Abstract: Various receptacle embodiments with expandable cavities are disclosed. In some embodiments, a receptacle comprising a first and second frame with a hinge permitting the first frame to pivot about the axis defined by the hinge to expand the volume of the cavity defined by the first and second frame is disclosed. In another embodiment, a receptacle comprising a first and second frame comprising a tension gear mated into a corresponding track is disclosed, permitting lateral movement between the first and second frames to expand the volume of the cavity defined by the first and second frame is disclosed. Other disclosed embodiments comprise lid and foot pedal assemblies as well as spring assist systems and other features.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance having a drawer with a selectively rotatable door and a basket with a rotatable flap that rotates with the rotatable door.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerated compartment and a drawer having a drawer slide, a door and a quick release mechanism. The drawer slide allows the drawer to slide into and out of the refrigerated compartment, and the door selectively seals the refrigerated compartment. The quick release mechanism removably couples the door to the drawer slide. The quick release mechanism includes a latch and a keeper. The latch is pivotally coupled to one of the door and the drawer slide, and the keeper has a slot for receiving the latch.

Abstract: Enclosure for storing sensitive materials are disclosed. They may be in a special container (1), sealed and purged, replacing the internal atmosphere with an inert purge gas, and leaving the sealed container slightly pressurized. By hinging a lid or door (5) to the container via hinges (12, 13), the respective parts of which can move relative to one another translationally, at least when the door or lid (1) is in the closed position, and in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the door or lid, much improved sealing may be achieved. The invention also relates to methods used to deliver and duct the purge gas within the container to ensure good purge gas delivery and mixing.

Abstract: The operation of certain appliances and machinery includes the flow of water through the appliance or storage of fluid within the appliance, leading to the risk of significant fluid leakage. An overflow pan may be provided beneath the appliance to contain any fluid leakage. The overflow pan may include a movable portion which is configured to permit passage of a horizontally-extending portion of the appliance, such as a drawer. This movable member may be biased to return to a closed position when the horizontally-extending portion of the appliance is retracted, so as to form a fluid-retaining seal with the remainder of the overflow pan.

Abstract: A forward leaning, hinged-lid storage and dispensing box is described, suitable for use with flat, stacked articles such as index or playing cards, dry stiff articles and pads such as cleaning or burnishing pads, or the like. Minimally the box of the present invention comprises in combination; a back panel; side panels; a bottom panel; a front panel; a top panel; and, a lid hinged to the front panel that forms at least a portion of both the front and top panels of the closed box, and wherein the lid drops and opens forward on at least one hinged connection, and wherein the front panel is angled forward from vertical at least a few degrees. In this way, stacked flat articles loaded into the box will necessarily lean against and parallel to the inside surface of the front wall, ready for easy reach and removal one-at-a-time by the consumer.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for connecting a door to a container. The door provides and restricts access to a chamber of the container in respective open and closed positions. The mechanism includes, at each corresponding lateral side of the container and the door, a rail mounted to the container, an elbow, and first and second linkage arms. The rail aligns along a fore-and-aft direction so that the elbow slides along that direction. The elbow has vertical and axial members. The axial member connects to the rail. The first linkage arm includes first, second and third joints that pivotably connect respectively to the vertical member, to the container, and to the door. The second linkage arm includes fourth and fifth joints that pivotably connect respectively to the door and to the container. The linkage arms are disposed to avoid lateral obstruction beyond the door in the open position.

Abstract: For a storage, transport, stacking, and order-picking box (1) having a floor (2) and four walls (3a and 3b; 4a and 4b), of which at least one wall (4b) is designed as a movable element and in such a way that it can be latched to the adjacent walls (3a and 3b), wherein after being unlatched the one wall (4b) can be moved away to open up a large unloading opening (18) into the box interior, the movable box wall (4b) on at least one of its two outer edges has latching and unlatching means (9; 119) that are integrated into the wall structure, are freely accessible from the front, can be pivoted in a vertical plane in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and can be latched to the respective associated adjacent wall (3a and 3b).

Abstract: A reusable box has a floor having opposite side edges and opposite end edges bridging the side edges, respective side walls extending upward from the side edges, a fixed end wall extending upward from one of the end edges and fixedly bridging between the side walls, and a movable end wall extending in a closed position upward from the other of the end walls and fitting between the side walls. The movable end wall is displaceable between a position clear of the side walls and giving access to an interior of the box at the other end. Formations extend to upper edges of both of the end walls that for nesting interfit and that for stacking vertically engage each other.

Abstract: For a storage, transport, stacking, and order-picking box (1) having a floor (2) and four walls (3a and 3b; 4a and 4b), of which at least one wall (4b) is designed as a movable element and in such a way that it can be latched to the adjacent walls (3a and 3b), wherein after being unlatched the one wall (4b) can be moved away to open up a large unloading opening (18) into the box interior, the movable box wall (4b) on at least one of its two outer edges has latching and unlatching means (9; 119) that are integrated into the wall structure, are freely accessible from the front, can be pivoted in a vertical plane in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and can be latched to the respective associated adjacent wall (3a and 3b).

Abstract: A foldable sheet for making a storage box for a vehicle. The foldable sheet has multiple portions foldably connected together along at least one fold line. The portions are foldable to at least a partially define a storage box. One of the portions includes a hinge configured to allow the storage box to pivot with respect to the vehicle.

Abstract: A container has a drop gate and lids that open along hinge joints formed at the upper end of the side walls. The drop gate is formed in one end wall and the lids can also be opened half way from the end wall in which the drop gate is formed. In this way, access to the interior of the container can be gained through the open drop gate and the open half of the lids so that the container can be used as a shelf box or hopper in a flow racking system. Further, when the lids are opened along their respective side wall hinge joints, the container can be used as a distribution tote. When the container is also used as a bulk shipper by vendors or suppliers, the container can perform three functions in a distribution system. Specifically, the container can be first used as a bulk shipper, then, without unpacking the goods, the container can be shelved on a flow racking system from which orders can be selected at a distribution center.

Abstract: A containment basin for containing liquid spillage from a portable storage tank in which one end wall is rotatable from an upright operative position to a lowered position aligned with the surrounding floor to enable a portable storage tank to be moved into the containment basin on a wheeled dolly without the need for lifting of the storage tank.

Abstract: A breadbox is usable as both a breadbox and a cutting board. The breadbox has a bottom portion (1), opposite side walls (2, 3), and a movable flap (5) which closes off a front opening of the breadbox. The flap has a cutting board surface and at least one shaft for pivotally coupling the flap (5) to the side walls so that the flap (5) is swivelable from a closed position where the flap closes the front opening of the breadbox (5) to an open position where the breadbox is open and the flap (5) is positioned substantially in a horizontal plane, such that the flap (5) has the cutting board surface exposed upwardly so as to be usable as the cutting board. The breadbox has a receptacle for crumbs which is disengageably attached to the front edge of the bottom of the breadbox.

Abstract: A cassette for storing and dispensing cuvettes and comprising an enclosable frame defining an interior volume for storing cuvettes. The frame includes a removable cover to aid in loading a plurality of cuvettes into the cassette. The frame also includes a side wall having a pivotally mounted door for pivoting between a closed position and an open position for dispensing the cuvettes from the cassette. And, the frame includes a locking mechanism for locking the door in the closed position to avoid an inadvertent dispensing of cuvettes. According to another aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided for loading the cassette into an operative relationship with a machine for dispensing contents of the cassette for use by the machine. The loading mechanism includes a base adapted for being fixedly mounted on the machine. The loading mechanism also includes a holder for releasably holding the cassette.

Abstract: A stackable transportation container of sheet metal has two side walls and a rear wall. The container further has a front wall which is lower than the side walls and the rear wall. A flap is mounted above the upper edge of the front wall. The bearing members on the flap are formed by integrally manufactured loops, while the bearing members on the container are formed by two pins which are directed toward each other. Each of the pins is mounted on a support plate connected to a corner of the container. At least one of the support plates supporting a pin is separately attachable to the corner of the container, for example, by riveting.