The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 18, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 09, 1995
Robert A Bromwell, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Jack E Harris, Savannah, GA (US);
Alan M Imboden, Marine City, MI (US);
Karl L Sommer, Lake Orion, MI (US);
Thomas G Witkowski, Shelby Township, MI (US);
Romeo-Rim, Inc., Romeo, MI (US);
Abstract
A container (10) includes an upper shell (11) and a lower shell (12) attached thereto by a connection mechanism (39). Corner columns (40,61) are formed between the walls (26,28,30; 46,63,64) of the shells (11,12), respectively. Spaced ribs (42,70) extend inwardly from the walls (26,28,30; 46,63,64), respectively, to assist in supporting an internal container bottle (13). The bottle (13) has a valve assembly (59) which can be exposed through an opening (58) in the front wall (46). A valve access closure mechanism (60), including a door (143), is operable to close the opening (58). A lug (160) and notch (150) arrangement maintains the door (143) open, as desired. The bottom surface (74) of the container (10) is provided with a drainage system (76) having channels (78-81) all sloped toward a drain hole (82) so that any liquid in the container (10) is directed to the drain hole (82). Foot assemblies (14) include hollow, crushable foot members (118) of a predetermined profile. The foot members (118) are filled with a foam block (119) and have breakable tabs (104-108,110-112,114,115) which can be attached to the bottom surface (74). When a load is applied to the container (10), the tabs (104-108,110-112,114,115) will break and the foam will crush to absorb the energy and protect bottle (13). The top surface (15) of the container (10), while otherwise irregularly shaped, has flat ledges (21) near the corners thereof and of the same profile as the foot members (118) so that the container (10) can be stacked on a like container.