Fastening Members Patents (Class 220/7)
  • Patent number: 6264030
    Abstract: A tool box includes a first part and a second part. The first part is composed of two boards foldably connected with each other and in a form of L-shaped part. The second part is composed of three boards pivotally connected with each other and in a form of an U-shaped member. The second part is mounted to the first part by engaging connection rods on the first part with recesses in the second part so as to form a tool box with an opening defined in a front side of the tool box. A plurality of drawers slidably engaged with rails on two insides of the second part from the front opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Yao-Lin Tsou
  • Patent number: 6253943
    Abstract: A storage system in which a base is preferably molded of a lightweight polymeric material and includes a peripheral raised edge for hingedly receiving front, rear, and end walls. The end walls of one embodiment are foldable, such that they collapse integrally with the front and rear walls. Each of the front, rear and end walls can be folded flat for compact storage of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Prince Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Spykerman, Bradford J. Burrows
  • Patent number: 6223922
    Abstract: A returnable reusable container which may be quickly assembled to contain a product and quickly disassembled to a substantially flat condition for storage and return shipping when empty. The container has a rigid member extending around its upper perimeter to prevent twisting of the container. This member has locking means to hold the container in an assembled position, and which unlock to allow the disassembly of the container. The locking means when engaged restrains relative movement at the corners in all directions except the direction required to disengage the lock. When the flaps are fixed to the sides of the container, relative movement at the corners is restrained in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: David A. Amatangelo
  • Patent number: 6216872
    Abstract: This invention provides a stackable collapsible container 10 comprising a housing 11 which is constituted by side walls 12; end walls 14; cover panels 16; and a floor panel 18. The container 10 further includes four load bearing shafts 24 for connecting the side and end walls 12 and 14 to each other and for supporting the weight of the load bearing shafts of another superjacent like container, when the containers are stacked. The load bearing shafts 24 support the weight of superjacent containers and not the containers themselves, and the housing portion of the container 10 may therefore be manufactured from a relatively thin light plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: PQR 59 Properties (PTY) Ltd.
    Inventor: Albertus Jacobus Haasbroek
  • Patent number: 6209741
    Abstract: A collapsible container having a base and four side walls upstanding from the base, the side walls being hinged to the base so that they may occupy positions in which the side walls upstand from the base or in which they overlie the base by folding the side walls inwardly relative to the base. The side walls are molded separately from the base, and there are provided engaging means on sides of the base and lower parts of the side walls to enable the side walls to be secured to the base. Engagement of the side walls with the base is such that whilst the side walls may be relatively easily attached to the base, removal of the side walls from the base is hindered, for example by virtue of a snap fitting engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Woodall Plastic Products Limited
    Inventor: Richard Boucher-Giles
  • Patent number: 6209742
    Abstract: A collapsible container orientable between assembled and collapsed positions having a base, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. The base has a pair of opposing upstanding end flanges integral thereto defining a corner line at each end and a side face member perpendicular. A pair of opposing side edges lie in a plane parallel to and spaced inward from an adjacent co-planar pair of side face members and extending therebetween. Opposing side walls are pivotably attached to one of the opposing side edges, forming an extension of the base when the container is in assembled. Each side wall has a latch member at each lateral edge having upper and lower curved surfaces and a tooth at its distal end. Each end wall has a pair of flanges with an opening sized to slidingly receive a latching member in the assembled state and is securely held by a living hinge. The container is adapted to being nestable when in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Trenton M. Overholt, William Patrick Apps, Gerald R. Koefelda
  • Patent number: 6202878
    Abstract: A closure apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of plug closures interconnected by straps. Each plug includes a blind bore therein into which a sampling needle may be inserted for penetration of the plug in order to extract a sample from the container to which the plug is attached. The plugs are arranged within an array that may correspond to an array of containers set within wells located in a block array. A membrane is also provided that interconnects the straps and the plugs. The plugs are fashioned from an elastomer such as a silicone elastomer. A layer of PTFE is provided on the bottom outer surface of the plugs and may also be included on the underside of the interconnecting straps and membrane, so as to provide an inert barrier in contact with the contents of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Chromacol Limited
    Inventor: Charles David Cook
  • Patent number: 6189695
    Abstract: An improved structure for foldable storage bins, the structure has on the edges of a bottom board upright stop pieces and has tenons and slot mortises on the ends of the side plates, in order to increase stability of the structure; and a plurality of protuberances and engaging recesses are provided at the pivotal connecting areas between the bottom board and the bottom edges of the side plates, so that a side plate can be maintained in its upright position with the protuberances and engaging recesses when it is erected, then another side plate can be erected under the favor of the stability of the former side plate. Some small sheets are provided on the external walls of the side plates at both ends of the storage bin to allow insertion of indicating tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Liu Ching-rong
  • Patent number: 6179149
    Abstract: A collapsible basket assembly includes a basket having a front wall, a rear wall, two opposite side walls interconnecting the front and rear walls, and a bottom wall. The side walls have top edges, and bottom edges connected releaseably and pivotally to the bottom wall. Each of the top edges of the side walls has two loops formed on opposite ends thereof. The front and rear walls have top edges, and bottom edges connected pivotally to the bottom wall. Each of the top edges of the front and rear walls has two protrusions extending in opposite directions from opposite ends thereof. Each of the protrusions extends through one of the loops on a respective one of the top edges of the side walls. Two locking members are connected removably to the protrusions to prevent disengagement between the protrusions and the loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Extratec Industrial Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Mao-Lin Yeh
  • Patent number: 6170689
    Abstract: A collapsible container includes a substantially rectangular plastic base, a first plastic wall coupled by a first hinge to a first edge of the base, and a second plastic wall coupled by a second hinge to a second edge of the base opposite the first edge of the base. A first corrugated element is folded to form a first corrugated floor portion and a first corrugated wall portion, wherein the first corrugated floor portion is attached to the base so that the first corrugated wall portion is positioned between and adjacent to the first and second plastic walls. The first corrugated wall portion mates with a first lip of the first plastic wall and a first lip of the second plastic wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Apogee Designs, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert W. Flesher, Kevin J. Barnes, Michael Monteleone
  • Patent number: 6170724
    Abstract: A collapsible storage device for use in a pickup truck bed including a rear panel; a lower panel hingeably mounted to a lower edge of the rear panel at a first edge; a first side panel hingeably mounted to a first side edge of the rear panel at a first edge; a second side panel hingeably mounted to a first side edge of the rear panel at a first edge; a first compression mounting mounted to the face of the first side panel such that the first compression mounting is compressed between the first side panel and a first sidewall of the pickup truck bed when the first side panel is in an open position; a second compression mounting mounted to the face of the second side panel such that the second compression mounting is compressed between the second side panel and a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall of the pickup truck bed when the second side panel is in an open position; a top panel hingeably mounted to a top edge of the rear panel at a first edge, the top panel resting on a top edge of the first and s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Markets Direct, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Carter, Eric Garris, Kurt Menke
  • Patent number: 6170688
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a crate subassembly including four side units, and each side unit has a top cord, a bottom cord, and vertical cords extending between and secured to the top and bottom cords. The top cord and bottom cord of each side unit extend substantially parallel to each other, and each side unit further includes a diagonal cord extending from and connected to the top and bottom cords. Connector plates are located to connect the respective adjacent vertical cords of each side unit, as well as to secure each side unit cord. When it is desired to form a crate, and by simply separating opposing side units, the subassembly is opened. When opening, the connector plates on the inner surface of the subassembly flex, or bend, and the connector plates have sufficient rigidity so that once opened, the subassembly does not close on itself during handling. With the subassembly in the open condition, the subassembly is readily secured to a pallet using, for example, screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: MiTek Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Marc Olden
  • Patent number: 6164477
    Abstract: A one piece stowage bin (10) has a generally rectangular, polygonal open-fronted box-type structure. Right and left end panels (14) and (18) rise up from the sides of the bottom panel (12) to form side walls. Three fold lines allow the stowage bin (10) to comprise the rear lower panel (22), the rear upper panel (26) and the top panel (30) of the stowage bin. Tenons (51), (52), (53), (54), (57), (58), (59), and (60) extend from the margins of the right and left end panels (14) and (18). Mortise pockets (63), (64), (65), (66), (71), (72), (73), and (74) are formed in the side margins of the rear upper panel 26 and the top panel (30). The mortises and tenons create interlocking mortise and tenon joints that do not require a bonding adhesive. Right and left formed angle brackets (38) and (40) secure the right and left end panels (14) and (18) to the top panel (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ralph D. Druckman, Richard C. Burnham, James S. Griffing, Chai Y. Indharasophang, Paul S. Dewar, Marc A. Spane, Tom F. Hodgman, Scott D. Button
  • Patent number: 6155444
    Abstract: A collpasible platic container having a rectangular base panel, two short side panels and two long side panels respectively disposed at the four sides of the base panel, hinge strips respectively formed between the base panel and the side panels, the long side panels each having a coupling tongue coupled to a respective coupling groove at one short side panel, and a plurality of studs respectively fastened to respectively plug holes on a respective hinged coupling flange at the second short side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Green Wheel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kun-Hei Liu
  • Patent number: 6142365
    Abstract: A unitary, foldable plastic box. The box has a bottom wall with a perimeter and at least three perimeter walls hingeably affixed to the perimeter of bottom wall with living hinges. A first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism complementary to the first attachment mechanism are provided on the perimeter walls. The first attachment mechanism has a tab with a protrusion, and the tab extends from at least one side edge of at least one perimeter wall. The second attachment mechanism has a relief and aperture formed in at least one perimeter wall. The relief and aperture are sized to engage the tab and protrusion of the first attachment mechanism. When the perimeter walls are brought together, the first attachment mechanism and second attachment mechanism can be detachably engaged together to form a box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: William Breitbach
  • Patent number: 6142329
    Abstract: A knock-down bin, formed from molded polymer materials, includes a rectangular base having a length L and a width W, two sides for deploying parallel to the length and a two sides for deploying parallel to the width. The sides meet to define four vertical corner portions. At least one corner portion, and preferably all four, include a hollow vertical corner post integrally formed with one of the sides, the corner post having a vertical hollow channel into which a lateral opening opens. A projection, integrally formed with the other side making up the corner portion, projects through the lateral opening into the vertical channel. A locking element is slidingly deployable within each vertical channel between an unlocked position in which the projection can be inserted and removed from the lateral opening and a locked position in which the locking element engages the projection so as to lock it within the channel, thereby locking together the adjacent first and second sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Dolav Dvir Lahav Plastic Products
    Inventor: Moshe Dotan
  • Patent number: 6131757
    Abstract: A collapsible box has hinges which are vertically staggered to permit the box to collapse into a relatively flat configuration for easy stacking and transport. When the box is erected, interlocking features on the edges of the sides of thus box interengage to hold the box in a vertical configuration. A peripheral groove is provided to receive a shipping strap. The walls of the box are hinged to the bottom of the box in such a way that the walls may pivot inwardly to collapse the box as well as outwardly to permit easy cleaning of the inner surfaces of the box walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Robert A. Clark, John Parnall
  • Patent number: 6098827
    Abstract: A collapsible container orientable between assembled and collapsed positions having a base, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. The base has a pair of opposing upstanding end flanges integral thereto defining a corner line at each end and a side face member perpendicular. A pair of opposing side edges lie in a plane parallel to and spaced inward from an adjacent co-planar pair of side face members and extending therebetween. Opposing side walls are pivotably attached to one of the opposing side edges, forming an extension of the base when the container is in assembled. Each side wall has a latch member at each lateral edge having upper and lower curved surfaces and a tooth at its distal end. Each end wall has a pair of flanges with an opening sized to slidingly receive a latching member in the assembled state and is securely held by a living hinge. The container is adapted to being nestable when in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Trenton M. Overholt, William Patrick Apps, Gerald R. Koefelda
  • Patent number: 6082570
    Abstract: A foldable box assembly includes a base plate, two first side plates, and two second side plates. The base plate has two opposite lateral sides provided with receiving chambers, respectively. The first side plates each have four sides. One side thereof is pivotally connected to two sides of the base plate. The second side plates are formed from a flexible material and are elastically wound up in the two receiving chambers of the base plate. The second side plates each have an upper end connected to an end rod. The end rod has two ends each being connected to one end of a link. The link has the other end pivotally connected to a free end of a respective one of the first side plates. A positioning mechanism is provided between the base plate and the first side plates, and is adapted for controlling the first side plates to be positioned in an assembled state or in an adjustable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel Tai
  • Patent number: 6073790
    Abstract: In a plastic transport container having inwardly folding side walls the side walls are mutually fixed in the erect position by snap-in elements which can be released by mere finger pressure. This finger pressure for releasing the snap-in elements at the same time causes the side walls to fold inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Schoeller-Plast S.A.
    Inventor: Hans Umiker
  • Patent number: 6053346
    Abstract: A storage container for storing and shipping items is foldable between a flat unformed condition and a second folded formed condition. The container includes a base section, and first and second end sections hinged to respective first and second ends of the base section. First and second cover sections are hinged to respective second ends of the end sections. The container includes a structure to secure differently sized and shaped articles in the same location of the inner surface of the base section. The securing structure includes slots, retention columns, ridges, troughs having various walls forming a trough for securing these articles using a friction fit. The container also includes a device for indicating whether the container has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gerald J. Niles, Paul A. Connors, John M. Darst
  • Patent number: 6047841
    Abstract: An assembly type toolbox frame that is incorporated with rear board, bottom casing and front frame as an integral casing can be placed a tray on the top when it is tumbled and folded in vertical state, it can be assembled side boards at both sides and inserted drawers to form a tool cabinet, if it is further fitted a top cover on the top of tool cabinet, it becomes a toolbox that can be locked via latch device. Furthermore, the tray and drawers inside can be connected in series by a pin in order to prevent from being pulled out; under this configuration, each element is assembled by its concave and convex match kit and inlaid structure which form a compound coupling relation with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Kun Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 6039202
    Abstract: A cooler insert system that includes an open-sided, main frame structure including an end wall and two opposed side walls, the end wall and the two opposed side walls each having an opening formed therethrough, the two opposed side walls having three pairs of divider screen guide channels; a snap fit, hinged frame panel that is simultaneously snap fittable to an end of each of the two opposed sidewalls of the frame structure to form an open topped box with the main frame structure; three divider screens, each divider screen being insertable into one pair of the three pairs of divider screen guide channels of the main frame structure to divide the interior of the main frame structure into compartments; and a number of stackable trays that are positionable within a compartment formed by one of the divider screens, each stackable tray having a holding cavity defined therein that is accessible through an access opening and a lower registration protrusion extending from the bottom thereof; the registration protrus
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventors: Todd Olstad, Marvel Olstad
  • Patent number: 6036041
    Abstract: A box includes a base having an upward extending peripheral fence, a pair of side panels each having a lower portion pivotally coupled to the base, a front panel and a rear panel detachably secured to the base and the side panels. A frame is engaged on top of the panels. A cap and a cover are pivotally coupled to the frame. The cap has one or more openings for voting purposes. The panels may be engaged in the frame and engaged between the base and the cover for forming a compact folding structure that is excellent for storing and transportation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Ruey Chyuan Chern
  • Patent number: 6015056
    Abstract: A collapsible container orientable between assembled and collapsed positions having a base, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. The base has a pair of opposing upstanding end flanges integral thereto defining a corner line at each end and a side face member perpendicular. A pair of opposing side edges lie in a plane parallel to and spaced inward from an adjacent co-planar pair of side face members and extending therebetween. Opposing side walls are pivotably attached to one of the opposing side edges, forming an extension of the base when the container is in assembled. Each side wall has a latch member at each lateral edge having upper and lower curved surfaces and a tooth at its distal end. Each end wall has a pair of flanges with an opening sized to slidingly receive a latching member in the assembled state and is securely held by a living hinge. The container is adapted to being nestable when in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Trenton M. Overholt, William Patrick Apps, Gerald R. Koefelda
  • Patent number: 6015071
    Abstract: A storage system in which a base is preferably blow-molded of a lightweight polymeric material and includes a peripheral raised edge including integral sockets for receiving pivoted front and rear walls, as well as end walls and dividers. The end walls of the preferred embodiment are made of a foldable material, such that they collapse integrally with the front and rear walls, while the dividers snap-fit into the base and interlock with the front and rear walls for use. Each of the front, rear and end walls, as well as the dividers, can be folded flat for compact storage of the divider unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Adomeit, Kevin J. Fellows, Philip P. Cannon, David J. Spykerman, Rollin E. Nothwehr
  • Patent number: 5992664
    Abstract: A portable box of essentially rectangular shape, having stiff components (side walls, cover, bottom member, front wall, and rear wall) which are movably interconnected by means of pivots, hinges, or the like, such that said components can be folded or collapsed onto one generally planar surface, which may be that of the bottom member, the back wall, a side wall, or the front wall. At least one pivot or hinge connection between at least two components of the box is comprised of at least one guide channel extending along one box component, and a joint element associated with the second box component, which joint element is linearly slidably accommodated in the channel, wherein the second box component can be swung around a non-displaceable swing axis by means of its pivot or hinge connection which connects it to a third box component. The connection is distant from said joint element, wherein the first box component is moved toward and is parallel to the third box component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Koordination GLOBUS-Betriebe GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rudiger Trapp, Gerd Bauml
  • Patent number: 5988420
    Abstract: A container lid has a top wall with a series of recessed areas that include therewithin a plurality of geometrical projections and a bottom wall that displays a plurality of recesses complementary in shape to the projections of the top wall whereby identically shaped lids may be stacked or cross-stacked in nested condition with the projections of one lid being received in the corresponding recesses of a superposed lid. The lid is adapted to be affixed to a container having four side pieces and a bottom piece, the configuration of the lid allowing a stacking or cross-stacking arrangement of lid-covered containers with their side pieces in the erected position as well as the stacking or cross-stacking of lid-covered containers with their side pieces in an inwardly folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: IPL, Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Jacques, Roch Nolet
  • Patent number: 5957322
    Abstract: A storage container for barrels of liquid such as fuel arranged on their sides has a rigid base which is rectangular in plan to define two side edges and two end edges and dimensioned in width between side edges to receive a length of a barrel lying on its side across the width and in length between the end edges to receive a plurality of barrels side by side. The base has a bottom closed wall and four upstanding walls each at a respective edge of the bottom wall so as to define a sump to receive liquid from one or more of the barrels in the event of leakage. Across the top of the base is a pair of straps and end flanges to allow rolling of the barrels across the base. The container has two side walls and two end walls. Both of the end walls being hinged at a bottom edge for movement to an open ramp position to allow the barrels to be rolled into and out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Dana Pugh
  • Patent number: 5938059
    Abstract: A hinge is provided to affix members to each other and permit a the members to be moved relatively to each other transversely of the hinge axis while remaining hinged to each other. A collapsible container assembly utilizing such hinges is provided, in which a plurality of sidewall members hinged to a base member can be collapsed onto the base member and each other in a stacked arrangement with the resulting height of the stack being the same regardless of which of several stacking orders is utilized. Leave members of the hinge include slot means axially aligned to permit a hinge pin disposed therein to slide transversely of the longitudinal hinge axis while maintaining the hinged relationship of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 5918743
    Abstract: A reusable plastic container and a method of cleaning and sterilizing the same is described. The plastic container can be collapsed for transportation and sterilization when not in use. The container includes structural end frames which are made from the same material from which the remainder of the container is made. A band can be used when it is in its erected position to hold the same in such position. When collapsed, a container is flat and all parts of the same are exposed for easy washing and sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Recyclable Containers Company
    Inventor: Mark O. Uitz
  • Patent number: 5904262
    Abstract: This patent application concerns a parallelepiped folding container having two horizontal walls capable of being folded towards the interior of said container so that the two walls can be then brought one against the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: European Aviation Products S.R.L.
    Inventor: Paolo Coppi
  • Patent number: 5890612
    Abstract: This invention concerns a collapsible container, whose outer profile is shaped to fit the walls of an aircraft luggage compartment, consisting of a rigid base frame supporting an accordion folding frame and whose sides are covered by sheet plate and sections of sturdy canvas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: European Aviation Products--S.R.L.
    Inventor: Paolo Coppi
  • Patent number: 5865334
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-contained, six sided, reusable container for goods, having both an assembled form and a collapsed form. The container includes a bottom, a top, two ends, and two sides. In the collapsed form, the ends and sides are stored between the top and bottom, thus achieving the desired low return ratio to promote reuse of the container. Preferably, the ends are hinged to the bottom and fold inwardly onto the bottom. The sides and ends are interconnected while the container is in its assembled form. This interconnection is achieved using a corner hook latching mechanism that is easily attached and detached. The latching mechanism has the useful property of forming a connection on both sides of the structure, thus allowing the front side of the container to be stored by connecting it to the back side, even when the back side is attached to the ends. Such storage is particularly useful during unloading of the container contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventors: Diego M. Ruiz, Dagoberto D. Ruiz
  • Patent number: 5862933
    Abstract: A new portable lap tray for securing to a user's thighs for use inside of a vehicle. The inventive device includes a tray portion having a generally rectangular configuration. The tray portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a circular recess formed therein. The tray portion is defined by a long forward edge, a long rearward edge and opposed short side edges. The long forward edge curves inwardly at a central extent thereof. The long rearward edge and the opposed short side edges have a continuous upwardly extending peripheral ridge. The tray is securable to the thighs of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Boyd A. Neville
  • Patent number: 5862931
    Abstract: A collapsible shipping container comprising a base portion, three walls which are hinged to the base at their respective lower edges, a fourth wall which assembles to the base by sliding into a channel, four identical corner posts having a pair of channels for sliding on to the vertical edges of the four sides, and a top lid. The hinges on the side walls allow the three hinged side panels to fold over onto each other in a tightly layered configuration. The hinges do not carry a load which allows the containers to be stacked. The corner posts have locking pins which fit into holes on the tops of the walls to firmly lock the walls together. Skids are provided on the bottom portion to allow the container to be picked up and moved by forklifts. The top lid holds the corner posts and completely encloses the collapsed container. Alternatively, the container may accept snap-in casters on the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventors: Charles F. Cox, Thomas F. Cox
  • Patent number: 5860551
    Abstract: A container including a plurality of wire mesh wall panels having substantially planar sides and arranged to form an enclosure, adjacent panels having juxtaposed panel edges attached along a plurality of joints, a panel edge attached along at least some of the joints having wire ends forming loops each projecting through a mesh interstice a given distance beyond one planar side of an adjacent planar panel and each loop having a reentrant terminal portion extending back through the mesh interstice beyond an opposite planar side of the adjacent panel. Attaching the reentrant terminal portions on the opposite planar side of the adjacent panel is a retainer wire and a latch link extends through the loops on the one side of the adjacent panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: James M. Knott, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5853099
    Abstract: A five-piece open container comprises a bottom piece formed of plastics material and four side pieces also formed of plastics material and pivotally mounted to the bottom piece so that the side pieces may be pivotally moved between an erected position and a non-erected position. In the upper corner of each piece are provided parts which are integral with the side pieces and which enable the side pieces to be maintained in an erected inter-engagement. One of the integral parts ensures a securing arrangement when the side pieces are in the erected position, but it may be manually flexed outwardly from inside the container to enable the disengagement of the side pieces from one another so that they may be moved into a non-erected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: IPL Inc.
    Inventor: Claude Lessard
  • Patent number: 5833111
    Abstract: A foldable storage container comprising a base section, a pair of side sections, a pair of end sections, and a roof. The base section includes a pair of base side rails extending laterally between ends, and a corner connector attached to each of the ends. The side sections have upper and lower side rails extending laterally between opposite ends, and pair of vertical side posts connected between the upper and lower side rails. Each end section releasably mounts to the base at opposite ends thereof. Each end section has a pair of vertically extending end posts. Coupling elements connected between the base section and the end sections releasably mount the end sections to the base section. Each coupling element comprises a locking bar fixedly connected to one of the corner connectors and a locking engagement for receiving the locking bar. The locking engagements are fixedly connected to a lower end of each vertical post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: SAF-T-Box, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Martineau
  • Patent number: 5797642
    Abstract: The present invention provides a luggage compartment construction comprising a spare tire house provided under a luggage compartment to contain a spare tire, a spare tire board for closing an opening of the spare tire house, and a back panel trim for covering a back panel member disposed at the lower rear part of the luggage compartment, in which a box-shaped storage portion, which is used as a container, is integrally formed at the lower part of the back panel trim by extending the lower part of the back panel trim to the lower rear side of the spare tire board and by bending the extended portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takanishi, Yuzuru Kimura, Nobuhiko Hara, Shingo Katsura
  • Patent number: 5797508
    Abstract: Containers 10 have a base 12 and four side walls 14 which may fold to a stowed or collapsed position. Hinges connect each wall 14 to an intermediate member 16 which is clipped (preferably removably) to the base 12. Various interlocking formations 34, 36, 38, 40 allow containers to stack securely whether collapsed or erect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: McKechnie UK Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Clive Loftus, Marcus Hoggarth
  • Patent number: 5779080
    Abstract: The invention features a multi-purpose baking pan having a pan portion for holding batter. A pastry holder is included to allow the user to bake differently-shaped pastries which can be inserted into the pan portion. The pan portion has a rectangular bottom wall with two side walls which extend integrally in the same direction from the bottom wall along the opposite edges. There are two end members, located at the short sides of the rectangular bottom, which each have a rod-like hinge pin. Rotating an end member, by grasping and raising the lower portion thereof, allows the user to slide out the pastry holder without damage to the pastries or to the user. The multi-purpose baking pan also has a cover to protect the pastries within the baking pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Corse
  • Patent number: 5758751
    Abstract: A suitcase which is constructed of individual panels joined to each other by hinge mechanisms. The hinge mechanisms allow the panels to selectively form right angles so that the panels form a suitcase shell in the shape of a rectangular prism having a storage space, or selectively allow the panels to be folded against each other so that the suitcase may be stored flat. The suitcase has wheel assemblies, and straps which help hold the suitcase together, and hold the wheel assemblies against the suitcase shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Shulamit Charles
  • Patent number: 5746342
    Abstract: A five-piece container for items, such as bottles, comprises a bottom piece, a pair of side pieces of identical height and a pair of end pieces also of identical height; each side edge and each end edge of the bottom piece display a series of planar surfaces interspaced with a series of recessed areas in which is defined a hinge that engagedly receives a C-shaped extension formed at the lower edge of each side piece and of each end piece so that the side and end pieces may be mounted to the bottom piece through a snap engagement. The end pieces and the side pieces can be moved between an outward foldback position and an erected position; however, an inward folded position cannot be effected due to the configuration of the lower edge of the side pieces and of the end pieces and that of the edges of the bottom piece. The folding configuration is useful for containers that have walls higher than the width of the bottom thus preventing the walls from being folded inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: IPL, Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Jacques, Roch Nolet
  • Patent number: 5731052
    Abstract: Rigid thermally insulating panel (1) which consists of at least two flexible composite sheets (2) spaced apart by a great number of flexible strands (3) arranged so that in the inflated state the two composite sheets (2) are held apart and in predetermined positions one with respect to the other, each composite sheet (2) comprising, from the center toward the outside: a protective internal sheet (4), transparent to electromagnetic waves, a thin sheet (5) of a metal reflecting electromagnetic waves, a layer (6) for protecting the metal sheet, a fibrous layer (7) providing the sheet with mechanical strength, a layer (8) of a coating polymer providing proofing, a layer (9) for protecting an underlying metal sheet, a thin sheet (10) of a metal reflecting electromagnetic waves, and a protective outer layer (11) transparent to electromagnetic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Zodiac International
    Inventor: Valentin Menendez Gancedo
  • Patent number: 5722550
    Abstract: A container for transporting products such as produce as a reusable base part including a base and support members hingedly mounted to the base that are movable between two positions. In a first position, the support members are upright, generally perpendicular to the base and in a second position the support members are retracted to a position to lie parallel with a bottom wall of the base. In the first position, an over sleeve is adapted to slide over the support members along opposite end walls of the container and fit into the base along opposite side walls of the container. Bottom wall flaps of the over sleeve extend part way across the bottom wall of the container and produce contained therein pushes down on the bottom flaps to maintain engagement of the over sleeve with the base. The base and support members are made of a reusable material, such as plastic whereas the over sleeve is made of cardboard, which can be discarded or recycled after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Buckhorn Material Handling Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Ficker
  • Patent number: 5720405
    Abstract: A collapsible container with four side panels (15, 16, 17, 18) all at least semi-permanently connected to a base (10) by links (11, 41) allowing the panels (15, 16, 17, 18) to be moved between an upstanding condition on the base (1) where they are retained by engagement of bottom panel flanges (40) with channels (13, 14) on the base (10) and can be coupled by coupling means (19, 23) releasably secured by securing means (21, 22) to a collapsed condition by folding down the pannels (15, 16, 17, 18) into an overlying relationship. The link means (FIGS. 4-6) allowing the panels to move normally to their plane to disengage the flanges with the channels and then to pivot inwards to a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Ladislav Stephan Karpisek
  • Patent number: 5680948
    Abstract: A receptacle has a bottom and an articulated sidewall structure which is capable of being collapsed and positioned flat on the bottom and, to enhance the static and dynamic load capacity and for simplified handling in transport, includes sidewall retention elements arranged on a bottom frame which engage matching retention recesses in the sidewall structure when it is erected and mounted on the bottom of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Lothar Schmidt, Michael W. Luib
  • Patent number: 5671857
    Abstract: A blank for a collapsible container formed from a single molding of plastics material and comprising a bottom wall, side-and end wall panels hinged to the bottom wall so that the wall panels can be erected from a collapsed to an upright position, and complementary locking member provided at adjacent end portions of the side-and end wall panels for securing the wall panels in upright position, the blank being adapted to be stacked unto like blanks for shipment and storage, the wall panels include formations which project beyond the interior surfaces of the wall panels and corresponding recesses are provided on the exterior surfaces of the wall panels and arranged to receive the projecting formations of a like blank positioned below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Strombergs Plast A.S.
    Inventor: Per Sigmund Stromberg
  • Patent number: 5667090
    Abstract: a returnable shipping container for manufactured articles, such as vehicle steering wheels, which is comprised of a plurality of rectangular wall panels which are serially arranged side-by-side and have a hinge interposed between each adjacent panel with the end most of the panels each having a free side thereof. A separable fastener device establishes the free sides of the endmost panels in adjacent relationship to form a container of a tubular configuration defining an interior storage cavity. Separating the fastener allows the container to be opened and laid flat. A plurality of slots are provided in spaced apart relation along at least two of the wall panels and a plurality of shelf members are provided having a base wall adapted to lay against the slotted wall panels and having shelf arms which project through the slots and into the storage cavity to engage with and support the articles stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Fred Langham, Jr., William Techlin, Robert Anthony Soehner, Gary Lee Harakay