Telescoping Patents (Class 220/8)
  • Patent number: 9107451
    Abstract: A coating composition for the enteric coating of capsule halves made of water-soluble or water-swellable polymer material in a dipping process is provided. The composition is an aqueous dispersion or solution, containing a polymer mixture of at least one first (meth)acrylate copolymer, which is enteric, and at least one further (meth)acrylate copolymer, which is enteric or water-insoluble, and also auxiliaries which influence the viscosity of the dispersion and the elasticity of the dried polymer film. The solids content of the dispersion or solution is more than 25% by weight and the viscosity is 150 to 1500 mPa·s and a dried film produced from the dispersion or solution has an elongation at break of at least 200%. Also provided is a capsule composed of two capsule halves coated with the dispersion or solution in a dipping process does. The enteric capsule does not dissolve in 0.1 N HCl at pH 1.2 after two hours, but completely dissolves in buffer at pH 6.8 in less than 30 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Evonik Röhm GmbH
    Inventors: Brigitte Skalsky, Manfred Aβmus, Odette Hensel, Hans-Ulrich Petereit
  • Patent number: 9097959
    Abstract: A portable photographic light diffuser is configured to be mounted to a photographic light source on a camera, the portable photographic light diffuser including a base adapted to engage the photographic light source on the camera, the base defining a socket; and a cowl extending from the base, the cowl being transformable between an expanded configuration, wherein the cowl extends by a first length from the base, and a collapsed configuration, wherein the cowl extends by a second length from the base, the second length being less than the first length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Gary Fong Photographic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Fong
  • Patent number: 9079685
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a collapsible food container. The container includes a wall portion with an outer surface having a substantially smooth shape. The wall portion is configured to bend from raised position to a collapsed position, with the food container being used to retain food in the raised position and being collapsed for storage in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Wilshire Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel A. Sudakoff
  • Patent number: 9067721
    Abstract: A height adjustable shipping container usable as a building structure. The container having vertical corner columns and at least three side walls which may be transported at a reduced height as a shipping container and expanded at the receiving end. At least some of the vertical corner columns expand in length during expansion of the reduced height shipping container. The shipping container is able to transport therein structural components, such as wall, panel, roof and even fittings to build a building structure that is the equivalent in floor area to that of at least two shipping containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: LIFTING POINT PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Nicholas Bruce Mullaney
  • Patent number: 9060919
    Abstract: Medication dispensers are provided that are both child-proof and tamper evident. In one embodiment, a child-proof and tamper-evident dispenser includes a tray member comprising a plurality of receptacles for receiving a pharmaceutical compound, a stop tab connected to a first peripheral edge by a neck member, and a tab member at a second peripheral edge that is opposite from the first peripheral edge. The dispenser further includes a bottom case body and a top case body configured to form an enclosure around the plurality of receptacles when brought into a substantially confronting relationship. Each of the bottom case body and the top case body include a sloped wall member having a shelf portion that surrounds the neck member when the enclosure is formed. A plurality of locking tabs engage a complimentary number of locking recesses configured to receive an end portion of the locking tabs to fix the bottom case body and the top case body in an enclosure configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: SPECIALIZED RX PRODUCTS L. L. C.
    Inventor: Thomas Babineau
  • Patent number: 9048646
    Abstract: An electrical box extender includes a rectangular tube having a first pair of opposing sides and a second pair of opposing sides. The first pair of opposing sides and the second pair of opposing sides form a perimeter configured to fit within a single-gang electrical box. The electrical box extender also includes a set of flanges extending laterally from a front edge of the first pair of opposing sides. The set of flanges includes a male interlocking flange and a female interlocking flange. The male interlocking flange is configured to attach to another female interlocking flange of a substantially identical electrical box extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: David Maccarone
  • Publication number: 20150136766
    Abstract: An expandable trash receptacle is provided. The expandable trash receptacle includes a base receptacle and a sliding receptacle. The base receptacle and sliding receptacle may each include at least one sidewall having a top end and a bottom end. The base receptacle may have an opening formed at the top end and a base portion formed at the bottom end. The sliding receptacle may include an opening formed at the top end and bottom end, leading into the sliding receptacle. The sliding receptacle slidably engages the base receptacle and is extendable therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Dana Marie Rivas
  • Patent number: 9033172
    Abstract: A toilet tissue roll holder is provided having a telescoping structure that is attachable to a wall surface for providing replacement toilet tissue to a dispenser and shrouding unused rolls prior to deployment. The device includes a lowermost housing having a base surface, rounded sidewalls, an interior volume, and an open front. The lowermost housing connects to a first upstanding sidewall thereabove, which in turn supports a plurality of telescoping sidewalls that form individual toilet tissue roll containers extending upward. A viewing window is provided through at least one of the device sidewalls above the lowermost housing to allow an administrator to visualize whether a minimum number of reserve toilet paper rolls are still available. The structure is expanded and contracted depending on the number of rolls therein, while the lowermost housing and first upstanding sidewall provide the base structure that is secured to a support wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Yoga Thati
  • Publication number: 20150108122
    Abstract: A selectable volume container for dispensing an article includes a surrounding sidewall with a first end portion and an opposing second end portion with the sidewall having an interior. Further included is an element having an outer periphery, wherein the outer periphery is slidably engaged to the sidewall interior inner surface such that the element dispenses the article form the interior. Also included in the selectable volume container is a planar member that is affixed to the outer periphery on one end and extends outside the interior on the other end. Operationally on the selectable volume container the article is disposed within the interior and in contact with the element, wherein a manual pulling of the planar member results in the element moving with the article being transported from the interior toward an external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Ronald C. Jimdar, Glen D. Brown
  • Patent number: 9010559
    Abstract: A collapsible protective case for surfboards, musical instruments, or other large objects, including a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining subsections that are selectively configurable between expanded and intermediate transport positions and a collapsed storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: David A. Boyles
  • Publication number: 20150096978
    Abstract: An expandable food package with a removable lid, is provided. The food package has a bottom, an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall. The inner sidewall and outer sidewall are connected by a series of living hinges that allow the package to be converted between an expanded configuration and collapsed configuration. A lid may be sealed to one or both of an inner rim and an outer rim when the package is in collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: Eric Thomas HENDERSON, James J. MAKI
  • Patent number: 8991644
    Abstract: A system for creating containers configured for variable internal volumes is disclosed. The container is comprised of a removable lid that fits telescopically over the bottom section. The container's storage capacity is adjustable based upon the ability to increase and/or decrease the container's capacity by rotating the container lid prior to placement over the container bottom. The outside walls of the container bottom are comprised of key slot ledges of differing depths. Two opposing inside walls of the container lid are comprised of key ledges configured for engaging the key slot ledges of the container bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: David Sean Mattox, Bartow Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8985365
    Abstract: A container structure is disclosed. The container structure may include a container body and two movable supporting units. When the container body is used as a regular container, two movable supporting units has not been extended from the container body; and the covering rod, extending rod, connecting rods of the movable supporting units are conjugated with the horizontal supporting columns and connecting posts respectively to reinforce the structure of the container body, so that the reinforced container body can have a better status to sustain heavier weight. Furthermore, the movable supporting units can extend to expand the space of the container body to receive more items to reduce the transportation costs; and when the container is not used for storage purposes, the expanded space can be used for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Syn Yao Enterprise Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shan-Chi Chuang
  • Publication number: 20150034634
    Abstract: A height adjustable shipping container usable as a building structure. The container having vertical corner columns and at least three side walls which may be transported at a reduced height as a shipping container and expanded at the receiving end. At least some of the vertical corner columns expand in length during expansion of the reduced height shipping container. The shipping container is able to transport therein structural components, such as wall, panel, roof and even fittings to build a building structure that is the equivalent in floor area to that of at least two shipping containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Nicholas Bruce Mullaney
  • Patent number: 8943781
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing an elongated article, such as a light string or the like. The apparatus includes a hollow tube and an elongated sock. The elongated sock is fed onto the hollow tube such that end of said sock is in proximity to the end of the tube. In use, one end of the elongated article is inserted through the hollow tube and is pulled through the tube along with the sock. As the length of the elongated article is pulled through the tube along with the sock, the length of the elongated article is disposed within the length of the sock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: All Holiday Solutions, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Brandyn B. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8944263
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a prescription drug lock box consisting of a container and a detachable combination locking cover assembly used to secure the contents held within. The container has an integrally formed key post positioned above its open end. The tumblers of the cover assembly engage the key post and lock to it thus securing contents held within. When the indicia of the tumblers and correct unlocking code are in alignment with a marker, the cover assembly may be installed or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Small
  • Patent number: 8939301
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a combination locking storage container consisting of a tray and a detachable combination locking cover assembly used to secure the contents held within. The tray has an integrally formed key post at its uppermost position. The tumblers of the cover assembly engage the key post and lock to it. When the indicia of the tumblers and correct unlocking code are in alignment with a marker, the cover assembly may be installed or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Small
  • Publication number: 20150008218
    Abstract: Telescopic containers (10, 100) for containing fluids associated with hydrocarbon production are disclosed. Such containers (10, 100) may comprise a lower container section (12), an upper container section (14) moveable between a retracted position and an extended position in a telescopic manner relative to the lower container section (12) and a sealing member (40, 50). The sealing member (40, 50) prevents or substantially prevents leakage of fluid from the container (10, 100) between the upper container section (14) and the lower container section (12). The lower container section (12) may define an elongated and/or multi-sided shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Troy Denton Lupul, Austin Lupul
  • Patent number: 8905500
    Abstract: A storage assembly includes a base assembly having a base member and a back member, first and second cabinet assemblies slidable with respect to the base assembly and having top members and front members, and cooperating with the base assembly to define an interior space. The storage assembly further includes a first guide assembly including a first track member secured to the back member and roller assemblies secured to the top members, and that track within the first track member, and a second guide assembly including a second track member secured to the base member and guide members secured to the front members, and that track within the second track member, and roller assemblies secured to the front members, wherein the roller assemblies are adapted to roll along the second track member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin Larson, Wei Song Lee
  • Patent number: 8899431
    Abstract: An extendable electrical box comprises an electrical box having two open ends to an internal box space having a first depth. The electrical box comprises a mounting structure attached to at least one wall of the electrical box. The mounting structure is configured to mount the electrical box to a vertical wall structure such that the open end faces substantially parallel to the vertical wall structure. At least two extendable first rings each continuously surround one of the two open ends of the electrical box. The at least two extendable first rings are each slidably coupled with the electrical box via the sliding mechanical cooperation of one or more guides with one or more tracks, such that sliding either of the at least two extendable first rings in relation to the open ends of the electrical box expands the electrical box from the first depth to a larger second depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Marcus J. Shotey, Jeffrey P. Baldwin, Richard L. Cleghorn, John Klein, Thomas A. Miserendino
  • Publication number: 20140332528
    Abstract: A novel cup is disclosed that may be collapsed and extended to hold cold or hot liquids safely. The cup preferably comprises a telescoping body comprising a plurality of rings of varying outer diameters, each ring having an outer wall and an inner wall forming an air gap therebetween, a leak-proof mechanism comprising an O-ring disposed about one or more rings, and a locking mechanism comprising an annular track disposed about one ring, and a pin disposed about another ring adapted to fit within the track and slideably engage it. The locking mechanism may further comprise a first magnet seated within the air gap of a first ring, and a second magnet seated within the air gap of a second ring, whereby the first and second magnets create a magnetic pull toward one another to help keep the cup in either a collapsed or extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jason A. Blum, John Adkins, Scott Hart, Elise Kiland
  • Patent number: 8807355
    Abstract: A rectangular expandible container has lateral compartments each of which being composed of inner and outer panels which slide relative to each other for lengthening and shortening the effective length of the compartments. The container also has front and back compartments defined by sliding panels for lengthening the effective width of the front and back compartments. A middle compartment is surrounded by the lateral compartments and the front and back compartments. The walls of the middle compartment are all slidable for lengthening both the width and the length of the latter compartment. The front and back compartment may contain partitions which separate the interior of those compartments into a number of sub-compartment of differing sizes for accommodating articles of varying sizes both in length and in width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas B. Merey
  • Patent number: 8800795
    Abstract: Disclosed therein is to an icebox, which has volume varying means so as to selectively vary a storage space of the icebox for storing various food supplies and to simultaneously store various portable means and household items to thereby prevent convenience in use. The icebox includes: an icebox body having a bottom and side walls, which are filled with insulating material, and a storing part opened at one side for storing foods therein; a cover for selectively opening and closing the opened side of the icebox body, the cover having a receiving part; a capacity varying part interposed between the icebox body and the cover and slidably joined to the storing part so as to vary the capacity of the storing part. Because the capacity of the storing part of the icebox is selectively varied, the icebox enables the user to utilize the space of the storing part in various ways, can accommodate various kinds of food supplies and household items, and is convenient in going long distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Hyung Keun Hwang
  • Patent number: 8789694
    Abstract: A packaging container (1) wherein an inner body (6) slides telescopically within an outer body (7). A locking element (12) is fitted to the outer body (7) and secures the position of inner body (6) with respect the outer body (7). Locking element (12) includes spring tabs (10) with radial hooks (16) that engage detent elements (8) on inner body (6) at times when a fastener (14) on locking element (12) is closed. Locking element (12) is composed of sections (12a-12d) such that the locking element can be laid open and inner body (6) can be withdrawn from outer body (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Rose Plastic AG
    Inventor: Peter Roesler
  • Publication number: 20140175092
    Abstract: A collapsible protective case for surfboards, musical instruments, or other large objects, including a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining subsections that are selectively configurable between expanded and intermediate transport positions and a collapsed storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: David A. Boyles
  • Publication number: 20140103036
    Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a collapsible vessel and also a method of reducing waste. The collapsible vessel has a mechanism that maintains its rigidity in its expanded form, yet allows it to be collapsed when desired. The vessel also has a removable lid, and the vessel, lid, or both may carry logos or other images or indicia, particularly those of restaurant or beverage chains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Diane Perlman
  • Publication number: 20140083998
    Abstract: The instant invention is an environmentally friendly transportable storage tank having a particular use within the oil/gas industry for the temporary holding of produced water or water used in fracing. The storage tank has a lower tank that houses an upper tank for transport, the upper tank can be raised vertically at a job site by use of corner mounted pneumatic jacks. The upper and lower tanks are temporarily sealed together expanding the capacity of the lower tank without increasing the footprint of the storage vessel. The storage tank can be transported along road ways when the upper tank is retracted into the lower tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis McGuire
  • Publication number: 20140069914
    Abstract: Described is a sample tray comprising a first sidewall, a first rearwall section coupled to the first sidewall, a first base section coupled to the first sidewall, the first base section disposed approximately perpendicular to the first sidewall, a second sidewall, a second rearwall section coupled to the second sidewall, and a second base section coupled to the second sidewall, the second base section disposed approximately perpendicular to the second sidewall. The first rearwall section is telescopically coupled to the second rearwall section, and the first base section is telescopically coupled to the second base section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SANOFI
    Inventor: Linda SZYCH
  • Patent number: 8668104
    Abstract: A collapsible protective case for surfboards, musical instruments, or other large asymmetrically shaped objects, including a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining subsections that are selectively configurable between an expanded transport position and a collapsed storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: David A. Boyles
  • Patent number: 8662334
    Abstract: A vacuum storage container having a container body, a check valve and a lid with an outer rim surrounding a diaphragm. A vacuum pump is engagable with the check valve to remove air from the interior of the container to create a vacuum in the container. The diaphragm is pushed inward by atmospheric forces upon removal of the air until the diaphragm touches and conforms to at least upper exposed surfaces of the contents of the container. The storage container aids in preventing degradation of the contents of the container by maintaining the contents free from the degrading effects of air and by substantially immobilizing the contents during movement of the container to protect the contents from breakage and bruising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Brian C. Dais
  • Patent number: 8662076
    Abstract: The present invention relates to capsules for housing pharmaceutical preparations for powder inhalers with increased medicinal product safety and capsules for pharmaceutical preparations for powder inhalers with improved adaption to use in powder inhalers. The capsules consist of non-water-soluble, hydrophobic plastics, which themselves do not substantially influence the pharmaceutical quality of the contents, but improve the usability of the filled capsules in respect of their operation, the period of use and/or the geographical location of their use and are advantageous in various steps from manufacture to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Torsten Kuehn, Rolf Kuhn, Burkhard Metzger, Hubert Hoelz, Stefan Lustenberger, Herbert Wachtel
  • Patent number: 8662308
    Abstract: A substrate storage tray that can be decreased in size for transportation. A substrate storage tray (1) for storing a large size substrate (20) includes a frame member (2) that includes a pair of first frame portions (5) opposed to each other and a pair of second frame portions (6) opposed to each other and has a frame shape, a substrate supporting member (3, 4) that has a plate shape, is disposed inside a region enclosed by the frame member (2), and is arranged to support one surface of the substrate (20), and extending portions (7) that are provided to middle portions in a long direction of the pair of first frame portions (5) and are arranged to widen a space between the pair of second frame portions (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha, Sydek Corporation
    Inventors: Takenori Yoshizawa, Hiroto Shibata
  • Patent number: 8650796
    Abstract: A device for protecting a fishing rod which comprises a hollow telescopic tube having a closed top end and an open bottom end. The hollow telescopic tube fits over and provides protection to the fishing rod. A mechanism is for securing the hollow telescopic tube at the open bottom end to the fishing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Eric M. Bates
  • Patent number: 8646640
    Abstract: A collapsible beverage container has a plurality of co-axially oriented, concentric cylindrical wall sections of progressively different diameters. The wall sections are extendable from a collapsed position wherein the wall sections substantially completely overlap in an axial direction to an extended position wherein the wall sections only partially overlap in an axial direction. The collapsible beverage container includes one or more elastomeric gaskets between adjacent cylindrical wall sections, each gasket providing a liquid-tight seal along the entire extension of the adjacent cylindrical wall sections between the extended and collapsed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: David Faris
  • Patent number: 8627987
    Abstract: A container, for example for a food product or the like, provides an elevating lower inner surface that may sealably support a contained food product to raise the upper surface of the food product as it is consumed. Importantly, the container avoids an extension of the elevating mechanism into the product itself, reducing problems of contamination and leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: WiSys Technology Foundation
    Inventors: Birgit Leisen Pollack, Michael Andrew Ludka, Allison Amanda Popple
  • Patent number: 8579149
    Abstract: A drinking vessel holder includes a drinking vessel receptacle arranged in a housing and a height-adjustable bottom element. The bottom element is arranged in the drinking vessel receptacle and can be displaced between an upper rest position and a lower set-down position, wherein a drinking vessel can be set down on the bottom element in the drinking vessel receptacle. A positionally adjustable supporting element prevents the drinking vessel from toppling over, and wherein the bottom element in the drinking vessel receptacle forms a first piston or else is connected to a first piston and the supporting element forms an annular piston between the housing and the drinking vessel receptacle or else is connected to at least one second piston, wherein movement of at least one of the first piston, the second piston, and the annular piston causes fluid overpressure and fluid underpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: F.S. Fehrer Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Henke, Roman Funk, Walter Mehling
  • Publication number: 20130277364
    Abstract: A collapsible container having a rigid base, a rigid top ring, and rigid intermediate rings extending therebetween. A flexible peripheral wall is intimately bonded to the base, top ring, and intermediate rings, to form wall sections having alternating sections of flexible material and flexible material intimately bonded to the intermediate rings, whereby the container is adjustable between an expanded position with the top ring spaced upward from said base and forming a container interior, and a collapsed position with said top ring surrounding said base in outwardly spaced substantially concentric relation thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: David D. Kusuma, Raymond J. Trudeau, Hector J. Barea
  • Publication number: 20130277365
    Abstract: A receptacle has an outer housing with an aperture and an internal frame sized and configured to fit within the outer housing. A telescoping assembly is configured to associate with the aperture such that the receptacle may be placed in a first position or a second position, the internal volume of the receptacle being greater in the second position than the first. A second receptacle is formed from an inner portion and an outer portion offset by a stepped portion. The stepped portion forms a collar rest edge at a first height and a collar rest platform at a second height greater than the first height. A collar has a base and is adapted to fit over the inner portion such that the base may rest on the collar rest edge in a first position or the collar rest platform in a second position increasing the internal volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Phillip Kaufman, David M. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8556099
    Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible vessel and also a method of reducing waste. The collapsible vessel has a mechanism that maintains its rigidity in its expanded form, yet allows it to be collapsed when desired. The vessel also has a removable lid, and the vessel, lid, or both may carry logos or other images or indicia, particularly those of restaurant or beverage chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Diane Perlman
  • Publication number: 20130264340
    Abstract: Collapsible containers are presented including: a bottom cup having a circular base and a cylindrical wall attached with the circular base, where the cylindrical wall includes a cup lip formed along an edge of the cylindrical wall, and where the cylindrical wall includes a number of bottom cup guide tabs formed along the cup lip; a middle sleeve having a middle sleeve upper edge and a middle sleeve lower edge, the middle sleeve forming a middle sleeve cylinder capable of nesting the bottom cup, where the middle sleeve includes a number of middle sleeve guide channels for slidingly engaging the bottom cup guide tabs, where the middle sleeve further includes a middle sleeve gasket channel formed along the middle sleeve lower edge and along a middle sleeve inner surface of the middle sleeve, where the middle sleeve gasket channel is configured for receiving a middle sleeve gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Karla M. ZENS
  • Publication number: 20130264339
    Abstract: A selectively deployable cup holder assembly comprises a telescoping bezel assembly having a plurality of supports which are operably coupled to a housing in a slideably coupled arrangement, such that the telescoping bezel assembly is movable between deployed and stowed positions relative to the housing, such that the vehicle occupant can deploy the telescoping bezel assembly to provide extended vertical support for an item to be stored in a cup holder assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Anthony Oldani, Scott Simon
  • Patent number: 8550710
    Abstract: In a sample cell that is sealed with an X-ray transmission sheet after a sample such as a liquid fuel or the like is contained therein, when an internal pressure is increased, a cup end surface is deformed so as to increase an internal capacity of the sample cell before the X-ray transmission sheet serving as a window part is expanded. The cup end surface is formed by folding a film-like material and, when the internal pressure of the sample cell is increased, the cup end surface is unfolded outwardly of the sample cell to increase the internal capacity of the sample cell. The increase in pressure is relieved by the increase in capacity, and the expansion of the X-ray transmission sheet is thereby prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mayuko Kishida, Shintaro Komatani, Sumito Ohzawa, Takuji Kurozumi, Satoru Goto, Takashi Kinba, Kimihiko Arimoto
  • Patent number: 8544672
    Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible cover used to protect an open beverage container from tampering. It is compact and easy to carry and use, is attractive and may be decorated with sports team logos or University symbols or other works of art. It has deep enough extended side walls to prevent someone from unobtrusively removing it to contaminate the beverage and is not too cumbersome to carry in a purse or pocket. The collapsible cover is available in different diameters to allow covering beer or soda cans, bottles, mixed drink glasses or wine glasses. It also has an opening for inserting a straw so that the cover does not have to be removed to consume the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Ronald David Tate, Jeffrey Ronald Tate
  • Patent number: 8529974
    Abstract: A collapsible container includes an outer cup, an inner cup located inside the outer cup, and a seal covering the container. The inner cup includes a base and a plurality of concentric sections that are configured to collapse toward an opening in the container, when a force is exerted toward the opening on the base. The plurality of concentric sections may include three concentric sections: a base section, a middle section, and a top section, wherein the base section perimeter is smaller than the middle section perimeter, and the middle section perimeter is smaller than the top section perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: PepsiCo., Inc.
    Inventors: Diana Ortiz, Jason Billig, Stuart Leslie
  • Patent number: 8517193
    Abstract: A combination locking bottle holder is disclosed comprising a base, a locking bar, and a plurality of tumblers. When a bottle is locked inside the device, features limit access to and prevent removal of the bottle's closure. When the tumbler rings with external indicia are properly aligned to a marker and display a predetermined code, the mechanism permits extraction of the locking bar and allows the bottle to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Small
  • Patent number: 8511497
    Abstract: A collapsing garbage can is shown as a feeder for garbage bags. A five sided design is taught where top and bottom punch out sections secure the top section relative to the bottom section. Top sections of the can to be made of absorbent or recyclable materials such as paper and cardboard while the base is made of a water resistant material so it may be used on a variety of surfaces. The sides of the top and bottom section flex so that it may fold flat and be expanded. The top section may be collapsed down inside the bottom section to reach a bag in the bottom section so when the top section is raised; the bag comes up with the top section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Foster, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8485388
    Abstract: A foldable water bottle has a base, a folding body and a handle device. The folding body is made of silica gel, is mounted on the base and has a connecting ring, a folding segment and a neck. The folding segment is formed on and protrudes from the connecting ring and has multiple folding rings. The neck is formed on the folding segment and has a spout and two inserting mounts. The handle device is detachably connected to the folding body and has an inserting handle and a lid. The inserting handle is connected securely to the neck and has a handle mount and a grip. The lid is connected to the inserting handle and is used to close an opening top of the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Tuan
  • Patent number: 8474772
    Abstract: A cup holder is deployed from a recess in a substantially vertical panel behind a substantially planar fold-down door which is pivotable adjacent to a bottom edge. A substantially planar tray member is slidably mounted to a guide frame to move between a collapsed position and an expanded position at respective distances from the inside surface of the fold-down door. A telescoping holder unit with substantially cylindrical sleeve elements slides from a collapsed state to an expanded state in response to movement of the tray member. A top rim of the holder unit is fixed with respect to a cylindrical sleeve element having a largest diameter and is coupled to the tray member. A bottom plate of the holder unit is coupled to the fold-down door. The holder unit accommodates various beverage containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John L. Miklas
  • Patent number: 8443579
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing an elongated article, such as a light string or the like. The apparatus includes a hollow tube and an elongated sock. The elongated sock is fed onto the hollow tube such that end of said sock is in proximity to the end of the tube. In use, one end of the elongated article is inserted through the hollow tube and is pulled through the tube along with the sock. As the length of the elongated article is pulled through the tube along with the sock, the length of the elongated article is disposed within the length of the sock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Brandyn B. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8439216
    Abstract: A two-part container for preserving material samples during storage and transport is separable and can be sealed with the presence of an elastomeric O-ring and internal threads on each part of the container. In the configuration at which the threads first engage between the two halves of the container, there is a small hole in the outer top part just above the O-ring of the bottom mating part. When the two container parts are mated and the sealing O-ring is below the small hole, inert gas can be made to flow through an inlet valve, into the container, and out through the small hole. In this configuration, the inert gas flows through the container and purges the atmospheric gas, replacing it with inert gas. After a period of time, the two container parts are rotated so that the sealing O-ring moves above the small hole. This will stop the flow into and out of the container. After this, the gas inlet valve is closed to seal the inert gas in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: South Bay Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D Walck