Abstract: A connectable case and method of forming the connectable case from a synthetic resin plate. The case includes a bottom panel, four side-wall panels each extending from a respective side of the bottom panel and a flap panel extending from the side of at least one side-wall panel, the flap panel extending downwardly adjacent to its respective side-wall panel, such that the space between the downwardly extending flap panel and its respective side-wall panel is approximately equal to the thickness of a side-wall panel. One side-wall panel has at leat one hole formed therein, and one of the flap panel and its associated side-wall panel has at least one protrusion formed therein extend into the space.

Abstract: A new and improved toy box structure includes a transparent, hollow spherical member having an interior chamber for receiving toys and an aperture on its exterior surface in communication therewith. The aperture is selectively enclosable using a removable disc shaped lid. Recessed handles are diametrically disposed on the exterior surface of the spherical member which may be grasped by a user. The spherical member is supported by a ramp style base component. The unique design of the device allows it to be easily rolled from one location to another and allows a child to view toys stored therein without having to remove the lid. Also, the unique design allows a user to manipulate the device to locate and remove a desired item without removing the other similarly stored items.

Abstract: A plating basket (10) wherein a sidewall (12) is connected to a bottom (14) by a rim (24). The basket (10) includes a support structure (38) having a hub (40) that is jointed to spokes (60) such that the structure is compatible with the rotary mechanism of commercially available dryers.

Abstract: Container for liquids, particularly for wine and spirits, characterized in that it has essentially a rectangular parallelepipedic or cubic shape and comprises six panels forming the faces of the container, i.e. a bottom panel, a top panel, a front panel, a rear panel and two side panels, the top panel having at the proximity of its front edge and substantially in the middle between the side panels a filling hole; the internal surface of the top panel forms with respect to a horizontal plane three corners, that is a first prismatic corner presenting a planar surface which is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane downwardly from the front panel towards the rear panel, and two side corners presenting each a planar surface which is inclined towards said inclined surface of the first corner from a point of the interior ridge formed by a corresponding side panel and the front panel up to the vicinity of the filling hole.

Abstract: A lidded container for lobsters or like crustacean comprises a container formed of plastics material having sidewalls, endwalls and a bottom wall and a lid formed of plastics material which is adapted to be hingedly secured to the container sidewalls to move between an open position and a close position. The lid has a top wall formed of a series of upwardly projecting ribs defining wells to receive and retain therein ice which, when melted, passes through perforations in the bottom faces of the wells to circulate about the lobsters. The water then exits through apertures in the sidewalls, endwalls and bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A stackable shopping basket in which the proximal side wall is inwardly curved in a contour adapted to an adult human user's body. The opposite or distal side wall may also be curved with a contour that is symmetrical with the proximate side wall. The side walls and end walls have an outwardly-turned peripheral top edge forming a lip, the lip being extended downward along at least a portion of the proximal side wall to form a cushion portion. Stand-off fins are provided along the periphery of the basket between the lip and the end walls and side walls other than the cushion portion. A centrally located handle projects from the bottom of the basket and defines a channel through the bottom wall of the basket for nesting identical baskets in a stack. The grip of the handle is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the basket. The grip may have a detachable cover to display advertising.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a container, a cap for the container, and a dispenser valve for the container, the container being a one piece molded item having a front, a back, a left side, a right side and a bottom, with each of the sides having an outer wall and an inner wall, with the inner walls, the front, the back and the bottom forming the container with an open top, with the cap mounted on the container at the open top, and with the front of the container having an opening for receiving the dispenser valve and a second opening for receiving an inspection window. A sanitary napkin and tampon disposal container.

Abstract: A bathroom accessory mountable to a generally vertical flat surface such as glass, mirror, tile, fiberglass or metal. The bathroom accessory makes efficient use of space available in a bathroom.

Abstract: A new garbage can with lifting supports for reducing an amount of effort needed to lift and empty the garbage can. The inventive device includes a container having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a side wall therebetween. The open upper end has a lid removably disposed thereover. A pair of lifting supports are coupled with respect to the container. An upper lifting support is disposed downwardly of the open upper end of the container. A lower lifting support is disposed upwardly of the closed lower end of the container.

Abstract: A condensate pan is adapted for use in either a left or right horizontal fan coil installation, and includes left and right mirror image sides interconnected with a central section having on its lower surface a riser near one end, and each of the halves having a drainage opening on the other end, such that when the evaporator coil is placed in the condensate pan, the pan is tipped about the riser to lower one side and raise the other, depending on whether its a left or right horizontal installation, such that drainage occurs from the lower side drainage opening. The drainage opening is so located with respect to the floor of the pan that, when a drain pipe is threadably connected thereto, its lower inner surface is disposed vertically below the pan floor to thereby enhance its drainage characteristics.

Abstract: A molded plastic basket for a shopping cart includes side and front walls formed of a molded gridwork of ribs extending at an angle relative to the upright direction of the basket when it is assembled to a shopping cart chassis. The front and side walls intersect each other along convex arcuate curved corner sections with the gridwork ribs continuously flowing around the corner sections up to a mold parting line provided midway around the curved sections. The ribs of the side walls extend parallel to each other to permit molding of the side walls by a transversely moveable mold section that moves towards and away from the side wall area during molding and the ribs of the front wall likewise all extend parallel to each other in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of the side wall ribs to enable molding of the ribs of the front wall by another moveable section of a mold that moves in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of motion of the mold section forming the side walls.

Abstract: A container, such as for delivering merchandise to retail stores has an internal space partly defined by a partition 22 which is movable to allow the size of the container space to be varied to suit different goods. For instance, when carrying eggs, the partition can be moved to allow different sizes of egg box to be held without movement, thus reducing vulnerability of the eggs to damage during transport.

Abstract: An alternate stacking paper tray has a planar base with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge positioned opposite the first edge and a fourth edge positioned opposite the second edge. A side is disposed upwardly from each edge. Paper guiding walls are disposed from each side to define a first paper receiving area and a second paper channel which intersects the first paper receiving area. In a preferred embodiment the paper guiding walls extend outwardly to meet the closest adjacent paper guiding wall, thus forming compartments positioned at the corners of the base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding a plastic washing machine basket includes a fixed mold core formed with teardrop-shaped projections spaced about a periphery thereof, cavity sidewall members spaced about the periphery of the mold core which carry core pins having tips adapted to abut teardrop-shaped projections on the mold core and a cavity cover member spaced about an end of the mold core and abutting the cavity sidewall members so as to define a cavity between the mold core and both the cavity cover member and the sidewall members.

Abstract: An integral wall formation for fruit and vegetables containers made of plastic has an outer surface having a plurality of longitudinally extending outer legs wherein adjacent legs define outer apertures therebetween. An inner surface has a plurality of longitudinally extending inner legs wherein adjacent inner legs define inner apertures therebetween. At least a majority of the inner apertures are staggered with respect to the outer apertures and in combination therewith form openings in regular arrangement for airing goods stored in the container. At least one crossbar extends transversely to and is adjoined with the inner legs and outer legs.

Abstract: A multipurpose panel structure formed of a relatively thin resilient type material adaptable for use as a container device, the panel structure comprising a relatively flat one-piece wall member having a cooperatively engageable interlocking arrangement associated therewith enabling the wall member to be formed into an-open-ended closed wall structure capable of standing on end to form a container device, the cooperatively engageable interlocking arrangement providing an easily assembled yet stable container which may be shipped in its flat condition and later assembled without the need for special tools or equipment. The container assembly may take various shapes adaptable for holding a wide variety of materials including recyclable materials.

Abstract: An improved package is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by evaporation of liquid from a cooling collar partially surrounding the container. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein. The package is suitable for field packing applications in which the product, such as strawberries, is picked directly into the container surrounded by the cooling collar with the container and cooling collars being placed in an outer box or other receptacle.

Abstract: A durable container for storing and transferring crops, such as fruits and vegetables, from the field to market is described. The container is adapted to provide efficient air or water circulation for the preservation of crops. Particularly, the container contains openings in the floor and the sides of the container, which are of a defined size and proportion of the total area, to allow for effective air or water circulation.

Abstract: In an apparatus for making compost, which apparatus comprises a preferably upwardly tapering container (1), which is adapted to be vented at its top and has an upper charging opening (4), which can preferably be closed by a cover (3) and which serves to receive the material to be composted, also a lower discharge opening (7), which can preferably be closed by a flap (6) and which permits the compost to be taken out, a plurality of lower ventilating openings (9), which extend through the container wall (5), and a plurality of air-guiding elements (10), which are provided on the inside surface of the container wall (5) and serve to guide the supply air, which enters through the ventilating openings (9) and flows along the inside surface of the container wall (5). The air guiding elements (10, 12, 13, 15) on the inside surface of the container wall (5) define a flow passage labyrinth, which the air flow along the container wall (5).

Abstract: A container for storing and shipping produce made from a blank having top, bottom and side panels with apertures therein defining cut-out areas allowing the passage of vapor through the container, at least some of the apertures overlapping the top and side panels and/or the bottom and side panels, wherein the cut-outs area of the apertures in the top and bottom panels exceeds the cut-out area of the apertures in the side panels.

Abstract: A container is provided for housing desiccant material therein and for facilitating fluid flow therethrough to a surrounding environment. The container comprises a cup member including a base or bottom wall member and a generally cylindrically shaped outer wall connected to the base or bottom wall member to thereby define a housing. A plurality of openings extend through the outer wall and provide communication between the housing and the surrounding environment. At least one recessed, relief portion is provided in communication with one of the openings. The recessed, relief portion has an outer diameter dimension less than the outer diameter dimension of the cup member. Accordingly, when the cup is snugly received in an associated canister or the like, a relief area is formed that defines a fluid flow channel along the interface of the cup member and canister.

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 plastic open frame basket is made by molding from plastic material, a tapered body portion, having integrally interconnected smoothly contoured longitudinal rib members and cross members in an interconnected, open frame configuration. A plurality of raised diagonal parting lines extend between said outer and inner corners formed by adjacent cross members to define a stepped configuration, thereby enabling the resulting plastic molded open frame basket to be made from a relatively inexpensive mold apparatus.

Abstract: A self-adjusting linkable carrier for sample tubes, cuvettes, cells and the like comprising a longitudinally symmetrical vertically oriented polygonal body having two pairs of orthogonally disposed opposed vertical faces and a horizontal bottom sliding surface is disclosed. The top surface of the body is provided with a central bore opening into a vertical cavity adapted to releasably receive and retain a wide variety of sample tube configurations in a stable vertical orientation. Machine readable indicia may be provided on the external surface and vertical slots are provided in each external face to provide access to the central vertical cavity. A releasably locking horizontally aligned dovetail feature is provided to link adjacent carriers into conveniently handled racks or magazines which may be assembled and disassembled by machine. Additional horizontally sliding indexing elements are provided to facilitate the stable storage and transport of the carrier.

Abstract: A container which is suitable for retaining lobsters and similar catches in a live condition comprises a container body and a lid which can be secured in place to close the container body, both the body and lid being of synthetic polymeric material(s). The lid has one or more sealed chambers in it which are of sufficient total capacity to render the lidded container buoyant when full. Thus the catch of lobsters or the like may be retained in a live condition and secure against escape while the container is floated, for example alongside a fishing boat or fish quay.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant storage tank for collecting runoff liquids is provided. The storage tank is formed from a plastic and has a bottom; a vertical side wall having at least one aperture, and a removable cap having at least one cap aperture therein and at least one flange positioned in the cap aperture.

Abstract: A container for storing bags for re-use includes a substantially flat rear wall that extends in a lengthwise direction and can be mounted on a supporting surface by, for example, adhesive tape or screws. A pair of opposing side wall portions are joined with the rear wall, extend in the lengthwise direction, and have inward extending, opposing inner edges opposite the rear wall. A bottom portion is joined to the rear wall and to each of the side walls. The rear wall, the side walls, and the bottom portion define between them a convex interior of the container. Bags can be inserted into the interior of container through a top opening. A slit that is at least as wide as a predetermined minimum user wrist width extends lengthwise between the inner edges of the side walls over substantially the entire length of the container and into the interior of the container.

Abstract: An outer case including a rectangular base having four upright side walls of different heights; pairs of supports respectively hinged to two opposite ends of each of the four upright side walls of the base by hinges; a plurality of mounting blocks respectively fastened to the supports and arranged in stack on each support, each mounting block having a center through hole for the insertion of one support, a mounting groove at one end, and a sliding groove at an opposite end; a plurality of wedges respectively fitted into the mounting grooves of the mounting blocks to fastened them together and to secure the supports in vertical; and a plurality of transverse panels respectively fastened to the mounting blocks between each pair of supports to close the four sides of the outer case, each transverse panel having two opposite ends respectively fitted into the sliding grooves of the mounting blocks; a top cover covered on the outer case at the top side; and a circular outlet made on one upright side wall of the bas

Abstract: A plastic open frame basket is made by molding from plastic material, a tapered body portion, having integrally interconnected smoothly contoured longitudinal rib members and cross members in an interconnected, open frame configuration. A plurality of raised diagonal parting lines extend between said outer and inner corners formed by adjacent cross members to define a stepped configuration, thereby enabling the resulting plastic molded open frame basket to be made from a relatively inexpensive mold apparatus.

Abstract: A modular sterilization tray system for medical instruments comprises a rigid, substantially rectangular case having a pair of opposite side walls, a pair of opposite end walls and a bottom wall. A plurality of vertical columns of vertically spaced apart uniform size holes are formed in the case side walls and end walls. Also, one or more substantially rectilinear instrument trays are provided for placement in the case, the length and width dimensions of each of the trays being directly related to the spacing of the columns of holes in the case side and end walls such that one or more trays may be positioned within the case so as to be bracketed by selected columns of holes. The system also includes fixtures for positioning in selected holes of the bracketing columns of holes for fixing the position of one or more trays at a selected elevation in the case and fixation brackets for variously shaped instruments placed in the trays.

Abstract: A container for bulk material, having side walls and a bottom, in combination with an insert of flexible material. The insert has side walls of the same shape as the side walls of the container and fits removably in the container. The insert has a tubular core spaced inwardly from the side walls of the insert, this core being of flexible material and having connecting elements that extend between the core and the side walls of the insert. The insert has a filling aperture, whereby during filling of the container with bulk material, the bulk material connects initially in the core and presses the flexible material of the core radially outwardly into a cylindrical shape.

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: Apparatus for growing cultures of microorganisms comprised of an inert ri porous member having passageways extending therethrough and structure for bringing liquid in contact with one side of the member. In one species of the invention, the passageways are small enough to prevent microorganisms from flowing through them.

Abstract: A plurality of identical wall panels connected together by removable rods driven through holes in adjacent corners of adjacent panels and into the ground. The device includes a cover which is shaped to fit four wall panels. Also, a greater number of panels can be used. The wall panels and cover each is a molded plastic member. The entire device consists of the wall panels, the cover, and the rods.

Abstract: A plastic openwork receptacle and a plastic openwork cover therefor, the receptacle and cover having plastic hinge interconnection, the receptacle having an upper rectangular ledge, facing upwardly, and the cover having a lower rectangular ledge facing downwardly, in closed connection, the upper and lower ledges sized to register upon closing of the cover over the receptacle. Each of the ledges has two laterally spaced longitudinally elongated first sections, and two longitudinally spaced laterally extending second sections, each first section being about twice the length of each second section.

Abstract: A lightweight compartmentalized collector dolly which readily stores newspapers, glass and metal materials for recycling is disclosed. The newspapers can be neatly stacked and bundled within a dedicated compartment. The collector dolly has a handle and wheels to enable even a child to maneuver the dolly and to collect recyclable materials and sort them during collection. Another container for storing glass materials hangs from a handle support bar and is supported by a half-cup at the bottom. Since the doubled cylindrical compartments have liners and both compartments and liners have draining capabilities at their bottoms, the storing regions in this dolly can be readily cleaned.

Abstract: A re-usable tray for securely containing both small and large perishable goods, while providing a unique means for ventilating and circulating fluids is described. The ventilating means efficiently permits the transfer of fluids between the interior and exterior of the tray. The tray may be combined with a cover to form a container. The container may contain blueberries and other small perishable goods, wherein the ventilating means is not blocked by these goods. Further, the ventilating means provides for drainage to minimize condensation build up. The container also has ribs extending from the sides, front and back of the container providing rigidity and support to the container. The ribs have slits that provide additional ventilation to the container. The container also has a support means for preventing the top and bottom of the container from bending or curving into the interior storage area of the container.

Abstract: A modular sterilization tray system for medical instruments comprises a rigid, substantially rectangular case having a pair of opposite side walls, a pair of opposite end walls and a bottom wall. A plurality of vertical columns of vertically spaced apart uniform size holes are formed in the case side walls and end walls. Also, one or more substantially rectilinear instrument trays are provided for placement in the case, the length and width dimensions of each of the trays being directly related to the spacing of the columns of holes in the case side and end walls such that one or more trays may be positioned within the case so as to be bracketed by selected columns of holes. The system also includes fixtures for positioning in selected holes of the bracketing columns of holes for fixing the position of one or more trays at a selected elevation in the case.

Abstract: A drinking cup has a generally cylindrical rim portion above an at least semi-cylindrical base portion. A generally semi-cylindrical rear wall is disposed between a segment of the rim portion and the base portion, while an also semi-cylindrical front wall is disposed between the remaining segment of the rim portion and a level significantly above the base portion. A rear floor joins the lower end of the rear wall and the base portion, and an upper floor joins the front wall at the defined level. A vertical generally central divider defines with the rear wall and the rear floor a long rear compartment and also defines with the front wall and the upper floor a short front compartment. A handle is shaped to permit handling by either the right or left hand and may be formed during manufacture as a separate sub-assembly which includes an insert that is received to become a continuation of the front wall below the upper floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and holding a flexible and collapsible trash liner comprises a rigid upright trash receptacle having a main body with a generally closed bottom and an open top. The bottom has a periphery about which the bottom is affixed to the main body, and this periphery has at least one cavity formed therealong. The cavity effectively forms a foothold for a user in removing the trash liner from the receptacle as well as a handhold for a user in transporting the trash receptacle.

Abstract: A vented trash can is provided, which consists of a container having an open top for the insertion and removal of a plastic trash bag. A component is for allowing air to enter the container under the plastic trash bag when removing the plastic trash bag from the container. The normal vacuum in the container is now broken and the plastic trash bag can slide out rather than be suctioned against the inside of the container.

Abstract: A container for plastic bags has a mainly flat rear mounting portion for attachment to a supporting surface, two opposing, partially curved side walls, and a bottom portion. The top of the container is open. A slit extends vertically between the side walls, which extend toward each other opposite the mounting portion. A user can insert bags into the container through the open top and press them down to the bottom of the container. The user's wrist thereby fits in the slit between the side walls. Bags can be removed from the container by pulling them out through the slit.

Abstract: Basket for a domestic centrifuge has a screen (2) having a finely perforated surface of revolution and comprising two annular reinforcing rings (3 and 4) disposed on the circular borders (5, 6). The screen (2) is of plastic material and the fine perforations (7, 10, 10') obtained by a process of mechanical cutting out. Thus the fine perforations (7, 10, 10') can be obtained by punching, or by cutting with a laser beam. The fine perforations (7, 10, 10') have borders with sharp edges that are directed radially inwardly, to assist in juicing. The plastic material is a polyester. The screen (2) of polyester has a wall thickness comprised between 0.15 mm and 0.30 mm.

Abstract: A container for a photographic film wherein the container body is made of a thermoplastic resin and a roughened face having a height of 0.001 to 5 .mu.m is formed on the inner peripheral wall portion, and a container for a photographic film, container for a photographic film can be produced without the occurrence of bursting pop sound, bottom sink mark and buckling, small decreae of impact strength and transparency, is excellent in wear resistance and slipping character, and can shorten molding cycle.

Abstract: A rectangular container possessing four substantially vertical walls and a horizontal floor molded in one piece of plastic along with a matching waterproof lid molded in another separate piece of plastic is disclosed. At least two of the four vertical walls possess shielded vents comprising apertures through a wall possessing either screening or louvers or both across the entire aperture and rigidly attached to the wall. The uppermost edge of the four walls possesses a preformed U-shaped resilient edge and the lid possesses a preformed U-shaped resilient perimeter. The full engagement of the lid perimeter with the box uppermost edge results in a removable closure of the box interior which is water resistant proof. In one embodiment, the uppermost edge of the front wall is of a constant height which is less than the constant height of the rear wall and the two side walls possess a height inclined from the front elevation to the rear elevation. The slope of the cover sheds precipitation.

Abstract: A rack structure for storing channeled new fuel that awaiting a refueling operation in a nuclear reactor. The racks are designed to be floor mounted in a shallow fuel storage pool. Each rack comprises a pair of rows of fuel storage cells arranged back to back. The new fuel is loaded into the rack using a hoist, one fuel bundle being placed in each fuel storage cell. Each fuel storage cell has a latch which is mechanically linked to a contact plate at the bottom of the fuel storage cell. Each fuel bundle is latched in the fuel storage cell when the weight of the fuel bundle deflects the contact plate downward. Each fuel storage cell comprises an inclined channel which stores the fuel bundle assembly in an inclined position. The latch opens under the force of gravity in response to the fuel bundle assembly being lifted.

Abstract: A shopping cart comprises a wheeled chassis, a handle structure including two handle uprights, and a plastic basket comprising separate side, front, and bottom panel members molded from a suitable plastic and assembled without any need for an interior frame. The side and front panel members have tabs. The front and bottom panel members have slots. The tabs are received by the slots to assemble the panel members. A rim wire has side portions received by wire-receiving formations of near top edge portions of the side panel members and a bight portion bearing against a top edge portion of the front panel member. The side portions are bent to form prongs inserted into apertures in the handle uprights to position the basket before the basket is fastened to the handle uprights and to the wheeled chassis.

Abstract: An integrally molded one-piece washing machine tub including an annular sidewall extending upwardly from a bottom wall. The sidewall diverges radially outwardly from the bottom wall and includes a plurality of drain holes recessed in vertically oriented teardrop-shaped depressions to ease separation and removal of the tub from the mold assembly.

Abstract: A stackable storage container for storing articles has a box having a bottom, a pair of opposed side walls, and a pair of opposed end walls. The walls extend up from the bottom to a free edge, and the opposed walls angle away from each other as they extend from the bottom towards the free edge. The bottom and the walls define a storage space for articles. The free edge defines an opening for access to the storage space. A cover has a top and a downwardly depending lip for engaging the walls adjacent to the free edge for releasably retaining the cover on the box and an upward projecting rim for engaging the walls of a second box adjacent its bottom for releasably retaining the second box on the cover. One of the end walls has a cut-out therein opening onto the free edge. A ledge bordering the cut-out and projecting outboard has a track for receiving and retaining a movable insert panel there for selectably opening and closing the cut-out.

Abstract: A hamper (10) includes a base container portion (11), a shroud (12), and a cover (13). The base container portion includes a bottom surface (14) and a front wall (15), a rear wall (18) and opposed side walls (16, 17) extending upwardly from the bottom surface (14) to form an open top defined by a peripheral upper rim (19). The shroud (12) rests on the rim (19) to strengthen the same and is attached to the side walls (16, 17). The cover (13) is pivotally attached to the shroud (12). Vent apertures (27, 29) are provided in recessed arcuate walls (26, 30) positioned beneath the front wall (15) and the rear wall (18).