive a single bottle therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 7252196
    Abstract: A crate adapted to store therein a container having a central bottle portion having label disposed thereon and a lower portion disposed below the label. The crate includes a floor member having an upper surface with a plurality of container support portions disposed thereon. The crate also includes a first pair of opposed upstanding side walls and a second pair of opposed upstanding side walls attached to a periphery of the floor member and defining a compartment area with the floor member. The crate further includes at least one container standoff member which is disposed within the compartment area proximate the floor member and is associated with a corresponding container support portion for defining at least one container receiving area. The at least one standoff member has a relatively short height corresponding generally to the lower portion of the container, the standoff member adapted to engage the lower portion of the container and oriented such that it does not contact the label of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Gerald R. Koefelda, Donald L. Bell
  • Patent number: 6986227
    Abstract: A stackable riser having a single side wall having a first open end defined by an edge and a second open channel end. A plurality of risers can be stacked on top of one another. The channel end of a riser mates with the first open end of a second riser. The riser includes a plurality of bosses and ribs connected to an interior surface of the sidewall to the edge of the first open end. A channel, on the channel end of one riser is adapted to receive the bosses and ribs of an adjacent riser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Norman W. Gavin
  • Patent number: 6899247
    Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles which includes a floor member and first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls integrally formed with the floor member. Each sidewall includes a side band member which is defined by a centrally disposed upper edge and lower edge. The lower edge is spaced above the floor member by a predetermined distance to define a sidewall nesting area therebelow. The upper and lower edges each contoured downwardly to form a corner band portion having a corner upper edge and corner lower edge, wherein each nesting area matingly receives a corresponding side band member of a crate nested subjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Gerald R. Koefelda, William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 6811050
    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: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 6580403
    Abstract: A housing for an electronic component is described, in particular a Gunn element for generating radar waves, including a bottom part, a wall part made of a plastic that can be processed by injection molding in particular and a cover part enclosing the electronic component in the installed state. The cover part has a contact spring for establishing an electric connection to a terminal of the component. In addition, the wall part is connected to the cover part by at least one connecting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Lucas, Andreas Kugler
  • Publication number: 20030089720
    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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Mark A. Bergeron
  • Publication number: 20020195452
    Abstract: A low depth tray for bottles is provided which includes a first pair of opposed walls, a second pair of opposed walls attached to the first pair of opposed walls to form a wall structure, a base attached to the wall structure, and a plurality of interior divider walls extending upwardly from the base. At least one member projects upwardly from an interior of the wall structure and is connected to the divider walls, where the interior member has a height less than the height of the wall structure and less than the height of bottles loaded in the tray. Together, the interior member, the base, the divider walls, and the wall structure define a plurality of bottle retaining pockets which are each sized to receive a single bottle therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Publication number: 20020148837
    Abstract: A low depth tray for bottles is provided which includes a first pair of opposed walls, a second pair of opposed walls attached to the first pair of opposed walls to form a wall structure, and a base attached to the wall structure. At least one interior column projects upwardly within the wall structure, where the interior column has a height less than the height of bottles loaded in the tray. A plurality of interior divider walls of double-walled construction project upwardly from the base and extend between the one or more interior columns and the wall structure. Together, the divider walls, interior columns, base, and outer wall structure define a plurality of bottle retaining pockets, where each pocket includes at least one divider wall and is sized to receive a single bottle therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 6457599
    Abstract: A stackable case for retaining and transporting bottles includes outer side walls forming an outer shell, a case bottom disposed substantially within the outer shell, and a plurality of supports for supporting the outer surfaces of the bottles. The side walls include a lower wall portion and a plurality of spaced upwardly projecting pylons, where four corner pylons define the four corners of the case. At least one upwardly projecting column is generally disposed within the outer shell, and defines, in combination with the case bottom, the side walls and the end walls, a plurality of bottle retaining pockets. The columns and the pylons extend above the lower wall portions and below a top surface of the retained bottles. The end walls each include an integrally molded handle structure suspended between an upper portion of adjacent corner pylons to thereby define a generally open end wall area below the handle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Philip C. Hwang
  • Patent number: 6454120
    Abstract: A low depth bottle crate has a peripheral wall of uniform height, the peripheral wall including a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. A longitudinal interior partition extends between the end walls and a plurality of transverse interior partitions extend between the side walls to thereby create a plurality of bottle receiving pockets within the peripheral wall. A crate bottom is connected to the peripheral wall, an upper surface of the crate bottom formed to include a bottle supporting platform for each bottle receiving pocket. The crate interior includes a plurality of columns located at intersections of the transverse partitions and the longitudinal partition, each interior column comprised of four discrete hollow posts, each having a convex surface facing radially into one of four of the bottle receiving pockets that surround each of the interior columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Norseman Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Roy Hammett
  • Patent number: 6401960
    Abstract: A low depth bottle crate includes a peripheral wall of uniform height, the peripheral wall including a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. A longitudinal interior partition extends between the end walls and a plurality of transverse interior partitions extend between the side walls to thereby create a plurality of bottle receiving pockets within the peripheral wall. A crate bottom is connected to the peripheral wall, an upper surface of the crate bottom formed to include a bottle supporting platform for each of the bottle receiving pockets. A plurality of interior columns are located at intersections of the transverse partitions and the longitudinal partition, each interior column having an interior surface facing radially into each of four of the bottle receiving pockets that surround each of the interior columns, the surface having a pair of vertically extending interior convex ribs adapted to provide support for a bottle loaded into the respective pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Norseman Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Roy Hammett
  • Patent number: 6367645
    Abstract: A bottle that can be stacked on other similar bottles (4), either with or without an intermediate carrier plate (1), is bound together with adjacent bottles to form stable stacks. The bottom surface of the bottle includes a cavity (15, 16, 18) adapted to receive at least a part of the capsule (12) of a bottle in an underlying layer. The cavity has at least one guiding and constraining surface (15) which coacts, with a tight fit, with a corresponding guiding and constraining surface of the capsule or with some other part of the bottle in the underlying layer, or with a corresponding guiding and constraining surface (11) of a bottle-guiding and constraining device (11, 13, 17) that projects up from a carrier plate positioned between the layers of bottles and in which there is received at least a part of the capsule of the bottle in the underlying layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Lars Erik Trygg
  • Patent number: 6336556
    Abstract: A unitary multi-cell partition for packaging articles for use with a multi-sided carton or tray having a circumscribed space therein. The partition is formed of molded pulp and is capable of being disposed in the space and is adapted to receive the articles within the cells of the partition. The partition comprises a plurality of wall portions which are inclined from the vertical when the partition is free standing and free of the space in the carton or tray. The plurality of wall portions are arranged to provide a plurality of vertically disposed spaced-apart cells. The wall portions have upper and lower extremities and hinge portions joining certain of said upper extremities of the wall portions and joining certain of the lower extremities of the wall portions to permit bending of certain of the wall portions with respect to other of the wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Regale Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory W. Gale
  • Publication number: 20010032855
    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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 6283319
    Abstract: A collapsible, foldable container with reduced deflection and increased strength and convenience is provided. A door can be provided in the lower portion in one or more of the sidewalls, opening upward and outward without unduly loading the door hinges. A latch is provided to hold the door in the open configuration engageable by slamming open and disengaging by jerking close. In one embodiment, the base of the container includes a plate having ribbing extending upwardly therefrom. When a smooth-bottomed surface is desired, a plate may be installed on top of the upwardly extending ribbing. Ribbing on the bottom surface and/or sidewall surfaces can include close-loop or circular ribs with integral ribbing extending radially therefrom. Preferably, containers are configured so that they can be stacked, one upon the other, either with or without a top or lid. Preferably, the lid, when provided, avoids pooling of liquids such as rainwater by having a domed-shape and by providing channels in a peripheral ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Perstorp Xytec
    Inventors: Mark Hillis, Clifford R. Perry, Cheryl M. Reiland
  • Patent number: 6079554
    Abstract: A tray for holding a plurality of beverage containers has a floor with a plurality of container seating areas on its top surface and structure on its bottom surface to enable a plurality of the trays loaded with containers to be stacked on top of one another in stable relationship, yet slid relatively easily on top of one another when desired. Peripheral heel protector bands extend around the periphery of the tray to protect the lower ends of containers from damage, and spacer members project upwardly from the floor between the container seating areas to maintain containers in the tray spaced from one another and prevent displacement of the containers from their seating areas when the tray is tilted. A tray sidewall includes spaced pillars extending upwardly from the periphery of the floor and supporting a top rail at their upper ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: International Container Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Hammett, Douglas H. Heilman
  • Patent number: 6076697
    Abstract: A crate for storing and transporting cartons having a crate floor and four sidewalls integrally attached to the crate floor extending upward from the floor forming an interior of the crate. The cartons have a plurality of pressure points on the exterior bottom surface of the carton. The crate floor has a plurality of recesses whereby a recess is subjacent each pressure point on the carton despite the position of a carton within the crate. In addition, a recess is subjacent each pressure point wherein each carton within a crate has the same volumetric size and the volumetric size is selected from a plurality of volumetric sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Carleton Allabaugh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6073793
    Abstract: A stackable case for retaining and transporting bottles includes outer side walls forming an outer shell, a case bottom disposed substantially within the outer shell, and a plurality of supports for supporting the outer surfaces of the bottles. The side walls include a lower wall portion and a plurality of spaced upwardly projecting pylons, where four corner pylons define the four corners of the case. At least one upwardly projecting column is generally disposed within the outer shell, and defines, in combination with the case bottom, the side walls and the end walls, a plurality of bottle retaining pockets. The columns and the pylons extend above the lower wall portions and below a top surface of the retained bottles. The end walls each include an integrally molded handle structure suspended between an upper portion of adjacent corner pylons to thereby define a generally open end wall area below the handle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Philip C. Hwang
  • Patent number: 6047844
    Abstract: A nestable crate for bottles having an upright retainer wall surrounding a horizontally disposed floor. The retainer wall has an upper portion, a lower portion, a vertically disposed interior surface and an exterior surface. A plurality of tangency pads are integrally formed in the upper portion of the retainer wall of its interior surface. A nesting window is formed in the interior surface of the retainer wall below each tangency pad. The crate accommodates both single bottles placed in the crate separated as well as bottle-filled cartons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Alpha Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick James McGrath
  • Patent number: 6032819
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a container, a cap for the container, and a dispenser valve for the container, the container being a one piece molded item having a front, a back, a left side, a right side and a bottom, with each of the sides having an outer wall and an inner wall, with the inner walls, the front, the back and the bottom forming the container with an open top, with the cap mounted on the container at the open top, and with the front of the container having an opening for receiving the dispenser valve and a second opening for receiving an inspection window. A sanitary napkin and tampon disposal container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Bobrick Washroom Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Emmanuel A. Hanna
  • Patent number: 6021913
    Abstract: The tray has an outer rectangular panel that has two opposing end walls and two side walls. A plurality of rows of the cells extend from one end panel to the other, intermediate the side panels. Gaps are formed in the outer panel adjacent some of the cells to expose the can labels or UPC codes. The outer panel has a flat surface so advertising may be placed on the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick James McGrath
  • Patent number: 5950829
    Abstract: Packaging for at least one bottle having a cylindrical base portion and a narrowed neck portion comprising a shell formed of a nonplastic material. The shell is formed of first and second parts. The first and second parts each have a bottle receiving recess formed therein. The bottle receiving recesses have first and second portions. The first portion is formed to receive the cylindrical base portion of the bottle and the second portion is formed to receive the neck portion of the bottle. The first and second parts are movable with respect to each other to each enclose a portion of a bottle disposed in the shell. A case encloses the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory W. Gale
  • Patent number: 5913444
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport and/or storage container (1), particularly of plastics, for transporting goods, such for example as cans, bottles or tubs, with a carrier body (2) which is formed at least by a base (3) which forms a support surface for the transport goods and a plate-shaped positioning device (4) extending parallel to the base (3) provided with apertures (27) for the transport goods, the positioning device (4) being connected by hinge arrangements (5) to the base (3) or with wall members (6) disposed on the base (3) at a spacing (33) from the base (3) and is mounted to be displaceable in a direction vertical to the base (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Steiner Freizeitmobel Gesellschaft m.b.H. & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alfred Steiner
  • Patent number: 5855277
    Abstract: A low depth, nestable display crate for bottles, preferably of single serve capacity, is integrally molded from plastic and comprises two basic components--a floor and a wall structure extending up from the floor and extending around the periphery of the floor. The floor preferably has an open lattice design and includes container support areas. The bottom surface of the floor is configured for accommodating the tops of bottles in a similar crate underneath. The wall structure comprises a lower wall portion adjacent the floor and a plurality of integrally formed pylons arranged around the periphery of the crate. The pylons are hollow and tapered so that pylons of empty crates can nest within one another. Handles are integrally formed to extend between pylons on opposing walls to provide handle bars flush with the tops of the pylons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Gerald R. Koefelda