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 portable aesthetic component comparison system is provided with a support base, a work surface, a post, and a plurality of carriers. The work surface is provided on the support base. The post is supported by the support base centrally of the work surface. The plurality of carriers are each configured to support at least one aesthetic component, each carrier having an aperture configured to be received over the post for pivotal positioning of one aesthetic component relative to another aesthetic component atop the work surface. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A storage device for an electric extension cord having a male end and a female end is provided. The storage device includes a rigid container for holding the electric extension cord. The container has sidewalls which form an outer perimeter of the container and form a container opening in a top portion of the container. The sidewalls of the container also form at least one indention in the outer perimeter of the container proximal to the container opening. Further, the sidewalls form at least one aperture in the at least one indention to permit the male end and female end of the extension cord to be extendable outside of the container when the extension cord is placed in the container. At least one locking device is positioned in the at least one indention formed in the outer perimeter of the container proximal to the at least one aperture formed by the sidewalls. The at least one lock device holds the male end and the female end of the extension cord within the at least one indention in the outer perimeter.

Abstract: A device for displaying at least one hair swatch upon a support having a noncylindrical dome shaped portion. At least one hair swatch is held securely on the device, such that it extends over the dome shaped portion and such that it is shaped by the profile of the dome shaped portion. A cover can be provided to conceal one or more locations at which the swatch or swatches are fastened to the support. The cover can have an opening through which the dome and swatch extend. A plurality of the devices can also be arranged within a display having, for example, rows and columns of the display devices.

Abstract: The invention is a suspension plate system for providing access to hanks of fiber. The system may include a circular, transparent, plastic disc having a plurality of truncated conic circular bores located equidistant from the center of the disc and being substantially equidistant from each other. Each bore has a larger diameter opening on the top of the disc and a smaller diameter opening on the bottom of the disc. A plurality of generally radial slots equal in number to the number of bores are located on the disc to communicate between each bore and the outer edge of the disc. Each bore provides a device wherein a hank of fiber, cut into substantially equal lengths to other hanks and divided by color and/or nature can be presented for display and use. The hank of fiber of like color and/or nature is bound by a knob-like binder that can be captured in one of the bores, with the hank of fiber suspended down from the disc, thus locking the hank of fiber in place relative to other hanks and to the disc.

Abstract: A yarn organizer, for conveniently holding and displaying a great variety of yarns, having at least two arms and a pivoting axle. The arms are substantially flat and have a connected end, a free end, and a plurality of openings extending fully through the arms. The openings are longitudinally spaced between the connected end and the free end. The pivoting axle extends transversely through the connected ends of the arms and allows the arms to pivot with respect to each other to selectively allow the arms to either fully or partially overlap each other. Spacers, which are located on the pivoting axle between the arms, allow for sufficient clearance for the yarn to extend through the openings of each arm and wrap around the side of the arm having that opening. Each opening of each yarn is uniquely identified with indicia.

Abstract: A firefighter's rope bag and rapid deployment system having a fire retardant rope containment pouch with a closed top end and a bottom end with a pouch opening, closure means for selectively opening and closing said pouch opening, a load-bearing member enclosed by the rope containment pouch and having a top end and a bottom end, each with rope connection means, and a protective bonnet for selectively covering said pouch opening. The rope bag may be fastened to a trucker's belt and allows firefighters to rapidly deploy fire resistant rope for use in navigating and evacuating smoke-filled structures.

Abstract: A package that securely holds hair, displays it, and is easy to manufacture, assemble, and transport. This package is made of two parts: a shell and an insert. The shell is shaped like a rectangular prism with the bottom side remaining open. The insert is also a rectangular prism and can be slid inside the shell from the shell's open bottom side. The shell and the insert have corresponding pleats which allow the shell and the insert to be compressed flat together. The insert holds the hair swatch and displays it through an open front side. The shell has at least one cut-out window on its front side, which can be covered with a clear sheet. The window(s) on the shell corresponds with the open side on the insert, so that the hair swatch in the insert can be seen. The insert has a hook on its top side, which protrudes from a hold in the top of the shell when the insert is in the shell.

Abstract: A strap protection and storage device designed to protect a strapped down piece of equipment from buckle damage and also secure the free end of the strap from causing damage or loosening the strap itself. The device has two sheaths, one being more elongated than the other, that are connected by a tether. A storage bag is attached to the longer of the two sheaths.

Abstract: A package of fibrous insulation includes a plurality of resilient fibrous insulation blanket layers in a compressed state. The resilient fibrous insulation blanket layers are enveloped within a multi-section covering with different covering sections having at least some information thereon relating to the resilient fibrous insulation layers within the package that is different from the information on another covering section. The covering sections are held in place with respect to each other at least in part by forces exerted on the covering sections by the compressed resilient fibrous insulation blanket layers within the package.

Abstract: A yarn palette is disclosed having a flexible panel with numerous cord locks attached at one end of the panel and extending downwardly therefrom. Each cord lock includes a loop that is adjustable to support any number of skeins provided therein. The yarn palette is used to organize and store a variety of yarns, wherein each cord lock is provided with a particular shade of yarn. The flexible panel can be rolled up into a compact state to facilitate carrying and storage. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inside surface of the panel is black to facilitate visual differentiation of similar yarn shades. The panel can also be provided with compartments and pockets for storing notions, tools, specialty yarns or other items.

Abstract: A suture package is disclosed that is sized and shaped to contain at least one suture. The suture package includes an envelope having a plurality of panels. One of the panels is a pressure panel which functions to urge a suture against another of the panels, thereby immobilizing the suture within the package.

Abstract: A carrier for coiled filaments comprises a longitudinal base having a first end including a reinforced edge, a second end, and a first ledge opposite a second ledge. There is a raised platform between the first ledge and the second ledge. The raised platform has a first row of projections extending above the raised platform adjacent to the first ledge of the base. A second row of projections extends above the platform adjacent to the second ledge of the base, in parallel relationship to the first row of projections. The raised platform accommodates a plurality of rectangular envelopes each sized to mount in overlapping relationship between the first row of projections and the second row of projections. Each envelope contains a filament so that the ends of the filament extend out of the envelope from openings in the corners of the envelope. A first rail of resilient material mounted on the first ledge includes a plurality of slits each to receive one end of a filament.

Abstract: A cable tie wrap holder system has a plurality of vertically oriented primary tubes in a cylindrical configuration with an open upper end and a closed lower end. A plurality of vertically oriented secondary tubes are in a cylindrical configuration with an open upper end and a closed lower end. The primary tubes are coupled with the secondary tubes to form a tube assembly with the axes of all the tubes parallel with respect to each other.

Abstract: A corner mount packaging assembly for retail display of a tie-down assembly and for protection of a right angle edge of a load secured by the tie-down assembly. The packaging assembly includes an L-shaped frame with an inner surface adapted for placement over a right angle edge of the load, and an outer surface having guide members extending along side edges of the frame. The tie down assembly is removably attached to the inner surface of the frame, and includes a strap, hook type fasteners on the strap ends, and a tensioning mechanism for imparting a tension to the strap. The guide members form a channel on the outer surface for receiving the strap to prevent the strap from sliding off the frame, and the rigid L-shaped frame dissipates the force of the strap over a wider portion of the load, thus preventing damage thereto.

Abstract: A package comprises a layered coil of filament strands, and a multilayer film surrounding, and in direct contact with, the layered coil of filament strands. The coil has an outer surface comprising a bottom surface region, a side surface region, and a top surface region. The film has an inside surface comprising ionomer in direct contact with the side surface region of the layered coil of filaments. The strand material preferably comprises glass fiber and the sleeve preferably comprises a multilayer film having an outer layer comprising ionomer. Preferably, the film has a stiffness sufficient to maintain structural integrity of the package as the strands are being removed in order to prevent collapse of the side walls of the package and entanglement of the strands.

Abstract: A fiber sample holder and fiber sample system are provided, in which a thin card member, preferably made of injection moldable plastic, is provided with opposing broad faces across which a fiber sample is wound, and the broad faces are bounded laterally by converging edges which themselves are bounded by upper and lower pairs of shoulders which operate to retain the wound fibers in position between the shoulders.

Abstract: The present creation provides a flat package for fiber made of a transparent material, in which a lateral groove is provided for accepting a fiber tube, and two ring grooves are provided for accepting the winding fiber; the end of the fiber can be put in another lateral groove for preventing from being cut when the package is closed; a specification sheet can be put in the center of the package before the package is closed; a flange and a groove are provided respectively on the upper cover and the lower cover for closing of the package.

Abstract: An easy-opening insulation package for containing a stack of resilient insulation batts, such as but not limited to glass fiber insulation batts, is formed from a sheet material. The sheet material completely encircles the batts and has a stress riser that extends longitudinally with respect to the batts for the length of the batts. Preferably, the sheet material has at least one tear line, such as a perforated line, extending generally perpendicular to and crossing the stress riser for creating an opening in the package through the rupture of the sheet material by hand along the perforated line and for permitting the stress riser to be separated by hand from the opening created along the perforated line to gain access to the batts within the package. Preferably, the ends of the package are closed and the perforated line completely encircles the package to permit the package to be separated into two sections by rupturing the perforated line along its entire length.

Abstract: A package for storing a continuous length of optical fiber is formed from two mating portions. The mating portions are configured such that when joined they form an annular package including separate inside and outside concentric annular chambers. A circumferential slit around inside and outside edges of the annular package allows access to respectively the inside and outside chambers. Two fiber guides are provided, one engaging the inside edge and the other engaging the outside edge of the package. Each fiber guide is configured such that it can slide around the edge that it engages. An aperture in adjacent walls of the inner and outer chambers allows passage of an optical fiber from one to the other and also allows passage of fluids or gases for sterilization.

Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material includes a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip of material includes a splice defined by the two ends of the strip. The two ends of the strip are held together by yarn stitches passing through and bridging the strip ends.

Abstract: A carrier for coiled filaments comprises a longitudinal base having a first end including a reinforced edge, a second end, and a first ledge opposite a second ledge. There is a raised platform between the first ledge and the second ledge. The raised platform has a first row of projections extending above the raised platform adjacent to the first ledge of the base. A second row of projections extends above the platform adjacent to the second ledge of the base, in parallel relationship to the first row of projections. The raised platform accommodates a plurality of rectangular envelopes each sized to mount in overlapping relationship between the first row of projections and the second row of projections. Each envelope contains a filament so that the ends of the filament extend out of the envelope from openings in the corners of the envelope. A first rail of resilient material mounted on the first ledge includes a plurality of slits each to receive one end of a filament.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing strings of lights and accessories includes a container with a side wall having an upwardly and inwardly extending outer surface, between upper and lower radial flanges, on which the strings of light are wrapped, and subsequently unwrapped, as the container rotates about a vertical pivot mounted on a base. The container has an internal cavity accessible through a central lid covered opening in which accessories, such as ornaments and the like, are supported on circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly directed hangers alternately secured at staggered heights to the container side wall. Below the hangers are compartments for other accessories, especially fragile ornaments, which extend around a vertical post supporting a large tree topping ornament. A hood can extend down over the side wall to protect the strings of lights. A handle or hook for lifting and hanging the apparatus can project through an opening in the hood.

Abstract: A container includes a casing defining an annular chamber for a volume of thread or wire pre-wound into coils to accommodate therein without becoming tangled, and a cover detachably closed onto the casing. A clearance exists between an upper peripheral edge of the casing and a lower peripheral edge of the cover when the cover and the casing are closed, allowing a free end of the thread or wire in the annular chamber to locate outside the container via the clearance. Therefore, the thread or wire in the container could be easily accessed and pulled outward at the free end for use without the need of opening the cover. The container could be refilled with a new thread or wire and therefore could be repeatedly used.

Abstract: A holiday light strand organizer that is amenable to the winding and storage of holiday light strands, extension cords, and like articles, after such are first used, in the configuration of a drawer unit comprising a carrier portion having a frame structure about which the article is wound, and a storage case portion in which the carrier portion is inserted for storage. A frame with a wide cross section is provided, so that conducting strands are not excessively flexed or creased when wound for storage. A holder for the plug or socket portion of a holiday light strand or like article is a separate position from the strand, so that the ends of the strand do not become tangled and may be easily located for the testing of the strand. The carrier has special provision in the form of a clip to accept the plug or socket portion of the holiday light strand so that it does not become tangled, and can be found for testing of the light strand.

Abstract: A package for storing a continuous length of optical fiber is formed from two mating portions. The mating portions are configured such that when joined they form an annular package including separate inside and outside concentric annular chambers. A circumferential slit around inside and outside edges of the annular package allows access to respectively the inside and outside chambers. Two fiber guides are provided, one engaging the inside edge and the other engaging the outside edge of the package. Each fiber guide is configured such that it can slide around the edge that it engages. An aperture in adjacent walls of the inner and outer chambers allows passage of an optical fiber from one to the other and also allows passage of fluids or gases for sterilization.

Abstract: Electrical wire encoding material has a backing sheet to which stickers are peelably mounted. Each sticker bears both an identification number and color. When peeled from the backing sheet a sticker may be banded about a wire of matching color with a specific circuit number.

Abstract: A shipping container for candles that are inside of glass containers with a wick holding grate that is part of the shipping container which permits candles to be produced inside of the shipping container and shipped or stored while the candle wax inside of the glass candle container has not fully cooled, the wick holding grate being used to keep the candle wick centered in the glass container while the candle wax cools.

Abstract: A system for organizing threads for cross-stitching. The system includes a plurality of sheets having a predetermined thickness and a specific absorption characteristic are processed to create a plurality of I-shaped elements as perforated or removable thread retainers. Each retainer is manufactured with indicia to indicate a particular color scheme. This indicia can be produced in a number of different languages for use by a broad spectrum of cross-stitching enthusiasts. The system includes the steps of arranging threads according to at least one predetermined color scheme for cross-stitching; prefabricating a plurality of sheets, having at least one perforated I-shaped element disposed therein; selecting a thread from a variety of threads; wounding the selected thread around the I-shaped element; and inserting the I-shaped element within a multi-level compartment for subsequent use. A color comparison chart is used to compare thread colors.

Abstract: The invention is a device for quickly and easily protecting decorative light strings, such as Christmas lights, for storage. The stored light strings are protected against damage, and are immediately ready for re-use without tangling.

Abstract: A holder assembly for removably storing a plurality of individual dental floss products of the type which typically comprise a looped configuration at one end thereof and which are designed primarily but not exclusively for use in the flossing or cleaning of bridgework or other orthodontic appliances, wherein the holder assembly comprises a base including a plurality of apertures at least some of which include a retaining structure cooperatively dimensioned, disposed and configured with corresponding ones of the apertures to removably maintain and orient the looped dental floss products in an upright or outwardly extending position thereby rendering the dental floss products readily accessible for use by a dental hygienist or other personnel during the flossing process.

Abstract: A mailing package comprises a package body having a first section, a second section, and a third section, the first section connected to the second section by a first foldable joint;the second section is connected to a first end section through a second foldable joint and a second end section through a third foldable joint and having a plurality of end slits cut therethrough disposed near the end flaps, a first and second guide receiver slit, and a main locking flap receiver slit; andthe third section connected through a fourth foldable joint to the second section, and to a first locking end flap, a second locking end flap, and a main locking flap having a main locking tab and a first and second guide tab;the sections joined such that when the second flap is folded over the third flap the plurality of end slits are presented to the first and second locking end flaps, the first and second guide tabs are received in the first and second guide receiver slits and the main locking receiver slit is presented to the

Abstract: A yarn storage container 10 including a generally rectangular container member 20 divided into an upper 28 and lower 29 main compartment which are further divided by permanent 30 and removable 31 partitions into enlarged sub-compartments 40 and smaller compartments 41, 42 respectively provided with spaced rows of apertures 34, 35 for dispensing strands of yarn 100 from the respective compartments 40, 41, 42.

Abstract: A suture package comprising a needled suture or a non-needled suture, in the same folding retainer. The retainer comprises first and second suture-supporting panels hinged together along a common side edge; a cover panel hinged to each of the supporting panels along a common side edge; and a closing mechanism for releasably closing the panels together, folded about the hinges to retain a suture; one of the supporting panels and one of the cover panels including two separate access features providing access to either a needled or non-needled suture.

Abstract: A rope package designed and configured with a self-contained hanger for display in retail stores. The rope is designed to be coiled into a number of uniform coils. In coiling the rope, one coil is pulled away from the uniform coils to create a loop between the one coil extending outwardly and the other uniform coils. The coiled configuration is then wrapped tightly with a membrane to hold the coiled configuration together. The resulting rope package contains a self-contained hanger, through use of the loop, that is suitable for hanging for display in its individual capacity in retail stores.

Abstract: A packaging article for a tie-down assembly that includes a tension strap is described that has multiple uses. The packaging article can be used for retail display of the assembly and for later storage of the assembly. The article has further uses in the operation of a tie-down assembly by providing guide slots for receiving and retaining a tension strap or cord and by providing an edge protector to protect the edges of a load secured by a tension strap or cord. The packaging article comprises a generally planar frame with guide members or retaining members that define the guide slots extending upwards from the frame surface and edge protector members that extend downward from one side of the frame perpendicular to the frame plane.

Abstract: A method and package for housing and dispensing at least one musical instrument string. The package includes a housing adapted to contain the at least one string in a generally coiled configuration. The package further includes at least one opening from which an end of the at least one string protrudes. The at least one opening is configured to retain and end of the at least one string adjacent an exterior of the housing to facilitate extraction of the string from the package. Alternate embodiments of the package include a plurality of separate compartments in a stacked or concentric configuration, each compartment having an opening to enable extraction of a string contained therein.

Abstract: A packaged dental floss is provided that includes a predetermined length of dental floss, suitable for a single use to floss a user's teeth, sealed within a cavity having walls of predetermined height, by a sealing film that is constructed to be ruptured by the user to dispense the floss from the cavity.

Abstract: A transparent plastic package for containing and displaying a product for sale, the package having front and rear panels releasably joined, the front panel having a forwardly extending projection with a spherical dome forming a cavity for receiving and displaying the product.

Abstract: An improved package and method for manufacturing extruded monofilament string trimmer line incorporates preconditioning of the line to provide a high moisture content. The line then is packaged in a sealed package with a removable cap to permit withdrawal of line from the package. A moisture-laden sponge may be placed within the bottom of the package to maintain a high humidity within the package. Copper chloride or cobalt chloride salts also may be coated on the line, or added to the plastic forming the line to provide a color indication of the relative moisture content of the line.

Abstract: A main stand having a base, a main post having lower and upper sections on the base, the upper section being releasably held in a socket on the lower section. A cross bar is mounted on the upper end of the post. Clips are mounted on the cross bar for releasably holding hair pieces. A larger basket is mounted on the lower section of the post and a smaller cup on the upper section. An auxiliary stand includes a post in which the upper part of the main stand is temporarily held.

Abstract: An improved instrumentation and method for manufacturing from film wrapping material hermetically sealed packages containing an untangled, unknotted segment of flaccid filament, and packages produced by the instrumentation and method. Instrumentation improvements include a gripper assembly for impeding uncut filament from backing up during filament loading in the course of package construction, an improved piston also impeding filament backup and facilitating deposition of a filament segment into an open package compartment, and a sealing mechanism for superimposing a seal over the top and bottom package seals.

Abstract: An improved packaging container for elastic filar material is disclosed in which the wound elastic material has uniform density and no tension. The packaging container is the form of a cylindrical wall with an open top end and an open bottom end. The cylindrical wall is corrugated such that the walls have alternating grooves and ridges. Elastic filar material is circularly wound into the packaging container in multiple layers corresponding to the grooves and ridges of the corrugations. The corrugations in the cylindrical wall act to hold the windings of material in place such that interwinding, in form of tangles or overlaps, is prevented.

Abstract: A plurality of packages of dental floss are provided including a plurality of separate elongate enclosures. The enclosures each have a width and a length with the length being at least nine times as great as the width. The separate enclosures are each independently movable from the other enclosures. A piece of dental floss is individually sealed in each enclosure.

Abstract: A surgical suture retainer retains the suture in an epitrochoidal, or hourglass configuration. One embodiment includes an insert member mounted to one of several foldable connected panels of the suture retainer. The insert member preferably has first and second wings which fold over to form a suture retaining pocket. The suture is held in a looped configuration having an hourglass shape. Another embodiment employs tabs cut from one of the panels to retain the suture in the hourglass shape. Yet another embodiment employs a cover sheet bonded to a base panel, wherein bonding areas are located to maintain the suture loop in an hourglass shape.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of stowing a rope or the like. The method comprises the steps of: placing a first looped portion of a rope in a longitudinally extending cavity; and placing successive adjacent looped portions of the rope in respective next adjacent longitudinally extending cavities. The method employs a device which may comprise a number of tubular members defining the rope stowing cavities arranged in juxtaposed relationship. Alternatively, the device may comprise a housing, the interior of which is subdivided to provide the rope stowing cavities. The rope end device combination of the invention is intended as an emergency tow pack for a sea-going vessel.

Abstract: A metal musical string having a plastic or polymer material covering an end of the string opposite to a ball end of the string is contained in a flexible enclosure or pouch. In a coiled configuration, the ends of the string are twisted around convolutions of the coil to maintain the coil configuration. Different colors of polymer material cover ends of respective different music strings to identify the strings contained in the single pouch. The polymer material is either thin to allow insertion through holes or slots of musical instruments or removable. The flexible enclosure is a sealed gas impervious pouch filled with a non-corrosive gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, etc.

Abstract: A container having panels that contain a bag of strip material. The container is movable between a confining position enclosing the bag of strip material and a position in which the bag is relaxed so as to relax snags of looped elastic material that may have arisen during transit. During transit, the strip material has a tendency to flow from the top and over the edges of the bulk to work its way along the sides, potentially snagging with adjacent loop material. During dispensement of the strip material, these snags may give rise to tension spikes. By displacing the panels of the container out of the confining position and into a relaxed position, the confining forces become relieved and thereby the snags relax. The tension spikes otherwise arising during dispensement are thereby eliminated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the packaging of single use quantities of product such as dental retraction cords comprising sheet materials laminated about the product interposed between the sheet materials in a continuous length and severed at the locus of transverse lamination to a single use quantity length.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a memory which enables the apparatus to return to its manufactured form following the mounting of the embroidery floss skein. The apparatus length is perfectly suited for the mounting of the embroidery floss skein in it's retail form. The apparatus contains two projections on which the looped ends of the embroidery floss skein are placed thereby eliminating the need to disassemble the embroidery floss skein for manual wrapping around the storage unit. The apparatus contains slots designed to, store the endings of the embroidery floss skeins thereby preventing unraveling of the floss. The apparatus contains slots at the top and which are designed to store the embroidery floss which has been cut and separated from the main part of the embroidery floss skein.