Abstract: A flow control mechanism is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes a cap member, overcap and ball captured therebetween. The cap member may be secured to a fluid-containing vessel and used to regulate or control the flow of fluid therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, the overcap defines an angular geometry and a pair of balls are positioned therewithin.

Abstract: A measuring device having a longitudinally extending polymer portion and a longitudinally extending metal portion secured to the polymer portion. The polymer portion may be molded over one longitudinal edge of the metal portion to thereby permanently secure the portions together. The measuring device may have a longitudinal balance axis disposed between a free edge of the metal portion and a free edge of the polymer portion. The balance axis can be disposed so that when the measuring device is placed on a page the metal portion free edge will contact the page and the polymer portion free edge will be raised. Alternatively, the balance axis can be disposed so that when the measuring device is placed on a page the metal portion free edge and the polymer portion free edge are raised above the page. Pressure on the metal portion will cause the metal portion free edge to contact the page while pressure on the polymer portion free edge will raise the metal portion free edge further off the page.

Abstract: A device for retracting edges of an incision in a surface to form an opening including: a flexible, tubular skirt having an upper end, a lower end, and a channel therebetween; a ring connected to the lower end of the skirt for maintaining the lower end in an open configuration and defining an exit opening to the channel; and an inflatable collar connected to the skirt and surrounding the upper end. The ring is designed to fit through the incision and remain under the surface when it is oriented parallel to surface. The collar, when inflated, maintains the upper end in an open configuration and defines an entry opening to the channel. During use, the ring is inserted through the incision and the collar is inflated while remaining outside of the incision, thereby drawing the skirt against the edges of the incision and retracting the edges of the incision to form the opening.

Abstract: A child resistant, moveable closure member and container device having an overcap, and inner closure, and a container, which may have a non-round body. The overcap has opposed end walls and opposed sidewalls, with at least one leading locking pin and at least one trailing locking pin in at least one of said sidewalls. The inner closure may have at least one guiding bar, which extends downwardly from its lower surface, that is compatible in shape with an opening slot that may be in at least one of the sidewalls along the upper body of the container. The container further has a fixed cover portion facing the inner closure with a dispensing opening therethrough. At least one of the container sidewalls may have a closing notch, a stopping notch distal to the closing notch, and an opening notch therebetween.

Abstract: A ruler for school children comprises a plastic molded frame and an insert affixed to the frame. The insert preferably has a resilient rubber composition which extends through openings in the frame and projects above the viewing surface to provide a measuring scale and tactile gripping elements.

Abstract: A device for retracting edges of an incision in a surface to form an opening including: a flexible, tubular skirt having an upper end, a lower end, and a channel therebetween; a ring connected to the lower end of the skirt for maintaining the lower end in an open configuration and defining an exit opening to the channel; and an inflatable collar connected to the skirt and surrounding the upper end. The ring is designed to fit through the incision and remain under the surface when it is oriented parallel to surface. The collar, when inflated, maintains the upper end in an open configuration and defines an entry opening to the channel. During use, the ring is inserted through the incision and the collar is inflated while remaining outside of the incision, thereby drawing the skirt against the edges of the incision and retracting the edges of the incision to form the opening.

Abstract: A flow control mechanism is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes a cap member, overcap and ball captured therebetween. The cap member may be secured to a fluid-containing vessel and used to regulate or control the flow of fluid therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, the overcap defines an angular geometry and a pair of balls are positioned therewithin.