Abstract: A closure device and method includes a mounting member, a cap member and an actuator. The mounting member may be removably secured proximately to a container opening. The actuator is manually operable to move the cap member to open and close an opening in the container and is biased by a spring so that the cap member closes the opening but is movable to an open position. The closure device is especially adapted as part of a writing instrument that has a body to receive contents for dispensing, such as a marker. The mounting member may be annular piece that engages a neck of the container with the actuator being a pair of angled, parallel levers that pivot on the mounting member. In one embodiment, the cap member may be latched in the open position.

Abstract: A driving system provides a track on which a plurality of electric carts may race. A charging station with a driveway is located proximately to the track so that the carts can be driven onto charging areas of the charging station and parked. Electrical terminals built into the charging areas are then contacted to recharge the carts. The track preferably has a wax layer on which the carts travel. The charging station is preferably a platform with an upper support surface, and electric cables are disposed below the upper surface and are thus protected against contact by the carts. The electrical contact on each cart may be provided by a movable arm that extends to engage the electrical terminals of the charging system. The carts are preferably provided with two independent motors, respectively, for forward and reverse motion.

Abstract: A protective housing structure for underground devices, such as valves, meters and the like includes a base assembly constructed as an upstanding wall with an open bottom and open top. A lid encloses the top and may snap-fit into the base assembly. The base assembly is constructed so that a plurality of housing structures may be ganged together. To this end, opposite endwalls are preferably flat and are oriented vertically of the bottom. Interlock structure is provided on each endwall, for example, one endwall may be configured as a dovetail tongue and the other endwall as a dovetail channel that mateably receives the tongue on an adjacent endwall. The endwalls also may be selectively cut and removed to form a slot for longitudinal conduits, pipes and the like. The sidewalls of the base assembly are formed each of an upper panel and a lower panel.