Separate Closure For Each Compartment Patents (Class 220/524)
  • Patent number: 6247590
    Abstract: Packaging made of inexpensive thermoformed plastic is described. The packaging includes a base and cover defining a plurality of chambers. The cover includes a plurality of flaps, each flap corresponding to a chamber. The flaps can be manipulated independently of one another to provide selective access to a desired chamber with opening other chambers. The invention can be applied to create through thermoforming packaging of many different shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Jamestown Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay J. Baker
  • Patent number: 6244439
    Abstract: A carousel suitable for storing dolls having a plurality of compartments with doors opening into each compartment and a top storage above the compartments with doors that cover the storage space and for the top of the carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Gerald Dennis
  • Patent number: 6237765
    Abstract: A fishing bait bucket having an outer shell, an inner bait receiving chamber, a cooling chamber for receiving ice or the like, a main lid covering the outer container with an access lid for accessing only the bait chamber and a carrying handle moveable between latched an unlatched positions to selectively attach and detach the main lid from the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Mitchell Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: Harold L. Hagen, Kevin H. Hagen, Keith L. Hagen
  • Patent number: 6196412
    Abstract: A container, for storing a variety of objects, comprising a housing having a first end, a second end, and two lids—one lid located at the first end and one lid located at the second end. Dividers are provided within the container to create distinct compartments therein. The compartments may include a transverse divider which creates distinct compartments at the first end and second end, and a longitudinal divider, which creates distinct compartments which each extend between the first end and second end. Both a transverse divider and two or more longitudinal dividers may be employed to create four or more compartments. Each of the lids having one or more lid flaps to provide access to the compartments therein. Snap in pourers may be inserted into the lids immediately beneath one or more of said lid flaps to control the pouring of granular substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Berl Cattell
  • Patent number: 6196407
    Abstract: A garbage container includes a base, a bottom cover rotatably supported on the base to hold an outer shell and an inner barrel, a plurality of partition boards fastened to the bottom cover and defining a plurality of storage chambers within the outer shell around the inner barrel for receiving classified waste materials, a top cover covered on the outer shell over the storage chambers, an inner container formed of multiple container parts and mounted within the inner barrel, a plurality of cover panels respectively pivoted to the inner barrel and moved to close/open the storage chamber, and a foot lever pivoted to the base and operated to lift one container part or the inner container in opening one cover panel from one storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Green Wheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Hei Liu
  • Patent number: 6192895
    Abstract: A cosmetic case containing a replaceable inner case which can be easily removed or inserted, and which is specifically structured to maintain the cosmetic material contained therein in a fresh and usable condition. The invention is comprised of an outer case with a floor area and inner peripheral wall defining a space for an inner container, an outer cover attached by a hinge to the outer case, a main latch employed to hold the outer cover closed, a replaceable inner container providing a cosmetic holding space, an inner container cover capable of opening or closing over the cosmetic holding space, and a sub-latch employed to hold the inner cover closed against the inner container. The inner case is equipped with a hinge part to allow opening and closing of the inner cover, said hinge part fitting into a cutout section on the peripheral wall of the outer case so as to expose the hinge and thus allow wide angle opening of the inner case cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Yoshida Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukitomo Yuhara, Kiyokazu Miyokawa, Michiaki Kumagai, Takashi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 6141984
    Abstract: A cover for a freezing counter includes two reciprocably pivotable oblong profile elements, and a heat emitting element and a drain along one of the profile elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Lop Lundgren & Perzon AB
    Inventors: Bjorn Perzon, Kenneth Lundgren
  • Patent number: 6129233
    Abstract: The collection of household refuse using multichamber refuse containers poses problems if automatic container grippers are used since the section lids of the container can no longer be opened manually before the container is tipped into the vehicle. In particular in the case of multichamber refuse containers having a partition which is attached perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the container lid in the container, there is the risk that as the refuse is being tipped into the vehicle, the section lids of the container will collide with the partition of the vehicle and therefore will not open completely. The patent specification proposes various means, such as changing the geometry of the axis of rotation of the section lids, or curved control means attached to the refuse container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Rolf Schiller
  • Patent number: 6116456
    Abstract: An insulated food box construction 10 comprising a receptacle unit 11 including a reinforced generally rectangular receptacle member 20 having an open top, a closure unit 12 including a pair of transparent lid panels 40 hingedly connected to the receptacle member 20 and dimensioned to overlie the open top of the receptacle member 20. Each of the lid panels 40 are provided with a pair of "stay open/stay closed" support arms and a support unit 13 including a pair of pivoted support legs 50 operatively associated with the receptacle member 20 for elevating the receptacle member 20 to a serving height during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Robert J. Davis
  • 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: 6062416
    Abstract: A container for sorting and storing items to be laundered is described. The container comprises two lower compartments for storing bulkier items and two inner compartments arranged to pivot within the container from a position wherein the inner compartment(s) are within the container to an outward position wherein the inner compartment(s) are outward of the container. Furthermore, the inner compartments are arranged to accept one or more rigid inserts therein. In operation, items to be laundered together are deposited into the desired rigid insert(s). When laundry day arrives, the rigid insert(s) are removed from the inner compartment(s) of the container and emptied directly into the washing machine. As the items to be laundered have already been sorted, the time and effort required to do the laundry is significantly decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Alexandra Martina Smillie
  • Patent number: 6050442
    Abstract: A multi-compartment container includes a partition member located in the container a pair of lids pivotally attached to the partition member. Each lid includes a pair of integrally molded hinge arms and one or more integrally molded cantilevered hinge pins extends laterally from each of the hinge arms of each lid along a common pivot axis. Spaced sockets are formed in the partition member for pivotally receiving the cantilevered hinge pins of each lid. Some of the hinge pins of each lid have a beveled end surface, and the partition member has a beveled surface adjacent some of the sockets complementary to the hinge pin beveled end surfaces. With this arrangement, each of the lids can be installed on the container by aligning the beveled surfaces of the pins and partition wall, and forcing the hinge pins in a camming action along the beveled surfaces until the hinge pins snap into their respective sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Cascade Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward H. Wysocki
  • Patent number: 6043097
    Abstract: The reagent package includes a container housing section and a container lid that are sealed together to define one or more inside chambers. An opening in the container lid provides access to a corresponding chamber. The chamber opening is controlled by a valve that is pivotable from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. When the valve is in an open position the container chamber can be accessed through the valve with an aspiration probe and a dispensation probe. The reagent package accommodates a filter screen member and a glass ampoule in the container chamber. The glass ampoule contains one reagent ingredient, usually in a dry powder form and the space within the chamber outside the glass ampoule usually contains a reconstituting liquid ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholae Dumitrescu, Andrew Oakes, Randolph Bradshaw, Robert L. Berger, William M. Jameson, Chris Robinson, James R. Laskey
  • Patent number: 6019242
    Abstract: A waste container having a hingedly mounted lid that can be moved between a closed position for covering the container to an open position for providing access to the container. The lid is provided with a groove spaced from the hinge so that when the lid is rotated from the closed position to the open position, any moisture on the lid will flow into the groove where it is directed off of the lid instead of onto the hinge or into the waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignees: Cascade Engineering, Inc., Waste Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Wysocki, Richard T. Williams
  • Patent number: 6015064
    Abstract: A portable closable container has individually closable cells under a main lid. The container has a base with which the main lid defines an internal space. The internal space is partially filled by a plurality of side-by-side, top-to-bottom individual cells. Each of the cells is fitted with a removable cover which is hingedly mounted to the cell. The removable cover of the cell includes a tab for manipulation by the user's finger. A space is provided for a label on the cover of the cell. The components of the container are preferably composed of a polymerized material, such as polypropylene. There are two slots on the main lid which match the two feet on the base. These slots and the feet allow one container of the same kind to be stacked on the top of another without one shifting with respect to the other away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Analog Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gang Liu
  • Patent number: 5992677
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing an improved container for holding a liquid and the manufacture thereof. The apparatus generally comprising at least two compartments wherein a first compartment may contain a readily dispensable liquid and a second compartment may contain a removable product, article, prize, or object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Akemi Ebine
  • Patent number: 5971196
    Abstract: A partitioned collection container including a central compartment and two lateral compartments is described herein. A first lid is pivotally mounted to close the central compartment and third and second lids are pivotally mounted to respectively close the two lateral compartments. A lid locking mechanism is provided. The lid locking mechanism has two positions. In a first position, the lid locking mechanism allows the first lid to open while preventing the second and third lids from opening. Conversely, in a second position, the lid locking mechanism allows the second and third lid to open while preventing the first lids from opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: C.S. Gestion de Dechets et de Matiere Recyclable Inc.
    Inventor: Denis Gamache
  • Patent number: 5968453
    Abstract: A single compartment, non-wedged shaped reagent cartridge for use in an automated clinical chemistry analyzer. The cartridge comprises a hollow relatively narrow reagent compartment formed by an axially elongated, bottom, an axially elongated top, a front end portion and a rear end portion extending vertically between the bottom and top and connecting to opposing right and left sidewalls for completing the reagent compartment. A shoulder engaging flange extends from the top for supporting the cartridge on a shoulder in a cartridge receiving carousel of an automated clinical analyzer including transfer probes for insertion into at least one opening in the top of the cartridge for fluid transfer into the clinical analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Carolina Liquid Chemistries Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip G. Shugart
  • Patent number: 5938646
    Abstract: A medical storage assembly for reusable medical equipment includes a main storage bag having an opening, a bottom and an interconnecting wall which is operatively suspended from a mounting member that can be removably secured to a vertical support pole. A pivotable rigid lid member is connected to the mounting member and is configured to enable the closing of the opening of the medical storage bag. The medical storage bag can include a plurality of sub-storage bags that are removably mounted within the main storage bag and are removably connected together to provide open configurations whereby different types of reusable medical equipment can be stored. Alternatively, the main storage bag can hold used blood product containers and can be provided with an exterior compartment member of a configuration to hold medical forms that identify the recipient patient with the used blood product container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas E. Carter
  • Patent number: 5921383
    Abstract: An eyeglass case includes top and bottom substantially rigid shell members connected by a hinge for movement between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the shell members define an enclosed interior space adapted for protective storage of eyeglasses. The top and bottom shell members each include an interior end portion provided with an internal receptacle for storage of miscellaneous accessory items such as nose pads, spare screws, a small screwdriver, lens cleaning solution, and a lens wiping cloth. The internal receptacles include floor portions configured complementary to the articles stored therein and hinged lids for maintaining the stored items securely in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Tec Vision, Inc.
    Inventors: Don N. Shefler, Charles H. Newcomer
  • Patent number: 5901848
    Abstract: A package for containing food products has at least two compartments having different atmospheric conditions. Each of the compartments may be sealed by a membrane having different permeability. The membranes may be sealed to a peripheral flange extending around each of the compartments. The peripheral flange is designed to facilitate severing in place on the tray of a membrane from a continuous web of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Worlds Class Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Gorlich, Robert F. McPherson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5899335
    Abstract: A container for medications, written instructions and other materials is provided for an individual whose cognitive powers may be diminished and who must take several medications or doses at different times of a day. The container takes the annular array form of a clock face with hourly positions having either or both visual and/or Braille indicia. Each hourly position has a separate lid-covered compartment for placement therein of medications or instructions to be taken within designated hours. The containers are provided in pairs, one being designated for ante meridiem hours and the other for post meridiem hours. They may be alternately arranged coaxially with a clock having either an hour hand or a blocking shutter, the latter of which insures that only the lid of a given compartment is accessible at the designated time for taking a specific medication. Pairs of containers sufficient for a week's medications can be organized, filled and stacked for successive use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventors: Mildred E. Boyer, Marinus B. Bosma
  • Patent number: 5887715
    Abstract: A tool case with a storage space which is accessed from the underside of the tool case. The storage space may be fitted with various pre-assembled snap-in storage modules to provide the user with the flexibility of storing a wide variety of items in a wide variety of ways, depending on the user's needs. For example, the compartment may be fitted with a snap-in module comprising a series of rotating storage containers according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Alternatively, the snap-in modules can comprise a series of sliding drawers, or a single rotating storage container, or any other tool or component holder. In the invention, a rectangular opening is defined within the bottom surface of the box portion of the tool case. Interior walls project upwardly from the edge of the opening to preferably define a storage space which accommodates a snap-in module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Maxtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Kailash C. Vasudeva
  • Patent number: 5881904
    Abstract: A cover for closing a divided chemical dispensing container or hopper mounted on agricultural chemical-dispensing equipment. The cover closes the top of the hopper and includes a shim that seats on the divider that divides the interior of the hopper into two compartments of approximately equal size. The hopper cover is removably mounted on the top of the hopper and engages the slotted divider shim seated on the divider, to enclose the granular chemical contents of the hopper. In a preferred embodiment the hopper cover is characterized by a conventional first opening which communicates with one of the hopper compartments designed to contain a toxic chemical such as a granular insecticide. A hinged cover opens on a raised cover lip extending from the hopper cover to access a second cover opening that communicates with the opposite compartment, typically containing a granular, non-toxic fungicide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: John L. House
  • Patent number: 5883806
    Abstract: A container for pharmaceutical items, comprising a tray having at least one compartment adapted to retrievably contain at least one pharmaceutical item, each said compartment having associated therewith a lid movable between a closed position restricting access to the associated compartment and an open position permitting access to the associated compartment, and each lid having associated therewith a mechanism responsive to control signals from a computer to permit movement between the closed and open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: KVM Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Meador, Thomas L. Kraft
  • Patent number: 5806670
    Abstract: A pocket size portable pill box with dual rounded bottom compartments with said compartments subdivideable by the user and with said compartments closed by snap action of a lid to form individual small compartments; said pill box further equipped with a removable filling means and means to changeably label the desired contents of each compartment. Some embodiments of the invention further having a make-up kit, a computer, or an audible alarm mounted on one surface of the boxlike unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas A. Harlan, Joseph F. Long
  • Patent number: 5782359
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing medication and the like which includes a container with a plurality of compartments and a lid such that when lid is in a closed position compartments cannot be opened. The container includes a base, inner wall, outer wall, divider parts which extend from the inner wall to the outer wall forming the plurality of compartments, enclosures which cover each compartment, and a threading cylinder which extends upward from the inner wall. The lid is in the form of a cylinder with extensions that extend from the lower inner portion of the lid such that when aligned with the threading cylinder and downward pressure and clockwise movement is applied the enclosures that cover compartments cannot be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventors: Angel F. McAllister, Steven R. McAllister
  • Patent number: 5772063
    Abstract: A waste receptacle which features structure that permits changeable installation of display art items, as well as the display of embedded or removable three-dimensional items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Sharon Gantz-Bloome
  • Patent number: 5752464
    Abstract: The improved pet feeding apparatus is comprised of a pair of container portions adapted to receive food or water which are connected by a living hinge for folding the pet feeding apparatus into a compact package for travel. The container portions are threaded on their inner upper edge to accept a lid which seals the container portion when installed. The container portions includes a bowl shaped section with a skirt extending downwardly and outwardly to a lower rim which is below the lowest extent of the container portion. These lower rims provide a stable base for the container portions. The lower rims are connected by the living hinge which facilitates folding the container portions for transport and allows the lower rims of the container portions to lie flat on the floor when the pet is using the pet feeding apparatus. The lower rims also include a handle positioned opposite the living hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas N. King, Jason B. Ford
  • Patent number: 5725122
    Abstract: A lid assembly is provided for a pail which is characterized by a receptacle portion that is closed of by a secondary lid. The receptacle portion is provided for storing and displaying items related to the contents of the pail, e.g., small tools or instructions. The lid assembly may also have a pouring spout, either within or outside of the receptacle portion, so that the contents of the pail may be emptied without removing the entire lid assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Plastican, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph B. Murphy, Henry J. Blanchette, Richard P. Smagala
  • Patent number: 5715969
    Abstract: A health care product container having a generally rectangular cross section and closed at one end by a bottom wall molded integrally with the container vessel. The other end is provided with a filling opening which corresponds to the cross section of the container, and which is closed by a closing part. The container has an internal partition integral with the container vessel, parallel with one of its side walls, and dividing the container into first and second compartments. Each compartment is closed at one end by said bottom wall and being open at its other end. The closing part is so designed that it sealingly closes the first compartment at its one end, but leaves access to the second compartment, the sealed compartment being a product containing compartment provided with a dispensing opening closable by a stopper. The second compartment is closed by a lid hinged to the closure part or to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ferrosan A/S
    Inventors: S.o slashed.ren Seerup, John Seeberg
  • Patent number: 5706971
    Abstract: A commercial trash bin (26) is fitted with a commercial trash bin lid (22), which has an opening in the front (23). A variety of interchangeable insert plates (80, 102, 140), may be mounted onto the lid to cover the opening. An insert plate (102) may be fixedly attached to the lid to completely close the opening, such that the lid may be used as a standard commercial trash bin lid. The insert plate (102) may alternatively be hinged to the lid and be spring-biased into a closed position. A user may push on the lid to rotate it open for inserting small objects into the bin without having to lift the full lid. Insert plates (80, 140) provide separate apertures, either for recyclable bottles and cans. Chutes (150) may be provided to direct material input through the opening (23), and a rain hood (160) may be mounted onto the lid to prevent rain from entering the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5692626
    Abstract: An integral dual compartment container includes a pair of container bodies positioned back-to-back relative to one another. Each of the container bodies includes respective upper and lower container body portions. The upper body portions each has an opening and is asymmetrically disposed relative to the respective lower container body portions thereof. A handle spans the upper container body portions so as to establish a generally rectangular space therebelow. A pair of generally vertically oriented attachment flanges integrally attach a respective end of the handle to the upper container body portion, while a generally vertically oriented connecting flange extends continuously between the opposed rear walls of the container bodies and connects them in a back-to-back relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Wehrle, Neil P. Stapensea, Douglas J. Mattson, Ted E. Piatt, Joseph P. Quinn
  • Patent number: 5692613
    Abstract: A picture frame storage box (10, 10A) having a body (12) with a front (16) and two oppositely situated endwalls (20, 22) that connect the front (16) to the back (18). The front and back each have top edges (28). Each endwall (20, 22) is of a size and shape to extend above the front and back top edges (28), creating an abutment (32). Each abutment (32) has an exposed surface (34) that faces the other. A base (24) adjoins the front (16) the back (18), and two endwalls (20, 22) to form a storage compartment (26) of a size and shape to hold CD's, videos, trading cards, and the like. One or more dividers (44) may connect front (16) to back (18) and is laterally spaced between endwalls (20, 22). Each divider (44) divides storage compartment (26) into separate compartments. Each divider (44) includes a top (46) that is of a size and shape to extend above the front and back top edges (28), creating an abutment having two oppositely situated exposed surfaces (48, 50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Stanford E. Opdyke
  • Patent number: 5685430
    Abstract: A storage container, primarily for photographs and their negatives, is formed as a one-piece member of plastic material. A rectangular housing is formed by a base and pairs of parallel spaced sidewalls and end walls. A flat panel is pivotally mounted on the base and swings into the housing to form a first storage compartment with the base for receiving the negatives. The photographs are placed on the panel and are retained in the container by a closure lid which is pivotally mounted on one of the end walls of the housing opposite of the pivotal mounting of the panel. The lid is moved into a spaced parallel juxtaposition with the panel to a closed, latched position forming a second storage compartment between the panel and lid for storing the photographs. Printed indicia is placed on an inclined end wall of the lid to identify the contents of the container. A partition is formed on the panel to enable the second storage compartment to store two stacks of 31/2.times.5 photographs or one stack of 4.times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Alpha Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Weisburn, Craig M. Saunders, Jeffrey M. Kalman
  • Patent number: 5671846
    Abstract: A self-contained portable salad bar formed of two interconnected containers that are secured together for transportation to a remote location. Each of the containers define a plurality of individual receptacles with associated closures. The interconnected containers are secured together by an interconnecting locking bar latch mechanism forming a transportable closed case with a transportation carrying strap exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Richard Frank
  • Patent number: 5662235
    Abstract: A receptacle for recyclable materials includes an outer housing with a plurality of separate containers removably held therein for receiving different types of recyclable materials, such as glass, metal, plastic and paper refuse normally encountered in a typical household. The outer housing has a removable cover with a plurality of openings therein and a separate pivotable lid closing each opening. Each opening and associated lid is in alignment with a respective container held in the housing, so that material can be placed through the openings in the cover and into the respective containers without the need for removing the cover from the housing. When one or more containers are full, the cover can be removed and the container or containers lifted out by a handle attached to the container. Provision on the housing cover of a lid for each container simplifies emptying of the individual containers when they are removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel Nieto
  • Patent number: 5660299
    Abstract: A two-n-one cooler including an insulated container having a bottom wall with a rear wall, a front wall, a pair of side walls and an interior wall extending upward therefrom. The front wall has a pair of front upper edges and the rear wall has a pair of rear upper edges with a passage through each rear upper edge. The pair of side walls each have a short upper edge extending from the rear wall in a horizontal plane for a portion thereof and a remaining portion sloping downward toward the front wall. The interior wall is integral with the front and rear walls and spaced from one of the pair of side walls to form two chambers within the container. The interior wall has a projecting upper edge with an aperture therethrough and adjacent each rear upper edge. A first lid has an upper surface and a lower surface with an opening therethrough and positionable over one chamber. The opening has a door positioned therein. A second lid is positionable over another chamber of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Allen W. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5636743
    Abstract: A tray for temporarily or permanently receiving beads for bead work has a plurality of separate compartments, each with a separate cover. A single sheet of material can be vacuum formed to create the compartments, and the covers can also be vacuum formed. A rib on the covers is received within the compartments and frictionally engages the side walls to hold the covers in place. One end of each compartment has angled walls to provide a funnel arrangement, leading to a pour spout, and an upwardly ramped bottom portion directs beads to the spout. The cover can be reversed and used to prevent spilling of beads during pouring. The tray can also define one of more design grooves for laying out the pattern of beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Dal-Craft, Inc.
    Inventor: Emil J. Dalbo
  • Patent number: 5632401
    Abstract: A garbage container and liner dispensing system including a cylindrical container having a recess formed in a lower end thereof. An internal bag storage compartment is formed within the recess in the lower end of the cylindrical container by a pair of spring-hinged lids secured to an upper end of the recess. A bag holding flange is positioned on a peripheral rim of the cylindrical container. A lid is dimensioned for removable positioning on the bag holding flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: John W. Hurd
  • Patent number: 5593061
    Abstract: A fishing tackle storage and carrying apparatus, comprising a unitary, rectilinear body having a bottom wall and a plurality of interconnected side walls connected to and extending vertically from the bottom. The sides defining an interior reservoir bounded by the bottom and the sides. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of compartments disposed outside the body. The compartments are formed by an outer wall disposed a predetermined distance from at least one side wall and a plurality of divider walls connected to and extending between at least one side wall and the outer wall. The side walls are spaced parallel a predetermined distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Neal Prochnow
  • Patent number: 5533639
    Abstract: A combined comestible and liquid container carrier having a unitary base with a central, inverse frustoconically shaped sleeve for receiving a liquid container, and two symmetrically disposed depressions, each for receiving a comestible. Each depression has a lid connected to it by a living hinge structure. When closed, the inboard side edge wall of each lid is an extension of the sleeve, such that a container inserted into the sleeve will be complementarily received by both the sleeve and lid edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: William H. Myers
  • Patent number: 5499738
    Abstract: A container, for holding consumable substances, having a plurality of closures adapted to restrain the contained substances and dividing walls to divide the container into a plurality of substance-holding compartments, each compartment being associated with one closure respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Howard I. Burleigh
  • Patent number: 5492244
    Abstract: The present invention is a standard, twelve-ounce aluminum can which may be divided into two or three equal size chambers. Partitions are installed within the can which separate the chambers in such a way that each one is air-tight. Each chamber may be opened independently, allowing a user to store unused contents while retaining freshness. A single tab, located on the top of the can, may be rotated to access each of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Stanley D. C. Kim
  • Patent number: 5490608
    Abstract: In a portable container having a receptacle adapted to receive liquid, the receptacle having an opening on the upper surface of the container for both receiving and discharging liquid. In the preferred embodiment, the portable container also has a second set of receptacles adapted to receive powders, each receptacle extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the container, having an opening on the lower surface for receiving the powders and an opening on the upper surface for discharging the powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Quentin P. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5398838
    Abstract: A five compartment bin and accessories for use in separation of solid waste into recyclable and trash or to hold classified items of objects separately. The bin is divided into four top bin and a bottom compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Razak A. Dosunmu
  • Patent number: 5392916
    Abstract: An add-on compartment for a trash receptacle includes a open topped material receiving compartment having spaced apart front and back panels protruding transversely outwardly from one side of the compartment for receiving a trash receptacle between them. The panels extend outwardly sufficiently to overlie the walls of the trash receptacles so that the combination compartment and receptacle give the appearance of a unitary structure. A trash bag retaining lip is formed on the upper edge of the compartment and a depending skirt may be provided to cover at least the front wall and outer most side wall of the compartment to provide a smooth continuous appearance with the front panel and a trash receptacle to be received between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: James H. Paulison
  • Patent number: 5390787
    Abstract: A new and improved portable, recorded media storage apparatus includes a housing assembly and a plurality of recorded media retention assemblies supported by and retained in the housing assembly. The recorded media retention assemblies are arrayed with the housing assembly in parallel rows and columns. A door assembly includes an interior side and an exterior side, and a flexible, resilient panel is attached to the interior side of the door assembly. A hinge assembly connects the door assembly to the housing assembly. An auxiliary storage chamber assembly is supported by and retained in the housing assembly. The auxiliary storage chamber assembly includes an auxiliary chamber housing, an auxiliary chamber door, and an auxiliary hinge assembly for connecting the auxiliary chamber door to the auxiliary chamber housing. A door lock assembly is used for selectively locking the door assembly to the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: David W. Macasaet
  • Patent number: 5353985
    Abstract: Round or oval package, containing a bottom portion with one or more compartments and a peel-off lid mounted on the edges of the compartment or compartments, wherein the lid is divided into lid segments, wherein each lid segment covers a compartment and each lid segment is sealed onto the bottom portion along the circumference of the compartment and each lid segment contains an initial tearing aid and each lid segment can be partially or completely peeled or pulled off by the seal seam along the circumference of the compartment. The package is sterilizable and the sides of the bottom portion and of the lid facing towards the inside of the container comprise a polyolefin or polyester layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Alusuisse-Lonza Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Hans-Rudolf Nageli, Hans Schindler, Heinz Oster
  • Patent number: 5351851
    Abstract: Containers including bottles of either cylindrical, rectangular or other geometric or sculptural form having at least one selected area of a sidewall thereof providing a depression or indentation to receive at least one article; solid, liquid, granular or other material therein. After placement of such article in this area, the article may be retained therein through adhesives or other adherents or the area may simply be overlayed with a covering film to retain the article. The covering film may simply cover this particular area and preferably would be clear over the area to allow viewing of the article or may include labelling materials which substantially surround the container with a clear area maintained over the indented or depressed area and similarly, the container may be silk screened or otherwise decorated with clear covering film being limited to the depressed or indented area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Kablooe Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Powell