Abstract: A developer replenishing device for replenishing a developing device with a developer, and a developer container for use therewith. The developer container, or toner bottle, has a mouth portion at one end thereof which is smaller in diameter than a hollow cylindrical main body. At the end of the bottle provided with the mouth, a shoulder has the inner periphery thereof partly raised to the edge of the mouth portion to form a raised portion for scooping up a toner. In addition, a part of the inner periphery of the circumferential wall of the bottle which is contiguous with the raised portion is also raised toward the axis of the bottle about which the bottle is rotatable, thereby forming another raised portion. When the bottle is mounted to a bottle holder, which is included in the replenishing device, substantially horizontally with the mouth portion oriented sideways, the bottle is rotated to raise the toner from the bottom of the main body to the mouth portion.

Abstract: A plastic bucket includes at least one undercut adjacent an upper end of the bucket defined by a bucket wall which extends upwardly and inwardly along a diagonal path. An annular, vertical section may be provided at the upper end of the diagonal path. Above the vertical section, the bucket wall extends radially outwardly to create an annular, horizontal flange. In addition, an uppermost annular rim may extend upwardly from the horizontal flange and be located approximately midway between inner and outer radii of the flange.

Abstract: A deep drawn plastic packaging cup which includes a wall having a bottom, a round cross section wall part being one of cylindrical and truncated-cone shaped, and a round radially protruding outward flanged top rim. A flat wall part extends through a chord of the round cross section of the deep drawn plastic packaging cup wall, and a circulate segment section is formed with the top rim and joined to the flat wall part.

Abstract: A pasteurizable plastic container having movable panels to alleviate internal pressure changes during pasteurization in order to avoid uncontrolled permanent deformation of the container body. As molded, each panel has a shallow recessed central wall which during the increased temperature and pressurization of pasteurization, moves outwardly to alleviate at least part of the internal pressure. During cooling, the panels move back inwardly to alleviate at least part of the negative pressure. The container may further include hoop ribs in the land areas above and below the panels, an axially elongatable hoop rib in an upper shoulder section, and an angled heel portion adjacent the standing ring. These additional elements further restrict uncontrolled bulging of the post walls, which would lead to improper label application and/or excessive volume change.

Abstract: A container is obtained by biaxially stretch-blow-molding a resin. Except the mouth-and-neck portion, vicinities thereof and the center of the bottom portion, the container as a whole is reduced in thickness under a highly drawing condition without being accompanied by whitening, and a portion constituting the bottom valley portions has an yielding load of not smaller than 25 kg/cm at 70.degree. C. The container exhibits excellent heat resistance, pressure resistance, shock resistance as well as self-standing ability.

Abstract: A dispenser is described having a support for the container to be filled, a source of liquid and a switch controlling the flow of liquid into the container. The container is supported by a support which urges the container up or down. The switch is operated by the container such that when the container is empty it urges against a resilient mechanism which activates the switch. When the container is filled its weight overcomes the resilient mechanism.

Abstract: A container for small articles is formed of a housing having a an opening at an upper face thereof, a cover movably attached to the housing, and a locking device. The cover moves between a closing position for closing the opening, and an opening position for opening the opening of the housing. The cover is located at one side of the housing in the opening position. The locking device includes a catcher having a latching portion therein and attached to the cover, and a striker attached to housing. When the cover is disposed to the closing position, the striker engages the latching portion to lock the cover at the closing position, and when the cover in the closing position is pushed, the striker engaged with the latching portion is released from the latching portion, so that the cover is moved to the opening position.

Abstract: A food-service kit and method includes a plurality of similar or diverse-type containers wherein the containers may be coupled together in various configurations to form toy-like assemblies. The respective containers include compatible projection and socket configurations so that they may be joined together as building blocks in order to create the toy-like devices.

Abstract: An insulated container (12) for carrying goods such as fish is provided. The insulated container (12) includes a cover (14) and an open-topped box (16). The box (16) includes a bottom (26), two end walls (22, 24), and two bowed side walls (18, 20). Fillets lie in the corners where the bowed side walls and bottom meet. Longitudinal drainage ribs (40) extend along the bottom (26) between transverse platforms (42, 44). Indentations (28, 30, 32, 34) formed on the outer surface of the bowed container (12) define regions for receiving straps. The indentations are aligned with transverse platforms (42, 44), which provide reinforcement. The top of the end walls and the side walls include lips that mate with a depression located about the periphery of the cover (14). Bottom depressions (56, 58) ease the lifting of the container.

Abstract: An open top drum having a closed bottom, a sidewall extending upwardly from said bottom, and a chime portion for receiving a removable cover. The chime portion extends from the sidewall so as to define an open top and includes a substantially radial first chime wall, a substantially cylindrical second chime wall directed upwardly from an outer portion of the first chime wall, and an exterior circumferential rib circumscribing a lower portion of the second chime wall for added rigidity. The drum assembly may also include a cover having a peripheral chime receiving member, and a retaining ring having a first leg for engaging the cover and a second leg for engaging the first chime wall. The legs are joined by an intermediate band. The cover may include a circumferential flange that extends over a portion of the second chime wall but not over the rib. The rib fills a substantial portion of an area defined by the second leg, intermediate band, second chime wall and circumferential flange.

Abstract: An improved method of blow molding a hollow article is disclosed comprising the adaptation of a die pin (26) to include spaced apart channels (38) therein that extend from top to bottom along the sides of the die pin. The channels create reinforcement ribs (70) along the inside surface (68) of a formed parison (30). The ribs expand with the parison into a final form and serve to reinforce the resultant body while being visible only from the inside. The channels (38) are each bifurcated to provide a segment (44) below a shut-off surface (46) in which plastic exiting the die pin can expand to form ribs (70) of substantial thickness. Portions of the parison sidewalls (66) between the ribs (70) are thinned to reduce part weight and the ribs (70) reinforce the sidewalls to compensate yet, being visible only from the inside, do not detract from the external appearance of the article.

Abstract: A container for housing a food dish includes a receiving shell defining a first cavity and a cover shell that is releasably lockable to the receiving shell for providing a cover with a second cavity over the first cavity. The cover shell has side walls with inward projections for entrapping the food dish seated within the receiving shell when the cover shell is releasably locked to the receiving shell.

Abstract: A single fold collapsible container includes a peripheral side wall extending upwardly from a bottom wall, and terminating at an upper open end. The side wall has upper and lower portions separated by a peripheral fold line having a sideways S-shaped geometry such that the upper and lower portions are movable relative to one another between extended and collapsed positions. The one portion which is reverse foldable into the other portion has a thickness significantly less than the other portion.

Abstract: A container having a base and a sidewall portion extending upwardly therefrom is characterized by striations in the sidewall which define removable strips of the sidewall portion. A shoulder adjacent the opening of the container improves handling of the container, prevents or restricts undesired rotation of the container, restricts or preventing the flow of gas or liquid or solid from above the shoulder means to below the shoulder or vice versa, and stabilizes the containers when, for example, a plurality of them is arranged appropriately. A method of use of such containers is disclosed, including the steps of providing a plurality of such containers and arranging them appropriately.

Abstract: A portable wheeled apparatus for storing and spraying liquids includes a low center of gravity liquid container having generally elliptical shape horizontally extended center section with integral end caps and attached wheels, a pump for supplying air pressure into the container, a carrying handle, and a threaded outlet fitting. A removable handle is provided that adjusts for user height.

Abstract: A sanitary cup which is inserted into a drinking water can including: a body which is made of a synthetic resin; a plurality of hemisphere type of projections which are formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the body; an inclined portion which is inclined by about 20.degree. on the upper end portion of the body; a first groove which is formed between a cup bottom surface and a bottom surface edge portion; a projection end which is formed on the bottom surface of the inner side of the body; a second groove which is formed between the bottom surface edge portion and the body to form a protrusion portion on the inner side of the body; and a third groove which is formed in the inner side of the bottom surface edge portion, whereby when a reinforcing edge on the top end of the drinking water can is inserted into the third groove, the protrusion portion is elastically inserted into the lower portion of the reinforcing edge.

Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper section including a neck portion, a closed base section, and a central section interconnecting the upper and base sections. The central section comprises an elastically deformable, substantially cylindrical sidewall, including indicia embossed therein. The embossed indicia substantially assumes the configuration of the sidewall when the container is pressurized, and extends away from the sidewall when the container is depressurized.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented plastic blow molded bottle (10) has a domed upper dispensing end (12), a lower freestanding base (14) about whose central hub (24) legs (26) and ribs (28) alternate, and a round body portion (16) with an inwardly extending annular grip (32) constructed to facilitate manual grasping of the bottle. The body portion (16)has the same diameter D above and below the annular grip (32). The annular grip (32) includes upper and lower ends (34,36) that extend outwardly with curved shapes with the upper end having a more abrupt curvature than the lower end. An intermediate portion (38) of the annular grip extends between the upper and lower ends with an inwardly curved shape that is less abrupt than the upper end (34) but more abrupt than the lower end (38). In one embodiment, the bottle (10.sub.tag) has its annular grip (32.sub.tag) provided with a textured outer surface (33) that facilitates gripping of the bottle.

Abstract: A thermoformed plastic container (10) is disclosed including a sidewall (18) formed by the intersection of three portions (20, 22, 24) formed by curved planar surfaces. The bottom portion (20) is generally frustoconical in shape having cross sections corresponding to the periphery of the bottom (16) and of an increasing size linearly dependent on increased spacing from the bottom (16). The upper portion (24) is generally frustoconical in shape having oval cross sections and of a decreasing size linearly dependent on increased spacing from the flange (12). The middle portion (22) is generally frustoconical in shape having oval cross sections different from that of the bottom and upper portions (20, 24) and of an increasing size linearly dependent on increased spacing from the bottom (16). The portions (20, 22, 24) intersect at curved intersection lines (26, 32) having varying spacing from the bottom (16).

Abstract: In a rotationally-molded thermoplastic refuse container of the type having a hollow handle integrally-molded with a refuse carrying compartment of the container, the improvement which includes a wall integrally-formed with the refuse container and sealingly enclosing the hollow handle from communication with the refuse-carrying compartment of the container for providing greater strength to the container and preventing refuse from lodging in the hollow handles.

Abstract: A spreadable circular ring clamp has first, second and third clamp sections, which have inwardly directed upper and lower walls, which are secured together by connector strips that are secured to the outer surface of outer wall of the clamp sections. A locking device is provided to lock together locking ends of the first and second clamp sections. In unlocked position, the locking ends of the first and second clamp sections may be spread apart to open the clamp ring, while in locked position the clamp ring will provide sealing of a lid to a container body.

Abstract: Molded plastic plates having a rolled edge rim and a method of rolling the edges of molded plastic plated. The plastic plates are pre-molded with lugs that project outwardly from the sides of the plates. The lugs of one plate contact the rim of the next successive plate in a stack of plates to create a gap between the plates stacked one on top of another. The gap allows each individual plate to be picked up by the threads on a plurality of threaded rollers which press on the rim of the plate to form the rolled edge.

Abstract: In a plastic food container including a lid and a base, a latching mechanism includes a first continuous rim along a periphery of the lid and a second continuous rim along a periphery of the base. The first rim includes an inner female member, a central male member, and an outer latching member. The central male member encompasses and is integrally connected to the inner female member, and the outer latching member encompasses and projects laterally outwardly from the central male member. The second rim is adapted to latch with the first rim. The second rim includes an inner male member and an outer female member. The outer female member encompasses and is integrally connected to the inner male member. The outer female member includes an outer peripheral wall forming a plurality of spaced inwardly-projecting tabs.

Abstract: A polyethylene chock box which is secured to the railroad car sidescreen by means of removable blind fasteners, thereby greatly decreasing labor costs and well as future maintenance expenses. The chock boxes have a contoured lower surface with drain holes to permit water to drain from the boxes and to permit water to flow beneath the boxes so the railroad car can drain as well. The resilient polyethylene prevents the chipping and denting of the vehicle doors, while also reducing weight.

Abstract: An improved plastic container of the type suitable for containing carbonated beverages. The container is provided with a central section, an upper section including a typically threaded neck portion, and a lower end or base section typically including radially arrayed concave foot portions to support the container in an upright position. The horizontal cross-section of the central section manifests the configuration thereof to include a plurality of juxtaposed generally flat panels which upon pressurization of the container tend to blend together to form a circular cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: In a biaxially-stretch-blow-molded container there is a method of producing the same. Redraw ratio at the bottom portion is small in the secondary blow molding without employing a complex heating system but in which a secondary article obtained by subjecting a preform article to the primary blow molding is preferentially shrunk at its bottom portion, and a tertiary article or a quaternally article before being subjected to the secondary blow molding is obtained having a bottom of a flat shape or in which the central portion is recessed inwardly of the container and the periphery thereof is flattened. The bottle obtained by this method has a thickness and crystallinity in the bottom portion which are nearly the same as those of the center of the barrel and are highly oriented. The heat-resistant bottle exhibits excellent strength in the bottom portion and symmetrical panel-sinking stability in the vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A food-service kit and method includes a plurality of similar or diverse-type containers wherein the containers may be coupled together in various configurations to form toy-like assemblies. The respective containers include compatible projection and socket configurations so that they may be joined together as building blocks in order to create the toy-like devices.

Abstract: A panel design for a hot-fillable plastic container has a tall and slender panel section. The panel configuration provides increased resistance to longitudinal bending and hoop failure, yet provides good hoop flexibility to maximize vacuum panel movement. The panel section has a substantially cylindrical circumference with a plurality of vacuum panels symmetrically disposed about the panel circumference, post walls between the vacuum panels, and land areas above and below the vacuum panels. The ratio of vacuum panel height D to panel diameter C is on the order of 0.85 to 1.05. Longitudinal post ribs are provided in the post walls. The land areas above and below the vacuum panels are of a height E greater than on the order of 0.45 inch, and the ratio of the land area height E to panel diameter C is on the order of greater than 0.1. Circumferential hoop ribs are provided in the land areas to prevent ovalization and hoop collapse.

Abstract: A plastic blow molded container (10) of polyethylene terephthalate has a side wall (18) at least three vertically spaced horizontal ribs (38) of an annular shape and at least (12) vertical ribs (40) spaced circumferentially and extending between the horizontal ribs to cooperate therewith to define generally rectangular panels (42) that are capable of flexing inwardly to accommodate for shrinkage upon cooling. The construction of the container allows it to have a lightweight construction according to the equation:W.sub.G <12.sub.G +34V.sub.Gwherein W.sub.G is the weight in grams of the container, 12.sub.G is 12 grams, and 34V.sub.G is a weight in grams that is 34 times the internal volume of the container in liters. The horizontal ribs (38), the vertical ribs (40), and the rectangular panels (42) are constructed and positioned to facilitate label application to the container side wall (18).

Abstract: A food packaging container is presented having a cover and a base. The cover has a top and a first side wall. The top contains a central portion and a peripheral shoulder, where the shoulder encompasses the central portion. The first side wall extends downward from the shoulder and encompasses the top wall. The first side wall also has at least two generally vertical and outwardly directed ribs repeating in a predetermined rib pattern, where the one rib is generally pointed at an outermost portion thereof, and the second rib is generally fiat at an outermost portion thereof. The two ribs form generally vertical furrows that interconnect adjacent fibs. The base has a bottom and a second side wall which encompasses and extends upward from the bottom. The base is adapted to engage the cover.

Abstract: A double-walled thermoplastic article includes a double-walled body having inner and outer walls and an insert having visible portions and recessed runner sections. The body includes an insert portion in which its inner and outer walls are contiguous. The insert is attached to the body insert portion such that the visible portions of the insert are exposed and the runner sections are embedded within the insert portion. The article can be produced by a double-walled blow molding process.

Abstract: A panel is provided for use in the fabrication of cabinet doors, the face portion of drawers and the like which comprises a combination of two resin materials, one of which has a selected color, which are simultaneously cured within a mold to form recesses and raised portions of essentially any desired ornamental design.

Abstract: A measuring vial for automatically determining correct number of fluid aliquots to be mixed with other materials such as dental alginate impression powders comprises a cylinder having an extended recess, an outlet port in the recess, the outlet port being at the height of the meniscus height of the desired quantity of fluid, any excess fluid being lost through the outlet port until the correct quantity is determined. A finger in the recess over the outlet blocks loss of fluid where desired.

Abstract: A cuvette, to be used for measuring the properties of liquid contained therein by applying a measuring beam of light from a direction intersecting the vertical axis of the cuvette, includes a rectangular or square-outlined portion on the top thereof as viewed in a horizontal cross section, a cylindrical portion below the top portion, and a lower rectangular or square portion provided vertically below the cylindrical portion and having four sides parallel to these of the top rectangular portion, respectively. Thus, the cuvette does not unfavorably rotate when measuring the absorption of light transmitted therethrough. Further, an apparatus for transporting the aforementioned transparent cuvette, accurately controls the position of the cuvette during transportation so that a flat surface thereof can be irradiated with a measuring beam of light.

Abstract: A beverage container for accommodating drink cup holders which vary in size. The container has a large diameter upper portion which presents a large capacity and a small diameter lower portion connected with the upper portion by a shoulder. The lower portion fits in a cup holder and has projecting fins which are triangular. The fins extend along the lower cup portion on one side, along the shoulder on another side and may contact the wall of the drink holder on the third side. The fins are flexible and are offset from a radial orientation so that they can contact the drink holder wall with sufficient force to hold the cup in a stable position.

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).

Abstract: A hot-fillable, blow-molded container has a grip panel structure which resists inverting when the container is filled with a hot liquid and after the container has been capped. The container and grip panel structure retain their aesthetic appearance and their structural integrity through use by the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blow molded plastic container whose thin wall shoulder portion has a plurality of rib-like protrusions. Each of said rib-like protrusions are configured with multiple radii of curvature having a specifically defined relationship. The protrusions so formed do not adversely affect the integrity of the shoulder portion wall structure and do not distort upon internal pressurization of the container.

Abstract: A stackable bin includes two spaced apart side walls, and a rear wall connecting rear edges of the side walls together. The side walls and rear wall are slightly inclined inwardly with respect to a vertical plane. A bottom wall is connected to lower portions of the side walls and rear wall and a central partition wall is connected with the bottom wall and rear wall to define first and second compartments open at front ends thereof. A channel extends parallel to and in alignment with the partition wall, and is formed at an underside of the bottom wall, for receiving an upper edge of a partition wall of a another stackable bin, for a supporting stackable arrangement therewith. Vertically oriented ribs are provided on outer surfaces of the side walls, for further supporting the stackable bin on the upper edges of side walls of the other stackable bin, and for increasing structural rigidity of the side walls.

Abstract: A lockable container is disclosed in combination with a U-shaped bicycle lock. The lock has a rigid U-shaped portion in which the open end is spanned by a rigid locking bar. The container comprises a body and a cap, both with channels thereon, which receive the parallel arms of the U-shaped portion and the locking bar therein. When the lock is locked, the cap cannot be removed from the container, so articles left therein are safe. A space between the bight of the U-shaped portion and the bottom of the container can be used to securely attach the combination to a suitably shaped permanent fixture.

Abstract: A salvage drum has a container body and circular lid which are sealed together by a clamp that secures an outwardly extending lip on the container body to an outwardly extending lip on the circular lid. The container body has a plurality of spaced outwardly extending vertical ribs adjacent the body lip and the circular lid has an outwardly extending protective shoulder which is arranged such that the clamp is protected from impact with the ground regardless of tipping over or dropping of the salvage drum. The clamp is also easily stored on and held on the container body ready for use in sealing of the salvage drum.

Abstract: A nestable open head container has a generally circular tapered sidewall and an enlarged diameter nesting ring which prevents the lids of adjacent containers from contacting each other during shipping and provides a nesting seat adjacent the top of the sidewall. When inserting a second container into a first container to nest them, the nesting seat of the second container contacts the rim of the first container to limit the depth of insertion of the second container. This maintains a gap between the containers when nested and substantially reduces the frictional engagement between them. A banding channel is formed in the container to receive a substantially inextensible band that releasably secures at least two containers adjacent to each other for increased stability of a package of containers during shipping.

Abstract: A box-shaped container of plastics material, particularly a storage and transport container includes a bottom with a flat upper side and a bottom side which is stabilized by stiffening ribs. Flat webs extending in a plane parallel to the plane of the bottom extend along the rim of the bottom. The flat webs form in the manner of a frame a center field of the bottom. The stiffening ribs in the center field intersect each other in the manner of a grid. The flat webs form support surfaces of the container and rest spaced apart from the plane of the bottom on stiffening ribs arranged transversely of the rim of the bottom. Pocket-shaped free spaces are formed between the bottom side of the container bottom, the upper sides of the flat webs and the transversely extending stiffening ribs, wherein the free spaces are completely open to the side of the rim of the bottom.

Abstract: A soup plate comprised of a plate having an open circular top end, a closed circular lower end, and an intermediate side wall therebetween. The intermediate side wall slopes inwardly from the open circular top towards the closed circular lower end. The closed circular lower end slopes slightly downwardly towards a front portion thereof. The front portion of the closed circular lower end has an oval reservoir formed therein.

Abstract: In a rotationally-molded thermoplastic refuse container of the type having a hollow handle integrally-molded with a refuse-carrying compartment of the container, the improvement which includes a wall integrally-formed with the refuse container and sealingly enclosing the hollow handle from communication with the refuse-carrying compartment of the container for providing greater strength to the container and preventing refuse from lodging in the hollow handles.

Abstract: An agricultural container or fruit bin made of plastic has four vertical walls, triangular corner columns and a bottom element. The exteriors of the vertical walls and bottom element have rectangular rib patterns. Openings in the vertical walls and bottom allow for atmospheric circulation. The upper edges of the sides are bowed inward slightly, and the bottom element has a slight inward dome when the bin is empty.

Abstract: A plastic bottle, made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), blown with a very thin overall wall thickness within the range 0.1 to 0.3 mm, includes a triangular or polygonal cross-section, the bottle being preferably surrounded by a supporting jacket. The bottle can be blown with a uniform wall thickness and adequate strength without the need for reinforcing ribs via walls formed by pressing them against the surface of a blow mold which has been worked at least in some areas by etching, form-cutting or eroding, having features with heights of 0.05 to 0.15 mm.

Abstract: A lightweight plastics bottle (1) having a body wall of substantially constant wall thickness and having a plurality of depressed zones (7) having a floor portion (12) spaced inwardly of and parallel to the general plane of the body wall. The depressed zones (12) are arranged in a series of horizontal rows characterised in that the body is non-cylindrical having a number of body panels and that each of said depressed zones (12) has at least one long dimension (9) lying in a direction which is not parallel to the longitudinal axis (10) of the bottle.

Abstract: A pair of elongate, segmented gripping members are carried by the lifting member of a refuse collection vehicle. Each of the gripping members includes an inner arm movably carried by the lifting member and an outer arm movably extending from the inner arm. The gripping members are movable between a retracted position in which the inner arms extend in generally opposite directions, fore and aft along the side of the vehicle, and an extended position in which the inner arms extend in generally the same direction laterally outward from the vehicle. Each outer arm is inwardly movable relative the respective inner arm to draw a container into the embrace of the gripping members. A pair of elongate flexible members engage the container to supplement the grip of the gripping members.

Abstract: A pack for flowable contents, such as liquids, has tubular side walls, a bottom and a top wall, and is formed of a deep-drawable plastics material. The top includes a vertically upstanding, externally threaded collar and defines a pouring opening which is closable by a threaded top. The pack is formed by two half shells, and a seam passes around the pack in a longitudinal plane and extends nearly to the top free upper edge of the collar. The seam is interrupted in the top by the pouring opening and projects outwardly from diametrically opposite sides of the pack. According to a method for forming the pack of the invention, the collar is formed by two collar halves which are joined together at the seam. Threads are formed on the collar and the upper free edge includes an annular sealing surface for a correspondingly formed screw top.