Abstract: A plastic container and lid assembly for storing liquid coating materials including a container and a lid. The container has a body with a bottom wall, at least four sidewalls and a neck. The neck defines a wide mouth opening and including threads for receiving mating threads on the lid. The lid also has a plurality of lugs, preferably two lugs, extending radially from the lid and terminating at or before the lugs extend beyond the container sidewalls when the lid is in sealed engagement with the container. The body also has an integral handle for lifting the container and the container neck supports a bail-type handle also for lifting said container. The integral handle and bail-type handles do not extend beyond the container sidewall. The container and lid assembly having an effective packing footprint and an effective packing volume which substantially conforms to the effective packing footprint and the effective packing volume of a conventional metal paint can.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing hot melt adhesive or other materials. The apparatus includes a container and an outlet. The container has a first material (the material to be dispensed) disposed therein, which changes from a solid state or a state of high viscosity to a state of low viscosity when heated above a predetermined temperature. The container also has a second material disposed therein, which is adapted to be heated above a predetermined temperature when subjected to microwaves for at least a predetermined period of time. The second material can be an inner layer of the container, can be applied to a microwave transparent sheet surrounding the first material, or can be embedded in a silicone tube surrounding the first material. The second material is in a heat transfer relationship with the first material. While the dispenser is being subjected to microwaves, the second material converts the microwave energy into heat and transfers the heat to the first material.

Abstract: A confection dispenser for dispensing confectionery pieces in a visually interesting and unique manner. The confection dispenser includes a confection chamber which holds the confectionery pieces and further includes a conveyance mechanism which transports the confectionery pieces from the confection chamber to an opening in the dispenser in a unique and interesting way. The confectionery dispenser may be sized such that it is portable and/or can include a bank wherein a user deposits a coin into the dispenser to activate the dispenser thereby obtaining confectionery pieces and further saving money for further use.

Abstract: A connecting element for creating a blind side connection for materials such as furniture. Connecting element includes a tenon which includes a groove positioned about the peripheral surface of the tenon. A compression material which is flexible and has excellent memory is inserted into the group on the tenon. A mortise is provided which has an opening for telescopically receiving the tenon and compression material into the inner chamber of the mortise. The inner chamber includes a set slot positioned around the interior surface of the chamber and is designed to receive the peripheral edge of the compression material on the tenon. Liquid and/or re-wettable adhesives can be used to rigidly connect the tenon in the mortise.

Abstract: A structure and a technique for heating hot melt adhesive by means of microwaves, to place the hot melt adhesive in a tacky state in which it adheres to an object. A preferred structure according to the invention comprises an article of manufacture (e.g., a wall hook) having a mass of the hot melt adhesive and a susceptor thereon. The article, with the adhesive and susceptor thereon, can be subjected to microwaves for a predetermined period of time, to place the mass of adhesive in a tacky state which enables the article to be attached to an object (e.g., a wall). A special container for the article is placed with the article into a microwave oven as a unit, and removed as a unit from the oven. The container enables the article to be safely and efficiently attached to the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the design and construction of apparatus for dispensing microwaveable hot melt adhesives and other heat sensitive materials. The apparatus comprises a dispenser which is heated by microwaves and then used to dispense a material therefrom. The dispenser is specifically designed to convert microwave energy into heat and to transfer the heat to the material to be dispensed in a more efficient and/or safe manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispensing hot melt adhesive or other materials. The apparatus includes a container and an outlet. The container has a first material (the material to be dispensed) disposed therein, which changes from a solid state or a state of high viscosity to a state of low viscosity when heated above a predetermined temperature. The container also has a second material disposed therein, which is adapted to be heated above a predetermined temperature when subjected to microwaves for at least a predetermined period of time. The second material is in a heat transfer relationship with the first material. While the dispenser is being subjected to microwaves, the second material converts the microwave energy into heat and transfers the heat to the first material. The first material then changes to a state of low viscosity and can be dispensed from the container through the outlet.

Abstract: A self-inflating toy that provides amusement before and during inflation as well as after. The toy is formed from relatively flexible materials that define a sealed inner chamber which contains mixable chemicals that are separated by a membrane which is ruptured when the deflated toy is struck a firm blow. Upon rupture of the membrane, the chemicals mix and react to produce a gas that causes the toy to inflate as the sealed chamber becomes pressurized by the gas. In its deflated form, the toy is collapsed to assume a relatively flat, essentially two-dimensional state, thereby enabling it to fit inside an envelope or other essentially flat paper container in much the same manner as a greeting card. In one preferred form, the toy has three-dimensional outer surface portions that are printed and/or textured to provide features that attract attention such as a grimacing face that has expressions which change and are enhanced as the toy expands from a deflated state to its fully inflated state.