Axially Extending Only Patents (Class 220/671)
  • Patent number: 11990652
    Abstract: A method of forming a fuel cell system heat exchanger includes flattening opposing ends of a corrugated heat exchange plate to form opposing flattened ends, and welding the flattened ends to structural components of the fuel cell system. The flattening may include using a hydraulic press or a bead roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jordan Cedarleaf-Pavy, Nicholas Arcelona, Matthew Mahoney, Adrian Basharain, Joshua Baime
  • Patent number: 11155383
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reusable cup comprising a cup body formed from a liquid impervious, flexible material, the cup having an upper portion, a middle portion and a base portion, and having foldable pre-forms arranged so as to define at least a first folding hinge around a first circumferential location interposed between the middle portion and the upper portion, and a second folding hinge around a second circumferential location, separate from the first circumferential location, interposed between the base portion and the middle portion, an outer peripheral band is formed around the middle portion of the cup to provide a central band, wherein the cup body is foldable into itself, at the circumferential locations, so as to adopt a nested, concentric form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Pocket Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Brooks
  • Patent number: 10370142
    Abstract: A nestable shipping container including side walls, a bottom wall, and an open top is disclosed. The nestable shipping container has a geometry which permits insertion into and reception of similarly shaped containers to facilitate empty shipment and storage in a minimum amount of space. The nestable shipping container may be manufactured by a cold working method from a single blank of material. The containers may be manufactured to meet the performance criteria required of international commerce shipping drums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen P. Palisin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9533789
    Abstract: A molded plastic container having an open top and an outwardly smooth sidewall wherein the interior surface of the sidewall is characterized by a plurality of parallel vertical flutes defined by shallow, smooth concavities joined by flat columns of uniform thickness wherein the ratio of the circumferential diameter of each concavity to the circumferential width of a column is about 8:1. The outside surface of the container is smooth and molded with two integral, vertically spaced, circumferential rings for added hoop strength. The container exhibits a high stacking strength-to-weight ratio. The preferred material is HDPE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Letica Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Selina, Christopher Myles Larsen
  • Patent number: 9456709
    Abstract: The use of embossed paper material allows for inexpensive production of a re-useable, recyclable, and consumer safe hot beverage container. The beverage container may consist of a bio-degradable polymer coating on the inside lining of the cup, and a petrol based chemical coating on the outside of the cup. In a preferred embodiment, the use of embossed paper material allows for inexpensive production of a re-useable, recyclable, and consumer safe hot beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Rafael Rosas Gonzalez, Elias Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8944823
    Abstract: A method of facilitating the identification of portable consumer articles at a point of purchase display, the method including the steps of: providing a plurality of portable consumer articles each with tactilely sensible information thereon that identifies at least one of: a) a general nature of the article and/or its contents; and b) a provider of the article; and displaying the plurality of articles at the point of purchase display in a manner that allows potential consumers to lift and handle each of the plurality of articles so as to thereby readily determine through tactile sensing of the information at least one of: a) the general nature of the handled article and/or its contents; and b) the provider of the handled article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: George Kasboske
  • Patent number: 8939316
    Abstract: A blow-molded container includes an opening section that can be closed, a side wall, and a closed bottom. The material in the region of the side wall is shaped by blow forming an injection-molded preform. At least three recessed grips are arranged along an outer perimeter of the container. At least two longitudinal ribs oriented in a longitudinal direction of the container are arranged between each pair of recessed grips. The longitudinal ribs are separated from each other by a recess, which also extends in a longitudinal direction. At least one circumferential rib, which extends in a circumferential direction of the container, is arranged inside each of the recessed grips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: KHS Corpoplast GmbH
    Inventors: Pisarn Pasutanon, Matthias Gernhuber, Stefan Amariglio, Arne Wiese
  • Patent number: 8895091
    Abstract: A cover shell and container assembly comprising the cover shell and a tray or pan is disclosed. The cover shell includes inward projecting standoffs which restrict movement of a food product in the pan or tray and reduces damage to decorative elements of the food product during distribution and/or transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Schwan's Global Supply Chain, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Richard Boyer
  • Patent number: 8895092
    Abstract: A package including a tray (10) provided with a base (11), a plurality of sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15) extending upwardly and slightly outwardly from said base (11), a primary flange (20) integrally joined to the upper edges of the sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15) and extending outwardly all around the upper periphery of the sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15), a rim (21), i.e., a downward flap extending downwardly and tapering slightly outwardly from the outer periphery of the primary flange (20), and a secondary flange (22), i.e., an overhanging portion extending outwardly from the lower edge of the rim (21), said tray being characterized in that a plurality of strengthening ribs (23) extend substantially vertically along the rim (21) and outwardly with respect to the tray body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Morris John Field, Stefano Capitani, Christoforos Chrysanthidis
  • Patent number: 8887945
    Abstract: A foldable container module includes a body and a foldable container. The body has a sidewall and a room. The foldable container has a panel, multiple folding line sets formed on the panel, and a joint. The foldable container can be transformed by folding along the multiple folding line sets. The joint connects to the sidewall of the body. The foldable container module can be held in one hand by a user, and the other hand of the user can swing freely or take the solid food from the foldable container, such that the user can also suck the liquid from the body by the straw at the same time. Moreover, when the foldable container module is to be stored, the user can fold the foldable container along the multiple folding line sets to reduce a volume of the foldable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Highplus International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Hung Kao
  • Publication number: 20140263364
    Abstract: A container formed from a blank comprising a base layer and a lamination layer. The container has a bottom wall, a side wall, and a rolled edge extending from the side wall. The container includes features for helping to direct moisture from an interior surface of the bottom wall of the container to the side wall. The features comprise a plurality of embossed features and linear features extending in at least a portion of the container and defining respective grooves in an interior surface of the container defined by the bottom wall and the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Philip E. Netzer, Terrence P. Lafferty
  • Publication number: 20140263384
    Abstract: Packages for the stable display and storage of foodstuffs. Re-closeable foodstuff package are provided that include a container and a lid. The lid has a base with three feet. The feet support the package when placed horizontally. One of the feet forms a lip in the base of the container that provides stability to the package when it is displayed in a near-vertical position. Additionally, the lip allows the packages to be stacked stably while in a horizontal position to allow for easy shipping of quantities of the packages to stores for sale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: LAND O'FROST, INC.
    Inventors: Craig IRSCH, William MARION, James Joseph Feeney, II
  • Patent number: 8701923
    Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed toward containers with improved anti-buckling performance by incorporating one or more structural reinforcement features into the containers. The container may include a bottom wall, opposing sidewalls each including a plurality of ribs, and opposing end walls interconnecting the sidewalls. The sidewalls may include at least one reinforcement protrusion having a geometric center disposed in the upper half of the sidewall. The container may also include a non-planar top rim to redistribute top load so that the anti-buckling performance of the container can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Anhalt, Robert R. Turvey
  • Patent number: 8631963
    Abstract: A container comprising a finish, a sidewall portion extending from the finish, a base portion extending from the sidewall portion and enclosing the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity, and an outwardly directed rib member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Michael T. Lane, Brad Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140008377
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a paintable liquid and with a connector that is configured to connect to a stationary object. The apparatus includes a paint container that is configured to operatively contain the paintable liquid once the paintable liquid is received in the paint container. The paint container includes a wall that is configured to surround, at least in part, the paintable liquid being received in the paint container. The wall includes a connector receiver that is configured to cooperatively engage with the connector once the connector is positioned relative to the connector receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Raymond Findleton
  • Patent number: 8622239
    Abstract: Improvement in a can of the type which comprises: a body portion; a neck portion of reduced contour and having an upper end edge provided with an outer peripheral projection and defining the contour of an upper opening; a transition portion joining the body portion and the neck portion; and a lid having a peripheral tubular portion to be fitted in the interior of the upper opening of the neck portion and having a free upper edge carrying an outer circumferential rib under which is applied an annular gasket to be seated onto the upper outer edge of the neck portion upon the fitting of the lid in the upper opening. The transition portion may externally incorporate, in a single piece, a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal ribs joining the transition portion to an adjacent lower region of the neck portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Brasilata S.A. Embalagens Metálicas
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Teixeira Alvares, Pedro Bruni Labate, Manoel Jose Guarda
  • Patent number: 8561822
    Abstract: A multi-gallon capacity container comprising which comprises a substantially rectangular bottom portion having a chime and a plurality of base channels; a shoulder portion with a neck section for facilitating filling and discharging of liquid from the container and a plurality vertically extending shoulder channels; a body portion which seamlessly connects the bottom portion with the shoulder portion and having a plurality of spaced apart horizontal ribs and rib channels for increasing a lateral wall strength of the container. The container includes a first and second primary columns for increasing a top load strength of the container. Each primary column commences in the shoulder portion, extends substantially continuously along the shoulder portion, across the plurality of horizontal ribs, and terminates at the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Devtec Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Beck, Dennis Connor, Kim Lufkin, James Kowalczyk
  • Publication number: 20130206790
    Abstract: A jug for retaining a plastic bag containing a liquid and a method of using the same. The jug includes a bottom and a peripheral wall extending upwardly therefrom and defining a cavity for receiving the bag. The peripheral wall terminates in a rim and a handle extends outwardly from the peripheral wall's exterior surface. An engagement means is provided on the jug to engage the bag and retain it within the cavity when the jug is tilted to pour the liquid therefrom. The engagement means preferably is a slit defined in the rear region of the peripheral wall adjacent the handle. The slit originates in the rim and extends downwardly for a distance. A portion of a rear region of the bag is slid into the slit and wedged therein. The wedged portion extends into a compartment defined by a retaining wall that extends outwardly from the peripheral wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Adam Pauze, Robert G. Dickie
  • Patent number: 8499946
    Abstract: A preformed liner that expands when filled is provided. In one embodiment, the preformed liner includes a central section having a plurality of flutes that allow the liner to expand. In other embodiments, the preformed liner includes at least a central section that is made of an expandable or stretchable elastomeric material. In still other embodiments, the preformed liner includes a central section having a plurality of flutes and is made of an expandable or stretchable elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gavin Giles, David Conant
  • Publication number: 20130186897
    Abstract: A container and lid assembly is described for storing or transporting contents therein. Embodiments provide a protective security feature in the container and lid assembly. In at least some aspects of the invention a container body is disclosed having an opening, and a lid body is configured to cover the opening of the container body to form an assembly. An extended bumper portion is disposed at a periphery of the container body and substantially at the opening, wherein the bumper portion comprises a removable tear strip integrated into the material of the bumper portion. The tear strip is configured to prevent access to security mechanism of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: ROPAK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Frano LUBURIC
  • Patent number: 8408411
    Abstract: A collapsible, portable container having a roof, a base, two foldable end walls and two removable side walls. The end walls and side walls of the container are load bearing elements having a twinned wall structure made of rotomolded plastic. The container is collapsed by removing the side walls and inwardly folding the end walls to draw the roof closer to the base. The load bearing capacity of the end walls and the side walls can be increased by arched indentations formed within the twinned wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Nova Chemicals (International) S.A.
    Inventors: Henry F. Hay, Sherman McKinniss
  • Patent number: 8382730
    Abstract: A surgical fluid basin includes a receptacle member having a lower wall and a peripheral wall extending from the lower wall and arranged about a longitudinal axis, and having an internal chamber within the peripheral wall for reception of fluids. The peripheral wall has at least one terrace defined within the peripheral wall corresponding to a volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The at least one terrace defines an internal rise surface and an internal run surface intersecting the internal rise surface. The internal run surface includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. A plurality of terraces may be defined within the peripheral wall with each terrace corresponding to a predetermined volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber. The internal run surface defined by each terrace includes indicia markings corresponding to the volume of fluid contained within the internal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Mark Tauer
  • Patent number: 8342347
    Abstract: A collapsible, portable container having a roof, a base, two foldable end walls and two removable side walls. The container is collapsed by removing the side walls and inwardly folding the end walls to draw the roof closer to the base. A slide lock feature is present which alternatively allows or prevents the inward folding of the container end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Nova Chemicals (International) S.A.
    Inventor: Henry F. Hay
  • Patent number: 8336732
    Abstract: A container used to retain hot liquids in manner which enables the liquid within the container to be consumed by a person holding the container in the person's hand and drinking the liquid when the lid is in either the open or closed condition. The container has the unique features of having a self-sealing lid which is retained on the container through a living hinge. Another unique feature of the present invention is the incorporation of a thermal barrier comprised of ribs or ridges formed into the sidewall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Earthkare Packaging Innovations Company
    Inventor: Glenn Tobias
  • Publication number: 20120318810
    Abstract: A container having enhanced wall integrity and a rotational element is provided that includes a sidewall having polygonal cross-sectional shape and an alignment structure formed therein. The alignment structure is adapted for orienting the container with respect to a second container such that the panel sections of the containers become parallel with one another and the containers may be fully nested one within the other. The alignment structure can be recessed into the sidewall to form peaks and valleys along an inner surface of the container. The peaks include first and second faces sloping in opposite directions designed to direct corners of the first container's sidewall toward the interior valleys of the second container in order to orient the containers as they are stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Don Hodge, Don Tomalia, Jason Osentoski, Joe Trombley, Dan Maciag, Pete Brushaber, Mike Liming
  • Patent number: 8256634
    Abstract: The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to create a shape of vacuum absorbing panels that can control swelling deformation involved in hot filling of synthetic resin bottles, without impairing the vacuum absorbing function of the bottles. A principle means of giving solution to this problem is a synthetic resin bottle of this invention comprising multiple vacuum absorbing panels in a dented shape disposed around a body in parallel in a circumferential direction, and also a vertical groove disposed in a laterally central area of each vacuum absorbing panel so that the vertical groove performs a function as a starting point for the deformation into a further dented state at the time of depressurization, wherein the vertical groove has a changing depth that gradually grows larger toward an upper end and a lower end, starting from a vertically central area of each vacuum absorbing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshimasa Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8104635
    Abstract: A base for a food container includes a pattern of rib units in a side wall of the container. The rib units are formed at multiple angles and depths to provide strength to the side wall. The base also includes a bottom with ribs of alternating heights and angles that provide strength to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hayes, James N. Gomoll
  • Patent number: 8096565
    Abstract: A roll-out cart includes a bottom wall having front, rear and side walls extending upwardly to define an upper interior. The rear wall is taller than the front wall and each of the side walls has an upper edge angled downwardly from the rear wall to the front wall. At least one support extends upwardly and rearwardly from an upper end of the rear wall to a handle. A base portion extending downwardly from the bottom wall includes a plurality of base walls including side portions each having corrugated portions below the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Ryan C. Meers
  • Patent number: 8047389
    Abstract: A semi-rigid collapsible container (10) has a side-wall with an upper portion (5), a central portion (6), a lower portion (7) and a base (8). The central portion (6) includes a vacuum panel portion having a control portion (2) and an initiator portion 1. The control portion (2) is inclined more steeply in a vertical direction, i.e. has a more acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the container (10), than the initiator portion 1. On low vacuum force being present within the container panel following the cooling of a hot liquid in the container 10 the initiator portion (1) will flex inwardly to cause the control portion (2) to invert and flex further inwardly into the container (10) and the central portion (6) to collapse. In the collapsed state upper and lower portions of the central portion (6) may be in substantial contact so as to contain the top-loading capacity of the container (10). Raised ribs (3) made an additional support for the container in its collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: CO2 Pac Limited
    Inventor: David Murray Melrose
  • Patent number: 7837049
    Abstract: A thermoplastic container (1) having a body (2) provided with at least one groove (6) that forms a closed loop and that extends perpendicularly to the axis of the body; the groove having a depth (p) that lies in the range 3 mm to 6 mm; in right section, the groove comprises: an bottom (8) that is rounded, having a small radius of curvature (R1) in the range 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm; two faces (9) that are plane and that flare apart from each other on either side of the bottom (8) at an angle (?) in the range 50° to 90°; and two faces (10) that are curvilinear, and that extend away from the respective plane faces (9) at an angle (?) that is less than 180°, and that are connected thereto by respective rounded walls (11) of small radius of curvature (R2) that does not exceed 1.5 mm, and that are connected tangentially to the wall (12) of the body (2). Such a groove (6) is deformable with a capacity to pinch axially in the presence of an axial force applied to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventor: Michel Boukobza
  • Patent number: 7823737
    Abstract: The plastic container has a heel portion having an enclosed base; a body portion transitioning into the heel portion; a bell portion transitioning into the body portion; and a finish attached to the bell portion and defining an opening. The body portion is formed into a generally tubular structure by a plurality generally flat panels. Each of the panels is connected to an adjacent panel with a chamfered post, and the body portion includes at least one vertically oriented rib at each of the chamfered posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Angie Noll, Scott Bysick, Sheldon Yourist, David B. Heisner
  • Patent number: 7802691
    Abstract: The bottle has accordion-like collapsible bellows ridges (1) with upper and lower arched shape surfaces (1?,1?), always only one of the surfaces (1?,1?) is provided with a system of ridge embossed or stamped stiffenings (2) without horizontal continuity. System of vertical stamped stiffenings (3) is present as well, creating recesses (4) of the bellows ridges (1) with angle greater than 90°, having arched shape haunches (5) at the top and bottom. Stacking depression (6) is created in the bottom of the bottle, the bottle is preferably provided with removable label leaving no residue and it has completely detachable cap (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Oto Mu{hacek over (s)}álek
  • Patent number: 7798350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1?) made of a thermoplastic material, especially PET, having a body (2?) which, for at least a part of its height, is substantially prismatic in shape with a substantially triangular cross section and with three faces (6) joined by three edges (7), each of which is shaped in the form of a groove (8) which opens outwards and which has a rear wall (9) having a reversed curvature with its convexity being directed outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Wilfried Hermel, Damien Bourne, Laurent Lepoitevin, Michel Boukobza
  • Patent number: 7740149
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods relate to containers having a sidewall portion with at least one generally vertical corrugation therein. The containers can be of a variety of shapes, sizes, cross-sections, and materials. The corrugation improves the container sidewall strength and resistance to buckling under compressive loads such as stacking of multiple containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 7673765
    Abstract: A hot fill container of the type that is used package fruit juices and other beverages includes a vacuum panel configuration that provides optimal volumetric efficiency, material usage and container strength and is particularly suited for use with smaller containers. The vacuum panel configuration includes a plurality of cageless vacuum panels that are separated by longitudinally extending outwardly projecting creases that are defined in a sidewall of the container. This arrangement maximizes the effective surface area of the vacuum panels relative to the external surface area of the container. Each of the longitudinally extending outwardly projecting creases has a curved outer surface that is convex when viewed in longitudinal cross-section. The cageless vacuum panels are constructed and arranged to be convexly curved when a pressure within the container is equal to an external pressure, but become concavely curved when a predetermined partial vacuum condition exists within said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Raymond A. Pritchett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7455189
    Abstract: A rectangular plastic container having a shoulder region adapted for vacuum pressure absorption, a sidewall portion having a rigid support ledge and a tapered base structure having an octagonal shaped footprint. The shoulder region including vacuum panels being moveable to accommodate vacuum related forces generated within the container. The shoulder region, sidewall portion and base each having differing horizontal cross sectional shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Michael T. Lane, Dan Weissmann, John Nievierowski, Brad Caszatt
  • Patent number: 7347339
    Abstract: A flexible hot fill container includes a body having a label portion and a flex portion. The flex portion includes flex panels and support structure fields. Both the support structure fields and flex panels deform inwardly upon vacuum conditions. Recess sidewalls in the flex panels provide support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Constar International, Inc.
    Inventors: Monis Bangi, Michael R. Mooney
  • Patent number: 7296702
    Abstract: A synthetic resin bottle, protected from damage to the outer appearance under freezing conditions, and is effective in storage and transportation. The bottle is used by filling the bottle with contents have water as a main component and freezing such contents. The bottle comprises a body that has an out-of-round circular shape in the plane cross section over a certain height of the body, and the body wall has no hollowed portion caved inward. The body gradually narrows in the middle part except for the portions consisting of crests which are disposed at 3 or more points of the same central angle on the periphery of the plane cross section. In the middle part, the plane cross section is in the shape obtained by connecting the crests to one another with 3 or more arcs that curve outward. Pillars are formed vertically on the body by the crests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimasa Tanaka, Takao Iizuka
  • Patent number: 7296701
    Abstract: A bottle-shaped synthetic resin container (1) includes a body portion (3), and a circumferential groove (10) extending along an outer surface of the body portion (3). The circumferential groove (10) is defined by a groove bottom wall (11) and groove side walls (12a, 12b) extending from the groove bottom (11) to the outer surface of the body portion (3). At least one of the groove side walls (12a, 12b) extends substantially linearly, as seen in a longitudinal-sectional plane including a center axis (A) of the body portion (3), and forms an angle (?, ?) of not more than 20° relative to a reference line (L) perpendicular to the center axis (A) of the body portion (3) in the longitudinal-sectional plane of the container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ozawa, Takao Iizuka, Shoji Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7204056
    Abstract: A stackable deep-drawn plastic container has an at least slightly conical wall and a bottom connected to the conical wall. The wall has a rim area remote from the bottom. The rim area has a first ledge and a second ledge located below the first ledge. It also has an intermediate support area having a first end connected to the first ledge and a second end connected to the second ledge. A stacking spacing of the deep-drawn plastic container when stacked in a stack is determined by the first and second ledges. The first and second ledges in a plan view onto the rim area overlap at least partially. The intermediate support area has a first width at the first ledge that is smaller than a width at the second ledge. The intermediate support area has a wave shape at least at one of the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Poeppelmann Holding GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Alfons Sieverding
  • Patent number: 7163122
    Abstract: A container system includes interchangeable components to form an enclosed container. A base in the form of a pallet, a sidewall and a cover are assembled to form an enclosed container. The containers include nesting portions on the pallet and cover so that containers may be stacked when assembled and the components may also be stacked when in storage and nest to resist lateral sliding. The sidewalls include a first embodiment with single wall construction and a second embodiment with double wall construction. The walls are a corrugated plastic construction and include spaced apart reinforcing rods extending into the flutes. The double wall sidewall includes an inner wall with vertically extending flutes having reinforcing rods inserted into spaced apart ones of the flutes while the outer wall has horizontally extending flutes with one or more reinforcing rods inserted therein to provide added strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Stratis Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew W. Elder, William J. Skinner
  • Patent number: 7097059
    Abstract: A blow-molded bottle includes a shoulder and a body that includes an upper body section, a lower body section, and a transversal recessed rib disposed between the upper body section and the lower body section. The upper body section has four lateral walls and four corner walls, each being arranged between two adjacent lateral walls. The lower body section also has four lateral walls and four corner walls, each being arranged between two adjacent lateral walls. The corner wall is formed with an axially extending recess that includes tapered walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Saito, Takao Iizuka
  • Patent number: 7097061
    Abstract: A container includes a hollow body having a finish extending from the body. The finish has an open end, at least one external thread for securement of a closure, and a pair of spaced external circumferential flanges on a side of the thread remote from the open end of the finish. A bale handle includes a ring having resilient internal tabs captured beneath the lower of the flanges remote from the open end of the finish, and a handle extending from the ring for carrying the container. The upper flange, which preferably has a greater outside diameter than the lower flange, has an undersurface that is free of obstruction from the bale handle and therefore is adapted to perform support functions for the container after attachment of the bale handle to the container finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Graham Packaging PET Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Simpson, Jr., Stephen R. Guerin, David P. Piccioli, Qiuchen Peter Zhang
  • Patent number: 7063222
    Abstract: In a plastic container manufactured by melting blow molding a heated and molten parison extruded from an extruder, a mouth 3 and/or a specified part of a body 2 has a thicker thickness than the body proper. One or more thick parts of the body 2 are continuously or discontinuously formed over part or all a peripheral, height or helical direction of the body of the container. The container enjoys enhanced rigidity, appearance and functionality even when the thickness of its body is considerably reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Sakaguchi, Yuzuru Maruyama, Kenjiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6838138
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to prevent the edge of the in-molded label from the crack due to the impact of dropping the container, especially to prevent the occurrence of the crack on the thin synthetic resin container and to provide the synthetic resin container which a reinforce rib is disposed on the wall surface of the container body corresponding to the edge of the in-molded label to surround the label edge or to locate the label edge in said rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Akiyama, Shuichi Koshio, Masashi Yoneyama, Hiroaki Tokuda
  • Publication number: 20040060942
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods relate to containers having a sidewall portion with at least one generally vertical corrugation therein. The containers can be of a variety of shapes, sizes, cross-sections, and materials. The corrugation improves the container sidewall strength and resistance to buckling under compressive loads such as stacking of multiple containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 6708824
    Abstract: A vertically stackable and nestable tub-like container is preferably formed of injection molded plastic and includes a circumferential sidewall formed with alternate inwardly and outwardly facing channel portions. Outwardly facing channel portions taper outwardly from a peripheral rim defining the upper edge of the container toward the bottom edge of the sidewall. The bottom edge of the sidewall is joined to a bottom wall by a curved intermediate wall portion and the bottom edge of the sidewall extends slightly beyond the bottom wall of the container for transferring forces acting on the sidewall directly to a support surface. Circumferentially spaced axially extending anti-nesting stops and reinforcing ribs extend along the outwardly facing channel portions of the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Southwest Agri-Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor A. Sahm, III
  • Patent number: 6666348
    Abstract: The container assembly is adapted for high speed packaging of perishable items. The container is formed with ribbed walls to add rigidity to the structure. The reinforcing ribs are perforated to allow air to circulate through the packaged goods. The ribs are shaped to maintain the perforations open during stacking and shipping. The mouth of the container has a peripheral flange. The flange has integral hinged closures for securing a separate top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventors: Frank A. Fore, Robert S. Fore
  • Patent number: 6662961
    Abstract: A blow molded container is provided. The container has a base, a body portion attached to the base, a concave waist attached to the body portion, a dome attached to the waist, a plurality of structural ribs, and a finish attached to the dome. The dome has a plurality of panels arranged around a perimeter of the dome. The finish has an opening and a portion of the dome is located between the panels and the waist. Each of the structural ribs is located between two adjacent panels and is raised relative to the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Sheldon Yourist
  • Patent number: 6648169
    Abstract: A beverage can having an indentation on the top portion to accommodate the nose of the consumer and an indentation on the wall portion to accommodate the lip of the consumer, thus minimizing spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Berger