Abstract: A system for supporting at least one article, comprising an article support member and a base support member for supporting a base member of the article support. The article support comprises a member comprising a first end including a base member projecting therefrom, and a second end including an article support portion capable of supporting at least one article. The base support member comprises a wall which defines a cavity for receiving a portion of the base member projecting from the first portion of the member. Further, the cavity is provided with a protrusion. Preferably, the base support member comprises a cupholder in an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated panel having high thermal insulating value and long vacuum life, and a method of making such a panel are disclosed. The panel is formed of peripherally welded metal wall members which define a cavity within which, in one embodiment, a compressed block of particulate material is disposed. The particulate material, in this embodiment, serves as a barrier to radiant thermal transmission through the panel, acts as a getter to maintain the vacuum in the panel, and supports the walls of the panel against collapse when the cavity is evacuated. The vacuum insulated panel can be covered with a polyurethane foam insulating material. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the filler within the cavity is a sandwich comprising a compressed layer of particulate material suspended between two layers of fiberglass.

Abstract: A low profile beverage container holder having a base support for supporting the beverage container and a wall which extends around the base and thereby defines a cavity for receiving the beverage container. The holder is also provided with a wedging structure. In the preferred embodiment, the wedging structure comprises an annular rib disposed in the cavity and projecting upwards from the base support. Thus, when the beverage container is tipped, the annular rib contacts the concavity on the bottom surface or the beverage container and the container is thereby wedged between the annular rib and the low sidewall. A plurality of beverage containers which are adapted to be received within the beverage container holder are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated panel having high thermal insulating value is described together with a method of making such a panel. The panel is formed of peripherally welded metallic wall members which define a cavity within which a solid compressed block of particulate material is disposed. The particulate material, preferably an activated carbon black, a silica gel or a combination thereof, serves as a barrier to radiant thermal transmission through the panel, acts as a getter to maintain the vacuum in the cavity, and, with proper density, supports the walls of the panel against collapse when the cavity is evacuated. In one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum insulated panel is covered on one side with a polyurethane foam insulating material.

Abstract: Cup holder for a cup, the holder having at least one recess on a side. The recess is partially surrounded by a projecting track which has a guiding head. A cup with a ring can be pushed substantially horizontally to the side and the ring is guided by the guiding bead until the cup reaches a point where it is free to drop into the corresponding recess. The cup holder can be used in a vehicle to minimize spillage.

Abstract: A storage and display case includes a base having recesses for holding tools. The base includes front and rear angled sides that are angled outwardly from a bottom surface towards a top surface. A transparent cover is pivotally mounted on the base on an axis that is substantially parallel to the rear angled side, and is adapted to pivot between a closed position wherein the case is covered and an open position wherein the cover abuts the rear angled side. A mechanism is provided for maintaining the cover in its fully opened position with the cover abutting the rear angled side. When the cover is in its open position, with the cover abutting the rear angled side, the case can be supported on the cover with the base being at an angle to the horizontal that permits easy access to any tools contained therein. A hook portion can be placed along the front angled side whereby the case can be suspended from a hanger strip mounted on a wall.

Abstract: A beverage maker includes a container having a portion for receiving a beverage made by passing hot water over an ingredient and a basket for holding a beverage ingredient provided at an upper end of the container. When hot liquid is supplied into the basket, a hot liquid and beverage ingredient mixture exits from the basket into the receiver portion. In embodiments of the present invention, the receiver portion and a reservoir from which the hot liquid originates are disposed side-by-side. Embodiments of the present invention have elements that shield the beverage ingredient from microwave energy and/or an element or elements that insulate the hot liquid and beverage ingredient mixture.

Abstract: A device for growing houseplants is disclosed. The device is adapted to extend from a window such that the plants provided therein receive adequate sunlight. The device is enclosed on all sides extending from the window to protect the plants from exposure to temperature excesses. The rear of the box is open and communicates with the interior of a room to maintain the plants at a temperature substantially equivalent to the indoor temperature. The device is provided with a pull-out drawer to provide easy access to the plants and vents for permitting outside air to enter the device. Flexible baffle curtains are provided so that the entire window area through which the planter box extends may be closed off from the outside.

Abstract: A mailbox having a platform for receiving mail and a cover for providing weather protection is disclosed. The cover is pivotably mounted to the center of the platform and may be opened by a latch on either side thereof. When either latch is opened, the cover rotates to provide access to the platform, and the latch on the opposite side drops free of the platform.