Kenneth M Merrill

US Patent:

41356250, Jan 23, 1979

Filed:

Nov 25, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/854959

Inventors:

Kenneth V. Merrill - San Mateo CA

International Classification:

B65D 8530

US Classification:

206445

Abstract:

A flexible multi-compartment container is provided for the storage, handling and shipping of fragile disks such as silicon wafers used in the manufacture of integrated circuits. The container comprises a generally tubular hollow bellows section formed of identical longitudinal halves from thin sheets of pliant self-supportable plastic sheet material. Each fold of the bellows section defines an interior annular groove forming a compartment for a disk of corresponding pre-selected or standardized size. Integral with the bellows section are longitudinally flexible end spacers of a diameter greater than the diameter of the bellows section. Each end spacer includes ridges adapted to confront the interior of a rigid outer box for suppotring the bellows section therein. In particular embodiments, the end spacers include an exterior annular ridge and adjacent trough for receiving a rubber band which is used to hold the mating halves together. The annular ridges include an indentation of suitable size to accommodate the insertion of a finger beneath the rubber band in the trough in order to expedite the release of the rubber band and the opening of the container.

US Patent:

53202260, Jun 14, 1994

Filed:

Dec 9, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/988204

Inventors:

Kenneth V. Merrill - Burlingame CA

International Classification:

B65D 8538

US Classification:

206521

Abstract:

A container package for shipping and storing handling-sensitive items. The container package is constructed of clear flexible plastic sheet material and includes a matingly engageable pair of top and bottom half container half portions. Each container half portion includes a plurality of reversible snap domes disposed along the outer surfaces thereof which are movable between a first convex outward position and a second concave inward position upon depression. When depressed into the container package, the snap domes engage underlying portions of an enclosed article or occupy vacant space and thereby restrain the enclosed article from movement in the vertical and lateral directions. In one embodiment, the container half portions are formed as support tray members connected together in clam shell fashion for containing a printed circuit board. The plastic material is provided with additional electrostatic dissipation protection in accordance with known techniques.