Abstract: A balloon holder assembly including a cup adapted to secure to the tail of an inflated balloon and an elongate holder. The cup being provided with a first locking feature and the elongate holder being provided with a second locking feature. In one aspect of the invention, the first and second locking features can be configured to cooperatively engage in any relative angular alignment of the cup and elongate holder about the longitudinal axis of the elongate holder so as to secure the cup and elongate holder together. In one aspect of the invention, the first locking feature can be an annular surface. In one aspect of the invention, the elongate holder can have an elongate element provided with the second locking feature that is bendable so the second locking feature can engage the first locking feature when the cup and elongate holder are pushed together.

Abstract: A reusable, evacuable enclosure comprising a bag with an opening in which to place compressible articles, such as clothing or linen, and a one-way valve in a surface of the bag. Compressible articles may be placed in the bag and sealed from the surrounding environment by placing a seal across the opening. The excess air in the bag may then be removed by placing a cylindrical attachment of a household vacuum cleaner over the one-way valve. Once the excess air is extracted, a cap is placed over the valve to ensure a permanent seal. Removal of excess air reduces the size of the compressible article and inhibits the growth of insects and bacteria, which may damage the contents of the bag. Moreover, the enclosure is impervious to moisture, and so inhibits the growth of mildew.

Abstract: A reusable, evacuable enclosure comprising a bag with an opening in which to place compressible articles, such as clothing or linen, and a one-way valve in a surface of the bag. Compressible articles may be placed in the bag and sealed from the surrounding environment by placing a seal across the opening. The excess air in the bag may then be removed by placing a cylindrical attachment of a household vacuum cleaner over the one-way valve. Once the excess air is extracted, a cap is placed over the valve to ensure a permanent seal. Removal of excess air reduces the size of the compressible article and inhibits the growth of insects and bacteria, which may damage the contents of the bag. Moreover, the enclosure is impervious to moisture, and so inhibits the growth of mildew.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a molded locking snap ring assembly for use in holding looseleaf sheets together as in a two or three-ring binder. The assembly is preferably a one-piece molded construction including an elongated longitudinal base section having upright retaining levers at each end, extending between two pivotally opposed ring support sections. Integral reduced cross section hinge sections joining the base and ring sections provide pivotal connection therein. The ring sections carry opposed ring segments for movement toward and away from one another into closed and open positions respectively. Integrally molded locking arms mounted at each end of the ring support sections carry free ends having oblique surfaces for contacting and pushing respective levers outward and projecting ledges having latching surfaces for latching with central channels defined in the levers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for holding a tree erect while supplying the tree with water. A container that comprises a blend of ethylene-vinyl acetate and high density polyethylene is molded. The bottom of the trunk of the tree is placed adjacent to the inside bottom of the container. A tree support, such as a pair of wooden cross-members, is placed adjacent the outside bottom of the container so that at least a portion of the tree support is in registry with the tree trunk bottom. Fasteners, such as nails, are driven through the tree support, through the container bottom and into the tree trunk. This fastens the tree securely to the container and tree support. The material of the container seals the openings around nails to thereby prevent water leakage from the container.