Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a spherically shaped bottle. The spherically shaped bottle may be configured to hold and dispense ingestible pills, including tablets, capsules, or other ingestible products. The spherically shaped bottle may include a container body that holds the ingestible pills within an internal volume. A cap may be pivotally coupled with the container body and configured to cover the internal volume. The cap may define a spherical outer surface of the container with the container body when closed. The spherically shaped bottle may include a neck above the internal volume configured to dispense ingestible pills when the spherically shaped bottle is tilted.

Abstract: A method of enrobing a product portion in polymer strands includes mounting at least one product portion on a holding device and passing the at least one product portion through a polymer enrobing zone. The polymer enrobing zone can include a flow of polymeric fibers produced by a polymer spray head. The polymer fibers can wraparound the at least one product portion to produce an enrobed product portion. The holding device can hold the at least one product portion by passing at least partially through the body of the product portion. At least a portion of the holding device is removed from the enrobed product portion. In some cases, the at least one product portion includes smokeless tobacco.

Abstract: An oral care kit includes a sachet having a ring shaped reservoir for an oral care material configured around a central opening. The sachet has a first weakened portion for forming a dispensing nozzle. The oral care kit also includes an oral care implement sized so that a portion of the oral care implement fits through the central opening. The oral care implement is configured to be used to tear the first weakened portion of the reservoir.

Abstract: A dual-chamber container with independent or combined access includes two individual chambers made of a breach-able material such as, but not limited to, a paper product. The container can be made from a unitary blank that is foldable to create a substantially triangular body. The triangular body includes a first and a second superimposed triangular chamber, each chamber having a distinct interior space for holding a dispensable substance. A first and a second access fin are positioned at each of a respective first and a second corner of the body, each access fin contiguous with a respective one of the first and the second chamber. The interior space of each chamber is individually accessible by removing a respective one of the access fins, thereby breaching it's respective chamber.

Abstract: A carrying case for camera equipment comprising a base portion having a hard outer surface, the outer surface having a convex contour, and an inner surface, the inner surface being lined with a shock-absorbing material, and a cavity defined within the base portion, terminating in an opening, for receiving a camera and at least one camera lens; a lid portion having a hard outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being lined with a shock-absorbing material, the lid portion hingedly attached to the base portion; and a sealing member framing the opening to form a seal when the lid portion and the base portion are mated.

Abstract: A carton comprises a plurality of adjoined panels that define an interior space, including a front panel and a back panel opposite one another, and a first side panel and a second side panel opposite one another, at least one of which is a movable panel operative for being moved between a first position and a second position, and a heat-shrink patch at least partially joined to the movable panel on a side of the movable panel facing the interior space, the heat-shrink patch being operative for shrinking in response to heat so that shrinking the heat-shrink patch moves the movable panel from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Packaging for an extra-labial fluid voiding apparatus includes a tube having a cylindrical wall, a closed end, and an open end. The cylindrical wall and closed end define a cavity that can contain the voiding apparatus. The cylindrical wall is pliable and has an inner diameter. A cap is adapted to respectively close and open the tube at the open end. The cap has an end plate with an annular flange extending therefrom. The annular flange is rigid and has an outer diameter. The annular flange is insertable into the cavity at the open end of the tube and within the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall. The outer diameter of the flange is larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall to a degree such that the outer diameter and the inner diameter are engageable in a press-fit arrangement, when the cap is connected to the tube.

Abstract: A container having a container bottom and a container wall defining a chamber, wherein a portion of the container wall comprises at least one compartment for accommodating a component.

Abstract: A biodegradable tube comprises a mom-rigid paper tubular body defining a lumen for containing a semi-solid composition; a paper tubular cap that slidably mates with the body; and wherein interior surfaces of the each of the body and the cap have a coating that is substantially impermeable to the semi-solid composition. In preferred embodiments the tube body and cap have tapered sealed ends, the coating comprises an adhesive, and the walls of the tube/cap comprise a rolled paper material upon which the coating has been applied. Contemplated semi-solid product materials include for example lip balm, facial cream, lotion, deodorant, sunscreen, caulk, grease sticks, mosquito repellant, and shoe polish.

Abstract: A method for applying a heat shrinkable film to a carton for forming a shape of the carton is provided. The carton includes a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel extending between the top panel and the bottom panel, and a movable section that is movable between a first position and a second position. The method includes providing a heat-shrinkable but unshrunken film, wrapping the film in an unheated condition around at least a portion of the carton including at least a portion of the movable section of the carton, and moving the movable section from the first position to the second position to form a shape of the carton by heating the heat-shrinkable film to shrink the heat-shrinkable film into contact with at least a portion of the movable section.

Abstract: A display apparatus for displaying a portable electronic device comprises a curved shell, a gravity base, a seat and a transparent cover that covers the curved shell and the seat. The gravity base is formed on the bottom of the curved shell. The seat is lodged in the curved shell and the seat has interior space having a shape matching the predetermined shape of a portable electronic device. The assembled gravity base and the curved shell are integrally formed as a tumbler structure for keeping balance while facing external forces.

Abstract: A handheld storage and mixing device is disclosed. The device can include first and second separate containers each defining a distinct internal cavity. The first container can be movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the second container between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cavities can be substantially sealed from one another. In the second position, a first gas forming ingredient in one of the cavities can mix with a second gas forming ingredient in the other cavity to form a gas, such as chlorine dioxide gas. The device can have one or more filtered openings to allow gas generated by mixing the first and second gas forming ingredients to escape into the ambient environment.

Abstract: A carton includes a base panel, a rear panel extending upwardly from a rear edge of the base panel, a right side panel extending forwardly from a right side edge of the rear panel, a left side panel extending forwardly from a left side edge of the rear panel, a cavity at least partially positioned between the right and left side panels for at least partially containing the article, and an at least generally forwardly facing upper panel that extends downwardly and forwardly away from an upper edge of the rear panel, and obliquely with respect to the rear panel.

Abstract: A disposal device used for the disposal of hazardous contaminated sharps, such as hypodermic needles, generated from treating patients. The disposal device is compact enough to fit in medical kits and hospital trays and is able to be used at the patient's bedside, thus eliminating the need to recap or transport contaminated sharps to non-bedside sharp disposal devices. The shape of the device provides enough stability to prevent the device from tipping over if bumped.

Abstract: A pet house substantially formed from a unitary blank of material, foldable from a collapsed state for shipping and storage to an erect state for use. The house includes a bottom having four edges. The house also includes first and second side walls and first and second end walls. The side walls are attached to one another forming an apex at the top of the house. One end wall includes an opening to permit the pet to ingress and egress the house. The bottom includes a slot near one edge for receiving a locking tab which extends from one of the side walls. Fasteners are provided for attaching the first and second end walls to the first and second side walls.

Abstract: A suture dispenser box is provided that has an angled design such that the suture dispenser box may be received in at least two differently formatted storage racks. The suture dispenser box has a plurality of panels including at least two panels that have approximately a parallelogram shape.

Abstract: A whistle case that is adapted to house and keep clean and quiet a whistle that has a mouthpiece portion and a remaining portion with a slot and a loop that extends therefrom and a ball that is movably contained therein. The whistle case includes a case sized and shaped so as to be adapted to snugly yet replaceably house the whistle therein.

Abstract: A sorting tray (10) includes a substantially planar sorting surface (12) bounded by an upwardly- and outwardly-extending sidewall (14). The sorting surface (12) includes a sorting portion (20) and a nozzle portion (22). The nozzle portion (22) necks down into a spout (16) that extends through the sidewall (14). The spout (16) is offset from the centerline (60) of the sorting surface (12) such that the spout (16) is offset. A flange (44) extends outwardly and downwardly from the top of the sidewall and presents a pair of measuring devices (50,52) and a hanger (46). The sorting tray (10) is particularly useful for assisting a person in sorting numerous differently-sized small objects, such as hardware.

Abstract: An electronic device (1), for example a test pack for use in determining the efficacy of a sterilization cycle in a sterilizer, is provided with a protective framework (10) comprising two impact-absorbing ring-like members (11, 12) located on opposed sides of the device and three impact-absorbing arms (13) spaced apart from the device and extending at equi-spaced locations between the ring-like members.

Abstract: A package for a plurality of stand-up pouches in which a rectilinear container holds the pouches with closed top portions of the pouch and is arranged between adjacent base portions of the pouches in the second row to occupy a minimum space. The container can be opened by separating portions along lines of weakening to form display trays which are separate from each other or which are attached to each other in side by side or end to end relationship, all without requiring unpacking or rearranging of the pouches within the container.

Abstract: A drinking mug including a body having a lipid-receiving interior volume with a handle connected to the body and extending outwardly therefrom. The body has a first eye relief channel extending longitudinally along the body and a second eye relief channel extending generally parallel to the first eye relief channel and extending longitudinally along the body. The first and second eye relief channels are indentations in the exterior surface of the annular configuration of the body. Each of the first and second eye relief channels extends from a top of the body to a bottom of the body. A nose bridge receptacle is formed in the body between the first and second eye relief channels.

Abstract: A new Wheel Chock Storage Device for providing a device for storing a wheel chock on an automobile bumper. The inventive device includes a wheel chock storage container, a wheel chock retention strap, and a bumper attachment. The bumper attachment is attached to the wheel chock storage container and removably adjustably attaches the wheel chock storage container to the automobile bumper. An upper bumper attachment member is hookingly secured to the automobile bumper and an adjustable fastener is adjusted to secure the wheel chock storage container to the automobile bumper. The lower bumper attachment member is hookingly secured to the automobile bumper and a threaded tension knob is tightened to secure the wheel chock storage container to the automobile bumper. The wheel chock is placed in the wheel chock storage container and the retention strap securely retains the wheel chock in the wheel chock storage container.

Abstract: A container adapted to store a beverage and, when empty, to function as a playball. The container includes a spherical shell formed of a flexible synthetic plastic material having a tubular neck projecting therefrom on which is received a screw-on cap. The neck is retractable into the shell whereby the neck then assumes a re-entrant form and the cap is then frictionally held therein flush with the shell. In a storage mode of the container, the shell is filled with a beverage and is sealed by the flush cap. To switch to an active mode, the shell is squeezed and the resultant internal pressure produced by the beverage causes the cap to pop out and project the neck so that the cap can be unscrewed to dispense the beverage. In the play mode, the shell is empty and the air therein is sealed by the cap which is depressed to be again flush with the shell, the container now being a pneumatic play ball.

Abstract: A rigid and compact bicycle shipping container is used to ship a bicycle having a detached front wheel, a rear wheel, a pair of pedals, handle bars, and a frame with a front fork. The container comprises opposing top and bottom walls, a pair of side walls, a rear wall, and various mounting elements mounted to the bottom wall to detachably engage the bicycle. Each of the top and bottom walls has a generally triangular shape. The pair of side walls and the rear wall bridge the opposing top and bottom walls. The side walls and the rear wall are arranged to form a triangle. The mounting elements include a front fork mount detachably engaging the front fork of the bicycle, a wheel mount detachably engaging the detached front wheel of the bicycle, and a wheel track receiving the rear wheel of the bicycle. The shipping container securely and stably holds a bicycle while requiring minimal disassembly thereof.

Abstract: A cigarette package is dimensioned to hold an array of cigarettes in multiple rows and comprises a plurality of vertical walls defining a hexagon in cross-section. The walls are dimensioned to bear against an array of cigarettes in the package and having the same cross-sectional shape as the package. The package has a distinctive external appearance while permitting twenty or twenty-five cigarettes to be accommodated in three or four rows in the array.

Abstract: A high-precision liquid reagent delivery system is provided for convenient and efficient gravity flow delivery of substantially the entire volume of reagent contained within a sealed formed tray. The delivery system comprises a formed tray defining a curved cavity for holding a predetermined amount of liquid, and a substantially planar ledge surface defined around the cavity opening. The surfaces of the cavity are non-porous, uniform and smoothly converging to a point of liquid discharge at an intersection of the cavity and the ledge surface. The ledge surface further defines an apex extending longitudinally from the point of liquid discharge and defines a guide path for the delivery of liquid contained within the tray. The system also includes a flexible cover removably affixed to the ledge surface of the tray for forming a sealed chamber between the cavity and the affixed cover for containment of liquid.

Abstract: A multi-mode playball whose components are a shaped casing of flexible material having an opening therein that is closable by a drawstring whose end portions, when the string is drawn, then extend from the closed opening, and a toy balloon, which in its uninflated state is insertable into the casing and when then inflated stretches to conform to the shape of the casing to create a pneumatic playball. The playball is operable in any one of three modes, the first being a ball mode in which the end portions of the drawn string are inserted into the casing before the balloon is inflated and the resultant pneumatic ball can then be thrown, kicked and bounced. In the second or bop mode, the pneumatic ball is tethered by the end portion of the drawstring whereby the ball can then be punched back and forth.

Abstract: An improved carrying case for personal articles wherein the case has a lower part and a cover hinged to the lower part. The lower part and cover forms a water-tight enclosure or case when a hasp releasably connects the outer end of the lower part to the cover. An inclined upper margin of the lower part carries a seal in a groove in the cover of the lower part. The concave outer surfaces for the case provide additional inner volume for containing a greater number of personal articles as well as the reinforcement of the case. An eyelet on the cover receives a nylon cord, string or thong so that the case can be worn around the neck. The hasp is of conventional design.

Abstract: A shipboard container for storing survival equipment at an above-deck location on seagoing vessel is provided, the container being of an elongated tube shape having an end cap at either end thereof, at least one of which is detachable or removable to allow access to the interior storage area of the container, the tube also having one or more flat panels to assist in stable storage against flat surfaces. The container is provided with a polypropylene rope tether secured to the detachable end cap, the tether being used to secure the container to the deck by wrapping the tether around the container and a handrail or other deck hardware, whereby the container may be readily and rapidly unleashed and taken overboard during an emergency situation. Reflective material and identifying indicia are also provided on an exterior surface of the container.

Abstract: An elongate, flexible storing or magazine element serves to receive at its outside ring travellers to be used in spinning or twisting machines. The storing element comprises a profiled strip composed of a retaining member and a back or spine member. The retaining member is positioned within the internal space of the ring travellers and the leg portions of the ring travellers are clamped at the retaining member. The back member is wider than the retaining member; it is positioned outside the ring travellers and serves as an abutment or stop for the leg portions of the ring travellers. This storing or magazine element permits each ring traveller to be individually retained and independently of the preceding and subsequent state and the number of ring travellers stored on the profiled strip.

Abstract: A lobster packaging and display unit that is preferably made of molded plastic material and free of any sharp edge or corner and comprises at least one and preferably two trays, each shaped and sized to receive and conform to a lobster and to display this lobster to best advantage.

Abstract: A multi-sided, invertible holder for beverage containers or the like comprises a hollow receptacle with a plurality of pairs of flat sides. A preferred embodiment is a hollow cube configuration having six flat sides. Four sides have holes through side walls; one side has a slot extending the length of the side wall; and another side has a hole through the side wall and a slot extending radially outward from the hole, and another side has a solid side wall. In use, the holder sits on a generally level surface and may be inverted such that any one of the side walls is on the top side to slidably receive a beverage container or other open top receptacle while the opposed bottom flat surface provides a stable supporting base. The invertible holder provides sufficient stability to prevent tipping or spilling the contents of the container.

Abstract: A one piece, spherical capsule with a hole through which products can be inserted and removed. The hole could accommodate an insert containing a separate product for vending two products in one container. Products will be sealed inside by a single tape seal with a pull tab. The capsule is designed to be dispensed in a bulk vending machine. Bulk vending machines usually dispense prizes or toys packaged in two piece capsules.

Abstract: A mouthguard that has an integral tethering strap is packaged by forming a loop at the distal end of the strap and then folding the strap back over the front of the U-shaped mouthguard body so as to nest the loop within the U-shaped body. The mouthguard is then ensealed in a transparent plastic clamshell enclosure. The enclosure is assembled to a paperboard carrier which contains cut-outs that are symmetrical about a line of folding for a flap portion of the carrier. When the flap is folded back onto the carrier, the margin of the clamshell is trapped. A second flap opposite the first one is also folded back onto the same side of the carrier as the first flap. The opposing faces of this second flap and the carrier contain a warranty card and a warranty certificate.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage apparatus comprises a housing with an automatically operated access door. A holder device disposed in the housing supports a plurality of specimen-containing ampules, while a conveyor moves the holder device, together with the plurality of ampules, through cooling fluid in the housing along a path preferably including a snaking portion with vertically extending folds. An inverted L-shaped cooling component with an opened upper side is disposed in the housing for maintaining the cooling fluid at a predetermined low temperature. An extraction mechanism disposed outside of the housing at the access door serves to remove a selectable ampule positioned in the housing in juxtaposition to the door.

Abstract: Trapezoidal sections are simultaneously heat sealed and cut from a long strip of sheet plastic folded over double or in tubular form. Cutting one long corner and inserting air opens the interior volume of the trapezoid. Crimping the long ends horizontally, with the trapezoidal plane held vertically, and heat sealing one bottom end forms a tent-shaped paint bag. The paint bags are placed in a molded tote tray and gang filled through the cut ends and a number of the cut ends heat sealed simultaneously by a bar sealer. The molded tote tray is also used to transport and display the paint bags. Each paint bag fits into a paint applicator having a tent-shaped receiving space directly contacting a paint pad with multiple holes. The paint bag is punctured and squeezed to supply paint continuously to the pad through the holes. A tubular sheet of plastic creates disposable paint bags filled through one of the bottom ends before sealing. Folded over plastic sheets create open-topped refillable paint bags.

Abstract: A pyramid cosmetic container of a pyramid structure which is divided into a top housing for retaining a lipstick and a base housing of truncated pyramid in shape including a plurality of compartments in slidable engagement therebetween thus enabling easy access to each of the articles stored therein and is aesthetically attractive.

Abstract: Wax-base or emollient-base cosmetic compositions may be provided as samples on carrying sheets by providing the carrying sheet with a window sheet having a hole therein to expose said cosmetic composition, and a cover sheet over said window sheet to protect said exposed composition from incidental contact.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful bottle for containing and pouring liquids comprising a body section having bottom, front, back and first and second sides, and a neck section, the first side including a lower section, and an upper elongated sloped shoulder section narrowing progressively to intersect the neck section at a first line of intersection, the second side including a lower section, and an upper sloped shoulder section narrowing progressively to intersect the neck section along a second line of intersection at a higher level on the neck than the first line of intersection; and each of the front and back including a lower section and an upper sloped section joining the edges of the first and second sides and intersecting the neck section.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing containers, the method comprising the steps of (a) extruding an elongate tube of plastics material, the tube having a rectangular outer cross-section and an elongate central cylindrical cavity; (b) cutting the tube transversely into a plurality of container body portions; (c) sealing a base to one end of each body portion; and (d) sealing a top to the other end of each body portion. The invention also provides apparatus for manufacturing containers, comprising an extrusion device for extruding an elongate tube of plastics material, the tube having a rectangular cross-section and an elongate central cylindrical cavity, a cutting device for cutting the tube transversely into a plurality of container body portions, a first sealing means for sealing a base to one end of each body portion and a second sealing means for sealing a top to the other end of each body portion.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a container made of a rigid tubular conformation. Each end of the tube is flattened at a substantial central portion to produce and provide a protruding end portion, and in this flattened and sloped end or portion at least one access aperture is formed. This aperture is selectively closed by a plug, valve or cap adapted to be secured in a fluid-tight manner in this container. Usually this container is made from thermoplastic pipe or tubing from three inches to more than two feet in diameter. The ends are sealed to prevent contamination or ingress of water and the like. The ends are sealed to keep contents from getting out. Hand holds may be formed where the ends are sealed. This tubular container is made with a small amount of tooling and minimum skills by the fabricator. These containers can and may be made economically with very short-run processes, and size extent and length may be changed easily.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrically conductive container with beveled edges and an improved blow molded carrier for efficiently storing and transporting such cases. The carrier has raised portions along its interior base which accommodate one or more of the containers. The invention is also directed to a process for storing electrically conductive containers, including blow-molding carrier means having beveled raised portions, and containers having beveled edges, and the insertion of the containers between adjacent raised portions of the carrier.

Abstract: A sprinkler head having a body portion with a fluid outlet port closed by a valve member retained in the closed position by a bulb of frangible material having three or more planar sides of uniform thickness and containing a heat-expansible fluid, the end of the bulb remote from the valve being supported by a deflector plate formed as part of a vertically adjustable three strut yoke depending from said body portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display receptacle for deciduous teeth in which transparent compartments for individual teeth are arranged in upper and lower arcuate rows along the facing rims of hingedly connected housing members. Each compartment opens to receive a particular tooth as it is lost by a child and is thereafter retained releasably closed. The main housing members are selectively spring biased to open or closed positions.

Abstract: A container and holder assembly especially adapted for containing baking soda including a hollow container adapted to be mounted in a vertical position, the container having an elongated, generally cylindrical handle of sufficient diameter to be easily grasped by the hand of the user, the elongated handle having an enlarged, generally rectangular upper portion integrally molded therewith having a threaded spout thereon and a cap which threads on said spout connected to a planar section on the upper end of the rectangular portion located at an angle with the longitudinal axis of the container. The container is made from a translucent or transparent material which permits visual observation of the amount of the level of contents which in the container.

Abstract: A false bottom in a cylindrical storage tank is formed from an array of two or more concentric series of inflated bags that individually have the shape of either an isosceles triangle or a truncated isosceles triangle.

Abstract: An endoscope container and support apparatus for supporting the control head and containing the flexible shaft of a fiber optic flexible endoscope, which apparatus is characterized by a container having an open top and a curved bottom designed to receive and contain the flexible shaft of the endoscope, with a stopper or plug closing the open top, a hollow yoke rest inserted through the stopper, with the upper end of the yoke rest shaped for supporting the control head of the endoscope, and a ring support fitted with telescoping legs for encircling and supporting the container.

Abstract: A case for storing a collection of toy vehicles or models which simulates the appearance of the steering wheel of a vehicle. The case includes top and bottom members, each having a circular profile, which mate in a clamshell manner. The members are connected together by a hinge mechanism which is secured in a closed position by a latch. An opening extends through the top and bottom members to form a carrying handle.

Abstract: A salt block product and method of making and using same of a type suitable for use in forming a brine for regenerating and rejuvenating water conditioning ion exchange beds comprising integral block of salt having a stake hole extending inwardly of one surface thereof within which a mass of a water soluble rejuvenating agent is disposed at a position spaced inwardly of the surface of the block. The rejuvenating agent can comprise one or an admixture of additive agents which are adapted to dissolve in the water during the dissolution of the salt block forming a brine containing the additive agent uniformly distributed therethrough. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a suitable closure is positioned in the stake hole outwardly of the additive agent to prevent deterioration thereof during shipment and storage which alternatively can be physically removed or is adapted to dissolve releasing the additive agent during the brine generating process.

Abstract: A serving kit and package for confections includes an unfilled ice cream cone nested in the bottom of a conformally shaped conical jacket which is scored for separation along an annular line located below the rim of the ice cream cone. The upper end of the cone jacket is shaped to receive a snap-on lid, the latter being supplied together with a spoon or other eating utensil to complete the serving kit. Frozen dessert above the cone rim can be eaten with the spoon and then the package can be separated to consume the filled ice cream cone in a conventional manner.