IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
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국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
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출원번호 |
US-0277303
(2002-10-22)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
- Hayes, Thomas J.
- Brown, Scott D.
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
29 인용 특허 :
79 |
초록
▼
A container assembly comprises a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The rim has a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs. The second con
A container assembly comprises a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The rim has a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The rim has a second plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs. The second rim and the first rim are shaped substantially the same. The first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces. The first container may be shaped substantially the same as the second container.
대표청구항
▼
1. A container assembly, comprising:a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first
1. A container assembly, comprising:a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim; and a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the second rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim, the first container being shaped substantially the same as the second container, wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces. 2. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second containers are bowls.3. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second containers are plates.4. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first container is a bowl and the second container is a plate.5. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second containers are platters.6. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.7. The container assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second containers are made of a mineral-filled polymeric material.8. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second containers are paper or metal.9. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first container is identical to the second container.10. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs are generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rims.11. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs are perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rims.12. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls spaced apart that are each generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the first rim and a generally first flat surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, and wherein the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises third and fourth sidewalls spaced part that are each generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the second rim and generally second flat surface that encompasses and bridges the third and fourth sidewalls.13. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, at least one of the first and second sidewalls has a first undercut, and wherein the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises third and fourth sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the third and fourth sidewalls, at least one of the third and fourth sidewalls has a second undercut.14. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim.15. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is normal to the direction of the second rim.16. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs is generally concentric with the center of the first container and each of the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs is generally concentric with the center of the second container.17. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 3 ribs.18. The container assembly of claim 17, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 40 ribs.19. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.20. The container assembly of claim 19, wherein the seal is located outwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.21. The container assembly of claim 19, wherein the seal is located inwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.22. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 2 sets of ribs.23. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second container are thermoformed.24. A container assembly, comprising:a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim; and a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the second rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim, the second rim and the first rim being shaped substantially the same, wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces. 25. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second containers are bowls.26. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second containers are plates.27. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first container is a bowl and the second container is a plate.28. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second containers are platters.29. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.30. The container assembly of claim 29, wherein the first and second containers are made of a mineral-filled polymeric material.31. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein at least one of the first and second containers are paper or metal.32. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first rim is identical to the second rim.33. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs are generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rims.34. The container assembly of claim 33, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs are perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rims.35. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls spaced apart that are each generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the first rim and a generally first flat surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, and wherein the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises third and fourth sidewalls spaced part that are each generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the second rim and generally second flat surface that encompasses and bridges the third and fourth sidewalls.36. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, at least one of the first and second sidewalls has a first undercut, and wherein the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises third and fourth sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the third and fourth sidewalls, at least one of the third and fourth sidewalls has a second undercut.37. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim.38. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is normal to the direction of the second rim.39. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 3 ribs.40. The container assembly of claim 39, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 40 ribs.41. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.42. The container assembly of claim 41, wherein the seal is located outwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.43. The container assembly of claim 41, wherein the seal is located inwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.44. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 2 sets of ribs.45. The container assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second container are thermoformed.46. A container assembly, comprising:a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the rim having a first plurality of upwardly-projecting features with first spaces being formed between adjacent upwardly-projecting features, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting features creating a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim; and a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the second rim having a second plurality of upwardly-projecting features with second spaces being formed between adjacent upwardly-projecting features, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting features creating a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim, the second rim and the first rim being shaped substantially the same, wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting features into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of upwardly-projecting features into respective first spaces. 47. The container assembly of claim 46, wherein the first container is shaped substantially the same as the second container.48. The container assembly of claim 47, wherein the first container and the second container are identical.49. The container assembly of claim 46, wherein the first and second rim are identical.50. The container assembly of claim 46, wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.51. The container assembly of claim 46, wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.52. The container assembly of claim 51, wherein the seal is located outwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.53. The container assembly of claim 51, wherein the seal is located inwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.54. A container to be used in a container assembly, comprising a continuous body portion and a rim, the rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion, the rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the rim, the rim being adapted to be releasably lockable by fitting the first plurality of ribs and first spaces into respective second spaces and second plurality of ribs of a second container, the second spaces and the second plurality of ribs being shaped substantially the same as respective first spaces and first plurality of ribs.55. The container of claim 54, wherein the first container is a bowl.56. The container of claim 54, wherein the first container is a plate.57. The container of claim 54, wherein the first container is made of polymeric material.58. The container of claim 54, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs is generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rim.59. The container of claim 58, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs is perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rim.60. The container of claim 54, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, at least one of the first and second sidewalls has a first undercut.61. The container of claim 54, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a pattern that is normal to the direction of the rim.62. The container of claim 54, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 3 ribs.63. The container of claim 62, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 40 ribs.64. A container to be used in a container assembly, comprising a continuous body portion and a rim, the rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion, the rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the rim, the rim being adapted to be releasably lockable by fitting the first plurality of ribs and first spaces into respective second spaces and second plurality of ribs of a second container, the second container being shaped substantially the same as the first container.65. The container of claim 64, wherein the first container is a bowl.66. The container of claim 64, wherein the first container is a plate.67. The container of claim 64, wherein the first container is made of polymeric material.68. The container of claim 64, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs is generally perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rim.69. The container of claim 68, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs is perpendicular to the plane of the remainder of the respective rim.70. The container of claim 64, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, at least one of the first and second sidewalls has first undercut.71. The container of claim 64, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a pattern that is normal to the direction of the rim.72. The container of claim 64, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 3 ribs.73. The container of claim 72, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes at least about 40 ribs.74. A container assembly, comprising:a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim; and a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim, the first container being shaped substantially the same as the second container, wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces, and wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal. 75. The container assembly of claim 74, wherein the first and second containers are bowls.76. The container assembly of claim 74, wherein the first and second containers are plates.77. The container assembly of claim 74, wherein the first container is a bowl and the second container is a plate.78. The container assembly of claim 74, wherein the first and second containers are made of a mineral-filled polymeric material.79. The container assembly of claim 74, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises first and second sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the first and second sidewalls, at least one of the first and second sidewalls has a first undercut, and wherein the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs comprises third and fourth sidewalls and a surface that encompasses and bridges the third and fourth sidewalls, at least one of the third and fourth sidewalls has a second undercut.80. The container assembly of claim 74, wherein the seal is located outwardly from the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs.81. The container assembly of claim 46, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the first rim and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is normal to the direction of the second rim.82. The container assembly of claim 74, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the first rim and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is normal to the direction of the second rim.83. A container assembly, comprising:a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut; and a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the second rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut, the first container being shaped substantially the same as the second container, wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces. 84. The container assembly of claim 83, wherein the first and second containers are bowls.85. The container assembly of claim 83, wherein the first and second containers are plates.86. The container assembly of claim 83, wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.87. The container assembly of claim 86, wherein the first and second containers include a high-impact polystyrene.88. The container assembly of claim 83, wherein the first container is identical to the second container.89. The container assembly of claim 83, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is normal to the direction of the second rim.90. The container assembly of claim 83, wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.91. The container assembly of claim 83, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes two undercuts and each of the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes two undercuts.92. A container assembly, comprising:a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut; and a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the second rim having a second plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut, the second rim and the first rim being shaped substantially the same, wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces. 93. The container assembly of claim 92, wherein the first and second containers are bowls.94. The container assembly claim 92, wherein the first and second containers are plates.95. The container assembly of claim 92, wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.96. The container assembly of claim 95, wherein the first and second containers include a high-impact polystyrene.97. The container assembly of claim 92, wherein the first rim is identical to the second rim.98. The container assembly of claim 92, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the first rim, and the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a second pattern that is normal to the direction of the second rim.99. The container assembly of claim 92, wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.100. The container assembly of claim 92, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes two undercuts and each of the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes two undercuts.101. A container assembly, comprising:a first container including a first continuous body portion and a first rim, the first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion, the rim having a first plurality of upwardly-projecting features with first spaces being formed between adjacent upwardly-projecting features, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting features creating a first pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the first rim, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut; and a second container including a second continuous body portion and a second rim, the second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion, the second rim having a second plurality of upwardly-projecting features with second spaces being formed between adjacent upwardly-projecting features, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting features creating a second pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the second rim, the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut, the second rim and the first rim being shaped substantially the same, wherein the first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting features into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of upwardly-projecting features into respective first spaces. 102. The container assembly of claim 101, wherein the first container and the second container arc identical.103. The container assembly of claim 101, wherein the first and second rim are identical.104. The container assembly of claim 101, wherein the first and second containers are made of polymeric material.105. The container assembly of claim 104, wherein the first and second containers include a high-impact polystyrene.106. The container assembly of claim 101, wherein the first rim and the second rim are adapted to form a seal.107. The container assembly of claim 101, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes two undercuts and each of the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes two undercuts.108. A container to be used in a container assembly, comprising a continuous body portion and a rim, the rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion, the rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the rim, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut, the rim being adapted to be releasably lockable by fitting the first plurality of ribs and first spaces into respective second spaces and second plurality of ribs of a second container, the second spaces and the second plurality of ribs being shaped substantially the same as respective first spaces and first plurality of ribs.109. The container of claim 108, wherein the first container is a bowl.110. The container of claim 108, wherein the first container is a plate.111. The container of claim 108, wherein the first container is made of polymeric material.112. The container of claim 111, wherein the first container includes a high-impact polystyrene.113. The container of claim 108, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the rim.114. The container of claim 108, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes two undercuts.115. A container to be used in a container assembly, comprising a continuous body portion and a rim, the rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the body portion, the rim having a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creating a pattern that is generally normal to the direction of the rim, the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs having at least one undercut, the rim being adapted to be releasably lockable by fitting the first plurality of ribs and first spaces into respective second spaces and second plurality of ribs of a second container, the second container being shaped substantially the same as the first container.116. The container of claim 115, wherein the first container is a bowl.117. The container of claim 115, wherein the first container is a plate.118. The container of claim 115, wherein the first container is made of polymeric material.119. The container of claim 118, wherein the first container includes high-impact polystyrene.120. The container of claim 115, wherein the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs creates a first pattern that is normal to the direction of the rim.121. The container of claim 115, wherein each of the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs includes two undercuts.
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