Plural Partition-receiving Grooves Or Notches Patents (Class 220/533)
  • Patent number: 7513555
    Abstract: A cargo enclosure for a vehicle includes a side panel having at least one pocket is formed therein. The pocket has a back wall, a pair of opposing side walls and a front wall having an aperture therein. A bottom surface of the pocket is canted downwardly from the back wall toward the aperture in the front wall such that any debris or other material that may infiltrate the pocket will readily slide down the canted bottom surface, through the aperture and onto a bottom surface of the cargo enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Wilson, Bradley J. Hanson, Anthony J. Sanville
  • Patent number: 7506757
    Abstract: At least one first poker chip case is provided which includes a case body having a cavity, an opening to the cavity, a bottom outer surface, and a case lid operative to close the opening. The case lid includes a top outer surface. The cavity includes at least one cavity wall and a plurality of divider accepting slots spaced apart along the at least one cavity wall. At least one divider is operative to slide into any one of the plurality of divider accepting slots. The cavity is operative to support a plurality of poker chips therein in stacked relation. The top outer surface and the bottom outer surface include interlocking features which are operative to co-operatively engage respectively with at least two bottom surfaces and at least two top outer surfaces of further cases placed above and under the at least one first case in stacked relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Triple Hook Productions LLC
    Inventors: Brad D. Ater, Sean K. Barker, Jarrod M. Zvara
  • Publication number: 20090057305
    Abstract: A modular utility cargo tray is provided comprising a floor and a wall extending from the floor, the wall and the floor enabled for storage of items placed therein. The wall comprises at least a first pair of divider receiving members, oppositely disposed along the wall. The at least a first pair of divider receiving members comprises: a first level portion enabled to receive a divider generally disposed along the floor; and a second level portion enabled to receive and support a divider generally distal from the floor without interference from a divider received in the first level portion. the modular utility cargo tray is insertable into the cargo area of a vehicle, or converted to a cargo roof box by mating it with a second utility cargo tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Serge Moreau
  • Publication number: 20090026211
    Abstract: A flexible system is provided for preventing freight damage during shipment. The system has adjustable and interlocking hinged panels that are attached to the side walls of a shipping enclosure, so that the system can be readily adapted to secure different types and sizes of loads. One embodiment of the invention, provided for use with a freight carrying enclosure that has an internal wall, includes first and second panel segments that each have an edge. A first mounting structure supports the first panel segment for rotation about a vertical axis, between a first position wherein the first panel segment is in perpendicular relationship with the wall, and a second position wherein the first panel segment is in abutting relationship with the wall. A second mounting structure joins the first and second panel segments together along their respective edges, and enables rotation of the second panel between vertical and horizontal orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Patent number: 7481328
    Abstract: An organizer is adapted to store and manage various items in a vehicle. The organizer includes a pair of spaced-apart sidewalls interconnected by a bottom panel with each sidewall having a front face and a rear face. One of the sidewalls is adapted to be oriented towards the driver of the vehicle having an internal support shelf extending inwardly from the one sidewall, and an external support shelf projecting outwardly from the one sidewall. A series of vertically disposed, spaced-apart parallel panels extend completely between the sidewalls at various locations between the front faces and the rear faces of the sidewalls for defining a series of adjacently disposed, open-topped storage compartments for holding the various items in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventors: Larry Van De Wege, I, Pamela Van De Wege
  • Publication number: 20080302801
    Abstract: A waste management system comprising a trash receptacle, a pouch fixed to a surface of the trash receptacle and including a clasp means, and a cartridge with an arrangement of retainer slots. The retainer slots are positioned to correspond with the clasp means when the cartridge is inserted into the pouch so that the retainer slots are penetrated by the clasp means. The cartridge contains a plurality of liners hung from a support member within said cartridge, the hung liners positioned for distribution through a combination longitudinal notch and transverse slit provided in the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Donald R. Barrett, Richard J. Baranowski
  • Publication number: 20080237087
    Abstract: The present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of golf club cleaning devices. Additionally, the present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of flag portions for a golf club cleaning device. The storage devices of the present invention provide an efficient mechanism for transporting and storing the golf club cleaning devices and the flag portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher W. Cieri
  • Patent number: 7377209
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a hot dog cooker having a rack with flat faced bars configured to move above and along a cooking surface so as to cause hot dogs to rotate along heated ridges of the surface. The ridges mark the hot dogs circumferentially as they are rolled along the cooking surface by the moveable rack. Methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Gold Medal Products Co.
    Inventor: Arne Scott Perttola
  • Patent number: 7363936
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is my invention of a leakage catch basin and configurable storage unit, designed to be water tight and made of water resistant material. My invention further includes mans to position dividers into the larger defined spaces, thus forming an arrangement of organized storage compartments. Further, my invention is dimensioned to be of various and common sized cabinets with the illustrated preferred embodiment showing a configuration of 3 such sizes in combination. My invention allows one or all such defined spaces to be separated into independent units for subsequent installation, use and protection in separate cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Logical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Simoneaux, Tom J. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 7210597
    Abstract: The invention relates to a box-like container for flat mailings in the upright position, comprising a stack support, which may be removed from the container open at the top, a base, two narrow front face walls and two lateral longitudinal walls. The mailings are arranged with the largest sides thereof facing the front face walls. The inner sides of the lateral longitudinal walls comprise straight long recesses, open to above, arranged at regular intervals perpendicular to the base, which are wider in the longitudinal direction of the lateral longitudinal walls than the slot like openings thereof to the container interior. The stack supports have formed elements at both lateral ends thereof which may only be slid into place in the long recesses perpendicular to the base with a positive fit connection through the slot like opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Peter Enenkel, Markus Osswald
  • Patent number: 7207442
    Abstract: A die holding tray useful for testing a plurality of individual dies placed into the holding tray together with a method of making the same. The holding tray has machined lateral and longitudinal sets of grooves with one set of grooves filled with strips in order to form pockets from the unfilled grooves. Vacuum channels are formed into the bottom of the pockets, and dies are held in place during testing by the flatness of the pocket bottoms and a drawn vacuum. Several embodiments are disclosed, including machining grooves in a compliant layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Daniel Redding
  • Patent number: 7172258
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement is for fastening a partitioning wall between two support walls in a drawer. A pair of elongated blades punched the partitioning wall at ends thereof are slideably engageable in retaining channels provided by connecting elements projecting from the support walls. The retaining channels have opposite side locking lips forming guiding slots for passage of a section of the partitioning wall extending between the connecting elements. The blades of the partitioning wall respectively press-fit against inner sides of the channels behind the locking lips when the partitioning wall is in the operative position. Lower support elements projecting from the support walls have guiding slots in which the ends of the partitioning wall are slideably engageable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Rousseau Metal Inc.
    Inventors: Serge Bisson, Marc Laurendeau
  • Patent number: 7121407
    Abstract: An organizer case comprising a tray having a bottom wall and a plurality of compartment walls formed unitarily with and upstanding from said bottom wall, at least two of said walls extending in parallel relation and spaced apart a separation distance, said two of said walls having confronting sidewall faces each having a plurality of first joint formers spaced therealong, a first set of insert dividers each dimensioned to extend non-orthogonally between said sidewall faces, a second set of insert dividers each dimensioned to extend orthogonally between said sidewall faces, the dividers of each said set each having opposed side edge flange portions having second joint formers for friction fit engagement with said first joint formers, said side edge flange portions of each of the dividers of said first set being spaced apart a distance at least about 20% greater than said separation distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Plano Molding Company
    Inventors: Thomas Hurt, John J. Hagemann
  • Patent number: 7044424
    Abstract: An article holder for a barrel cooler has a lip for fitting on the top end of the barrel sidewall and a tray attached to the lip for holding containers which indicate the contents of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC.
    Inventors: James David Robertson, David Bernstein
  • Patent number: 7004323
    Abstract: A lunch box includes a housing that has top and bottom surfaces. The housing further has sidewalls integral with the bottom surface and preferably extending upwardly therefrom. Support members are secured to the plurality of sidewalls. The divider plates are removably attachable to the support members. A divider bar is slidably positionable into corresponding slots on the divider plates. The divider bar also has slots formed along a length thereof. Divider members have a plurality of slots formed therein for selectively engaging the divider bar. The divider bar and the plurality of divider members advantageously cooperate with each other for maintaining food products during transportation. The lunch box further has a zipper for attaching the top surface to the housing. A flexible handle is also connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Theresa H. Symonds
  • Patent number: 6966450
    Abstract: A partitioned ice chest including an insulated box with a bottom wall and an open top. Front, back and opposed side walls extend upwardly from the bottom wall. A removable lid closes the open top. Vertical slots are provided in the side walls. A partition can be oriented vertically or horizontally within the box. Tabs extending from the partition are slidably positioned within the slots to prevent the partition from sliding about.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Stacy W. Askew
  • Patent number: 6959811
    Abstract: A container for the convenient transport and storage of fishing lures, particularly crank baits, is disclosed. The container includes channels running parallel to one another, with curved or slanted walls so that the bottom of the channel is offset from the top. A portion of each channel is therefore beneath a portion of the neighboring channel. This small area creates a nesting space for the treble hooks of the lures, with the weight of the lure tending to immobilize the hooks against the barrier, preventing them from tangling with each other, or other lures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Paragon Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Hoover
  • Patent number: 6634499
    Abstract: A tray which includes a floor member having openings formed therein for the passage of sterilization material. A plurality of upright flexible brackets are anchored to the floor and a lid is pivotally connected to the brackets in a manner which allows the lid to be frictionally retained in various positions relative to the underlying floor and brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Paragon Medical
    Inventors: Kraig H. Allen, Thomas J. Bussell, Donald R. Frush
  • Patent number: 6558159
    Abstract: A container (10) for holding parts during a heat treating process. The container includes a bottom plate (14), end walls (20 and 22), sidewalls (30 and 32) and dividers (40, 42 and 44) which are connected together using a tab and slot construction to form an egg crate structure. The construction of the container reduces the effects of the heat treating process on the container. The guide cradle (58) in the compartment (12) of the container supports the cylinder head in the compartment and reduces the movement of the cylinder head during the heat treating process. The positioners (60) on the top portion (58A) of the guide cradle guides the cylinder head into the guide cradle and into the compartment. The bottom portion (58B) of the guide cradle supports the cylinder head above the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Demmer Corporation
    Inventors: Lin P. Bollwahn, Douglas A. Jackson, James W. Angell
  • Patent number: 6415922
    Abstract: A tool case includes first and second housings pivotal about a central spine to present a book-shaped configuration. Within each housing are walls having a plurality of post-shaped flanges therealong. A tool accessory tray includes a shelf having recesses for a snap fit engagement of the particular tool accessory therein. At the opposed end of the shelves are recesses for slidably seating the flanges therein so as to releasably maintain the tray within the housing. The tray type and number may thus be varied for releasable seating within each housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Benny Lee
  • Patent number: 6367646
    Abstract: A battery box for holding a single battery includes a one-piece container portion to receive a battery therein and a one-piece, vented lid releasably attached to the container portion through a latching arrangement. The container portion has a base with a raised portion for supporting the battery and at least one depression for receiving battery acid. Four walls extend from the base with opposed side walls including latching components. The lid has at least one extension spaced from an associated wall of the container portion adapted to accommodate battery cables or the like. Each lid vent includes a snap-on vent cover. A pair of handles attached to the container portion is attached to a pair of elongated ribs for distributing forces between the handle and the end wall. A pair of grooves in the base extend between opposed walls and are adapted to receive a strap therein on an exterior of the battery box and form the raised area and adjacent depressions in the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Erie Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Mary M. Hoagland, Paul C. Roche, William Knight Nook
  • Publication number: 20010032854
    Abstract: An interlocking container comprising a number of mutually interlocking plate forming the container that may be used for a plurality of various applications such as a vase, a pencil cup, a trash can, a support for a clock, or the like. The interlocking plates consist of a series of commonly formed printable pieces that interlock to form a variety of containers having unique geometric configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Gary F. Martin
  • Patent number: 6279744
    Abstract: A tool kit comprises a hollow case having a generally U-shaped storing space and a plurality of first spaced wave-shaped members provided on either opposing side, a hinged cover having a generally U-shaped section and second wave-shaped members formed as continuous ones with the corresponding first wave-shaped members when kit is closed, and a plurality of dividers removably provided between two opposed wave-shaped members. Such removeable adjustble dividers allow user to customize the division of storing space to suit the user's particular storing needs and access priorities. Further, an effective utilization of storing space is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Chih-Hsin Yu
  • Patent number: 6268564
    Abstract: In a connector fixing construction of a connector bracket, there are provided a plurality of kinds of partition walls which can be suitably fixed within the connector bracket. A plurality of first fitting grooves for receiving and holding the various partition walls are formed in an inner peripheral surface of the connector bracket. A first lock projection is provided in the first fitting groove, and a second lock projection for engagement with the first lock projection is formed on each of opposite end surfaces of the partition wall. A connector lock for holding the connector is formed on each of the partition walls at a lower end portion thereof. A plurality of second fitting grooves are formed in each of opposite sides of the partition walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Miyakoshi
  • Patent number: 6257436
    Abstract: A convertible pastry storage container construction (10) that has one configuration adapted to store loose pastries (101) in different compartments and another configuration that can store a box of pastries (100). The construction includes a lid member (30) hingedly connected to a receptacle member (20) which defines a receptacle chamber (26) dimensioned to receive a box (100) of pastries. The interior of the receptacle member (20) is provided with a plurality of partition members (50) moveable from a vertical upright position to a stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew L. McGlauflin
  • Patent number: 6231099
    Abstract: A reconfigurable glove box bin having a main body portion and at least one primary partition. The primary partition is maintained in place by frictional engagement, interference engagement, or a combination of a frictional and interference engagement between at least one inner panel surface or with at least one side panel groove portion upon the inner surface. Additional groove or slot portions may be provided for additional versatility. Furthermore, one or more secondary partitions may be provided to divide compartments into subcompartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Pamela Sue Greenwald
  • Patent number: 6095335
    Abstract: A size-convertible device for supporting wafers in a parallel relationship includes a removable insert that enables the device to be non-destructively switched from providing edge support for large diameter wafers to providing edge support for small diameter wafers. The insert maintains the original wafer pitch and the original insertion angle. In the preferred embodiment, the device is a Front Opening Unified Pod (FOUP) specifically designed for use with 300 mm diameter wafers. Inserts are releasably attached to opposite sides of the FOUP to convert the device to a 200 mm diameter pod. The axis of the rest positions of the small wafers is coaxial with the rest positions of the large wafers. However, the inserts may be adapted to move the rest positions of the small wafers forwardly to a position such that there is front edge alignment with respect to rest positions of the large and small wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: H-Square Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Busby
  • Patent number: 6085932
    Abstract: A container having walls and defining a space between the walls in which articles may be contained. The container includes a partition and attachment. The attachment is operable, in use, to adjustably attach the partition to the container within the space, to form a smaller space of variable size. The attachment includes complementary formations on the container and on the partition, which mate so attach the partition to the container. There is sufficient resilience in or associated with the complementary formations to allow the partition to be adjusted along an adjustment direction by the application of sufficient force in that direction fo force the complementary formations tp disengage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew Christopher Cope
  • Patent number: 6059135
    Abstract: A safety container is described which can simultaneously store and secure containers of liquid and solid medications without any mingling of the two types of medications occurring. The safety container can also store and secure medical equipment and supplies used in the administration of medications, as well as other items. The lid of the safety container is secured to the receptacle of the safety container by a slidable elongated bolt which engages a flange located on the receptacle. The slidable elongated bolt can be held in place by a lock. Multiple units of the safety container can be joined together through a tongue-and-groove configuration located on opposing walls of the receptacles. In another embodiment, a safety container is described which allows the lid to move horizontally with respect to the receptacle. The lid is prevented from being raised upwardly be at least one flange which abuts at least aperture located on one sidewall of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: John James
    Inventors: John James, Wendy Gilhula, Linda Gullette Hudson, Donna Poling
  • Patent number: 6039202
    Abstract: A cooler insert system that includes an open-sided, main frame structure including an end wall and two opposed side walls, the end wall and the two opposed side walls each having an opening formed therethrough, the two opposed side walls having three pairs of divider screen guide channels; a snap fit, hinged frame panel that is simultaneously snap fittable to an end of each of the two opposed sidewalls of the frame structure to form an open topped box with the main frame structure; three divider screens, each divider screen being insertable into one pair of the three pairs of divider screen guide channels of the main frame structure to divide the interior of the main frame structure into compartments; and a number of stackable trays that are positionable within a compartment formed by one of the divider screens, each stackable tray having a holding cavity defined therein that is accessible through an access opening and a lower registration protrusion extending from the bottom thereof; the registration protrus
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventors: Todd Olstad, Marvel Olstad
  • Patent number: 5957321
    Abstract: A portable fly tying storage box and work station generally including an enclosure having a tying surface pivotably attached to the enclosure, with the tying surface defining an access to the enclosure and the tying surface being positionable in a closed position, an open position and a horizontal position. Multiple tying station setups are possible by placing the enclosure upright or on its rear side and opening the tying surface to the desired position then fixing the tying surface in place. The fly tying kit container and tying station further includes both fixed and adjustable dividers within the enclosure. The dividers are dimensioned and positioned with respect to the closed position of the tying surface to form a tray receiving volume between the dividers and the closed position of the tying surface. The fly tying kit container and tying station also includes a tray being closely received within the enclosure and supported therein by the enclosures dividers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Michael W. Jones
  • Patent number: 5938064
    Abstract: A new storage box for scaffolds for securing between vertical supports of a scaffold. The inventive device includes a box portion having a rectangular configuration. The box portion has an open upper end, a closed lower end, a pair of long opposed side walls, and a pair of short opposed end walls. The box portion includes a lid hingedly secured to an upper rear edge thereof for selectively covering the open upper end. Two sets of prongs are secured to exterior surfaces of the pair of short opposed end walls of the box portion. The prongs are vertically oriented with a channel formed therebetween. The channels are dimensioned for engaging vertical support poles of a scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald G. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5839553
    Abstract: A briefcase includes a hinge end, an opening end, a first side and a second side. A first case is configured to fit snugly between the hinge end and the opening end of the briefcase, adjacent the first side of the briefcase. A second case is configured to fit snugly between the second side of the briefcase and the first case, adjacent the hinge end of the briefcase, leaving a contiguous open volume for use within the briefcase. A first tray having fixed compartments within for storing items is configured to fit within the first case. A second tray having removable walls forming compartments of variable size is configured to fit within the second case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Robert E. Dorsam
  • Patent number: 5833052
    Abstract: A jewelry chain holding device including a container. A jewelry chain holder insert is dimensioned for slidably coupling within the container. The jewelry chain holder insert is adapted for receiving a jewelry chain in a folded orientation therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Patricia Mary Diamond
  • Patent number: 5833062
    Abstract: A disk organizer adapted to receive various types of disks includes a base, a cover pivotally connected to the base such that the cover is liftable from the base; and a plurality of disk clamps. Each disk clamp has a protrudent block projecting from either bottom end thereof. At least a row of clamp grooves are formed in the base. The lateral side walls of each clamp groove form multiple steps the thickness of which enlarges towards the bottom such that the space between opposite steps receives and holds the bottom angles at both ends of a disk inserted therein. Pairs of fastening recesses are formed at both sides of the base adjacent to the clamp grooves. The distance of any pair of fastening recess is identical to the distance between the protrudent blocks of the disk clamp so that the disk clamp may have the protrudent blocks thereof retained in the fastening recesses of the base and may slightly swing forwardly or rearwardly according to the positions of the fastening recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Sheng-Fu Yeh
  • Patent number: 5806708
    Abstract: A pressure tight travel case for airline passengers for use in the unpressurized baggage compartment of an aircraft, comprising a container having side walls and a bottom defining an opening and a cavity; a first partition removably insertable within the cavity, wherein the first partition includes opposing side edges, a top edge and a bottom edge; and a cover matable with the container to close the cavity, the cover including a sealing device for creating a seal between the cover and the container sufficient to prevent pressurized air within the container from leaking through the sealing device during flight. The travel case further includes guiding grooves for guiding the insertion of the first partition into the cavity, and wherein the opposing side edges of the first partition are formed to matably engage the guiding grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: John Schwab
  • Patent number: 5792426
    Abstract: A titerplate for instrumental analysis of liquid samples consists of a plurality of wells in which the walls and bottoms are made of two different materials with different physical properties. This allows the interfacial tension at the surface of the liquid to be controlled in such a way that it is essentially planar, allowing more accurate analysis to be performed on the samples. The bottoms of the wells are preferably made of a transparent material, so that the analysis and observation can be done in the transmission mode. The wells may be formed of radiation-absorbing material to prevent radiation cross talk between radioactive specimens. An overgarment replaceable film or foil having depressions aligned with the titerplate wells may be utilized to prevent contamination of the titerplate by samples and allow the reuse of the titerplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft Vertreten Durch Das AC-Laboratorium Spiez Der Gruppe Rustung
    Inventors: Rudolf Portmann, Andreas Hirschi, Andreas Wellenreiter
  • Patent number: 5779080
    Abstract: The invention features a multi-purpose baking pan having a pan portion for holding batter. A pastry holder is included to allow the user to bake differently-shaped pastries which can be inserted into the pan portion. The pan portion has a rectangular bottom wall with two side walls which extend integrally in the same direction from the bottom wall along the opposite edges. There are two end members, located at the short sides of the rectangular bottom, which each have a rod-like hinge pin. Rotating an end member, by grasping and raising the lower portion thereof, allows the user to slide out the pastry holder without damage to the pastries or to the user. The multi-purpose baking pan also has a cover to protect the pastries within the baking pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Corse
  • Patent number: 5738241
    Abstract: A substantially rectangular multi-purpose craft comprising a outwardly extending, convexly-curved front and back walls, and side walls, the front, back and side walls surrounding a main compartment, a front tray which extends outwards from the upper portion of the front wall, and a contoured lid to cover the multipurpose craft box. The main compartment contains a plurality of opposing grooves for receiving a partition so that the main compartment may be subdivided into smaller compartments. A shoulder runs along the inside surfaces of the front and back wails forming a resting surface for supporting a container. The front tray is divided into a plurality of compartments. Opposing slots located in the inner wails of the compartments for receiving dividers allows a user to further subdivide each front tray compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Zeta Consumer Products Corp.
    Inventor: Kathryn M. McEntee
  • Patent number: 5685429
    Abstract: Photographic film, paper, etc. in sheet form or sealed within a pouch, is packaged in containers. An adjustable bracing or chocking element allows standard size containers to be used to package custom finished film sheets. The chocking element is securely attached to the bottom of a shell, and spaced apart from the walls of the shell. A pouch or stack of sheets is disposed between the chocking element and a pair of substantially orthogonal walls to restrain movement of the pouch or sheets relative to the bottom of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Keith D. Myers
  • Patent number: 5676241
    Abstract: A device for holding two ammunition magazines in spaced relations so that either can be inserted into the magazine well of an M-16 rifle, an M-4 carbine, or an M-249 machine gun without interference with the operation of the weapon from the remaining magazine. The device comprises a shell and a centerpiece. The shell holds the two magazines in a tapered or "V" shaped arrangement, and the centerpiece, acting in combination with the shell, secures the magazines in place. The device is made of a light-weight corrosion and chemical resistant polymer. In an alternative embodiment, the magazines are held in an approximately parallel position within the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: FN Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe Degoix, Gary A. Sniezak, Kevin Langevin
  • Patent number: 5664856
    Abstract: A drawer partition includes a molded, one-piece, plastic tray with a base wall and upstanding side walls. The side walls have laterally aligned and longitudinally spaced-apart dovetail-shaped grooves in the inner surfaces thereof slidably mateable with dovetail-shaped tongues at the ends of divider panels for dividing the tray into compartments. Pairs of ribs define slots on the side walls to receive end edges of the divider panels. Pairs of flexible legs on the bottom edge of the divider panel are snap-fitted into apertures in the base wall to lock the divider panels in place. The bottom outside edges of the side walls have longitudinal grooves mateable respectively with the upper edges of the side walls of another partition to facilitate guided longitudinal relative sliding movement of stacked partitions. Each tray has front and rear end portions which respectively have recessed outer and inner surfaces to permit overlapping nesting of the ends of longitudinally aligned partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry D. Pacetti
  • Patent number: 5651596
    Abstract: A modular drawer includes a drawer frame having a back panel, first and second side panels and a front panel secured together to form an open, bottomless frame. A drawer insert, having vertical walls and a bottom surface, is supported within the drawer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Carlson, David A. Reppert, Michael B. Burns, Douglas J. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 5603559
    Abstract: A storage organizer, which includes a housing and drawers which are slidably accommodated within the housing. The drawers feature a locking mechanism connected to said front wall for immobilizing said drawer in said housing. The drawers further feature a downwardly extending protrusion which serves to slidably engage the housing and thereby reduce play between the drawer and the housing. The drawers further feature removable vertical dividers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: ZAG Ltd.
    Inventor: Zvi Yemini
  • Patent number: 5601206
    Abstract: A container (20) suitable for use as a truck box for a pick-up truck, includes a base container portion (21) having an open top, and a cover (22) to close the open top. The cover (22) is pivotally attached to the base (21) by hinge mechanisms (23) which are uniquely formed by combining a hinge pin assembly (101) with a pin retaining assembly (102). The cover (22) may also be latched to the base (21) by a latch assembly (24) which includes pivotable handles (56, 57) on each end of the base (21) which, when either is pivoted, rotates latch hooks (68, 74) from a position engaging the cover (22) to a position releasing the cover, without moving the other handle. The container (20) may also receive a tray (150) therein positionable on a ledge (30) and positively located in one direction by ribs (159) and in the other direction by feet (162) positioned in depressions (38) formed between ribs (37) on the inside of the base (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Specialty Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel C. Haas, Michael D. Howell, David G. Mann, Matthew P. Williams
  • Patent number: 5594207
    Abstract: A self-locking divider plate made of flat sheet metal is provided in an electrical box to form separate compartments. The electrical box has several upper and lower front ledges which form aligned slots which in turn, cooperate to receive the divider plate. The side edges of the divider plate has a biased sheared tab which locks the plate in place between the slots upon installation of the plate into the box. These sheared tabs extend outwardly from one of the planar surfaces of the plate. When the plate is inserted into two aligned front slots, the tabs are pushed inwardly toward the planar surface of the plate, and spring back to their normal position when the plate is in its proper position in the box. The tabs engage an inside surface of the ledges when the plate is moved outwardly from the box to prevent its accidental removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Fabian, Serge Michaud
  • Patent number: 5593058
    Abstract: An adjustable crate assembly is disclosed. The assembly is composed of a pair of opposing sidewalls and adjustable crossbars which connect the opposing sidewalls. The crossbars connect to mateable portions on the inner surfaces of the panels which make up the sidewalls. The crossbars serve as a top of bottom to the crate and hold the item being crated. In one embodiment the sidewalls and the crossbars are formed of modular panels which may be strung together end to end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventors: Richard Spencer, Robert Pinkus
  • Patent number: 5584412
    Abstract: A box disposed in a car trunk includes a bottom, two opposite first walls and two opposite second walls, the bottom having at least one slit defined therein, each of two first walls having a protrusion extending from an inner peripheral surface thereof and the protrusion having a first hole defined in a distal end thereof for a first separate board pivotally engaged between the two protrusions wherein the first separate board is positioned by inserting an inserting plate extending from an lower edge of the first separate board into the slit, each of the first walls and the second walls having a flange extending transversely from an upper edge thereof and a first position hole defined in the second walls near the flange and a second position hole defined in the flange corresponding the first position hole, a sliding member disposed to each of two ends of the first separate board and engaged with the second position hole via the first position hole, at least one second separate board disposed between the second
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Kuan Tong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chu T. Wang
  • Patent number: 5553710
    Abstract: An article storing tray convenient for various partitioning includes a tray. The tray has a tray body having a plurality of drop-in dovetail grooves and also has at least one comb-toothed partition board having a plurality of through dovetail grooves with dovetail tenons at opposite ends of the partition board. With this configuration, the partition board can be dovetailed in two drop-in dovetail grooves of the tray body. The tray further has at least one sub-partition board having dovetail tenons at opposite ends of the sub-partition board so that the sub-partition board can be dovetailed in any of the drop-in dovetail grooves of the tray body and any of the through dovetail grooves to the comb-toothed partition board. In such a tray, by dovetailing the comb-toothed partition boards and the sub-partition boards in the dovetail grooves, the internal space of the tray body can be divided into a variety of compartments and these partition boards can be securely held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Sakase Chemical Industry Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yukio Takama
  • Patent number: 5547098
    Abstract: A system of trays and inserts placed in each tray is disclosed, for converting a bucket to an organized receptacle for storing and dispensing small parts or objects. Trays are circular, and are stacked within the bucket. Each tray has low partitions, dividing the tray into pie slice segments. An insert is placed in each segment. Inserts have constricted necks, enabling them to be grasped readily by the fingers of a user, even when the insert is filled with small objects. An individual tray is thereby readily removable, even if filled with small parts, independently of neighboring inserts. Inserts are optionally provided with tightly fitting caps. Both trays and inserts are provided in variable vertical dimensions. Two short inserts or trays occupy the same height within the bucket, as a single tall insert or tray. Alternative trays include removably installable, radially disposed partitions therein, providing for variable volume for the various areas of the tray(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Raymond L. Jordan