Folding Patents (Class 220/6)
  • Patent number: 8807365
    Abstract: A foldable box includes a floor having a shaft arranged in a base area of an exterior wall area thereof. A guide opening in the fixed exterior wall area and includes a lateral opening section extending from an outside of the fixed exterior wall area inwards. A cam in the base area includes a cam contour which gets into contact with a contact surface of the exterior wall area. When exceeding a boundary angle the shaft is moved inwards. After exceeding the boundary angle a bottom side of the exterior wall is pressed against an internal edge area of the fixed exterior wall area by a force higher than a force by which the bottom side of the exterior wall in the erected vertical position is pressed against a top side of the fixed exterior wall area by the effect of the shaft or the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: IFCO Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Orgeldinger
  • Patent number: 8807366
    Abstract: A folding assembly box includes vertical corner hinge frames disposed in corners of the box, and vertical middle hinge frames disposed between the vertical corner hinge frames facing each other at both sides thereof. The vertical corner hinge frames are unfolded at an angle to form the respective corners of the box, and are hinged in the opposite direction to the direction where the vertical corner hinge frames are unfolded. The vertical middle hinge frames are unfolded together with the vertical corner hinge frames at both sides thereof, and hinged in the opposite direction to the opposite direction where the vertical corner hinge frames are unfolded. Top and bottom horizontal frames are disposed to connect upper and lower ends of the vertical corner hinge frames facing each other. Panels are inserted between the first top and bottom horizontal frames facing each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Won Sun Erm
  • Publication number: 20140224794
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to collapsible transport containers with hinged and/or removable side walls to facilitate container collapse, as well as latching mechanisms capable of securing the side walls of such containers to one another and releasing said side walls from one another without the need for tools. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to keeper assemblies that allow said latching mechanisms to guard against inadvertent unlatching and possible unintentional collapse of one or more container side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Midwest Express Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Taniguchi, Maeda Nobuhiro
  • Patent number: 8794465
    Abstract: A problem on all sail boats is the winch handle holders being occupied by beverage cans or other small items. A combination boat winch handle holder and beverage holder is made of a first housing adapted to hold the winch handle and mountable to a conventional winch handle holder position. A second housing, shorter and wider than the first, is adapted to hold a beverage can and is attachable in a manner that permits attachment and release of the second housing. The combination holder is preferably made of flexible, stretchable materials that are UV resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Okoniewski
  • Patent number: 8794441
    Abstract: An apparatus including a box portion which may include a left side, a right side, a front side, a rear side, and a bottom. Each of the left, the right, the front, and the rear sides is connected to the bottom to be foldable with respect to the bottom, from an orientation parallel to the bottom to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the bottom. A device may be connected to the bottom, including an inner peripheral wall which extends, substantially perpendicularly from the bottom. The inner peripheral wall may be substantially in the shape of a loop and may have a width and a length, substantially perpendicular to the height of the device, slightly less than a width and a length, respectively, of an inner chamber defined by top edges of the left, the right, the front, and the rear sides, of the box portion in an upright state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph N. Laurita
  • Publication number: 20140209627
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blow-molded, rigid collapsible container that can be suitable for storage and dispensing systems of practically any size. The rigid collapsible container may be a stand-alone container. The container may be blow-molded as a unitary piece that may include folds or pre-folds that allows the container to collapse into a relatively flat position. In an expanded state, the container may have a generally trapezoidal prism shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Tom, Thea Annette Ellingson, Amy Koland, Dale Gene Mowrey
  • Patent number: 8789715
    Abstract: A collapsible container includes a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls. At least two of the side walls include a rigid first segment and a rigid second segment coupled to the first segment by a pivot to permit the side wall to fold so that the first segment and second segment form an acute angle or are parallel when the container is collapsed. The collapsible container can be configured in a storage configuration for containing objects or a collapsed configuration occupying less volume than the storage configuration for stowing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Shea, Tomohito Hashikawa, Martin Petersen, Angelo Parisi, Hugh Francis, Kelly Schlotterer
  • Patent number: 8783487
    Abstract: A container made of silicone resin is sufficiently compactable in a collapsed state. The container includes a tubular barrel portion, a bottom portion having a flat surface, a mouth portion having an opening, and a lid portion sealing the opening of the mouth portion, with at least the barrel portion and the bottom portion formed by molding. One end of a binder is attached to the mouth portion and can hold the rolled-up barrel portion and the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Masaru Hojo
  • Patent number: 8777045
    Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and a second portion that defined a lid co-operable with the first portion. The lid includes an auxiliary access opening and closure member that are smaller than the main opening, and that can be operated one-handed. A rigid work surface is provided, typically immediately adjacent to the secondary closure member, the work surface providing a place for holding or mixing a drink or for preparing a snack. In some embodiments the work surface may be movable relative to the container, whether slidable in a co-planar or parallel planar manner in translation, or folding as in a foldable shelf. The entire container assembly may be foldable or collapsible to a storage condition, and the rigid member, whether fixed or movable, does not impede that folding or collapsing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: California Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Mitchell, Mike Baatz, William Kearns, Christopher Edwards, Melvin Mogil, Richard Stephens
  • Patent number: 8770421
    Abstract: A collapsible refuse bin which has two ends walls and two side walls atop a base. The end walls, side walls and base are twinned wall plastic components. The side walls are made of two panels which are pivotally attached to one another along vertical axis. The end walls are pivotally attached to the base. The side walls engage a base along a tongue and groove means. Side walls and end walls have mutually engaging edges. Removal of the side walls followed by folding down the end walls converts the refuse bin to a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nova Chemicals (International) S.A.
    Inventors: Henry F. Hay, Leslie Kirby, Alan Schrob
  • Publication number: 20140183186
    Abstract: A collapsible transport container (302) comprising a base (304), a roof (310), a first and second opposed side wall (308, 306) rotatable relative to the base (304) and the roof (310). Also provided with first connecting member (316) operably connecting the first side wall (306) to the roof and second connecting member (318) operably connecting the second side wall (306) to the roof (310). The distance between the point of attachment of first and second connecting member (318, 316) to the roof (310) is less than the distance between the point of attachment (326, 324) of first and second connecting member 326, 324) to the first and second side wall (308, 306). At least part of the connecting member is flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Anthonius Buskermolen, Arthur Vincent Marius Meijers
  • Patent number: 8757602
    Abstract: A colander includes a front portion, an intermediate portion, and a back portion, with the intermediate portion being formed from a resilient material. The front portion is sized to be smaller than the back portion, allowing the front portion to be pressed into the back portion, folding the intermediate portion, for compact storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Progressive International Corporation
    Inventor: Justin Bagley
  • Publication number: 20140166650
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of collapsible containers are disclosed herein. Some exemplary embodiments include a container having a plurality of sides. The plurality of sides forms a substantially geometric shape, such as a rectangular shape. A plurality of predetermined fold lines extend substantially across each of the sides and the predetermined fold lines form a plurality of geometric shapes. A plurality of predetermined fold lines for inner folds on a first side are aligned with a plurality of predetermined fold lines for outer folds on a second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph S. Kanfer, Michael J. Gmerek, III, Masato Tabata, Robert J. Lang, Eugene W. Ray
  • Patent number: 8733573
    Abstract: A receptacle is formed by folding a single sheet metal blank to define a floor, a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls. The walls are joined to one another at each corner of two adjacent walls by providing a mounting tab foldable relative to one of the wall and a tongue on the other wall to receive and retain the mounting tab by interlocking connection of mating connections. Apertures for hooking the receptacle on a wall are located in the rear wall in alignment with corresponding apertures in the mounting tabs at the rear for increased strength. Each mounting tab includes a first portion which interlocks with the tongue and a second portion which is considerably longer than the first portion to redirect forces which might otherwise tend to urge the tongues to release the mounting tabs therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Duane Lucht
  • Patent number: 8727158
    Abstract: A collapsible bin container having a base portion and side walls hingedly connected to the base portion. At least one of the side walls includes an integrally formed hinge lug having a first generally cylindrical portion and a second flat angled portion. The base portion includes a corresponding hinge slot having an opening configured to receive the hinge lug only when the side wall is positioned at a first angle with respect to a horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: ORBIS Corporation
    Inventor: Roger Nolan
  • Patent number: 8726618
    Abstract: An apparatus including a box portion which may include a left side, a right side, a front side, a rear side, and a bottom. Each of the left, the right, the front, and the rear sides is connected to the bottom to be foldable with respect to the bottom, from an orientation parallel to the bottom to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the bottom. A device may be connected to the bottom, including an inner peripheral wall which extends, substantially perpendicularly from the bottom. The inner peripheral wall may be substantially in the shape of a loop and may have a width and a length, substantially perpendicular to the height of the device, slightly less than a width and a length, respectively, of an inner chamber defined by top edges of the left, the right, the front, and the rear sides, of the box portion in an upright state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph N. Laurita
  • Publication number: 20140131350
    Abstract: A storage container having a collapsible unit and a twist cap is described. The collapsible unit is a type of bellows which includes a base and a sidewall attached to the base. The sidewall has a spiral fold that traverses along a portion of the length of that the collapsible unit. The length can be compressed by folding the collapsible unit along the spiral fold. As the length of the collapsible unit is reduced, access to any remaining products, such as acne pad products, stored at the bottom of the collapsible unit can be more conveniently obtained. The cap of the storage container includes a ring collar; a sleeve attached to the ring collar; and a guide attached to the sleeve. When the cap is turned or twisted the guide and the spiral fold are configured to slideably engage each other which results in shortening the length of the collapsible unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Michael A. Wojcik, Kelly Sanborn
  • Patent number: 8720718
    Abstract: A foldable carrying case is described that has an integrated one-piece body of hingeably connected panels, and flexible gussets hingeably connected to the panels. The body is further provided with releasable fasteners. The body converts from a plane configuration to a container configuration, and vice versa. The container configuration is formed by folding the panels and the gussets, and the panels and gussets are connected by the releasable fasteners to prevent the container from unfolding. Also described is a method for making and using such a foldable carrying case. Also described is a kit including such a foldable carrying case and at least one storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Nancy O. Myers, Michael O. Myers, Peter C. King, Lisa A. King
  • Patent number: 8720719
    Abstract: A plastic container includes at least two foldable sidewalls articulated to a container base by at least two hinge connections, each including a hinge bolt or pin for pivoting in a receiving gap of the base frame. The receiving gap has an elongate opening to allow the hinge bolt to move in the receiving gap from a lower to an upper end position. The opening has a length at least corresponding to the thickness of the sidewall which is thus liftable vertically by at least the thickness. At least two guide elements are formed at the sidewall and received in the base frame in recesses which have a nose defined by an upper edge spaced from an upper edge of the base frame by a distance which corresponds to a length of the guide element from a lower edge of the sidewall to a lower edge of the guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Georg Utz Holding AG
    Inventor: Yves Hug
  • Publication number: 20140126844
    Abstract: A bulk bag carrier for transporting soft goods or granular products is provided. The carrier comprises a flexible bulk bag and a pallet. The bulk bag comprises an upper section that defines a product compartment and a sleeve suspended below the upper section that defines a pocket for receiving the pallet. The pallet may be foldable to facilitate insertion of the pallet into the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: James Lowry, Gary Nattrass, Ronald Allen Lanier, JR.
  • Patent number: 8714388
    Abstract: A collapsible rectangular container includes a container body having a pair of opposed solid side walls, a pair of opposed foldable side walls hingedly connected to the pair of solid side walls and a base end wall and a top end wall removably and slidably connected to ends of the pairs of solid and foldable side walls when the container body is in an erected position. The base and top end walls are removable from the ends of the container body to permit the body to be collapsed into a flat configuration by folding the side walls inwardly when the base and top end walls are removed. The end walls are slidably received on one of the solid side walls when the container body is in a collapsed position. When the containers are collapsed and/or erected, the containers interlock for shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Buchorn, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Miller, David T. Devaney
  • Patent number: 8708179
    Abstract: A product packaging device includes side portions. Each of the side portions includes a first end portion, a second end portion and a loading portion. The side portions fold together for closing the product packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: F.D.S. Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Kevin T. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 8701950
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a collapsible storage container for a bed of a pickup truck includes a set of panels, a connection system, and an attachment system. The set of panels are configured to form an enclosed area in a bed of a pickup truck. The set of panels are movable into a collapsed state and an uncollapsed state. In the collapsed state, the set of panels allow for substantially all of the bed of the pickup truck to be used. In the uncollapsed state, the set of panels form an enclosed area. The connection system connects the set of panels together such that the panels are movable into a collapsed state and an uncollapsed state. The attachment system is configured to connect the set of panels to the bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Roach, Craig Wieland
  • Publication number: 20140103034
    Abstract: A liner (10) is disclosed for use with a container. The liner has a liner body (11) with a bottom wall (13), a top wall (14) and peripheral side walls (15). The liner also includes a ween plate (21). The weep plate includes a radial array of protrusions (22) extending inwardly and downwardly from a generally planar base plate (23). The base also includes a centrally located circular fitment mounting opening (25). A hose fitment (29) extends through the liner top wall and weep plate fitment mounting opening and is sealed thereto so that a vacuum hose coupled to the fitment is in fluid communication with the interior space of the liner. The weep plate has a select width and length smaller that the select width and length of the liner to define a margin or marginal space (32) therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Grayling Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt D. Ross, Randy Ray Sullinger
  • Publication number: 20140103035
    Abstract: A container system for use with a forklift, includes a plurality of containers, each container including side and end walls and having interlocking structure cooperatively arranged whereby adjacent containers are connectable to each other and a base secured relative to each container. The base is dimensioned to support the container and being adapted to couple with the blade of the forklift to permit placement and transport of the containers in an interlocked relation thereof. Each container may be collapsible to facilitate storage thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: David Fredette, Thomas Fredette
  • Patent number: 8684209
    Abstract: A foldable and overlappable carrier box includes a base panel, a pair of first side panels erected along any two facing edges of the base panel, and a pair of second side panels erected along remaining facing edges of the base panel. Each of the first side panels is divided into an upper face and a lower face along a horizontal line, the upper face being foldable downwards, and each of the second side panels is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion along a horizontal line, so that when carrier boxes are stacked in multiple layers by folding the upper face, a lower portion of a carrier box located at an upper position is overlappable with an upper portion of a carrier box located at a lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: National Plastic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung Min Choi
  • Patent number: 8662333
    Abstract: A foldable box having four foldable exterior walls has at least one stable exterior wall having at least a first and a second spherical wall area convex with respect to an exterior side of the box. A bridge arranged at the outside of the exterior wall is arranged between the first and the second spherical surface and extends across the height of the exterior wall. At least one rib additionally extends from the bridge to the first and to the second spherical surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: IFCO Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Orgeldinger
  • Patent number: 8651310
    Abstract: A foldable box includes a floor having a fixed exterior wall extending from the floor in a vertical direction upwards and an exterior wall having a shaft arranged in the base area of the exterior wall. The foldable box further includes a guide opening in the fixed exterior wall area in which the shaft is arranged, the guide opening including an opening section extending basically in the vertical direction through which the shaft may be guided out from the top, and a lateral opening section extending in a lateral direction from an outside of the fixed exterior wall area inwards, in which the shaft may be shifted basically in a lateral direction. A cam arranged in the base area of the exterior wall has a cam contour which is implemented such that the cam contour, when erecting the exterior wall, gets into contact with a contact surface arranged at the fixed exterior wall area such that the shaft is moved inwards in the lateral opening section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: IFCO Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Orgeldinger
  • Patent number: 8651309
    Abstract: A collapsible, re-usable container of unitary construction is disclosed. The container is able to be locked into a flat, folded configuration as well as locked into an open, unfolded configuration, and includes a base, two opposing end walls that are pivotably attached to the base, and two opposing side walls, which are pivotably attached to both the base and to the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Enrico Gualersi, Emilio Libera, Patricio Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8646638
    Abstract: Foldable container comprising a bottom plate, side plates and first hinges for connecting the side plates to the bottom plate, and a roof plate that is can be raised from the side plates, wherein the roof plate connects to opposite side plates by inter-positioned connecting rods, and wherein each connecting rod has at a first extremity a second hinge that connects to a side plate and at a second extremity opposite to said first extremity is slidably connected to said roof plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventors: Robert A. Buskermolen, Kimmo Eggers, Arthur Vincent Marius Meijers, Gunawan Kusuma Koesdianto
  • Patent number: 8646639
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for unlocking swing-action side walls (2 to 5) which are hinged on the base (6) of boxes and/or containers (1), of which the two opposite end walls (4, 5) can be locked to the two adjacent side walls (2, 3) and unlocking takes place by virtue of a lifting movement of a bracket-like actuator (13), which interacts with a movement-deflecting means (16, 17), and wherein unlocking crosspieces (19) act on spring-tongue-like locking means (10) of the side walls (4, 5), these locking means being latched into the end walls (2, 3), and force them out of their latching seat, in which they clamp the end walls (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fritz Schaefer GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Pils, Diethelm Hirz
  • Patent number: 8640912
    Abstract: A foldable box includes a floor and two longitudinal and transverse side exterior walls each lying opposite in pairs and foldable relative to the floor, each longitudinal side exterior walls including a protrusion at a transverse side end extending toward the transverse side exterior walls when upfolded, limiting foldability of the transverse side exterior walls to the outside. Each transverse side exterior wall including a locking mechanism at the outside of the transverse side exterior wall, including when upfolded, a snap-in element movable in a vertical direction relative to the floor surface, latchable with the protrusion. The protrusion and/or the snap-in element includes contact surfaces, inclined relative to the vertical direction when upfolded wherein the locking mechanism opens against a spring pretensioning when exceeding a predetermined inward force acting upon the transverse side exterior wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: IFCO Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Orgeldinger
  • Patent number: 8631956
    Abstract: A reusable combined multi-part product shipping box and display tray. There are two generally rectangular trays, each defining four sides, with four barrier portions projecting upward from each tray proximate its edges, one barrier portion at about the center of each of the sides, and four corner posts, one projecting up from each corner of the tray. There is also a generally rectangular sleeve defining four sides and four corners, and open ends that are about the same size and shape as the trays, the sleeve adapted to engage with the trays to close its open ends and form a shipping container, the sleeve adapted to sit on the tray inside of and up against the barrier portions, with each corner of the sleeve located outside of and against a corner post, such that the sleeve is tightly engaged with the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Fred Dowd
  • Patent number: 8627973
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container comprising foldable sidewalls which has a hinge connection which almost entirely prevents the base from slumping relative to the sidewall even under load, The container may be produced in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner, since due to the specific hinge connection, the base may be produced, in an injection-molding process, without any slide in the tool, and since a simple tool arrangement is thus enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: IFCO Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Hendrik Dekkers
  • Patent number: 8602244
    Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Clear Lam Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Sanfilippo, James J. Sanfilippo, Jeanne M. Skaggs, Roy Speer
  • Patent number: 8602253
    Abstract: A keg cup holder has a plurality of cup holder openings, each encircling a recessed cup support, for securely holding cups in place on top of a beer keg. A through opening in the center is provided to allow the keg pump and dispenser tube/handle to extend vertically above the keg cup holder, so as to allow for its free operation. A side wall is sized to allow the keg cup holder to fit atop standard barrel kegs. Support members extend downward from the side wall to prevent the keg cup holder from shifting and to provide added stability. To facilitate portability, the keg cup holder is preferably constructed of an inexpensive and lightweight yet robust material. In one embodiment, it may be folded into a compact position for moving and storage. A handle may be attached to the center support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Beltrante
  • Patent number: 8602243
    Abstract: A flexible, collapsible semi-bulk container for storing and transporting content is provided. The container has the strength to hold up to two tons of contents while being stacked up to five high. The container is also collapsible for ease of storage and transport. In some embodiments, the container includes swing walls that provide support to the side walls when positioned substantially adjacent to them. In another embodiment, the container includes partial swing walls that support cassettes for dividing the container into smaller compartments. In a still further embodiment, the container includes an interior baffle for dividing the container into smaller compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Composite Containers LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Hunter
  • Patent number: 8602242
    Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product includes a sealed package that is formed from a single sheet of film having oppositely disposed lateral edges. The package includes a first panel and outwardly extending corner seals that border more than two sides of the first panel, a second panel disposed opposite the first panel and having an end seal, and four lateral sides disposed between the first and second panels. The second panel is formed by tucking portions of the lateral sides proximate the lateral edges inwardly and sealing portions of the film proximate the lateral edges together to form an end seal, the end seal being folded over towards an outer surface of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Clear Lam Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Sanfilippo, James J. Sanfilippo, Jeanne M. Skaggs, Roy Speer
  • Patent number: 8596448
    Abstract: The invention concerns a glasses case including a bottom panel, a frame and four side walls, which case has a folded configuration in which a first panel and a second panel of each wall of a first pair of side walls are inclined towards each other pointing outwardly whereas a first panel and a second panel of each wall of a second pair of side walls are inclined towards each other pointing inwardly, and a deployed configuration in which a first panel and a second panel of each side wall are inclined towards each other pointing inwardly, and a first panel and a second panel of each wall of the first pair of side walls bear on the remaining sides of the panels of the second pair of side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventor: Inga Sempe
  • Patent number: 8596459
    Abstract: The invention relates to a large cargo carrier (1), comprising a pallet shaped base (2), at least one side wall (4a), at least one first stand element (3a) which is at least partially made from plastic material and which is disengageably connected with the pallet shaped base (2) at an edge portion of the pallet shaped base (2), wherein the at least one side wall (4a) is disengageably connected with the first stand element (3a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Schoeller Arca Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Abraham Huizingh, Maximus Gerardus Maria Van Der Korput, Oliver Orset
  • Patent number: 8590721
    Abstract: Device in connection with small articles, for example, building blocks, and comprising an essentially box-like (1) construction, in which at least one side of the box, for example, the cover (2), is formed of at least two parts (21, 22) folded on top of each other, which can be spread to form a totality in essentially the direction of the base. The side wall (24) of the box can also be turned in essentially the direction of the base, in which case the said parts (21, 22) folded on top of each other are joined to form a continuation of the wall (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Leskinen Pasi
  • Patent number: 8584883
    Abstract: A box includes, in principle, a plastic structure with a rectangular base, two ends, and two sides which are pivotably coupled to said base. The ends include centered parts combined with latches, which in one position anchor the sides and ends, while in another position said connection between the ends and the sides is released in order to collapse said elements and thus achieve a collapsed position. The box includes an anchor device consisting of a series of rotary bodies (5) that connect the bolts of the lock (4) to the centered part (1) via two pairs of resilient parts (6) and (7) which, in the inoperative position thereof, hold the bolts of the lock (4) outwards, attaching the ends (2) and the sides (9), and when the central part (1) is moved upward, the latches thus release the ends and the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: SP Berner Plastic Group, S.L.
    Inventor: Julián Escarpa Gil
  • Patent number: 8573433
    Abstract: Structures, methods, and systems associated with a stackable and collapsible container are provided. One structure includes a stackable and collapsible container having at least four non-collapsible, load bearing vertical support members attached to vertical walls of the container and capable of supporting the weight of other containers. A top surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. A bottom surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. The top and the bottom surfaces of the container can be fixedly positioned in a number of collapsed states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: George E. Kochanowski
  • Patent number: 8567634
    Abstract: A container for transporting and storing goods with a container base and at least two foldable sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls, which are foldable on top of one another, are linked to the container base through hinges. Hinge bolt receivers include recesses, so that the hinge bolts are movable in the hinge bolt receivers from a lower end position, in which the folded down sidewall contacts the container base far enough into an upper end position, so that a planar placement of two sidewalls on top of one another is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Schoeller Area Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Abraham Huizingh
  • Patent number: 8556100
    Abstract: Collapsible containers and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a collapsible container assembly that includes a foldable support member that has a length and a width. The support member has a concave cross-section that causes the support member to resist bending until a threshold force is exceeded. The support member has a folded position and an extended position where the support member is unfolded. The assembly further includes at least one surface member carried by the support member. The assembly has a deployed position where the support member is in the extended position and the at least one surface member forms an enclosure with an interior. The assembly also has a collapsed position where the support member is in the folded position. The container assembly has less exterior volume in the collapsed position than in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Evergreen Innovation Partners LLP
    Inventors: Ed Austin, William J. Ritter, Martin Albini
  • Patent number: 8550278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a folding box (1), comprising a base and first and second side walls (2, 3) pivotably connected to the base which, together with the base, form a box open at the top in a folded open state, as well as at least one retaining element (4) disposed on a first side wall (2) and at least one pin (5) mounted so as to be rotatable on a second side wall (3), and the at least one pin (5) has a cross-section that is not circular on at least one pin end (5a, 5b) and the at least one pin end (5a, 5b) locks the first to the second side wall (2, 3) by means of the retaining element (4) in a first rotational position and unlocks said side walls (2, 3) in a second rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Leisch Beratungs- und Beteiligungs-GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Pittrich
  • Patent number: 8550277
    Abstract: A collecting cage has a front end to which at least one door is pivoted with the aid of a pivoting device. The cage also has at least three lateral walls. The pivoting device is adapted to pivot the door to an opened position and to a closed position thus covering at least part of it. The pivoting device is adapted to guide the door in an opened position to a direction parallel to a lateral wall and at a clearance therefrom for flanking the cage. The pivoting device includes at least two angle members connected to the door at a distance from each other and having a first portion protruding from the door and having a second portion in an angled position relative to the first portion, and at least two corresponding rails connected to a lateral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: K. Hartwell Oy AB
    Inventor: Jack Grönholm
  • Patent number: 8540139
    Abstract: A box for a medical device includes a first panel, a second panel hingedly connected with a lower edge of the first panel, a third panel hingedly connected with a lower edge of the second panel, a first side flap hingedly connected with a first side of the first panel, and a second side flap hingedly connected with a second side of the first panel. The third panel is folded over the second panel and the second panel is folded over the first panel for forming a first storage compartment and a separate second storage compartment. The first and second side flaps are folded over the second panel for closing the sides of the box. The box includes a cover foldable over and interlockable with the first side flap, the second panel, and the second side flap for holding the cover closed and closing the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Denise Marie Dacey, Jonathan William Gillespie
  • Patent number: 8534478
    Abstract: A collapsible container and a method of using the collapsible container are provided. In one embodiment of the container, the container comprises a collapsible fold area associating a base portion with a nestable portion, the collapsible fold area being structured such that a collapsing of collapsible fold area results in disposal of at least a portion of the nestable portion within the base volume. In one embodiment of the method, the method comprises the steps of nestling the collapsed containers with one another for efficient space storage when said collapsed containers are not in use, and releasing a vacuum or applying a force to return a collapsed container to its full or expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Ishmael Mays, III, Gregory M. Hogle, Byron Lee Sharp, Donald Harold Ankney, Brady Glen Gutekunst
  • Patent number: 8528765
    Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product includes a sealed package that is formed from a single sheet of film having oppositely disposed lateral edges. The package includes a first panel and outwardly extending corner seals that border more than two sides of the first panel, a second panel disposed opposite the first panel and having an end seal, and four lateral sides disposed between the first and second panels. The second panel is formed by tucking portions of the lateral sides proximate the lateral edges inwardly and sealing portions of the film proximate the lateral edges together to form an end seal, the end seal being folded over towards an outer surface of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Clear Lam Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Sanfilippo, James J. Sanfilippo, Jeanne M. Skaggs, Roy Speer