Abstract: The invention provides: a method for opening a seal comprising a metal foil and a layer of thermoplastic resin via which the seal is heat-sealed to the rim of a glass jar or equivalent container, said rim having been coated beforehand with a heat-sealing primer, the heat-sealed seal providing hermetic closure of the glass jar or equivalent container, characterized in that the initial and final tear forces are not more than 28 N on peeling of the seal at 90° at a speed of 300 mm/min; a glass jar or equivalent container suitable for implementation of this method, characterized in that the coating of heat-sealing primer comprises an organic and/or inorganic material in which organic and/or inorganic fillers are incorporated; and the application of this method or this glass jar or equivalent container to the packaging of processed food products.

Abstract: A loading, picking or sorting system and a method for loading, picking or sorting packaged items, include a removal device for removing packaged items provided in a warehouse, a buffer device for buffering the removed packaged items, and a dispensing device for withdrawing buffered packaged items from the buffer device according to a particular loading order for outputting to a processing unit handling the packaged items in order to complete the loading order. In order to achieve low production, operating, and maintenance costs, the buffer device includes at least one collecting conveyor on which the buffered packaged items are collected.

Abstract: In an assembly for filling medicine dispensers (11) with administering units (12/i) which are to be taken daily by patients, a deblistering apparatus (39) is provided for the separating, automatic removal of the medicines from the respective blister pack, the blister film (33) of which can be subjected to a notching or cutting pretreatment, only after which the medicine is removed. A transport device (18) is provided which supplies the medicine dispensers (11) to a feeding device, at which the individual medicines can be loaded into receiving compartments (14/1 to 14/4) of the medicine dispenser (11). The assembly comprises modules (17/i) which have in each case a blister shaft (62), a punching device and a feeding device and are arranged along the transport device (18) at spacings from one another which correspond to the spacing of the receiving compartments (14/i) of the dispensers (11/i) or to an integral multiple of said spacing.

Abstract: A bag-supporting frame apparatus is removably mountable on an edge portion of a horizontal or vertical substrate. The apparatus includes a gripping portion for contacting the substrate and holding the apparatus in place on the substrate. The apparatus also includes a bag-supporting portion configured to support an open end portion of a flexible plastic bag thereon, the bag-supporting portion including an outer loop portion and a downwardly-extending short portion attached to the outer loop portion at each end thereof. A projecting catch is defined, at each end of the outer loop portion, at the juncture of the downwardly-extending short portion and the outer loop portion. The outer loop portion is sized and configured to support a plastic bag of a predetermined size thereon. The apparatus also includes a connecting portion interconnecting the bag-supporting portion and the gripping portion. Methods of using the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for providing a personalized promotional item. The apparatus and system utilizes a confectionary to be sent, distributed or received whereby the confectionary may be personalized for each individual receiving party. Moreover, the system has a plurality of cavities to receive the promotional and personalized confectionary and whereby the confectionary may be visible to the receiving party. Additionally, the visible portion may be attachment attached to different devices including greeting cards, promotional cards, business cards, magnetic devices and the like. Further, the visible portion interchangeable between different adaptable devices, whereby the cavity may be open when the product is attached to any adaptable device such that confectionary may be retrieved and/or replaced as desired.

Abstract: A collapsible support frame has a top opening and open sides to allow a plastic bag to be received through the top opening. Anchoring members protrude outwardly from the frame to engage the top of the open bag after it is folded over the frame. The anchoring members are dimensioned to at least partially stretch the folded-over portion of the bag to insure that the bag remains secured to the frame even when the bag is weighed down with materials placed in the bag, such as trash, recyclables, etc. After the bag is full and is to be removed from the frame the folded over portion is manually urged over the anchoring members to separate the bag from the frame. While the bag is held in the frame the exterior surfaces of the bag are visible and preferably bear messages, advertisements, etc.

Abstract: An automated system and method for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers. In an embodiment, a gripper unit receives and holds a pharmaceutical container. A cutter cuts the pharmaceutical container, and a rotating unit, operable with the gripper, rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container.

Abstract: A bale processing apparatus for processing a bale of biomass that is bound by a binding includes a cutting device that is operable to automatically cut the binding. The bale processing apparatus also includes a binding remover that is operable to automatically move the binding from the bale after the binding has been cut by the cutting device. Furthermore, the bale processing apparatus includes an arranging member that cooperates with the binding remover to automatically arrange the binding generally into a predetermined position.

Abstract: A package (1) for an object such as a preferably-sterile medical component, includes: a support element (2) provided with elements (21) for coupling the object (5); a stopper (3) that can be coupled to the support element (2) in such a manner as to define a first chamber (7) for containing the object (5), and such that a grip portion (20) of the support element (2) projects from the stopper (3); and a cover (4) that can be coupled to the stopper (3) in such a manner as to define a second chamber (8) inside which the grip portion (20) of the support element (2) extends, and such that a portion (30) of the stopper (3) coupled to the support element (2) projects from the cover (4).

Abstract: A beverage can (1) having a base (10) defining a re-entrant bead (17) in which a resilient disc (50) is held captive. The maximum dimension of the disc (50) is designed to be larger than the internal diameter of the re-entrant bead (17) and thus, when the resilient disc (50) is fitted into the re-entrant bead (17), the disc (50) adopts a concave, domed shape. The degree of doming can accommodate any variance between the dimensions of the disc (50) and that of the reformed base (10) of the can (1). One or more drainage ports may be provided on the periphery of the resilient disc (50) so that any liquid trapped between the surfaces of the base (10) and the resilient disc (50) may drain.

Abstract: An automated cap extractor/installer is disclosed comprising a cap access space, a rack and modified pinion, a solenoid actuator and a position sensor. The modified pinion has a flat surface with two edges and the flat surface can be positioned proximate to the cap access space. The modified pinion is in communication with a rack component communicating with a solenoid actuator causing the pinion to rotate. When a capped syringe is positioned in the cap access space, a signal can be sent by the position sensor to the solenoid actuator. The solenoid actuator moves, causing the pinion to rotate and grip the syringe cap. The solenoid actuator and components can be moved vertically and thereby pulling the cap off the syringe. A rotating cam device can be substituted for the modified pinion. The process can be reversed to install the cap on a syringe.

Abstract: A latch with a handle that is elastically biased in the closed position. The latch is attached to the lid via a handle, and when the handle is disengaged from the lid, the latch can be rotated away from the lid. Upon rotating the latch away from the lid, hooks on the latch will disengage with a receiving portion of a case, thereby allowing the lid to be removed from the case.

Abstract: The present embodiments are directed to a medicinal extractor that may open and empty pharmaceutical capsules of variable sizes. The medicinal extractor may have a cover that swings open to expose an interior chamber for a powder-filled medication capsule to be dropped into, and the cover may then be closed. The medicinal extractor may have squeezable side depressors on each side for manually squeezing or holding the capsule in place horizontally. Once closed, the cover may be pushed down to compress two components of the medicinal extractor that are moveable with respect to each other. As the moveable components compress, the cover may press the capsule downward onto a hollow piercing element. The hollow piercing element may puncture the capsule to allow medication within the capsule to fall through the hollow piercing element and into a collection chamber or onto a surface below the medicinal extractor for collection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container comprising a lid and a base. The lid has a top surface and a side wall all about the perimeter of the top surface. The side wall has a lip which may be formed from a rolled edge. The base has a bottom surface and a side wall. The side wall further includes a plurality of tapered sections, a plurality of retention bumps, and a plurality of pivot bumps. The lid is adapted to fit over the base such that the rolled edge abuts underneath the retention bumps and pivot bumps securing the lid in place when the container is closed. The rolled edge of the lid pivots about and slides along the pivot bumps when the container is in an open position to create an opening for accessing contents of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transportation unit for transport of foodstuffs that are highly viscous or solid at ambient temperatures. The transportation unit comprises a first bag, a second bag arranged to fit into the first bag, and one or more hoist bands wrapped around the bottom side of the first bag and connected thereto. The first bag has an upper side and a bottom side, and is made from a woven fabric, preferably a woven polymer. Additionally, the first bag comprises a transfer opening for removing the foodstuffs from the transportation unit. The second bag comprises an opening for inserting and/or removing the foodstuffs. The second bag is capable of transporting more than 2000 kg of foodstuffs. The one or more hoist bands form loops above the upper side of the first bag.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved multi-way cell sorter systems and methods. For example, provided are systems and methods for the collection of cells that are sorted in multiple directions. The systems and methods allow for the construction of a multi-way sorter (e.g., a ten-way sorter in the space that currently only allows four-way sorting). In addition the device may actively sense the arrival of drops (with cells of interest) at a sample tube, and trigger an alarm when the drops' arrivals deviate from an expected pattern.

Abstract: A container includes a lid having a first breachable portion and a second breachable portion, the first breachable portion being breachable to permit passage of the container contents therethrough; the second breachable portion separate to the first, the second breachable portion being breachable to allow at least partial depressurisation of the container; a single piece opening member attached to the lid and rotatable about the attachment between a first non-breaching position and a second breaching position, the single piece opening member forming a lever having a first end for impinging on the first breachable portion; and a second end of the single piece opening member includes a protrusion, upon rotation of the single piece opening member to the second breaching position and upon a downward application of force of impinging on and breaching the second breachable portion, the protrusion equalising pressure between the container contents and the external environment.

Abstract: A container of opening a container is provided. The container includes an outer shell slidably carrying a dispensing cartridge between open and closed states. A cooperating catch arrangement is operably interposed between the outer shell and the dispensing cartridge. The cooperating catch arrangement has a locked state that fixes the dispensing cartridge in the closed state relative to the outer shell and an unlocked state in which the dispensing cartridge is permitted to slide relative to the outer shell from the closed state to the open state. The cooperating catch arrangement is operable to be transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state by resiliently reducing a width of the outer shell along a compression axis which resiliently expands a thickness of the outer shell along an expansion axis to disengage cooperating catch arrangement. A method of opening includes compressing the outer shell to disengage the cooperating catch arrangement.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automatically removing wrapping and straps from a bundle of items.

Abstract: A resealable pop-top type opener for a can having a curvilinear tab handle extending to divergent arms having a post fixed therebetween. A tab hinge is mounted to the tab plate with the hinge knuckle encompassing the hinge post so that the curvilinear tab handle can be pivoted from a substantially horizontal direction to a vertical direction whereupon the tab arms are used to manipulate the tab to either an open position or if open to a closed position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-layer insulation (MLI) composite material includes a first thermally-reflective layer and a second thermally-reflective layer spaced from the first thermally-reflective layer. At least one of the first or second thermally-reflective layers includes bandgap material that is reflective to infrared electromagnetic radiation. A region between the first and second thermally-reflective layers impedes heat conduction between the first and second thermally-reflective layers. Other embodiments include a storage container including a container structure that may be at least partially formed from such MLI composite materials, and methods of using such MLI composite materials.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a conveyor for unfolding a flat, folded rigid or semi-rigid container blank into a container. The conveyor includes two opposing lugged chain conveyor assemblies which are separated at a sufficient distance at the entry end to receive and engage a folded blank between opposed notches in the two lugged chain conveyor assemblies. As the folded blank progresses in the machine direction, the two opposing lugged chain conveyor assemblies become closer to each other so as to unfold the blank into a container with a storage volume therewithin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to opening a spring roll pack in a controlled manner. A support surface is provided that is positioned to support the spring roll pack. A compression mechanism compresses the spring roll pack. As the spring roll pack is compressed, the spring roll pack is rotated while an accumulator winds wrapping material of the spring roll pack.

Abstract: A liquid container can be present and used in at least two different positions. The liquid container may be a wine container, which can be a wine bottle in its first position and also be a wine glass in its second position. A method of serving a liquid includes placing a container in a first position in which the container serves as a bottle and converting the bottle into a glass or goblet without reassembling any part of the container by placing the container in a second position.

Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a bottom panel. End flaps can be respectively foldably connected to respective panels and at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. A dispenser panel can be at least partially defined by a dispenser tear line extending in at least the top panel and at least one of the end flaps. An opening section can be at least partially defined by the dispenser tear line and can be foldably connected to one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The dispenser panel is at least partially removable from the carton to create a dispenser opening, and the opening section is positionable relative the first side panel to expand the dispenser opening.

Abstract: A carton decasing system for removing stacks of cartons or carton blanks from cases or containers includes a case infeed conveyor on which the cases with the cartons or carton blanks stacked therein are moved to an inverting assembly. The inverting assembly reorients the cases and places the cases with the cartons stacked therein on a decasing assembly which removes the cases from the stacks of cartons. The stacks of cartons are thereafter conveyed along a magazine conveyor with the stacks of cartons supported by a stack pusher assembly as the cartons are moved to a discharge point at the distal end of the magazine conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two compartment container, and more particularly, to a two compartment container for holding two fluids separate until such time as mixing is desired. Mixing is achieved utilizing a series of springs and valves under different compressive and exertive forces.

Abstract: Device (10) and method for opening containers (12) containing liquids, to remove lids (11) or capsules from the relative containers (12). The lids (11) are conformed so as to define a spout (11a) with a hole in it to allow the liquid to come out of the container (12). The device (10) comprises one or more extraction members (15), each provided with an air passage pipe (17) associable with at least part of the spout (11a) in order to selectively introduce pressurized air inside a relative container (12). A closing valve member (30) is disposed along the air passage pipe (17), and is selectively openable when the extraction member (15) is associated with a relative spout (11a), and wherein the introduction of pressurized air inside the container (12) determines a relative movement of separation of the lid (11) and the container (12).

Abstract: A Method of Processing a Container and Base Cup Structure For Removal of Vacuum Pressure A plastic container (10) has a wall extending to a lower portion including a pressure panel (20). The panel (20) is transversely oriented and can move from a downwardly inclined position providing a geometrically unstable configuration to an upwardly inclined position providing a geometrically stable configuration to control pressure change in the container. This movement may be provided by suitable actuating means such as rod (22). In the unstable configuration a base cup 50 or any other suitable holder can support the container and enable it to be conveyed in a container handling or processing system.

Abstract: A lid is provided that includes an access opening in a top wall thereof selectively coverable by a pivotable cover. The lid attaches to a foodstuff container and provides access to an interior of the container. The lid achieves this without requiring removal of the lid while also providing an impeded foodstuff dispense path having greater control. The cover pivots between open and closed positions, and in one form, can be secured in one or both positions. This can be achieved by releasably securing the cover to the top wall to hold the cover in the closed position and/or capturing a tab of the cover within a depression in an edge portion of the lid to hold the cover in the open position. The cover can further be integrally attached to the lid so that the cover is generally coplanar with the top wall when in the closed position.

Abstract: There is provided a packaged roast and ground coffee product comprising a lightweight, thin-walled reclosable container made of laminated plastic material comprising a moisture barrier and an oxygen barrier, and a quantity of roast and ground coffee disposed within the container. The container comprises a finish that includes a top surface and one or more snap beads positioned below the top surface. A plurality of snap bead segments may be circumferentially spaced from one another. A sealing member may be sealed to the top surface. The sealing member may include a one-way valve permitting venting of CO2 resulting from off-gassing of the roast and ground coffee while preventing ingress of air. A removable overcap comprising a top wall and a depending skirt may be affixed to the finish.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping and holding a bag in an open condition, and holding the bag in this condition during loading of the bag with a product, includes an inner stationary ring; a plurality of finger assemblies, each finger assembly comprising a finger adapted to press against the interior of the bag mouth, and a force-transferring member to which the finger is operatively connected; an outer rotatable ring, concentric with the inner ring; a push rod operatively connected to each respective finger assembly; and a motive device adapted to cause rotation of the outer ring relative to the inner ring to effect coordinated radial movement of the fingers relative to the interior surface of the bag. A method of shaping and holding a bag in an open condition, and holding the bag in the shaped, open condition during loading of the bag with a product, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A suppository delivery device that allows for the insertion of a suppository without having contact with the suppository or rectum. The suppository delivery device includes a stabilizing platform, a stabilizer to which the suppository is mounted, and a package, which protects the user's hands and fingers from the suppository and rectum and prevents germs from contacting the suppository before being inserted into the rectum.

Abstract: An erecting aid for packaging materials is described and may include a table portion and a panel. A panel may be coupled to one side of the table portion. The table portion and the panel can be configured such that the table portion and panel form an acute angle and the panel acts as a type of back support wall with respect to the table portion. A clamp may cooperate with the table portion to produce a clamping force. The clamping force may occur by biasing at least a portion of the clamp towards a relaxed, closed. The combination of the table, panel and biased clamp provide the forces necessary to stabilize a partially folded corrugated box during the erecting process such that the partially folded corrugated box is stabilized and maintained in a partially assembled state while the operator can use both hands to complete the erecting process.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a plastic wrapping film from a pack of objects, comprising an opening station of the wrapping film. The opening station in turn comprising housing means of the pack identifying a housing seating of the pack. The opening station comprises weakening means of a part of the film. The weakening means comprising heating means of a fluid and a first outlet mouth and a second outlet mouth of the heated fluid, said first mouth and said second mouth being, at least in a configuration thereof: operatively connected to said heating means of a fluid; facing towards said housing seating; facing towards an imaginary plane interposed there-between.

Abstract: A product dispenser includes an outer housing and a shell disposed within the outer housing. The shell defines a product dispensing chamber, wherein the product dispensing chamber is climate controlled, for receiving a product, portioning the product, storing the portioned product, and dispensing the portioned product upon a dispense command. The product receptacles are stored in a dispense buffer disposed within the product dispensing chamber, and then are dispensed into an airlock for retrieval by a customer. The product dispenser further recognizes demands to keep the dispense buffer slots filled, and demands to dispense a filled product receptacle. The product dispenser may seal the product receptacles to ensure a sanitary product. The product dispenser may further include a vend interface unit to interact with a controller and consumers, whereby the consumer are able to place a demand on the vend interface unit, and await a dispensed filled product receptacle.

Abstract: A container that comprises a first compartment for containing a first component, and a second compartment for containing a second component, the second compartment maintained inside the first compartment; and a cap assembly configured to couple and seal the first compartment and the second compartment in a first position and configured to release the second compartment inside the first compartment in a second position, the first position separating the first component from the second component, and the second position releasing the second compartment to allow the first component to mix with the second component.

Abstract: A case erector system comprises a track, a mounting assembly slidably affixed to the track, a picker and erector assembly removably and reversibly affixed to the mounting assembly, an erector arm in the picker and erector assembly configured to engage a first side of a case, and a picker arm in the picker and erector assembly configured to engage a second side of the case, wherein the erector arm is configured to move to a position generally transverse to the picker arm while both the picker arm and erector arm engage the case unit.

Abstract: A box assembly includes a base defining an interior storage compartment, a lid movable relative to the base to selectively cover the interior storage compartment, a base plate adapted to be fixedly mounted to the lid, a power source disposed along the base plate, a power actuator disposed along the base plate and electrically connected to the power source, a latch mechanism disposed along the base plate and operably connected to the power actuator for movement between a locked position, in which the lid is retained against the base, and an unlocked position, in which the lid is movable relative to the base, and a keyless entry receiver disposed along the base plate and operably coupled to the power actuator, the keyless entry receiver actuating the power actuator to move the latch mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to a signal from a transmitter.

Abstract: A method disclosed herein includes packaging and de-packaging a part. The part is packaged by placing the part adjacent to a shape memory polymer (SMP) while the SMP is in a permanent shape. The SMP is heated to a temperature above a switching temperature of the SMP, and a force is applied to the heated SMP such that it conforms to i) a shape of the part and/or ii) a desired shape for packing the part, thereby changing the SMP from the permanent shape into a temporary shape. The SMP is cooled to a temperature below the switching temperature to set the SMP into the temporary shape. The part is de-packaged by heating the SMP to a temperature above its switching temperature, thereby reverting the SMP from the temporary shape into the permanent shape and releasing the part. The part is removed from the SMP in the permanent shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging system for groups of products, where this packaging system includes a packaging sleeve arranged to at least partially surround the group of products to be packaged. The invention also includes at least one retention structure associated with the packaging sleeve which is adapted to prevent the group of products surrounded by the sleeve from being removed from the sleeve. Preferably the packaging system also includes at least one locating tray configured to locate a group of products in a fixed arrangement relative to one another when located within the packaging sleeve. The invention also encompasses a method of positioning the group of products packaged on a display surface.

Abstract: Methods and tools for opening polyfilm-wrapped packages. A tool includes a rubbing surface and a motor configured to move the rubbing surface. The tool includes a power source connected to supply power to the rubbing surface. The rubbing surface is applied to the polyfilm wrapping while being moved to create an opening in the polyfilm wrapping caused at least in part by friction heat. The opening is created without damaging contents of the package.

Abstract: The present invention is a memories box that includes a rectangular box with a lid, an open side, with a pair of inner edges and a front with a plurality of grooves disposed on the pair of inner edges, a slidable planar side with a front facing that horizontally slides into the grooves and a supplemental rectangular box that includes a front side with a centered aperture, an interior portion with an interior storage compartment with a top with a pair of apertures and a removable top with a centered aperture that is removably slid inside the rectangular box to perform a presentation. The invention also includes a method for using a memories box to perform a presentation such as presenting a gift or present during a gift-giving occasion.

Abstract: Methods and tools for unbundling polywrapped packages. An automatic unbundling system includes an input unit configured to receive a polywrapped bundle that includes a plurality of items and a conveyor system configured to transport the bundle. The automatic unbundling system includes an automatic unwrapping machine configured to receive the bundle from the conveyor system and unwrap the bundle. The automatic unbundling system can include a loose stack accumulator configured to straighten the unwrapped plurality of items.

Abstract: A method for preparing a piping bag for pre-filling, the set comprising, a thin walled polymer tube, and at least one severance mark extending across the entire width of the polymer tube, partitioning the set into two separable piping bags having a respective openable portion, said openable portions pointing in substantially opposite directions, as seen in a longitudinal direction of the set. The method comprises gripping the set at or near the respective openable portion, positioning the openable portions to point in substantially the same direction, and separating the piping bags from each other along the severance mark.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting boxes. The box cutter has a rectangular work area defined by the upper run of an oblique-roller conveyor belt selectively driven forward or reverse in coordination with the actuation and deactuation of the obliquely rotatable belt rollers. Cutting tools along the sides of the work area cut into the side panels of the boxes as they are translated without rotation in a rectangular path against guide surfaces on the periphery of the work area by the sequential reversing of the conveyor belt direction and the actuation and deactuation of the box-supporting rollers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing a sterile product from a sterile package which contains the sterile product and to an apparatus (1) for actuating the method. The method comprises clamping a part of a sterile package (5) located between the sterile product (6) and a first flap (7), and cutting the sterile package (5) at a region (9) interposed between the clamped surfaces (3, 4) and the flap (7). Once the facing surfaces (3, 4) are disengaged, an opening (10) is identified in the sterile package (5), through which the sterile product (6) can be expelled. The surfaces (3, 4) are then disengaged from the clamping action, and the sterile product (6) expelled from the sterile package (5) through the opening (10) by exerting a pushing action on an external surface of the sterile package (5).

Abstract: A grapple apparatus for handling cotton modules includes a frame comprising first and second portions. The second portion is selectively movable relative to the first portion between an opened position and a closed position. The frame defines a module-holding space when the second portion of the frame is in its closed position. At least one powered roller device is connected to the frame and is selectively active to rotate an associated cotton module located in the module-holding space relative to said frame about a module axis of rotation. A method for handling cotton modules includes positioning a frame adjacent a cotton module and moving a second portion of the frame relative to a first portion of the frame from an opened position to a closed position to define a module-holding space in which the cotton module is received and retained.

Abstract: A resealable and disposable package assembly is described. The assembly includes a container and a multilayer cover laminate that are bonded to one another to initially seal the contents of the package. The package can then be easily opened by at least partially separating the cover laminate along a predesignated interface. The package can be reliably and effectively sealed by recontacting the previously separated cover portions to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a platform for the transfer of a plurality of items from a base level on a transportation device, to a second location, the platform comprising: (a) a frame; (b) a base for supporting the plurality of items, the base attached to the frame; and (c) one or more members for engagement of the platform in both a deployed position and a stored position with the transportation device; wherein the deployed position is at a higher level on the transportation device than the base level of the transportation device. The platform may be removably or fixedly attached to the transportation device. In addition, there is disclosed a method for the transfer and placement of a plurality of items from a lower level of a transportation device, to a second location.