Abstract: A container for packaging can include an insert removably inserted therein. The insert can include a planar first layer proximate a bottom of the box. The first layer can include a plurality of cut-outs extending therethrough. A second layer can be spaced-apart from the first layer. The second layer can include a central portion, a first wing, and a second wing. The central portion of the second layer can be positioned between the first wing and the second wing of the second layer. A third layer can be spaced-apart from the second layer. The third layer can include a central portion, a first wing, and a second wing. The central portion of the third layer can be positioned between the first wing and the second wing of the third layer.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing golf balls is disclosed. Balls are received into a cylindrical tube, and are supported on a shelf that extends inwardly at a dimension that retains the balls when they are stacked vertically. Balls are removed through a forward opening.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments described herein, an apparatus may hold and retain glass articles during processing. The apparatus may comprise a base frame comprising a bottom support plate and a plurality of ware keepers positioned on the bottom support plate. Each ware keeper of the plurality of ware keepers may comprise a plurality of retention bodies formed from wire segments and defining a ware receiving volume therebetween. Each retention body may comprise one or more of a base connection stem, a seat segment, a body segment, a retention segment, and a lever segment. The seat segments of the retention bodies may form a ware seat positioned above and substantially parallel to the bottom support plate. According to another embodiment, an assembly may comprise a plurality of magazine apparatus.

Abstract: A tiered storage system for refrigerator door bins is established by providing an insert between opposing side walls of the bin, with the insert including a raised platform arranged spaced from a bottom wall of the bin. The insert is positioned such that the platform extends only part way from a rear wall to a front wall of the bin and maintained in this operational or in-use position by retainer structure acting between the bin and the insert. The insert also includes an upstanding front panel extending upward from a front end portion of the platform, with the upstanding panel extending between the opposing side walls of the bin, to prevent food containers stored on the platform from toppling upon movement of the refrigerator door.

Abstract: A billiard rack is provided that includes a frame that extends around an interior space that is configured to receive a set of billiard balls resting on a bed of a billiard table. A bottom side of the frame includes a lower opening in which the upper portions of the set of billiard balls are able to extend therein. The frame also includes an inner wall having at least one cam surface that extends at least partially around the interior space and that tapers inwardly in directions from the lower opening to an upper opening. When the frame is placed on the set of billiard balls resting on the bed of the billiard table, the at least one cam surface is configured to contact all of the peripheral billiard balls of the set of billiard balls; and urge the set of billiard balls together without the rack contacting the billiard table.

Abstract: In one preferred form of the present invention there is provided a crutch holder 10 for holding a crutch 12. The crutch holder 10 comprises a body 14 providing a cavity 16 for receiving an end 18 of the crutch 12. A plurality of holding elements 22 are movably mounted relative to the body 14 and adapted to move from a first position 24 to a second position 26 in response to the end 18 being received so as to assist with maintaining the crutch 20 in an upright position.

Abstract: A baseball and softball equipment organizer includes a base with front and back surfaces, at least one hingable element attached to the front surface of the base with at least one arm rotatably coupled to the hingable element and at least one hook attached to the back surface of the base for removable attachment of the organizer to a chain link fence. The at least one arm can rotate from a first position generally parallel to the base to a second position generally orthogonal to the base. The outside surface of at least one arm can include a gripping material to organize batting gloves and other sports items. A method of using the organizer is described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modified set of gloves, system, and method of glove removal and retention that is particularly well suited for, but not limited to, tactical situations (i.e. fast-roping) and action sports environments. In one embodiment, the glove(s) feature at least one catch between at least two fingers of the glove(s). Preferably, the catch defines a mechanism for rapidly removing and retaining the glove(s). Further disclosed is a system for removing the glove(s) featuring a garment with an attached anchor, such as a carabineer or a hook. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor is positioned in the sternum area of the vest and glove wearer. Operably, a user moves the gloved hand(s) down and over the anchor to place the catch on the anchor so that the continued movement of the user's hands rapidly removes and stores the glove(s) via the anchor.

Abstract: A golf ball marker display device. At least one display face includes a plurality of reclined cavities that are cut into the display face. Each of the reclined cavities includes a finger access area. Each reclined cavity holds a plurality of golf ball markers in a fashion such that as the front most golf ball marker is removed the remaining golf ball markers remain stacked in an orderly presentation. A golf ball marker is removed by fingers reaching into the finger access area, grabbing the golf ball marker and then removing the golf ball marker from the reclined cavity. In a preferred embodiment there are four display faces arranged in the general shape of a pyramid to form a pyramid display face. The pyramid display face is preferably rigidly connected to a rotating base.

Abstract: A tennis score device includes a body and multiple ball blocks. One end of the long axis of the body is pivotally connected with a supporting rod, so that the body can rotate with respect to the supporting rod. Both sides of the body are formed with an accommodating recess, respectively. Each of the ball blocks has a connecting base and a ball base connected to the corresponding connecting base. Each of the ball blocks are mounted in sequence in the accommodating recesses on both sides of the body via the connecting base. For each of the ball blocks, the side of the ball base opposite to the connecting base has at least one concave ball area for holding a ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixing apparatus for ball lens used for facilitating installation of concentrator solar cell receiver module. The present invention can finish installing the fixing base for ball lens at a time and positioning the ball lens rapidly and accurately. It can also control the distance between the ball lens and the solar cell excellently. In addition, the present invention further has the function of sheltering the circuit of concentrator solar cell receiver module. When off-axis illumination of sunlight occurs, direct illumination of sunlight on, and consequently high-temperature burnout of, the circuit can be avoided. Thereby, the lifetime of the circuit can be extended effectively and the probability of failure can be reduced as well.

Abstract: A bocce ball game caddy for removably retaining bocce ball game components. The caddy includes a plurality of racks supported by posts in vertically spaced relation. Each of the racks supporting at least one retainer adapted to removably support the bocce ball game components.

Abstract: A lid holder device is disclosed. The lid holder device includes a cupped holding portion that has a bottom collection portion and 4 curved indentures that are positioned to hold and accommodate a pot lid and one or more other kitchen utensils in an upright position to collect and contain condensation and material from the pot lid and the one or more other kitchen utensils and a base is attached and disposed underneath the bottom collection portion of the cupped holding portion to support the cupped holding portion, wherein the cupped holding portion and the base form the lid holder device into one piece.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric additives for concrete formed of a polyoxymethylene (POM) copolymer. POM copolymers can be utilized to form fibrous additives for concrete, i.e., microfibers and/or macrofibers. The POM copolymers can include one or more chemical groups, e.g., end groups and/or pendant groups that can increase the polarity of the POM and increase the hydrophilicity of the formed fibers, which can improve miscibility of the fibers in wet concrete. Chemical groups of the POM copolymers can bond with components of the concrete or can hydrolyze to form groups that can bond with components of the concrete, e.g., form covalent or noncovalent (e.g., electrostatic or ionic) bonds with one or more components of the concrete binder.

Abstract: A packaging is provided for the transport, storage and display of rounded articles. The packaging may include an elongated arm, a gripping portion and a mounting portion. The packaging may be configured to be stacked onto other packagings of like structure. The packaging may also be configured for mounting to a vertical surface.

Abstract: A display for an article of sports memorabilia, where the display is configured to resemble a seat from a sports venue at a substantially reduced scale. The display includes a generally horizontal shelf member for receiving an article of sports memorabilia, and a support structure for supporting the shelf member at a raised elevation. The display is particularly useful for displaying various hems of sports memorabilia and other similar collectibles, including balls, pucks, and sports equipment.

Abstract: A ball display case has base and a cover that is securable to the base. When the cover is secured to the base, the cover and base at least partially enclose a space for holding a ball. The case has a pedestal for supporting a ball in the enclosed space. The elevation of the pedestal relative to the base is optionally adjustable. An irreversible lock is adapted for selective application to at least one of the base and the cover such that the lock assumes a locking position that prevents non-destructive removal of the cover from the base. One suitable lock includes a plate having a plurality of recessed areas spaced radially about the plate and a plurality of posts extending away from the plate. Each post is in general radial alignment with one of the recessed areas of the plate and spaced radially inward from the recessed area.

Abstract: A stand, separable into parts, that can support substantially spherical objects such as pumpkins, melons, or balls; or those somewhat conical objects such as planters which have a top circumference greater in size than its lower circumference (the “load”) is disclosed. The stand includes a girdle that supports the load, at least two rigid leg segments that reversibly attach to the girdle, and, in a preferred embodiment, at least two rigid or semi-flexible arm segments also reversibly attached to the girdle. The body of the load is not pierced by the stand. When assembled, the stand combined with a load forms a vaguely humanoid structure. When not in use, the stand is capable of being disassembled and stored in a relatively compact form.

Abstract: An increased capacity portable retriever for collecting and dispensing tennis balls utilized on a flat surface comprising a horizontally elongated container having a front retrieving section with a top handle, a rear collecting section pivotably supported by two wheels coaxially mounted at a bottom wall and a front wall dispensing opening with a cover. The front retrieving section contains bottom parallel rods spaced from each other a distance smaller than the tennis ball diameter. The container has horizontal retrieving and vertical dispensing positions. The container includes a compartment capacity regulating element for dispensing balls individually. First method of retrieving, collecting and dispensing tennis balls includes repetitive transferring a substantial group of balls from the retrieving section towards the collecting section.

Abstract: A table tennis caddy for mounting to a table tennis table includes a table tennis net assembly including a net mounted on a net frame. The net frame includes a net post extending upward. An outside connection mechanism underneath the net frame is disposed toward an exterior portion of the net frame. An inside connection mechanism underneath the net frame is disposed toward an interior portion of the net frame. A ball rack is mounted underneath the net frame. The ball rack is connected between the outside connection mechanism and the inside connection mechanism. A frame hook member connects to a bottom portion of the net frame.

Abstract: An organization system for a series of objects to be sequentially run downhole is disclosed. The preferred objects are spheres of progressively larger diameter put into a wellbore to land at discrete locations for operation of ports in a given sequence so that a specific producing zone or zones can be completed in increments that preferably go in an uphole direction as progressively larger spheres are inserted. In the preferred embodiment the process is fracturing where a series of ported subs are operated to selectively open for the fracture procedure at a specific location and then close or become isolated when another sphere is dropped. Optionally the balls can be recovered at the surface when production starts. The organizer prevents size confusion and gives a ready feedback as to the progress of a given job. Trays can be stacked and carried in a carrying case.

Abstract: A convertible back bar is provided. In one embodiment, a convertible back bar comprises a mirror, a body configured to support the mirror, a shelf, and a billiard ball storage tray. The shelf and the billiard ball storage tray are interchangibly attachable to upper and lower ends of the body. Other embodiments are disclosed, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or together in combination.

Abstract: A pool clip for detachably connecting to a support surface may include a first clamp holding member for clamping to the support surface, a second clamp holding member for cooperating with the first clamp holding member for clamping to the support surface, a biasing device for biasing the first clamp holding member and the second clamp holding member, and each of the first clamp holding member and the second clamp holding member having a billiard cue holding surface adapted for holding multiple billiard cues of varying diameters and lengths. The first clamp holding member may include an aperture for cooperating with an insert member, and the insert member may include a depression area adapted for cooperating with a cue ball.

Abstract: An athletic ball organizer and a method for storing athletic balls. The athletic ball organizer includes a plurality of ball cradles that are adapted to retain an athletic ball. The organizer is adapted to be hung in a vertical orientation using support straps, whereby the ball cradles are vertically spaced-apart. This enables a user to remove an athletic ball from the organizer without moving an adjacent ball, and to replace the athletic ball in a similar fashion.

Abstract: A ball dispenser having a plurality of connecting members and a plurality of basic sections, each connecting member dimensioned for a particular ball size, and each basic section having a triangular portion, vertical portion, and rectangular portion. When two or more basic sections are integrally connected together by means of varying sized connecting members, a funnel section, column section, and bin section are formed. This allows a number of balls to be placed into the funnel section at the top of the ball dispenser, and to fall one at a time through the column section, and into the bin section. Ball dispenser is designed to be affixed to a wall and to rest on a floor so that the wall and floor provide the back and bottom of the ball dispenser. Additional equipment storage may be affixed to the ball dispenser.

Abstract: A mountable ball holder comprises a receiving member and a cover. The receiving member has resilient first, second, and third arcuate members that define a ball receiving area. The first, second, and third arcuate members each lie in a separate plane and converge to form a mounting portion. The mounting portion has at least one attachment member for securing an external surface of the mounting portion to a support structure. The cover is secured to an internal surface of the mounting portion such that the cover conceals the at least one attachment member.

Abstract: A sports equipment storage rack for supporting a variety of sports equipment in an off the ground position includes an elongated cylindrically shaped body of a wire type cage construction that is sized to hold a plurality of spherically shaped balls and has an arcuately shaped top portion for receiving the balls and a bottom portion that is arcuately formed to provide a ramp for discharging the balls from the rack.

Abstract: An athletic ball organizer and a method for storing athletic balls. The athletic ball organizer includes a plurality of ball cradles that are adapted to retain an athletic ball. The organizer is adapted to be hung in a vertical orientation using support straps, whereby the ball cradles are vertically spaced-apart. This enables a user to remove an athletic ball from the organizer without moving an adjacent ball, and to replace the athletic ball in a similar fashion.

Abstract: A moveable ball cart having a lower receptacle and an upper receptacle vertically stacked and spaced, with the top of each being open. Each of the receptacles is accessible through its top and through a vertically hinged door in a sidewall that pivots horizontally. The receptacles also have a floor sloped toward the door, to facilitate removal of balls from the cart.

Abstract: A golf ball display includes a display plate having a display field that includes information relating to a commemorative golf ball, and a bracket attached to the display plate for detachably securing the display plate to the commemorative golf ball. The display plate is sized to be largely hidden behind the commemorative golf ball when the golf ball is viewed head-on. The bracket that secures the display plate to the golf ball defines a curved inner surface having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of a golf ball and a length dimension that is greater than one half of the circumference of a golf ball. The display plate may be separately engraved or may be affixed with a data label that includes information associated with the commemorative golf ball such as a location of the golf course, a date that golf game was played, a player's score, and a subjective rating of the golf course.

Abstract: A rack for storing billiard balls including a base having a first engagement surface. The rack also includes an elongated billiard ball holder defining an elongated central space configured to support a plurality of billiard balls in contact with one another in a row. The billiard ball holder includes an opening to the elongated central space such that billiard balls can be inserted into the central space through the opening. The billiard ball can be tilted to roll the stored billiard balls through the opening. The billiard ball holder has a second engagement surface configured to removably engage the first engagement surface of the base and retain the billiard ball holder in a generally upright position wherein the elongated central space extends generally vertically. The billiard ball holder is removable from the base to facilitate transport of the billiard ball holder and stored balls to an associated billiards table.

Abstract: A method for preheating golf ball covers prior to painting. The process comprises forming a golf ball with a cover, then heating the cover from about 90° F. to about 150° F. for 1 to 3 hours in a heated enclosure prior to applying a coat of primer or paint to the ball. This is done to accelerate the evaporation of paint solvents, immediately after the paint is applied. The painted balls are subsequently dried in a heated enclosure at about 105° F. to 108° F. All additional coats of primer or paint are applied in a similar fashion, wherein the balls are painted while still in the heated state and not cooled down.

Abstract: A display apparatus for baseball bats provides a receiver having a plurality of bat support apertures arranged in descending positions from a rear surface of the receiver to a front surface of the receiver. The apertures are accessed from side surfaces of the receiver for inserting and removing baseball bats into the apertures for storage therein. A U-shaped locking bar is hinged distally at the side surfaces of the receiver for vertical rotation between a raised position allowing access to the baseball bats stored in the receiver, and a lowered position preventing access to the bats. The locking bar is therefore positionable along both of the sides of the receiver for blocking the apertures. A lock may be placed for preventing the locking bar from being raised.

Abstract: A holder for creamers having a tapered side wall, the holder comprising a housing having supporting members or feet extending downwardly therefrom, a plurality of openings in the housing, each being sized to retain a dairy creamer inserted therein, and a central opening located in a central portion of the housing such that a carrier may be used to transport a plurality of holders and the holder may be placed on a display stand at the table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preheating golf balls prior to painting. The process includes forming golf balls with covers, heating, coating, and further heating the golf balls in a heated enclosure. The apparatus includes a ventilated holding tray that in addition to supporting the golf balls with a minimum of contact between balls and tray will allow for a thorough flow of heat about the balls for quick and uniform heating. This also will aid in reducing blemishes to the golf balls, by suspending freshly painted golf balls on conical pins set at right angles to the balls, thereby reducing the physical contact between the tray and freshly painted golf balls. The tray comprises replaceable ball support inserts. The inserts will generally be made from injection molded plastic and will be friction-fitted to the tray, and if damaged can be easily and inexpensively replaced.

Abstract: A rack for storing billiard balls including a base having a first engagement surface. The rack also includes an elongated billiard ball holder defining an elongated central space configured to support a plurality of billiard balls in contact with one another in a row. The billiard ball holder includes an opening to the elongated central space such that billiard balls can be inserted into the central space through the opening. The billiard ball can be tilted to roll the stored billiard balls through the opening. The billiard ball holder has a second engagement surface configured to removably engage the first engagement surface of the base and retain the billiard ball holder in a generally upright position wherein the elongated central space extends generally vertically. The billiard ball holder is removable from the base to facilitate transport of the billiard ball holder and stored balls to an associated billiards table.

Abstract: A sports equipment storage rack may include a contained storage area and an upper shelf that is connected to a lower shelf by a plurality of risers and sockets. The upper shelf may include one or more hook/holder portions having at least one slot for resting elongate items and at least one hook for hanging items, and the lower shelf may include one or more retaining portions for securing the elongate items in the slots. The contained storage area is located between the upper and the lower shelf and is capable of storing large and numerous objects.

Abstract: A rack for storing billiard balls including a base having a first engagement surface. The rack also includes an elongated billiard ball holder defining an elongated central space configured to support a plurality of billiard balls in contact with one another in a row. The billiard ball holder includes an opening to the elongated central space such that billiard balls can be inserted into the central space through the opening. The billiard ball can be tilted to roll the stored billiard balls through the opening. The billiard ball holder has a second engagement surface configured to removably engage the first engagement surface of the base and retain the billiard ball holder in a generally upright position wherein the elongated central space extends generally vertically. The billiard ball holder is removable from the base to facilitate transport of the billiard ball holder and stored balls to an associated billiards table.

Abstract: A golf ball stacking and dispensing apparatus comprising a hopper having two pyramidal shells each of different dimensions. Each of the shells is truncated and has a respective open substantially rectangular rim defining a respective open base of a different dimension than that of the other. The shells are joined together where each is truncated so as to converge together and define a funnel opening between the shells. Each of the shells is configured to form a self-supporting stack of golf balls atop each other as a stacking tray closes the open base of one of the shells and the golf balls are poured through the other of the shells. A method of forming different size pyramidal stacks of golf balls by pouring golf balls through one pyramidal shell of a hopper to fill the other pyramidal shell thereof.

Abstract: Herein is provided a display device for golfing-related items comprising a housing defining a periphery; a plurality of golf ball channels partially open to said periphery and receiving golf balls therein such that said golf balls are viewable through the portion of the golfball channels that opens to said periphery; and at least one item-retaining member selected from the group consisting of a score card slot retaining scorecards, a bore retaining ball markers, a pencil slot retaining score card pencils, a business card slot retaining business cards, and means retaining a divot repair tool.

Abstract: A display assembly for supporting an object includes three loops, each loop formed from an elongated flexible element. Each loop is formed so as to define an apex. The apices of the three loops define a plane. The three loops are non-linear and are in secured relation to one another by a retaining member. The loops form a petal like support.

Abstract: A tray for stacking and dispensing golf balls, comprising (a) a base frame having a substantially rectangular central region bounded by a peripheral region, (b) a plurality of rails in the central region, and (c) a plurality of resting surfaces also in the central region. The peripheral region including two pairs of opposing and elongated sides forming a substantially rectangular boundary of the central region and that are perpendicular to each other. The rails and resting surfaces are arranged relative to each other such that neighboring rails are separated from each other by a resting surface and neighboring resting surfaces are separated from each other by a rail. Each of the rails has a convex curvature as viewed from the top side of the tray. In addition, each of the rails has an associated apex, the apexes of the plurality of the rails being in a common tangential plane with each other.

Abstract: A display for an article of sports memorabilia, where the display is configured to resemble a seat from a sports venue at a substantially reduced scale. The display includes a generally horizontal shelf member for receiving an article of sports memorabilia, and support means for supporting the shelf member at a raised elevation. The display is particularly useful for displaying various items of sports memorabilia and other similar collectibles, including balls, pucks, and sports equipment.

Abstract: A ball holder for supporting a ball includes a hoop portion and a bracket portion. A preferred embodiment includes means for supporting a football, means for mounting to various support surfaces, means for supporting an air pump, and means for storing needle valves.

Abstract: A display assembly for supporting an object includes three loops, each loop formed from an elongated flexible element. Each loop is formed so as to define an apex. The apices of the three loops define a plane. The three loops are non-linear and are in secured relation to one another by a retaining member. The loops form a petal like support.

Abstract: A multi-level support stand (10) including an enlarged base member (20) having a central aperture (21) that is dimensioned to receive the closed lower end (31) of an elongated cylindrical support member (30) having an open end (32) and an interior receptacle (33); wherein, the elongated cylindrical support member (303) is dimensioned to be received through central apertures (42) formed in a plurality of support tray members (40) (40′) (40″) each having an upper surface provided with a plurality of recesses (43) and downwardly depending stem elements (41) which vertically space the support tray members (40) (40′) etc., from the base member (20) and each other in a rotatable relationship with the cylindrical support member (30).

Abstract: A ball bracket for holding basketballs, footballs, and the like. The ball bracket includes three arcuate members and a means for securing the ball bracket to a supporting structure. Two of the arcuate members are coplanar forming a semicircle. The third arcuate member perpendicularly intersects the semicircle formed by the first two arcuate members at its mid point. The means for securing the ball bracket to the supporting structure is comprised of a rigid plate which lies in a plane tangent to the mid point of the semicircle formed by the first two arcuate members. The semicircle and the third arcuate member are all rigidly attached and arc away from the plate. The present invention additionally provides a ball bracket which includes at least two arcuate members independent of one another and a means for securing the ball bracket to a supporting structure. All arcuate members terminate at a common point on and arc away from the means for securing the ball bracket to a supporting structure.

Abstract: A holder for a plurality of baseballs, softballs, or other types of balls. The holder is preferably comprised of three generally tubular support members that are joined together at their midsections, diverge outwardly and downwardly at their lower sections to form legs, and diverge outwardly and upwardly at their upper sections to form support arms. A cord is attached to the outer or upper ends of the support arms to form a cord hoop, and a net is suspended at its upper edges from the cord hoop. The net extends downwardly and is substantially closed at its bottom, thereby forming a ball receptacle.

Abstract: A support stand that allows a decorative display of a balloon in combination with flowers, wine, or any object that the user chooses to include. The device includes a support structure utilized in combination with a netting and a balloon. The support structure includes an upper disk attached to a lower disk by means of four elongated rods. The upper disk includes a large central hole to receive and support the balloon. The lower disk is essentially solid, but includes a plurality of radial slots. The slots are used to receive and secure a net or other fabric used as a cover to hold the balloon in place. The rods of the support structure define an interior display space that may be used to hold flowers, a bottle of wine, or some other object intended for display with the balloon stand.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general display devices, and more specifically, provides a method and apparatus for a spring tensioned golf ball display and showcase. Specifically, described herein is a golf ball display mechanism comprising at least two bases, one having a stationary holding member and the other having a spring loaded holding member. The spring loaded member is loosely inserted into the first base and preferrably has a wooden compressor at its end positioned adjacent to a coil spring. The second member is firmly affixed within a second base. These bases are intended to be positioned opposite each other such that the member are axially opposed. Therefore, when the spring loaded member is depressed, the space between the two members is widened in order to insert the item to be displayed. Once the item is in position, the spring loaded member is released, thereby securely holding the item in place and on display.