Packing Or Stacking Arrangements Patents (Class 222/143)
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Patent number: 6896156Abstract: A square paint container having recesses formed therein for facilitating the pouring of paint from the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams CompanyInventors: Robert E. McDonald, Paul R. Katterle, John F. Kramer
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Publication number: 20040262329Abstract: A stackable pressure vessel has a substantially non-circular horizontal cross-section and is capable of containing fluids having at least 50, 250 or 1000 psi. The arrangement of various elements on the vessel serve to abate loading on the walls imposed by the pressurized fluid in the vessel. The vessel has creases therein in order to increase its strength. The vessel can also have arcuate recesses in its base. The vessel can also have a foldable pump handle. The handle is substantially flush with the vessel cap when in the storage position and the shaft of the handle is substantially axially aligned with a stem operably attached to a pump assembly when the pump handle is in the pump position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: David Byron
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Patent number: 6799700Abstract: Dilute chemical carrying systems include multiple embodiments of pressurizable and gravity feed reservoirs, and are provided for support and carriage of a segregated accommodation space, in some cases separately provided and in others integrally provided, for metered introduction of a concentrate into such reservoir. The structures both provide storage for concentrated chemical containers, and metered measurement while eliminating waste, make up time and minimizing contact between workers and the chemicals or nutrients in their concentrated state. Metering may be preferably provided by a pump assembly, and operational blocking of the pump assembly may be provided in separate or integrated structures. A concentrate container system enables users to recycle sealed containers to even further eliminate the necessity to directly handle concentrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Inventors: Andrew Durant, David Millar, Steven Baranek
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Patent number: 6772912Abstract: A liquid storage and dispensing tank for use individually or for use in a stacked manner. The tank has an upper sump formed therein which collects the liquid in the tank when the tank has been turned upside down to completely drain liquid from the tank. The upper end of the tank has a pocket formed in a raised central portion thereof which receives a bottom sump of a tank stacked thereupon. The tank has a pair of forklift pockets formed in the bottom thereof which are accessible from the front of the tank. The tank also has conveniently accessible fill and drain openings. The tank is comprised of one-piece plastic and is formed by rotational molding or the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Inventors: James L. Schall, Steve J. Mertens
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Patent number: 6763973Abstract: An expandable single use liquid containment vessel that can fit into restricted spaces such as the trunk or glove compartment of a passenger transport vehicle. The vessel contains a top and bottom wall integrally connected via an outer wall embodying accordion type pleats to allow for vessel compression and expansion. A single piece pouring nozzle is permanently attached to the containment vessel subsequent to introduction of a fluid the containment vessel's interior portion. One end of the filling nozzle secures the nozzle to the containment vessel. At the second end of the nozzle is an exiting orifice which has been dimensioned to preclude insertion therein of publicly accessible fueling nozzles commonly associated with motor vehicle refueling stations.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Bruce Eric Hudkins
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Patent number: 6758411Abstract: A liquid two part cleaning composition for hard surfaces, and a two chamber bottle for dispensing the cleaner are disclosed. The cleaner includes a first basic liquid and a second acidic liquid. At least one of the liquids includes a surfactant system. At least one of the liquids includes a foam inhibitor. When the first and second liquid are dispensed on a surface, carbon dioxide gas released instantaneously creates a quickly breaking foam on the surface. The bottle has horizontal orientation of the first and second chamber that assures a user's thumb is on the front wall and a user's fingers are on the rear wall of the bottle when dispensing. The horizontal orientation provides an ergonomically advantageous wide range of motion. The positioning of a user's thumb on the front wall of the bottle allows for design adjustments in the bottle to achieve equal dispensing from both chambers.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Simon M. Conway, Richard P. Harbutt, Kevin J. Greene, David C. Snow
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Publication number: 20040112926Abstract: A fluid container for use in accessing an obstructed fill port of a machine for inserting fluids therein includes a housing for containing a fluid, the housing having a top surface with an opening formed therein. A collapsible tube is aligned with the opening and affixed to the housing for providing a fluid exit path, the tube being manually extended and retracted. A channel is formed on the top surface of the housing for receiving the collapsible tube when the tube is in a retracted lateral position. An alternative embodiment of the fluid container exhibits a molded pocket formed beneath the bottom surface of a first housing for receiving a collapsible tube of a second housing when the collapsible tube of the second housing is in a retracted lateral position. Both the channel and the molded pocket facilitate vertical stacking of the containers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Burton Barnett, Kenneth I. Brody
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Patent number: 6719161Abstract: A storage container for liquids. The container has a see-through sight marked to clearly see amount of product in the container. It uses placards to identify the product stored in the container. The container has a wide and stable bottom so it does not tip over easily. The can has small holes in each corner to secure a bungee cord. The containers can be stacked for easy storage. The containers have dovetails formed about the base so that they can lock together on the sides making securing then less time consuming and easier. The spout is stored in the handle to prevent contamination and to keep a user's hands away from the contents of the container. Thus, the container is designed to get the contents into a fuel tank while keeping the product off the ground, the user, and machinery, in a safe, secure, easy to use portable container.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Inventor: Troy Craig
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Publication number: 20040007593Abstract: An improved system for fitting a container to a distribution device, more particularly, the system and/or device is incorporated into a refreshing/cleaning apparatus for treating fabric garments, is disclosed. A method of using this fitment system to distribute the product is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Hedwige Clara Theophiel Verherbrugghen, Graham John Boyd, Carlos Gustaaf Arthur Van Lierde
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Patent number: 6659314Abstract: A fluid dispenser, including a reservoir containing a fluid, the reservoir being provided with an opening and defining a maximum overall size and having a recess; and a dispenser member such as a pump or a valve, fitted to the opening of the reservoir. The dispenser member lies within the recess of the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Valois S.A.Inventor: Firmin Garcia
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Patent number: 6651850Abstract: In its broadest aspect, the present invention concerns a unitary flexible barrier of phallic configuration for use in a plural-zoned, valved pressure container wherein the barrier has a shaped spatial form having sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape prior to insertion into and use in a plural-zoned, valved pressure container. The barrier comprises a flexible wall portion, the free terminal end of the flexible wall portion forming a seal and the terminus of the flexible wall portion distal to the seal extending into a central piston region that closes the barrier. The wall portion is steeply frusto-conical in shape.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Robert Henry Abplanalp
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Patent number: 6634525Abstract: An improved container for storing, dispensing and handling viscous and semi-viscous fluids such as paint and the like, having novel spout and other design features that enable substantially dripless dispensing and improved handling and storage.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams CompanyInventors: Michael H. Bravo, Craig M. Rowles, John P. Sullivan, David Markham, Mark W. Scott, Chris Van Buiten, Gregory J. Mascoli, Robert Slack, Corrina Lee
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Patent number: 6622892Abstract: A dispensing support is for use with an associated package having a parallelepiped shape. The support includes a sleeve having at least three contiguous walls including at least one side wall and a top wall. The side wall is configured to extend along the length of the one of the package side panels and the top wall has an opening therein configured to lie along the package top. The sleeve includes a locking element extending from one of the walls at a free end thereof to engage one of the package panels to secure the package within the sleeve. A dispenser extends through the top wall opening and is configured for insertion into the package. The package is fitted into and retained within the sleeve and the dispenser operates to dispense product from the package.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SAInventor: Blair Vance
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Patent number: 6616013Abstract: Liquid is supplied from a bottle B to a discharge outlet 8 via a molded plastics reservoir 15 by pressurizing the bottle using an air pump 22. A pressure sensor responds to a rise in air pressure supplied to the bottle by shutting off the pump. Liquid is removed from the reservoir through a dip tube 17 having a main outlet 18 adjacent to the bottom of the reservoir and a smaller auxiliary outlet 21 adjacent to the top of the reservoir. The upper region of the reservoir is received in a finned heat-conducting holder 16 provided with a thermoelectric cooling element. For hygienic purposes the bottle has a connector 12 which can be replaced together with the reservoir 15 and associated supply tubes 24, 13, 14, 17 and 19. A temperature-control mixer 51 may be to mix liquid from the reservoir with liquid from the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Ebac LimitedInventors: Robert Tansley, Hugh Connell
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Patent number: 6564974Abstract: A dispensing appliance for liquids consists of at least one cabinet-like supply module (1) and of a cabinet-like dispensing module (2) connected to the latter. A pull-out trolley (3) can be moved out of the front side of the supply module (1) and serves for receiving a supply container (8) which can be inserted through one of the two open side faces (6). The dispensing module has a dispensing space (17) accessible from the front side. The supply module (1) has a square plan contour with an edge length (a) which is equal to the depth (t) of the dispensing module (2) designed with a rectangular plan contour. The dispensing module (2) can be connected selectively to each of the three side faces (11, 18, 19) of the supply module (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Merck PatentgesellschaftInventor: Peter Manzke
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Patent number: 6554164Abstract: A support unit is provided for a liquid filled flexible packaging bag having a length, width, and thickness, and which enables such a bag to be stored horizontally while enabling liquid contained within the bag to be withdrawn as and when required. The storage unit (1) has a support panel (2, 12, 14, 19, 26, 42) for a liquid filled flexible packaging bag which is adapted to support the packaging bag in an inclined orientation at least after a proportion of the initial content of the bag has been removed. The support panel corresponds generally in plan view to the length and width of the packaging bag and is usually located inside a flat shape of box (6, 46) capable of storage on a shelf of low height. The support panel may be arranged to move from a horizontal position to a progressively more inclined position as liquid is removed from the bag. A liquid supply system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Inventor: Ronald Archibald Jones
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Patent number: 6551819Abstract: A container for biological fluids useful in artificial insemination is disclosed. The inventive container has a nozzle for delivery of the biological liquid, wherein the nozzle has means for bending such that the container may be used in a vertical position while attached to a horizontal catheter. The nozzle also has means to facilitate opening the tube without tools.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Minitube of America, Inc.Inventor: Ludwig Simmet
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Patent number: 6547102Abstract: A swivel top closure including a base and a top affixed to the base, the top being movable with respect to the base along the horizontal plane in swivel-like motion between a closed position in which the top fully covers an opening in the base to an open position in which the top uncovers the opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Courtesy CorporationInventor: Thomas C. Stoneberg
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Patent number: 6530500Abstract: An improved container for storing, dispensing and handling viscous and semi-viscous fluids such as paint and the like, having novel spout and other design features that enable substantially dripless dispensing and improved handling and storageType: GrantFiled: July 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams CompanyInventors: Michael H. Bravo, Craig M. Rowles, John P. Sullivan, David Markham, Mark W. Scott, Chris Van Buiten, Gregory J. Mascoli, Robert Slack, Corinna Lee
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Publication number: 20020195465Abstract: A fluid dispenser assembly comprising:Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: VALOIS SASInventors: Frederic Duquet, Firmin Garcia, Herve Pennaneac'h
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Patent number: 6474505Abstract: A modular container for storing and dispensing liquids which has a body, an upper protecting wall, a lower protecting wall, at least one connector port with a valve, preferably a second connector port attached to a tube that extends upwards into the interior of the body, and a level indicator. The first and second connector ports are attached to the bottom of the body and incorporate a connector and are connected through an opening in the lower protecting wall. The lower protecting walls of the container are such that they have the ability to nest within the upper protecting walls of additional containers, thus allowing two or more containers to be stacked one on top of another. The second connector port which is attached to the tube extending into the interior of the body can be used for the purpose of venting the interior of the body and for cleaning the inside of the container without the necessity of moving or transporting the container.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Spartanburg Stainless Products, Inc.Inventor: Robert Earl Waters
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Publication number: 20020148863Abstract: A swivel top closure including a base and a top affixed to the base, the top being movable with respect to the base along the horizontal plane in swivel-like motion between a closed position in which the top fully covers an opening in the base to an open position in which the top uncovers the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Applicant: Courtesy CorporationInventor: Thomas C. Stoneberg
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Patent number: 6412663Abstract: A holder for receiving a carton of flowable material, wherein a dispenser connector is preferably provided on the holder for the attachment of a pump or other dispensing means. The holder is especially useful for housing large aseptic cartons of flowable foodstuffs, whereby the contents of the carton may be dispensed without repeated handling of the carton. The holder may be configured in various shapes and size to conform to dissimilar cartons, and the dispenser connector may be provided in various locations to properly cooperate with the particular dispensing location of the carton to be held. After placement into the holder and connection of the dispensing device, the carton may be placed on a shelf, or counter for example, where it may remain until emptied. Multiple holders may be releasably joined in a row via connectors affixed to the holder sides.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: SIG Combibloc Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Adamson, II, Steven G. Taylor
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Publication number: 20020079329Abstract: An improved system for fitting a container to a distribution device, more particularly wherein the system and/or device is incorporated into a refreshing/cleaning apparatus for treating fabric garments, and/or the distribution device is a liquid distribution device, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: The Proctor & Gamble CompanyInventors: Hedwige Clara Theophiel Verherbrugghen, Graham John Boyd, Carlos Gustaaf Arthur Van Lierde
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Publication number: 20020066750Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging and applicator device comprising a receptacle having a compressible portion and a dispenser endpiece. The device has first and second bearing surfaces situated at respective ends of the compressible portion so as to enable a user to exert pressure along the axis of the receptacle so as to move said bearing surfaces towards each other and compress the compressible portion. The first bearing surface is situated on the endpiece or in the vicinity thereof, so that the user can dispense the substance while holding the device in one hand and bringing said hand into contact with the surface onto which the substance is to be applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventor: Nicolas Albisetti
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Patent number: 6318598Abstract: A stackable container for storing and dispensing a liquid has upright walls, a top wall and a bottom wall providing a chamber for storing a liquid. Adjacent upright walls are joined to corners. One corner has a bottom portion located above the plane of the bottom wall providing a space below the one corner. The top wall has a fill opening at the top of the one corner. An ON-OFF valve attached to a lower portion of the upright wall of the container is used to drain liquid from the container. A modified stackable combined container and pallet for storing and dispensing a liquid has upright walls, a top wall and a bottom wall providing a chamber for storing a liquid. Adjacent upright walls are joined to corners. One corner of the pallet has an inwardly curved recess to provide a space below the one corner of the container. The top wall of the container has a fill opening at the top of the one corner.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: Anthony L. Schmitt
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Patent number: 6293435Abstract: A lid for a liquid sample container is provided which includes an opening for transferring the sample into a further container for conducting the necessary tests and a flexible portion, which allows the sample to be expelled through the opening. The opening is normally closed by a detachable closure which can also be used to re-seal the opening after the desired quantity of the sample has been withdrawn. An apparatus is also provided for obtaining dual liquid samples, which comprises two sample containers, wherein one container is retained within a recess in the other to result in a unitary structure. Further a method of obtaining liquid samples is provided which utilizes containers of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Starplex ScientificInventor: Bengt Erik Forsberg
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Patent number: 6269977Abstract: A stackable and reusable, container cover is disclosed for safe, sealed, and protected confinement of fluid contents therein to prevent, among other matters, spillage, contamination, evaporation and hardening of the fluid contents. The cover consists of a single molded disc shaped device with an elevated flat surface, platform for supporting another container thereon. The cover also provides for multiple and different sized spouts for various and particular flow rates and flow confinements, and angled in such manner for easy drip less pouring. In addition, the cover provides for a significant step in providing a very convenient snap on, attachment, and snap off, detachment means for reuse of the cover on yet another container.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventor: Kim Ira Moore
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Patent number: 6267270Abstract: The invention provides a liquid dispenser for dispensing liquid medicaments, in particular, in metered droplets, in which an upwardly open container (2) can be closed off by means of a deformable diaphragm (3) and liquid is dispensed from the container (2) in the form of droplets through an outlet tube (12) leading out of the interior of the container when slight pressure is exerted on the diaphragm (3), the opening of the outlet tube (12) pointing at the upper surface of the diaphragm (3). This allows an instrument used to exert the pressure on the diaphragm (3), e.g. pincers holding a piece of cotton wool, also to be used at the same time to take up the liquid displaced from the container (2); single-handed operation is thus possible. Any unused liquid cannot run back. The instrument comes into contact only with the diaphragm (3) and the liquid dispensed onto it, and the diaphragm (3) can be exchanged before each re-use, thus satisfying even the high hygiene requirements in the medical sector. (FIG.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Inventor: Alfred Schaffner
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Patent number: 6241124Abstract: The present invention is a single-use container useful for the storage and dispension of small quantities of liquids. The subject container is particularly useful for dispensing sterile, preservative-free formulations, such as those used in single dose eye drop applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1997Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedInventor: Earl Hoyt
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Patent number: 6161729Abstract: A dual-chambered dispenser is provided including a pair of elongated hollow tubes containing separate flowable material streams, a manifold for directing the flow through separate chambers, a cap fitting over dispensing openings of the manifold and a metering valve located within the manifold downstream from the dispensing openings. The valve is present to adjust differences in flow rates between the two material streams. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes are juxtaposed along their respective flat outer walls which may include a series of ribs/depressions allowing for coupling of the tubes and strengthening the flat walls against collapse relative to other wall areas of the tubes. Advantageously the valve is a duckbill type and the tubes taper in a pear shape, the broader portion being near the open end of the tubes.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of ConopcoInventors: James Louis Gentile, Robert Alfread Bennett
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Patent number: 6148863Abstract: A multi-compartment tank structure for an agricultural air cart is formed in a modular configuration with two, three or more containers operable to carry different supplies of materials to the field. Each container is formed with an interlocking mating wall structure having a pair of spaced apart geodesic-like lobes separated by a curved key portion recessed with respect to the lobes. One container having a convex mating wall configuration interfits with another container having a complementary concave mating wall structure. In the three or more compartment configuration, the interior container is provided with both convex and concave opposing mating walls to cooperate with the adjacent containers. The lobes are formed from a number of planar surface segments to create the geodesic-like appearance.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Montgomerie B. Summach, Cameron D. Bodie
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Patent number: 6135324Abstract: A stackable container for storing and dispensing a liquid has upright walls, a top wall and a bottom wall providing a chamber for storing a liquid. Adjacent upright walls are joined to corners. One corner has a bottom portion located above the plane of the bottom wall providing a space below the one corner. The top wall has a fill opening at the top of the one corner. An ON-OFF valve attached to a lower portion of the upright wall of the container is used to drain liquid from the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Inventor: Anthony L. Schmitt
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Patent number: 6068161Abstract: A liquid container for a comestible product such as milk or juice includes a base having a substantially planar region, a top surface having a substantially planar region parallel to the substantially planar region of the base and having a pour spout. A sidewall is integrally formed with and extends between the base and top surface, and includes a structural load distributing feature that transfers loads from the top surface to the base. A handle is interposed between the base and top surface and integrally formed with the base, top surface, and sidewall. The containers can be arrayed into units and stacked on top of one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.Inventors: Gregory M. Soehnlen, Dale Panasewicz, Lawrence A. Becks
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Patent number: 6065646Abstract: A container for dispensing a product is provided. The container is a generally parallelepiped container including first and second lateral, opposite side panels and first and second longitudinal, opposite side panels. Each side panel is interconnected with adjacent side panels, and each side panel has a lower and an upper edge. A bottom panel extends from and interconnects the lower edges of each of the lateral and longitudinal side panels. A top panel extends from and interconnects the upper edges of each of the lateral and longitudinal side panels. A dispensing neck extends generally upwardly from the top panel. A cover member is removably disposed over the dispensing neck. The bottom panel has a recessed area which includes a first groove and a second groove. An intersection of the first and second grooves is generally aligned with the dispensing neck.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: First Preference Products Corp.Inventor: William E. Schwaikert
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Patent number: 6050455Abstract: A liquid container for a comestible product such as milk or juice includes a base having a substantially planar region that slopes toward a dispensing opening. A vent opening spaced from the dispensing opening is also dimensioned for filling the container. A handle is integrally formed in the container and serves the dual purpose of a structural load transferring member and for carrying the container. Like containers can be arrayed and stacked on top of one another so that the stacked containers can be wrapped in a flexible material and the use of shipping cases eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.Inventors: Gregory M. Soehnlen, Dale Panasewicz
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Patent number: 6029858Abstract: A jerry jug in which the assembly of the handle and the neck traverse essentially from one side to the other of the top. The neck is provided with a breather ring which is positioned between the cap mount portion and flow control tube in such a fashion that the same are in open communication with the interior portion of the handle. The handle terminates at one end with the vent to the breather ring and at the other end with the vent to the body. By eliminating a vent at the rear end of the handle, the undercut for the handle can be widened to accommodate the larger hands of tradesmen and even permit two such containers to be easily held in one hand. The bottom of the unit is provided with a pair of spaced feet, distanced apart to straddle the handle and neck of an adjacent upper or lower jerry jug thereby permitting stacking the same. The rear foot assists in pouring.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventors: John S. Srokose, Lyndley A. Williams
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Patent number: 6006935Abstract: A multi-compartment gas container is provided including a gas container having a first coupling mechanism formed thereon. A gas nozzle assembly is mounted on the gas container for facilitating the dispensing of gas therefrom. Further, at least one auxiliary container with a second coupling mechanism formed thereon is included for releasably coupling with the gas container.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Inventor: Peter Driver
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Patent number: 5967383Abstract: A coupling system for transferring granular contents from a container to a pump dispenser with minimum risk of direct contact with a user. The coupling system includes a connecting threaded assembly that is frictionally and snugly mounted inside the neck of the container. The upper wall of the connecting threaded assembly includes at least one off-centered opening. A cap assembly is rotatably and coaxially mounted over the connecting threaded assembly and the former also includes at least one off-centered opening that is selectively made to coincide with the off-centered opening of the connecting threaded assembly. A spring is used to bias these two assemblies to make the respective off-centered openings not to coincide. A coupling ring assembly is firmly mounted inside the neck of a pump dispenser. The cap assembly engages the coupling ring assembly with at least one of its protuberances that extend radially outwardly into the L-shape slots on the internal surface of the coupling ring assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Edgar Hidalgo
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Patent number: 5967322Abstract: A reusable container assembly is provided which comprises a substantially rectangular open-top container particularly adapted to receive a fluid-containing bag. The container is lidded to thereby enclose the contents of the container assembly. A side wall aperture receives the spout of a fluid-containing bag disposed within the container assembly. The container assembly is further made tamper evident.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1995Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company, Inc.Inventors: William P. Apps, John A. Hagan
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Patent number: 5904271Abstract: A chopping board system comprising a chopping board member having a substantially planar chopping surface, defined by a perimeter edge and a leg connecting surface; two latitudinal leg members extending from the leg connecting surface and sized such that when the chopping board member is supported on a planar surface by the leg members, the chopping board surface is oriented in parallel with the planar surface. A tab-in-slot connecting mechanism to temporarily hold purpose built collection hoppers at either end of the chopping board surface, one hopper being for the collection of chopped food and the other hopper being for the collection of cut scrap food. The two hoppers are similar in that their openings are dimensioned in a way as to make the upper edge of the hoppers no higher than the surface of the cutting board and so that their width be no greater than the width of the cutting surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Inventors: Philip D. Collins, Elizabeth K. Collins, Kenneth J. Knirck
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Patent number: 5862949Abstract: A dual bottle formed by two separable interlocked compartments held together by a girdle The girdle includes pressure plates and straps holding it in place. The front walls of the compartments are recessed to accommodate the girdle. The chambers preferably each contain different ingredients and have product exit apertures. The product emerges from a common closure. Preferably the chambers and girdles are identical, which simplifies manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1996Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Joseph Markey, Mark Douglas Gerhart, Gregory Alan Lathrop, Frank Gonda, Karl Dallas Kirk, III, Bartoez Matthew Marzynski, James Troy Collins, III
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Patent number: 5842606Abstract: A beverage server (10) for providing a variety of beverage choices to a user comprises a plurality of dispenser sections (12) connected together. Each of the plurality of dispenser sections (12) include first and second vertical walls (14, 16) and at least one horizontal shelf (18 or 20) connected therebetween. The first wall (14) includes a length, at least one clip (36) extending therefrom and a shelf guide (22 and 24) extending along the length on a side opposite the at least one clip (36). The second side (16) has a length, at least one recess (38) extending therethrough and a shelf guide (22 and 24) extending along the length, the shelf guide (22 and 24) on the second side wall (16) is positioned to face the shelf guide (22 and 24) on the first side wall (14). The at least one shelf (18 or 20) includes a recess (30 or 32) extending therethrough and is seated within said shelf guides (22 and 24) of both the first and second side walls (14 and 16).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventor: Joseph A DeVito
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Patent number: 5836480Abstract: A hopper bottom for supporting a grain bin includes a frustro conical hopper bottom wall with a discharge opening at a central base. Around the periphery of the wall is provided a plurality of vertical legs which support the wall above a horizontal support surface. The legs are formed square tubing with a hinge part way along the leg so as to divide the leg into an upper fixed stub portion and a lower pivotal main portion. The hinge is positioned inside the inside surface of the leg so that the main portion can fold to a position extending inwardly and downwardly. The hinge includes a pair of plates welded to the upper and lower ends of the main and stub portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Inventors: Richard E. Epp, Dwayne S. Epp
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Patent number: 5823345Abstract: A modular stackable receptacle for pool chemicals or the like includes an upper cover and a lower container portion. The cover includes a continuous rectilinear sidewall having a latch ring on an inner surface thereof. An upper surface of the cover includes a product dispensing pour spout which receives a removable closure cap. The upper surface of the cover also includes a raised crown portion which is coplanar with the closure cap. Both the closure cap and the crown portion have stacking and aligning projections which cooperate with respective recesses formed in the bottom wall of the container portion, which recesses facilitate stable stacking of the receptacles, one atop another. The container portion has a continuous sidewall which includes an upper outwardly projecting rim and an outwardly projecting catch ring that is adapted to interlock with the latch ring on the cover, whereby the cover cannot be readily removed from the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignees: Berry Plastics Corporation, Olin CorporationInventors: Aleene F. Nask, Timmy L. Willett, Richard Rhodes
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Patent number: 5782381Abstract: A container for carrying and dispensing liquid and semi-liquid products includes an inner product tank received within an outer protective tank. The inner tank receives the liquid or semi-liquid product to be transported from one location to another, while the outer tank protects the inner tank from punctures and other damage during transport of the container, and during discharge and refill of product in the inner tank. The outer tank has downwardly extending support legs, which enable separate containers to be stacked atop each other. The support legs of the outer tank transfer the stacking load from the top surface to the bottom surface of the outer tank legs and for reducing load stresses on the inner tank holding the liquid or semi-liquid product. The inner and outer tanks cooperate with each other to facilitate drainage and cleaning of the inner tank, and for protection of a product pump including a discharge hose, while one or more tanks are stacked atop each other during transit.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1993Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: American Cyanamid CompanyInventors: Keith F. Woodruff, Donald E. Bradley
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Patent number: 5753289Abstract: A portable food container for use in holding dry and liquid foods for consumption. The container allows an individual to consume a combination of dry cereal and cold milk in a remote location away from the kitchen without the use of a bowl and a spoon. The portable food container is inverted to allow dry cereal to flow therefrom, and squeezed to allow milk to flow therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Inventor: Richard B. Ness
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Patent number: 5740947Abstract: A dual compartment pump dispenser is provided which includes a first and second container with a pair of independent pump mechanisms each for emptying product through a respective dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzles have openings oriented in a direction at least 60.degree. apart from one another, preferably 180.degree. apart. Different compositions are intended to be stored in each container for sequential rather than simultaneous use. The containers are joined along a sinusoidal curvilinear surface having complementary mating elongated recesses and ridges. A collar and base cup fasten the containers together.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1996Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Michael Flaig, James Lynn Turbett, Peter Bertolini
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Patent number: 5730331Abstract: A substitute lid for use in association with a container, such as paint cans and the like, when the contents of the can are being poured or dipped by a brush therefrom. The lid is of a flat design and includes a peripheral flange having an inner surface for closely engaging one end of the can so that the lid can be removably attached to one end of the can such as when the can is sold for later removal of the contents by the user. A ridge or tabs can be provided around the periphery and project from a side of a flat body portion of the lid opposite to the flange so as to provide a nesting effect between cans piled in a stack. Adjacent the flange a groove sealing portion of the lid may be provided so as to seal the upwardly open groove commonly present in such cans for maintaining the usual can lid in a closed sealed condition.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Inventor: Robert Elliott Johnson
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Patent number: 5711445Abstract: A reusable, collapsible urine container includes a bottom wall and a relatively flexible, peripheral side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral side wall includes upper, intermediate and lower concentric portions and an uppermost inclined or non-concentric portion extending upwardly and angularly from the upper concentric portion. The intermediate concentric portion has a wall thickness less than the upper and lower concentric portions, such that the peripheral side wall movable between axially extended and collapsed positions, wherein, in the collapsed position, the lower concentric side wall portion is partially telescoped within the upper concentric side wall portion with the intermediate concentric portion reverse folded therebetween. The uppermost or non-concentric portion is formed with an annular rim defining an upper open end of the container, the rim adapted to receive a removable cap. A handle is integrally formed in the peripheral side wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1994Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III