Abstract: A multi-compartment package for dispensing plural items is disclosed. The package includes plural individual sealed compartment units which are releasably secured to each other. Each compartment unit includes a flanged base from which a chamber depends. The chamber serves to hold an item to be dispensed and is surrounded by a flange. A closure member, in the form of a respective portion of a frangible cover sheet, is adhesively secured to the flange of each compartment unit. Each compartment unit includes at least one foldable tab in a corner of its flange, which can be folded down to enable the closure member to be removed from the compartment unit after the compartment unit is separated from other compartment units of the package.

Abstract: A multi-cavity blister package includes a backing card. A transparent, plastic semi-rigid cover sheet co-extensive with the backing card formed with a plurality of raised portions each of which, when secured to the backing card, forms a product receiving cavity or compartment. The plastic covering is secured to the backing card to form a plurality of product receiving cavities. The backing card has perforations proximate to each product-receiving cavity to allow selective perforations to be burst to provide access to an associated cavity without compromising remaining cavities or compartments for future use.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to product packaging, and more particularly to a product packaging having an external sample of the product contained within the packaging and a method of making the product packaging. The present invention is directed to exemplary embodiments of a product packaging having an external sample of the product contained within the packaging. The product packaging is configured to provide a representation of the product contained within the packaging in the product's final and/or applied form. The product packaging may include a product sample swatch that is configured to affixation to a product container containing the product represented by the sample swatch in its non-final form. The present invention is also directed to exemplary embodiments of a method for affixing a product sample swatch to a product container containing the product represented by the sample swatch in its non-final form.

Abstract: A length adjustable chain carrying device includes a base member having a fixed length. First and second adjustment members are positioned on an upper surface of the base member and configured to move linearly thereon. An actuator is rotatably mounted to the base member upper surface and situated intermediate the first and second adjustment members, the actuator being operatively coupled to the first and second adjustment members and configured to move the first and second adjustment members in opposite linear directions along the base upper surface when actuated. The chain carrying device includes first and second chain holding members coupled to distal ends of the first and second adjustment members, respectively. Each first and second chain holding member includes an upstanding cylindrical configuration defining a plurality of slots configured to receive a chain thereabout.

Abstract: The invention includes a bag or receptacle for securely containing stray buttons and for attaching to a garment at a location of repair to identify where a button is to be reattached or replaced. In one embodiment, such a button bag is sized and shaped like a business card for displaying a business name of a dry cleaner, launderer, tailor, hotel, or other service provider. The receptacle can include a strap for attaching to an existing button, or for looping through a buttonhole corresponding to a location where a button needs to be repaired. The invention provides a solution to button repair identification that is especially useful with express laundry and dry cleaning services and that does not require a user to verbally explain where buttons need to be repaired.

Abstract: A container (200) is configured to retain a coiled device, such as a guide wire, within the container (200). The container (200) includes a bowl (201) and one or more retention devices (230). Each retention device (230) includes a retention tab (206) that is coupled to the bowl (201) by a hinge (207). The bowl (201) and retention tabs (206) can be manufactured as an integral component by using living hinges as the hinge (207). The containers (200) are configured to be efficiently stacked when the retention tabs (206) are rotated to an open position.

Abstract: There is provided a chain storage apparatus for storing a chain, wherein the chain includes a plurality of chain links. Each of the chain links has a link diameter, a latitudinal axis and a link width. Each of the chain links is interconnected with at least one other chain link and includes an inner and outer surface. The chain storage apparatus includes a chain link engagement means that engages at least one chain link. A first stopping means prevents the engaged chain link disengaging with the engagement means. A locking means includes a lock and unlock position, such that in the unlock position the locking means allows the chain ingress and egress to the engagement means, and in the lock position the engaged chain link is prevented from disengaging with said engagement means. A slotted channel has a pair of inwardly opposed bottom members, wherein the inwardly opposed bottom members engage the outer surface of the engaged link.

Abstract: A container for use with an overhead track chain is disclosed. The container generally comprises a base and a housing. The base includes a tapered spool that extends upwardly from a top surface of the base. The housing surrounds at least a portion of the tapered spool. Therefore, when the base and the housing are secured together the base, the tapered spool, and the housing form an overhead track chain storage area. The chain is stowed in the container when the chain is received in a winding fashion around the spool and within the overhead track chain storage area. When this occurs, the typically heavy and bulky overhead track chain, which includes links permitting the chain to swivel, can be easily packaged, stored, and subsequently transported within the container. A method of stowing the overhead track chain in the container is also disclose.

Abstract: A slipcover bag combination includes a clear plastic bag, a folded slipcover made of a fabric having a color, pattern and texture, in a compact storage configuration in the bag and a fabric carry handle made of the same fabric as the slipcover and to an outer surface of the bag, the carry handle fabric having the same color, pattern and texture as the fabric of the slipcover.

Abstract: A combination for managing the involuntary loss of bladder control is disclosed along with a method of using and manufacturing the combination. The combination includes an anti-incontinent agent capable of reducing urinary loss and an absorbent article capable of absorbing urine that is lost from the body. The anti-incontinent agent is enclosed in a first wrapper and the absorbent article is positioned adjacent to the wrapped anti-incontinent agent. A pouch encloses the wrapped anti-incontinent agent and the absorbent article to keep both items sanitary. A combination of a disposable absorbent article and information related to an anti-incontinent agent is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a self-adhesive hanger device comprising a self-adhesive portion formed with a first flexible synthetic film strip (1) and hanging means formed by a second flexible synthetic film strip (5) welded integral to the first strip (1) along a parting line (6), the second strip (5) forming at least a tab provided with a slot (10) adapted to form a loop for hanging an object (11).

Abstract: A greeting card including an ornament/charm, and a jewelry fashion accessory either packaged together or purchased separately from a single merchandising fixture is provided. This novel card system allows the sender to provide a convenient object for the recipient to display on a fashion accessory, thus providing for the long term remembrance of the sender and also stimulate sales of greeting cards so that ornaments/charms can be collected to adhere to the fashion accessory received with the first card. The card provides all the functions of a conventional greeting card, such as delivering an appropriate message form the sender to the recipient. However upon receipt of the card, the ornament/charm may be fashionably displayed, and the card therefore provides an impression which endures much longer than if the card were simply stored away.

Abstract: A blister pack for displaying pull chains which includes a transparent cover member having connecting first, second and third recesses for receiving a pull chain, the second recess having a holding region to lock the chain in place. The package further has a flat base member disposed over the cover member and completely covering the recesses. The cover member and the base member are joined together. A method of displaying pull chains in a display package, wherein the chain of a pull chain is locked into a holding region of a transparent cover member such that the knob of the pull chain is permitted to be displayed in a manner which more realistically portrays the appearance same would have when affixed to a ceiling fan.

Abstract: A point-of-sale display box and kit is partitioned to include a plurality of compartments for small item storage and display. A cover is selectively engageable with a top surface of the box and with a slot defined in slot extensions of the left and right side panels. With this construction, the point-of-sale display box is suitable for shipping or storage in a covered mode and also serves as a convenient display for retail sales. The cover and/or panels are preferably provided with display indicia to attract customers and for product advertising.

Abstract: A belt clip (100) attaches to a battery housing of a communication device to be worn by a user. The belt clip (100) includes a base (104) and a flexible spring loaded latch (106) having an opening. The base (104) is comprised of a pair of rails (108). The pair of rails (108) attach to a battery housing (116) via a pair of undercuts (120). The belt clip (100) is prevented from moving due to the opening of the latch slipped and hooked over a ramped post (124) as the belt clip is slid, from the bottom to the top of the battery, through the pair of undercuts (120) formed by a pair of protrusions that are integrally raised from the top surface of the slim body on opposed sides of the ramping post (124) for providing a belt clip guiding slot. The sliding action is continued, within the slot, until the latch is pressed against and mounted on the ramping post (124).

Abstract: A jewelry carrier, for storing and transporting chain-like jewelry such as necklaces, comprising a base, a plurality of pegs arranged in peg rows extending from the base, and a plurality of hook carriers, each having two or more hooks. The hook carriers are each aligned with one of the peg rows. The hook carriers are capable of slidable movement toward and away from its corresponding peg row. The hook carriers are spring biased away from the pegs. Necklaces are initially placed around one of the pegs in one of the peg rows. The corresponding hook carrier is slid toward that peg row, and the necklace is placed around one of the hooks. The hook carrier is then released, the hook carrier slides away from the peg row, thereby tensioning the necklace between the hook and the peg.

Abstract: A replacement button assembly comprises a replacement button, a carrier sheet for securing and carrying the replacement button, a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet underlying the carrier sheet, and an adhesively removable backing sheet underlying the adhesive sheet. Such replacement button assembly can be easily adhered to a garment after the removable backing sheet is stripped from the assembly. The present invention also provide a process of making the replacement button assembly.

Abstract: A package for displaying pull chains and the like includes a first transparent package component having a recess spanning substantially the entirety thereof. The recess has first and second sections and the second section is sized and configured for receipt of an article. A second package component has first and second spaced apart recess sections. The second component second recess section is aligned with the first component second recess section for therewith forming a chamber. An insert is positioned within the first component recess in overlying relation to the second component recess sections. The insert has a capture region for engaging an article having a portion thereof disposed within the chamber for display. The first and second components are secured together.

Abstract: A package for shipping and displaying a decorative bow includes an open-topped box and a mounting card which bears the bow and is inserted in the box parallel to a bottom wall of the box. Securing cards with tabs secure the mounting card in the box.

Abstract: A locking package is provided including a product holding member mounted to a graphics card. The product holding member is preferably made of semi-rigid clear plastic and includes a product holding portion, a pair of flanges forming card retaining channels on opposite sides of the product holding member, and hinged locking snaps. The flanges may be foldover flanges formed by heating and folding over the edge of the product holding member along cut score lines. The hinged snap locks preferably include a first raised portion, on one side of a hinge, and a second corresponding raised portion, on the opposite side of the hinge, which interlock, one inside the other, when the hinged snap lock is folded over at the hinge. The graphics card is preferably made of paperboard and includes an internal edge defining a locking hole.

Abstract: A reusable package for transporting articles such as jewelry chains and necklaces and the like includes a base and a complementary, similarly configured cover hingedly connected thereto. The base includes a base plate having a channel-like recess for receiving the jewelry chains, and the cover includes a cover plate having a ring-like projection configured similar and complementary to the base plate so as to encase the jewelry chain therein. The package also includes a pendant securing depression on its cover for receiving a pendant attached to the jewelry chain which releasably engages a pendant securing projection on the base to encase the pendant therein. Engagement means for releasably interconnecting the cover and the base may include a snap projection on the base which may be forcibly engaged to a snap depression on the cover to securely close the package.

Abstract: A product card of hooks comprising a sheet of paper card base having both sides covered with a respective strippable cover film, the sheet of paper card base being punched into a plurality of disposable hooks in it, the disposable hooks having tiny connecting portions maintained linked to the sheet of paper card base, each disposable hook comprising an elongated body having two opposite ends turned inwards and formed into an open hook portion and a close hook portion respectively.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for housing a stacked supply of hooks which permits the individual withdrawal of a lowermost hook from the stack. A dispensing apparatus provides a chamber having an open top, a rear wall, two side walls, a front wall, a spaced floor providing a gap between the floor and the front wall, the front wall providing a longitudinal opening transversing the wall, the opening permitting the passage of a loop portion of each hook.

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: A necklace holder includes a supporting base and opposed tees mounted on the base and urged apart by a compression spring. The opposed tees each include a crossbar with a lengthwise channel. The tees are urged apart against a necklace looped around the crossbars and within the channels.

Abstract: A sew free replacement button unit in which at least one button is attached to the top side of a fabric section having an adhesive underside. A releasable backing sheet is applied to the adhesive underside of the fabric section and the button is sewn to both the fabric section and the backing sheet.

Abstract: A unitary totally transparent package of shower curtain rings comprising: a stack of ring-like articles, each of which articles has at least one predetermined discontinuity therein, said discontinuities being aligned one with the other in a manner whereby each of the articles in the stack is congruently aligned with the other; a cylindrical transparent PVC cap element disposed tightly over the uppermost ring-like article in intimate contact therewith; an elongated tubular transparent polyvinyl chloride plastic sleeve enveloping the stack of rings from top to bottom and being shrunken into intimate contact with the outer surfaces of each of said rings and said cap to provide a package having a corrugated appearance and providing visual access to the inner and outer portions of said entire stack of rings.

Abstract: A pack for notions and/or other relatively small commodities has a converted blank of cardboard or other degradable material and a light-transmitting plastic cover which is separably connected to a container of the converted blank. The converted blank further comprises a plate-like carrier having an opening so that it can be slipped onto a rail or an analogous support in a self-service store, in a workshop or at home. The plane of the carrier is located between the plane of a bottom wall of the container and the plane of a top wall of the cover. The sidewalls of the container forming part of the converted blank are removably confined between the lateral walls of the cover, and the top wall of the cover then overlies the open top of the container. The carrier can be separated from the container to reduce the space requirements of the remaining parts (container and cover) of the pack in a small area. The container can be withdrawn from and reinserted into the cover.

Abstract: A jewelry chain holder includes two tube-like structures joined together by a common partition wall in a side-by-side disposition, each tube defining a channel-like cavity and a longitudinal slit running the full tube length and preferably located on a portion of the tube somewhat opposite from the partition wall. The length of each tube approximates half the total chain length, and the cross-section of each cavity is sufficiently large to contain a cross-section of the chain within. Preferably the tube-like structures are transparent and made of a slightly resilient material that permits a user to force approximately half the chain length into each cavity through the longitudinal slit. The result is that substantially the entire chain is maintained in a stretched out disposition within the two cavities, the partition wall separating the two chain halves. So held, the chain is visible from 360.degree. and is protected by the exterior of the tube-like structures from dust, scratching and other damage.

Abstract: An earring package comprising a flexible sheet having a plurality of connected but readily detachable ornamental portions, said ornamental portions aesthetically differing from each other except that there are identical pairs of each different design, said sheet further having a mounting portion to which a pair of earring findings are releaseably connected, whereby a person may detach a pair of identical ornamental portions from said sheet, and after separating the earring findings from their mounting, may assemble an ornamental portion to each finding to provide a pair of finished earrings.

Abstract: An automatic cable tie installation tool for applying discrete cable ties around bundles of wires or the like where the cable ties are provided to the tool on a continuous ribbon. The automatic tool including a dispenser mechanism that accepts the ribbon of cable ties and provides discrete cable ties therefrom; a tool mechanism that positions the discrete cable tie around the bundle of wire, tensions the tie to a preselected value and severs the tail of the cable tie; and a conveyance mechanism that delivers the cable tie provided by the dispenser mechansim to the tool mechanism.

Abstract: A composite sheet of jewelry display cards comprises a plurality of display cards which are integrally struck in a sheet of cardboard material so that the cards are removably secured in the composite sheet by score lines. The display cards in the sheet comprise integrally struck card and hanger portions wherein the card portions are adapted for receiving jewelry items such as earrings or the like thereon, and the hanger portions are rearwardly bendable for suspending the display cards from display racks.

Abstract: Male and female surface-type fastener tapes are unwound from respective spools in a housing and drawn out of the housing through a tape guide swingably disposed in a slot defined in a side panel of the housing. The spools are disconnected from the housing and can easily be replaced with new ones simply by opening a cover of the housing. The tape guide is automatically directed toward the position where the tapes are unreeled off the respective spools. Therefore, the tapes are properly and smoothly mated together by the tape guide as they are progressively passed through the tape guide.

Abstract: A stock assembly is provided for storing a mass of individual closed loops used in suspending sausages and for successively supplying the loops to an automatic sausage-sealing machine. Each loop compries a piece of yarn arranged in an elongated loop configuration with the ends thereof knotted together at one end of the loop. The stock assembly includes a long strip member of resilient material adapted to be wound onto a reel. The loops are detachably affixed to the strip member lengthwise thereof one after the other in closely spaced relationship so that each loop member overlaps the adjacent loop member at one end thereof and is overlapped by the adjacent loop member of the other end thereof.

Abstract: An improved system is described for attaching price tags to garments and for other joining applications using plastic fasteners dispensed through hollow, slotted needles. The system comprises a new method and tool for dispensing fasteners supplied in long lengths, together with improved fastener stock adapted for use therewith and for molding in continuous lengths.

Abstract: A button feed tape used to supply buttons for a button stitching machine comprising an upper sheet and a lower sheet with the buttons sandwiched therebetween. The upper and lower sheets provide openings to expose the buttons and to allow easy separation of the sheets from the buttons after the buttons are stitched. The button feed tape is fed by sprocket holes provided along the sides of the button feed tape.

Abstract: A tag pin fastener assembly includes a first tag pin assembly member having a first connecting rod and a plurality of tag pins coupled to the first connecting rod in a predetermined spacing, and a second tag pin assembly member having a second connecting rod and a plurality of tag pins coupled to the second connecting rod in the same predetermined spacing. The two connecting rods are coupled together so that the tag pins on the first rod are alternately arranged with the tag pins on the second rod.

Abstract: The holding device of the present invention is an all plastic clamp for holding articles such as toothbrushes, pencils and similar shaped items. The clamp is also usable for holding textile materials such as curtains and towels. The plastic construction of the clamp allows its use in humid and wet areas where a clamp of metal construction will rust. The clamp of this invention also uses plastic hinges made from the same material as the body of the clamp thereby allowing the entire clamp to be extended. Additionally the clamp of this invention is provided with resilient plastic fingers which fill the interior of the holding portions of the clamp and allow the clamp to adjust to articles or varying sizes. The frame of the clamp is also provided with an external loop having the resilient plastic fingers and forming an auxilliary clamping feature.

Abstract: A tire chain container apparatus which is comprised of a bottom casing or bottom having an internal storage area for receiving tire chains and which is designed so that it can stand in an upright position. A cover for the casing is formed substantially of a molded plastic material and is adapted to be used as a mounting member for installing a tire chain around a vehicle wheel tire. The container cover is provided with a pair of ramps leading to a somewhat dished or concave upward surface and is provided with a recess in the upper surface to receive a portion of the tire chain. The cover is formed so that it is not only light in weight, but includes internal ribs in order to reinforce the same and structurally accommodate the weight of the vehicle carried by that wheel and tire and supported by the cover. Carrying handles are mounted on the casing for carrying the apparatus and which handles are adapted to hold the cover in place and displaceable to permit removal of the cover.

Abstract: A combined package and display system for fabric goods includes a transparent or translucent polyethylene package, heat sealed or otherwise secured about its periphery, containing the goods and suitable advertising material. Where the product is, for example, a tarpaulin, also of polyethylene and having grommets about its periphery, and the package is formed so that its top edge is constructed as a means for attachment to a supporting surface and contains grommets of similar material and strength as those contained in the product itself. In this way, the package can be mounted for display purposes by its grommets, while the nature and quality of the grommets of the goods can be tangibly observed and felt by the prospective purchaser.

Abstract: An improved system is described for attaching price tags to garments and for other joining applications using plastic fasteners dispensed through hollow, slotted needles. The system comprises a new method and tool for dispensing fasteners supplied in long lengths, together with improved fastener stock adapted for use therewith and for molding in continuous lengths.

Abstract: A holder for organizing, securing and storing a tire chain for a vehicle wheel when chain is not in use and for facilitating application of chain when being applied. An apparatus of this invention consists of a platform with a pair of spaced apart mounds, around, behind, and in front of which the chain cross links are juxtapositionally aligned in reverse order of application to the tire. A pair of trays on each side thereof store the excess links. A rod passes through each tray parallel to the platform and is threaded through the end links of each cross chain, thereby securing and preventing chain entanglement. Upon application, the vehicle is mounted upon the mounds and the rods removed, leaving all chain links unrestricted in position for applying chain.

Abstract: This invention relates to a display container especially adapted to display chain articles such as necklaces and the like and having interconnected base, platform and cover portions. The looped portion of the chain article to be displayed is received within a channel formed within the platform and defined by an internal upstanding boss and outer peripheral edges. The edges of the platform are supported by a circumferential ledge intermediate the upstanding walls of the base portion so as to space the article receiving platform above the base bottom wall and below the transparent top of the interfitting cover. That portion of the container lying below the platform and above the base bottom wall is adapted to receive the excess length of chain not displayed within the channel, and portions of the upstanding boss are adapted to contact the cover top so as to maintain the chain within the channel.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of a relatively low cost display or communicative novelty button in which a consumable restrictor sheet is placed over a vacuum draw type female mold cavity. The restrictor sheet may be of cardboard and be apertured with a diameter smaller than the mold cavity diameter. A thermoplastic sheet material is then placed over the restrictor sheet, heated to reach a formable state and vacuum drawn through the restricted aperture and down so that the sheet comes into contact with and generally conforms to the desired shape defined by the mold cavity. The plastic sheet material may then be trimmed near the edge of the restrictor sheet to leave a button shell mounted on a restrictor sheet which may then be used for purposes of display. The restrictor sheet also enables fabrication with an inwardly facing peripheral groove that may be used to secure a pin fastener. An alternate form of fastener in which a portion of the remaining plastic sheet is used is also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined package and display system for fabric goods includes a transparent or translucent polyethylene package, heat sealed or otherwise secured about its periphery, containing the goods and suitable advertising material. Where the product is, for example, a tarpaulin, also of polyethylene and having grommets about its periphery, and the package is formed so that its top edge is constructed as a means for attachment to a supporting surface and contains grommets of similar material and strength as those contained in the product itself. In this way, the package can be mounted for display purposes by its grommets, while the nature and quality of the grommets of the goods can be tangibly observed and felt by the prospective purchaser.