Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing the contents of a container. The dispensing device includes a dispensing gate having an open position and a closed position, a closing system for moving the dispensing gate from the opened position to the closed position, and a restraint system to limit the movement of the dispensing gate only between the open position and the closed position. The dispensing gate defines a plurality of apertures that substantially match the apertures defined by a cover, such that, in the open position, the plurality of apertures of the dispensing gate is aligned with the apertures of the cover, thereby allowing contents to be dispensed from the container. The closing system can be engaged when the dispensing gate is in the open position, thereby causing a bias to move the dispensing gate from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A rolled sheet material dispensing device including an improved braking mechanism having a pair of outer, opposed brackets hingedly attached to a base or surface, in a substantially perpendicular axis to the base or surface, in spaced relationship to each other, extending forwardly from the base or surface. The brackets are biased to a first position and movable inwards, and removably mount an axially compressible support tube assembly which loosely journals and rotatably retains a roll of sheet material by extending through the center tube of the roll. The brackets can be pushed inwards from the first position to frictionally grip the roll between the brackets, thereby exerting a braking force on the roll to prevent free-wheeling of the roll during unwinding, and to hold the roll in place while a portion is being torn therefrom.

Abstract: A normally handheld instrument adapted to be removably affixed to the hand of a user is provided. The instrument includes an instrument body, a utensil such as a writing utensil within the body and a retainer attached to the instrument body. The retainer allows the instrument to be removably affixed to a part of the user's hand. When so affixed, the instrument is positionable in at least two positions: a first resting position in which the user's fingertips are available for normal fingertip activities and a second normal use position for normal use of the instrument and its utensil.

Abstract: An electrically actuated food and liquid fanning device (Z) that may be removably secured to a food or liquid holding utensil (F), container, or the like, which will generate a draft in a desired direction that is of material assistance in cooling the food or liquid held by the utensil (F), container, or other food or liquid holding device.