Telescoping Patents (Class 220/8)
  • Patent number: 7798358
    Abstract: A waste disposal receptacle (1) including a body (20) and a lid (30). Wherein the body (20) is defined by a base (21), at least one side (22) and an open top (23); and the lid (30) is defined by at least one side (31), a top (32) and an open base and includes an aperture (35) in the at least one side (31) through which material can be deposited into the receptacle (1); Wherein the at least one side (31) of the lid (30) is adapted to be received within the body (20) and is reversibly movable between an open and closed position such that when the lid (30) is in the closed position, the aperture (35) is covered by the at least one side (22) of the body (20) and when the lid (30) is in the open position, the aperture (35) is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Fumacare Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Thomas Butler, Patricia Margaret Butler, Paul Francis Zwaan, Michael Freeman
  • Patent number: 7780000
    Abstract: An anti-theft display case for manufactured products; in particular, display cases that can be opened and re-closed to contain the product to be displayed and provided with means of maintaining the case closed up to completion of sale, so as to prevent the unauthorized removal of the product. The anti-theft display case is provided with at least one first portion and one second portion, one mobile in relation to the other between an open and a closed position, and a means of locking said portions in the said closed position. The second portion is formed from at least two pieces bound one to the other and mobile one in relation to the other telescopically to increase the volume of the display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Plasti-Max, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Corrado Mazzucchelli
  • Patent number: 7762416
    Abstract: A shipping crate for shipping objects such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal water-crafts (PWCs). The shipping crate is completely recyclable and includes a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure. The top and bottom frame structures are operable to telescopically engage each another when the crate is empty. Also, leg portions can be placed between the top and bottom frame structures and the leg portions can telescopically engage the top and bottom frame structures at opposite ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Gatewood Products, LLC
    Inventor: W. Craig Arnold
  • Patent number: 7762417
    Abstract: A shipping crate for shipping objects such as all-terrain vehicles and personal water-crafts. The shipping crate includes a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure. The crate may include an extension removably connectable to the bottom frame structure. The crate may include at least one pivotally mounted leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Gatewood Products, LLC
    Inventor: W. Craig Arnold
  • Patent number: 7757888
    Abstract: A cup holder includes a base, a cylindrical member, an urging device, a locking device, an unlocking device, a lid member, a reversing device, a non-service position, and a service position. At the non-service position, the cylindrical member descends fully, the lid member closes the cylindrical member's top opposite opening, and the lid member's top decorative surface is exposed. At the service position, the cylindrical member, which the urging device urges upward, ascends fully, and the reversing device reverses the lid member so that the lid member's bottom supporter surface is exposed, thereby supporting a bottom of container, which is inserted into the cylindrical member, with the lid member's bottom supporter surface. The cup holder can not only hold a container with a taller height securely but also prevent the lid member's top decorative surface from being damaged by the inserted container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Ogura
  • Patent number: 7743921
    Abstract: A product shipping and display carton includes a display box and a shipping sleeve. The display box has a removable panel portion below a top rail defining a product viewing window in the display box. The top rail positioned to hold elongated, tubular shaped product within the display box. The product viewing window having a length that is generally smaller than a length of elongated, tubular shaped product to be contained within the display box. The top rail adapted to hold elongated, tubular shaped product within the display box and to allow a customer to remove elongated, tubular shaped product from the display box by displacing part of the elongated, tubular shaped product outwardly through the product viewing window, and displacing the elongated, tubular shaped product in a second direction that is angled to a face of the product-restraining rail until the elongated, tubular shaped product clears the product-restraining rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Walgreen Co.
    Inventors: William Hubbs, Christopher Galardi, James Trappani
  • Patent number: 7723701
    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: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: South Bay Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Walck
  • Patent number: 7677389
    Abstract: A commodities package is provided for containing commodities, such as staples. The package includes a base container and a cover, the base container and cover having interengaging structure in order to hold them together. The base container and cover are wrapped with shrink wrap to provide a sealed package. An outer package contains a plurality of commodity packages and facilitates loading of the commodity packages onto a display structure. The outer package is manually alterable so that it supports each of the plurality of commodity packages while the display structure is received by hanger members provided on the commodity packages. Once the commodity packages are loaded onto the display structure, the outer package is pulled away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Edmund Czopor, Jr., Richard Hart, Timothy Lebeau, Susan Lapadula, Thomas Pelletier
  • Patent number: 7654402
    Abstract: A collapsible container with angularly related multiple folding sections, each section extending at an angle to the vertical and including, within each section itself, a flexure zone adjacent the angular joint between adjacent sections and flexibly movable between a first open position in the expanded container and a second position folded upon itself in the collapsed container, the flexure zones resisting movement of the sections in both the fully expanded container and the collapsed container, as well as any intermediate position wherein only selected flexure zones are in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: David Kusuma, Peter M. Card, Hector Javier Barea Lugo
  • Publication number: 20100006568
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tank for storing a reducing agent, in particular a liquid reducing agent for reducing nitrogen oxides from the waste gas of an internal combustion engine to nitrogen and water. The tank includes an external container in which an internal container is accommodated. The internal container is held in the external container in a mounting that can be axially displaced in relation to an axis of the external container. The internal container is held such that the volume in the external container is modified by displacing the internal container in the mounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Rainer Haeberer, Matthias Horn
  • Publication number: 20090308867
    Abstract: A collapsible bottle for storing foods, beverages and chemicals is provided. The bottle contains at least two telescoping sections. The interior has a bladder which provides an water proof seal, the cap can be any style to accommodate the need for usage. The bottle is preferably a one use system. It locks in the fully open position and closes incrementally through the saw teeth until it is in a fully closed locked position. This allows for disposal in a substantially reduced space. Also for storage purposes, during use the bottle can be collapsed to reduce the amount of air in the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jaideep Mohan Lal
  • Patent number: 7621403
    Abstract: A liquid cosmetic product retail unit includes a container and a plurality of dispensers disposed in the container. The container is dimensioned to fit onto a shelf in a retail store and includes a base, a lid and a plurality of receptacles formed in at least one of the base and the lid. A method for offering for sale a liquid cosmetic product is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Peter Althoff, Jason Tilk, John William Nottingham, John Richard Nottingham, John Wilford Spirk, Jr., Jay Tapper, Patrick Coyne, Ian Stuart Midgley, Dean Michael Limb
  • Publication number: 20090283608
    Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, profiling a tube to form at least one profiled product having a first open end and a second open end. The tube (30) is supported on a support (19) which supports the tube along at least a substantial part of the length of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. At least a portion of the tube is heated to form at least one heat-softened portion of the tube in the region(s) corresponding to the product(s) to be formed. A fluid pressure change (28) is applied to the region(s) of the tube corresponding to the product(s) to be formed to form at least one profiled product having a first open end, a second open end, and a predetermined shape with one or more three dimensional profile features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Alan Mark Crawley
  • Patent number: 7617927
    Abstract: A holder includes top, middle, and bottom sections respectively. The middle section includes hollow cylinders connected to the top and bottom sections respectively. The cylinders extend along a vertical axis and have a vertical wall oriented thereabout. The top, middle and bottom sections form a hollow chamber. The top section has a bottom end connected to an upper end of the middle section and a top surface provided with a plurality of apertures. An outer wall is formed with the bottom end and the top surface respectively. The bottom section is mated to a lower end of the middle section and includes a plurality of apertures therein, and has a diameter greater than a diameter of the lower end of the middle section. A mechanism for telescopically adjusting the top and middle sections is spaced from the bottom section and anchored to a bottom one of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Elliott Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7614516
    Abstract: An insulating holder for holding a beverage in a bottle or a can having a lower cylindrical enclosure which receives an upper cylindrical enclosure. The lower cylindrical enclosure has vertical ribs to frictionally grip the upper cylindrical enclosure. The upper cylindrical enclosure is adapted to cover the top portion of a bottle inserted into the lower cylindrical enclosure and to snuggly receive a can when inverted and inserted into the lower cylindrical enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Wallis H. Wallis Trust of 2004
    Inventor: Thomas M. Beggins
  • Publication number: 20090230012
    Abstract: A shipping container having side walls, a bottom and a top defining an internal volume. The top is selectively displaceable for gaining access to the internal volume and for sealing the internal volume of the container. A valve drawing a vacuum on the internal volume from outside of the container is provided. The side walls are capable of contracting and expanding as a result of the pressure within the internal volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony Choy, Jun Arava, Dennis Chek Kong Chan
  • Publication number: 20090218240
    Abstract: An expandable storage case is disclosed for storing various writing utensils. The storage case includes a base, an inner carousel, a top carousel, and a lid. The base, the inner carousel, and the top carousel are connected in a telescoping manner such that the storage case may be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded, in-use position. The storage case includes a locking mechanism to selectively secure the storage case in the expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: CRAYOLA LLC
    Inventors: JAMES WILLIAM ALLEN, ROBERT HENRY, PAM DOZIER, CARA SKRIPS
  • Publication number: 20090179030
    Abstract: An expandable display system that has an expanded position for displaying products and a compact position for efficient shipment. The expandable display system includes a product tray and a graphic panel, with the graphic panel being configured to slide along the product tray so that the expandable display system can move from the compact position to the expanded position and vice versa. In certain embodiments, the expandable display system includes a locking mechanism that prevents the graphic panel from separating from the product tray when the graphic panel slides along the product tray as the expandable display system moves from the compact position to the expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: ROCK-TENN SHARED SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Lang
  • Patent number: 7556166
    Abstract: A collapsible container has adjustable height walls. The container includes a base defining the bottom wall of the container, an opposing pair of side walls, and an opposing pair of end walls. The side walls and end walls are pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position over the base. The side walls and end walls each further include extension walls movably connected thereto between a nested, unextended position and an upright, extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: John Parnall, Susan Melanie Shoop
  • Patent number: 7556167
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively elevating objects stored in a container, the apparatus comprising a lift that includes a base, at least one guide having a first end coupled to the base, and an outer ring, wherein the at least one guide includes a second end coupled to the outer ring, whereby the outer ring may be vertically adjusted along a container sidewall surface resulting in vertical adjustment of the base within the container interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: Panipal Giwargis, Ninos Youkhana
  • Publication number: 20090159594
    Abstract: This invention relates to a telescope tap to be used for the tapping of liquid from a bag-in-box where a bag containing the liquid and equipped with a spout is placed inside a box. The telescope tap comprises a base member which engages with the spout and with the box wall, a telescope pipe placed sliding extractable in the base member, a handle to extract the telescope pipe from inside the box, a knob for opening and closing the outlet in the telescope pipe, and a gap around a part of the telescope tap for slidably receiving the box wall when sliding the telescope tap into the box. The invention furthermore concerns a method of filling a bag-in-box with a fluid, where a bag with a spout is filled with a fluid, a telescope tap is placed in the spout thereby closing the bag, a cut is made in the box, and the bag then is slid into the box with the tap fitting the cut in the box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Lau Nielsen, Erik Dige
  • Publication number: 20090145791
    Abstract: Drill and driver bit organizer and storage case includes a case formed of a plurality of planar panels consisting of end and intermediate panels. The panels are hingedly connected to each other to form a fan-folded arrangement of zigzag panels with intermediate panels being joined to either other intermediate panels or to an intermediate panel and an end panel while the end panels are joined to an intermediate panel to allow the panels to be collapsed into a closed case in which the panels are arranged in substantially parallel planes and into an expanded or extended condition in which the panels are unfolded out of said parallel planes. Each of the panels include securing members for receiving a plurality of drill and/or driver bits. Thus the case is closed and protects the bits in the collapsed condition when it is closed and provides access to the bits in any of the panels when unfolded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Harmik Panosian, Joshua Keeler, James Stobar
  • Publication number: 20090120930
    Abstract: An expandable receptacle comprising an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The inner tubular member is concentrically positioned in, and supported by, the outer tubular member in a telescoping relationship such that one of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member is moveable along a longitudinal axis of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member cooperate to define a content receiving compartment having an open top and an open bottom whereby contents of the content receiving compartment are removable therefrom by lifting the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member upward and away from the contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: David Sexton
  • Patent number: 7520140
    Abstract: A reusable container for frozen goods, and a method of reusably containing ice pops, are disclosed. The reusable container includes at least two telescoping casings having at least an outermost casing that includes an uppermost portion and an innermost casing that includes a lowermost portion, wherein each casing has therein at least one cavity suitably sized for insertion of at least one frozen good into the cavity, and at least one liquid coolant within at least one of the casings. The method includes the steps of telescoping upward at least two telescoping cases to accommodate at least one ice pop, placing the at least one ice pop within the telescoped ones of the at least two telescoping cases, wherein, upon placement of the ice pop within the telescoped ones, the ice pop is at least partially surrounded by a frozen liquid coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Mary C. DeLucia
  • Publication number: 20090065509
    Abstract: Collapsible cookware is provided. The collapsible cookware includes an upper member having a first opening and a second opening located below the first opening, the upper member being substantially rigid, and a lower member having a third opening located adjacent and connected to the second opening and a bottom portion, the lower member having a substantially constant thickness between the third opening and the bottom portion, wherein the lower member is substantially flexible such that the lower member is collapsible upwards towards the upper member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Bradshaw International, Inc.
    Inventor: Troy Schuler
  • Patent number: 7491139
    Abstract: A collapsible ball game practice device is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section above a lower section being substantially collapsible into the lower section. Detent structure is provided on an upper portion of each lower section and a lower portion of each upper section to secure each upper section when raised to its raised condition. A mounting structure is provided on the bottom of the lowermost section for releasably securing the device to a basketball playing surface. Arms may be rotated to various positions. The arms may be collapsed and slid on a carrier into the uppermost section. A head structure may also be slid into the uppermost section. The sections may be collapsed such that all of them may be collapsed into the lowest section. A handle is provided in the top of the head structure for carrying the entire assembly. The collapsed device may be easily transported and/or stored. The device is particularly useful as a defensive dummy in practicing the games of basketball and volleyball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventors: Kurt A. Bridge, Burditt J. Bridge
  • Patent number: 7484620
    Abstract: A storage case allows access to the accessories therein regardless of the length of the accessories. The case may be telescopic such that the length of the case may be adjusted to store accessories of various lengths and to facilitate the access to these accessories. The storage case may have fixed dimensions with a slidably removable wall that allows easy access to the accessories stored therein. The storage case may be fixed in dimension and has panels with multiple hinges that allow the different hinges to provide varying degrees of access to the accessories therein. The storage case may be fixed in dimension and have a pivotal sidewall that may be pivoted to allow access to the accessories stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Miller, Michael P. Peters, Rickey J. Thomas, Mark E. Brunson, Don C. Freeman
  • Patent number: 7464828
    Abstract: A container for storing toiletry items includes an outer sleeve having first and second opposing side walls and opposing front and rear walls. The side walls and the front and rear walls of the outer slide define an interior space and an opening providing access to the interior space. The container also includes an inner slide that is a snug sliding fit within the outer sleeve and has a base, first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. The base, the side walls and the end walls define an interior space of the inner slide. An interior wall of the inner slide divides the interior space of the inner slide into first and second compartments. A panel that is hingedly attached to the interior wall and is movable between an open position, in which the interior space of the first compartment is exposed, and a closed position, in which the interior space of the first compartment is concealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventors: Donald T. Unrau, Audrey C. Unrau
  • Patent number: 7464827
    Abstract: A shipping unit for shipping items of varying length defines first and second tray sections which are connected and selectively move relative to one another to accommodate items of varying lengths. The first and second tray sections include base portions that allow shipping units to be stacked upon one another. Alternatively, the shipping unit includes a tray and a lid. The lid is connected to the tray and defines a tab and a slot on an end of the lid opposite the tab. The shipping units are connected by snap fitting the tab of one shipping unit into the slot of another shipping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Cynthia R. Meissen
  • Patent number: 7455341
    Abstract: An automotive container holding apparatus having a holding portion (51) which holds a bottom (Ca) of a drink container (C), and erect wall portions (61, 62, 64) which are provided at sides of the holding portion (51) in such a manner as to face sides Cb(Cb) of the container (C), wherein the holding portion (51) and the erect wall portions (61, 62, 64) are provided so as to move vertically in such a manner that the erect wall portions (61, 62, 64) move upwards in such a manner as to link with a downward movement of the holding portion (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuki Miyashita
  • Publication number: 20080251513
    Abstract: Devices are disclosed for telescopic containers. In one example embodiment, a device for a telescopic container includes a first portion having a top surface connected to a bottom surface by one or more sides. Further, the device includes a second portion also having a top surface connected to a bottom surface by one or more sides. Further still, the device includes more than one telescopic units, which are located on the top and bottom surfaces of the first and second portions, that expandably connect both the first top surface to the second top surface and the second bottom surface to the second bottom surface. Whether rectangular or wheel shaped, for example, the container may store items in a contracted state, and, in an expanded state, the container transforms into a working surface with an increased surface area as compared to the container in its contracted state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Arne Vatn, Jeroen Hoogeveen
  • Publication number: 20080237229
    Abstract: A telescoping egg container is disclosed comprising a plurality of slidable egg holder units that can nest one within another, such that the telescoping egg container can be extended or collapsed to accommodate various numbers of eggs to be stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Brian A. Fried
  • Publication number: 20080223857
    Abstract: Blast resistant and blast directing container assemblies for receiving explosive articles and preventing or minimizing damage in the event of an explosion. The container assembly comprises a container of blast resistant material and a blast mitigating material located within the container. The container is collapsible for storage when empty. The container assemblies have utility in aircraft, where weight is an important consideration, as cargo holders or containment devices in the passenger cabin. They also are useful as transport devices for hazardous materials such as gunpowder and explosives, e.g., bombs and grenades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Igor Palley, Gary Allan Harpell, Max Wilhelm Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20080218828
    Abstract: An optical scanning unit used for scanning a photoconductor includes a light source, a rotatable deflector, a driver, a scan lens, an optical element, a first casing, a second casing, a first cover, and a second cover. The rotatable deflector deflects a light beam generated by the light source to scan a surface of the photoconductor. The driver rotates the rotatable deflector. The scan lens converts the light beam deflected by the rotatable deflector with equiangular motion speed to a light beam having constant speed motion. The optical element is disposed along an optical path from the scan lens to the photoconductor surface. The first casing houses the light source, the rotatable deflector, and the scan lens. The second casing houses the first casing and the optical element. The first cover covers at least the first casing. The second cover covers the optical element housed in the second casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Keiichi Serizawa
  • Patent number: 7412759
    Abstract: A telescopic safety shield device includes a carrier movably engaged onto a platform and having one or more guideways tilted relative to the platform, a tool rest movably engaged onto the guideways and moveable inclinedly relative to the carrier and the platform, and a telescopic shielding device having two or more casing members coupled between the platform and the tool rest for shielding the area between the platform and the tool rest, the casing members are pivotally coupled to the platform and the tool rest for allowing the casing members to be pivoted relative to the platform and the tool rest respectively and for preventing dirt or contaminant from entering into the areas between the platform and the tool rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hardinge Taiwan Precision Machine Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Hsieh, Gary Lin
  • Publication number: 20080179324
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for expandable storage and metering are disclosed. In some embodiments, the expandable storage and metering device comprises a body with a storage cavity therein, a chassis upon which the body is mounted, and at least one port in communication with the storage cavity, wherein the body is expandable and collapsible to change the internal volume of the storage cavity. Some method embodiments for operating the expandable storage and metering device comprise expanding the device and collapsing the device, wherein said expanding and said collapsing comprises utilizing actuators to raise/lower or extend/retract the walls of the device. In other method embodiments for operating the device, said expanding comprises removing the roof of the device and positioning at least one stackable module on top of the device and said collapsing comprises removing the at least one stackable module and replacing the roof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. McGough, Ed B. Hagan
  • Publication number: 20080179323
    Abstract: A container for storing personal items, such as toothbrushes, cotton swabs, make-up applicators, and the like, is disclosed. The container has a body made from at least two telescoping walls, and a lid for closing an open end of the body. The lid is connected to the telescoping walls in a manner which provides better access to the stored items when the lid is opened. The container may be embodied such that the innermost wall of the body is raised to expose the stored items, or such that the outermost wall of the body is retracted to expose the stored items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Circosta, Goeran Jerstroem, Richard Whitehall, Jonathan Cedar
  • Publication number: 20080179322
    Abstract: A collapsible container has adjustable height walls. The container includes a base defining the bottom wall of the container, an opposing pair of side walls, and an opposing pair of end walls. The side walls and end walls are pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position over the base. The side walls and end walls each further include extension walls movably connected thereto between a nested, unextended position and an upright, extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: John Parnall, Susan Melanie Shoop
  • Publication number: 20080173643
    Abstract: The present invention relates to thread storage and dispensing systems which allow thread to be stored and used while positioned in the same location. A thread caddy of the present invention includes one or more drawers that can be opened and closed, and can move from a retracted storage position to an expanded usage position. The drawers can include a thread tray that has locations for positioning multiple spools of thread. A positioning system may also be included to reorient the thread tray between multiple orientations. In a first orientation, the tray may be retracted so that a drawer can be moved to its closed position. In a second orientation, the drawer may be expanded so that the drawer cannot be closed. The positioning system may also be retractable within the drawer. A retractable feed guide can also be included which can feed multiple threads simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Edward G. Wadsworth, James D. Lyman
  • Patent number: 7401756
    Abstract: An extendable tray structure is disclosed for receiving a server. The extendable tray structure is composed of a tray main body, a tray extension body and a plurality of locking elements, wherein the tray main body has a plurality of locking holes, and the tray extension body has a plurality of stripe-shaped openings which are parallel to each other, and the locking elements are installed on the locking holes of the tray main body through the stripe-shaped openings. The extendable tray structure is featured in extending and adjusting the length of the tray structure by positioning the locking elements in the stripe-shaped openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Chun-Yi Lien, Sheng-Fu Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080164264
    Abstract: A foldable or collapsible stovetop container that maintains a rigid shape while in use and can be folded into a smaller size for storage. The stovetop container includes rigid top and bottom portions separated by a flexible middle portion. The flexible middle portion includes thin wall sections that form predetermined bend areas. Pressure applied to the top portion causes the flexible middle portion to collapse in an orderly manner toward the bottom portion, with the middle portion folding at each of the predetermined bend areas to create one or more folds or pleats in the middle portion in the collapsed configuration. The foldable stovetop container may be used on residential stovetops for the heating and cooking of food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Duncan C. Fung
  • Publication number: 20080156915
    Abstract: A trash bin of the shredder consists of an inner bin and an outer bin. When the user inserts the inner bin into the outer bin, a bolt assembly combines the inner bin and the outer bin. An energy storing element of a pushing mechanism stores energy to push the inner bin out. The user can trigger the bolt assembly by depressing or stepping to release the energy stored in the energy storing element. The inner bin automatically jumps out for the user to clean trash paper therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Michilin Prosperity Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Simon Huang
  • Publication number: 20080110881
    Abstract: An apparatus for accessing products stored in standing containers. The apparatus comprises a container member having each of a first predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material. The container member has a slot formed into a side of such container member. A flexlift member having a second predetermined shape is engageable with the slot formed on the side of the container. A lift member is engageable with the flexlift member for raising such product disposed in the container when such flexlift member is pushed downward. A bottom cap member is engageable with a bottom portion of the container member for closing off the bottom of the container. A track cover for engagement with a portion of the flexlift member and is further engageable with the bottom cap member. A top cap member is engageable with a top portion of the container member for closing off the top of the container member thereby keeping products stored therein from falling out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Gerald B. Schulz, Steven K. Schulz
  • Patent number: 7367467
    Abstract: An adjustable storage tray includes an inside tray and an outside tray. Each tray has a plurality longitudinally spaced transverse rib wherein protrusions associated with the ribs of the inside tray are shaped to fit within indentation associated with the ribs of the outside tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald D. Bashuk
  • Publication number: 20080083753
    Abstract: A configurable organizer is described having releasably securable dividers or partitions for defining areas or compartments within the organizer for receiving items therein. The dividers are secured via retainers having retainer portions that are resiliently shiftable to permit insertion or removal of the retainer portions within openings in the organizer and to permit shifting to a natural outwardly biased position for retaining the dividers with the organizer. Support structures may also be provided to retard or prevent tilting or deflecting of the secured dividers. Additionally, the organizer may include a pair of trays having the openings for receiving the retainers and supports, and the trays may be adjustably and selectively moved relative to each other to expand or contract the organizer as desired, such as to conform to interior dimensions of a drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Juan Escobar, Mark Naden, Marco Perry
  • Patent number: 7353962
    Abstract: A collapsible container has adjustable height walls. The container includes a base defining the bottom wall of the container, an opposing pair of side walls, and an opposing pair of end walls. The side walls and end walls are pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position over the base. The side walls and end walls each further include extension walls movably connected thereto between a nested, unextended position and an upright, extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventors: John Parnall, Susan Melanie Shoop
  • Patent number: 7350662
    Abstract: A shipping crate for shipping objects such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal water-crafts (PWCs). The shipping crate is completely recyclable and includes a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure. The top and bottom frame structures are operable to telescopically engage each another when the crate is empty. Also, leg portions can be placed between the top and bottom frame structures and the leg portions can telescopically engage the top and bottom frame structures at opposite ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Gatewood Products, LLC
    Inventor: W. Craig Arnold
  • Patent number: 7344056
    Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible container holder assembly for a vehicle having a floor tray. The container holder assembly comprises a carrier portion adapted to be selectably fastened to the floor tray of the vehicle and includes at least one recessed opening formed therein for receiving a beverage container. At least one container receptor portion is adapted to be telescopically engaged and retained within the at least one opening formed in the carrier portion wherein the at least one container receptor portion is adjustable between an extended and collapsed position relative to the carrier portion as desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: William Shelmon, Paul St. Angelo, Hidenori Uno
  • Patent number: 7334669
    Abstract: Wheeled luggage having a telescopically expandable body is disclosed. The luggage body may be manually adjusted from a normally sized carry-on configuration during transit, to a vertically enlarged configuration once the final destination, such as a hotel room, is reached. The body further includes a plurality of interior horizontally disposed, vertically stacked shelves connected in accordion fashion to an internal liner so as to automatically expand from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration when the main body is telescopically expanded thereby providing a series of vertically spaced shelves which provide convenient access to the contents. A garment folding apparatus may be incorporated with the luggage to provide a tool that assists the user in quickly folding clothing to dimensions compatible with storage spaced within the luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Deborah Barker, Bradd Barker
  • Patent number: 7328825
    Abstract: This application is directed to a dynamic storage compartment for modifying the interior space of a vehicle, either as originally equipped or as an after-market modification, so as to provide a means for providing enhanced storage capacity for a vehicle which is characterized by ease of use and the ability to provide secure out of sight storage for valuables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Dolores Kaiser