Abstract: A reusable coin holder, counter and sorter, known as COINSMETER™ utilizes inexpensive semi-disposable packaging technology. In each half of a semi-elastic plastic material, at least one grove is provided in the shape of half cylinder. When the two halves are closed, a cylinder or a number of cylinders are created. Each cylinder has a scaled line(s) for indicating the amount of coins vertically stacked in the cylindrical columns. Coins may be inserted through a slot at the top of each cylinder. The diameter of the cylindrical columns may be slightly bigger than the diameter of the coins. The two meeting sections may be connected from a solid base portion of the article. The present invention also includes a handle and stand for supporting the coin holder. In another embodiment, a carrying case for multiple coin holders may be provided to store and carry coins in a secure manner.

Abstract: A container assembly comprises a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first continuous body portion and a first rim. The rim has a first plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that first spaces are formed between adjacent ribs. The second container includes a second continuous body portion and a second rim. The rim has a second plurality of ribs projecting generally upwardly therefrom such that second spaces are formed between adjacent ribs. The second rim and the first rim are shaped substantially the same. The first container and the second container are adapted to be releasably lockable to each other by fitting the first plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective second spaces and fitting the second plurality of upwardly-projecting ribs into respective first spaces. The first container may be shaped substantially the same as the second container.

Abstract: The table serving tray may be a pair of tray elements that are interlocked together at an adjoining wall portion of a wall that is attached to a base. The adjoining wall portion of each tray may have an approximately semicircular cross section lip interlocking element on a portion of an upper edge of the adjoining wall portion. Each adjoining wall portion may have a centrally disposed channel that form a hole when the pair of tray elements are interlocked to place the tray on a table and around an upstanding projection thereof.

Abstract: Container for electronic apparatus and for tools of one's own or professional use, characterized in that it comprises:—an openable case made up of a first half-shell (2) and a second half-shell (3) which are disposed substantially coplanar and connected to each other via a relevant hinge (4) in correspondence of a common corner, so that they can be disposed at least in a closed configuration in which they are juxtaposed, and an open position in which they are stretched apart;—at least a movable plane (5) able to be positioned internally of said half-shells (2, 3);—means for guiding the movement of said plane (5) relative to said half-shells (2, 3), which means consist of projections or pins (6) slidingly fitted within corresponding guides or slots (7, 8).

Abstract: A casing for the protection of an article contained within the casing is described, the protective casing comprising: at least two casing members which are assemblable to constitute a casing having an internal volume to receive the article, each of said at least two casing members comprising: an outer skin of fiber reinforced plastics material having a plurality of layers of reinforcing fibers in a plastics material matrix; an inner skin of fiber reinforced plastics material having a plurality of layers of reinforcing fibers in a plastics material matrix; a filling of a low density core material in a space between the outer and inner skin members; sealing means disposed in the joint face between said at least two casing members; and fastener means to hold said at least two members together.

Abstract: There is provided a container having both male and female sealing regions disposed about its periphery in a pattern making it possible to seal a container with another container having substantially identical sealing regions. The male sealing regions used in the practice of the present invention may take the form of a U-shaped ridge which is undercut along at least one leg of the U in a radial direction. Typically, a container will be thermoformed from lightweight thermoplastic material giving the U-shaped ridge considerable flexibility. The female sealing regions used in the practice of the invention may take the form of an undercut channel adapted to receive and match the undercut U-shaped ridges found in the male portion of the container wherein the walls and base of the channel are sufficiently flexible that the undercut portions of the U-shaped ridge are urged into engagement with the undercut portions of the channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container having a tub body (2; 36) with a bottom (3), a side wall (4), and a lid (5; 37) with top wall (6) and side wall (7). The side walls of both the container and the lid have complementary flanged rims that can fit together by snap engagement with one another. The rim (8) of the body of the container has, in sequence, a first flat flange section (11) extending outwards on the one hand, integral with the side wall (4) of the body of the container and, on the other hand, an inwardly bent section (12) at least partly extending over said flat section (11), an intermediate outwardly convex section (13), a second flat flanged section (14) substantially parallel to the first flat section (11), and a protruding terminal volute-shaped section (15) delimiting an uninterrupted undercut recess (16) with the second flat section (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers and their use in an automatic vending machine that vends articles of frozen confectionery. The vending machine includes an outer body, an outer door, and an environment-controlled chamber. The containers are of cylindrical, quasi-cylindrical or polyhedral shape to contain the frozen confectionery. The machine has an environment-controlled chamber maintained at about −18° C. and has insulating panels and an inner door, the machine being maintained by a refrigeration system and a defrost system. Within the chamber are vertical compartments for the storage of stacked containers, a dispensing device, and a discharge hopper leading to an outlet tray. In the outer door there are product selection and cash box mechanisms that monitors not only the amount or number of articles of frozen confectionery but also the amount of money inserted and dispensed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an interchangeable one-piece disposable foil pan/lid having a continuous side wall and a rim surrounding the pan/lid. The side wall is preferably inclined and preferably has a scalloped profile of equally sized scallops. The base wall preferably has circular scalloped raised and recessed portions. The rim has a pair of handles with a rolled-over bead on the periphery of the rim and if desired on the periphery of the handles. The handles extend on opposite ends of the pan/lid and one handle has a relatively long female detent and the other handle has a corresponding relatively long male detent. This preferred configuration provides my interchangeable disposable aluminum foil pan/lid with the desired ease of attaching the interchangeable lid to the interchangeable pan and gives the joined pair stability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a housing assembly of a portable electronic device. The housing assembly includes the first housing having a clasp and the second housing having a clasp and a clip. The first and second plates have latches and are slidably disposed on the first housing respectively. When the first and second housing are assembled together, the clasps on the first and second housings are joined together. Subsequently, the first and second plates slide and the clips are coupled to the latches. The first and second plates may be replaced by a U-shape plate. The U-shape plate is slidably disposed on the first housing and has a latch. When the first and second housing are assembled together, the clasps on the first and second housings are joined together. Subsequently, the U-shape plate slides and the clip is coupled to the latch.

Abstract: A food container sealing structure is constructed to include a container body having a peripheral coupling flange, and a cover having a peripheral coupling flange coupled to the coupling flange of the container body to seal the container body, the coupling flange of the container body having endless concave portions respectively formed in horizontal section and vertical section thereof, the coupling flange of the cover having endless convex portions respectively formed in horizontal section and vertical section thereof and respectively engaged into the endless concave portions of the container body.

Abstract: A frying pan, which has a double-sealed structure and is designed for controlling internal pressure and moisture, has first and second containers, which are combined each other at one ends and have a handle mounted at the other ends, and also includes a concave groove formed on a contact surface of any of the first and second containers, and a packing mounted in the concave groove.

Abstract: A storage box includes an upper cover integrally connected at a rear edge to a lower cover. The upper and the lower covers are provided along their peripheral edges with a recess and a flange, respectively, that engage with each other when the upper cover is closed onto the lower cover. Upper and lower marginal belts surrounding the recess and the flange, respectively, are provided with projections, so that a gap always exists between the two marginal belts to facilitate easy opening of the upper cover relative to the lower cover. The recess and the flange are provided with tongues that abut on each other to lock the upper cover to the lower cover but allow a fit clearance between the recess and the flange, so that the upper and the lower covers would not become stuck at the recess and the flange.

Abstract: A plate container with detachable cover is disclosed. The container includes a base in the form of a plate and a cover. The plate and the cover include first and second closure portions, respectively, which are engageable with each other to maintain the cover in a secure position relative to the base and also forms a substantially leak-proof seal. The cover can include gripping tabs for facilitating the separation of the cover from the base and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, machine dishwashing, and freezer use.

Abstract: A plate container with detachable cover is disclosed. The container includes a base in the form of a plate and a cover. The plate and the cover include first and second closure portions, respectively, which are engageable with each other to maintain the cover in a secure position relative to the base and also forms a substantially leak-proof seal. The cover can include gripping tabs for facilitating the separation of the cover from the base and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, machine dishwashing, and freezer use.

Abstract: A sanitary glove container assembly and a method for its use that permits the storage of sanitary gloves. The assembly comprises two rounded, hollow members with threaded openings, and the members are joined by a securing mechanism. The area of the openings is smaller than the cross sectional area of the hollow members such that gloves will not fall out inadvertently. The user may individually encapsulate one glove in each hollow member in a manner in order to allow for easy access to the gloves, allow for easy loading of the device, prevent tangling of the gloves, and ensure cleanliness of the glove before use.

Abstract: A food storage container has a base with a bottom surface and a wall extending upward from a base perimeter of the bottom surface. The wall terminates at a top edge and defines an open top of the base. A rim extends at least partially around the base and extends radially outward from the upstanding wall. A lid is removably received over the open top of the base. The lid has a generally horizontal section with a lid perimeter that engages the top edge of the wall. An opening tab extends radially outward from part of the lid perimeter a sufficient distance to define an exposed tab segment adjacent a portion of the rim.

Abstract: A thin-walled laminated synthetic resin body for a liquid container according to the invention comprises first and second thin-walled synthetic resin layers (10, 20), each having a curved surface portion (11, 21) and a projection (12, 22) extending outwardly from a predetermined region at an edge of the curved surface portion (11, 21). The first and second layers (10, 20) are laminated to each other with the curved surface portions (11, 21) bulging out in the same direction, are integrated with each other at the edges (13, 23) of the curved surface portions (11, 21) and projections (12, 22), and are separable from each other at regions exclusive of the edges (13, 23). When a liquid is charged, the curved surface portion (21) of one of the first and second layers (20) is separated from the curved surface portion (11) of the other layer (10) and reversed.

Abstract: A food container preferably for heated food, has a lid member and a base member. The base member has complimentary embossed portions in the bottom of the base member to engage a complimentary indented portion in the top surface of the lid member. The retaining mechanism allows containers to be stacked so as to secure each container while allowing steam to escape from the lid of a container. Also, a fluid return system retains fluid in the container and promotes flow of fluid into the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A plastic food container has a lid and a base, each of which has a flange and an inverted U-shaped rim. The flanges and rims mate to form four seals with the rim forming a large horizontal seal and two air pockets between seals to allow for easy opening.

Abstract: A storage container, such as a tackle box, with well protected latches and hinges which can be easily repaired if they are damaged. The front latches and rear hinges preferably use inserts which are formed separately from the upper and lower tackle box trays. The rear hinge insert, for example, preferably takes the form of a U-shaped piece of molded plastic with a thinned plastic section in its middle to act as an internal hinge for the insert. The walls of this U-shaped insert are pressure fitted into slots formed into the interior of the upper and lower trays. The front latch insert is preferably formed from an approximately flat piece of plastic which has a bar at an open spaced end and a solid, flanged snap at the other end. Both the bar and the snap for this front insert are received into grooved catches which are formed onto both the upper and lower trays.

Abstract: There is provided a container having both male and female sealing regions disposed about its periphery in a pattern making it possible to seal a container with another container having substantially identical sealing regions. The male sealing regions used in the practice of the present invention may take the form of a U-shaped ridge which is undercut along at least one leg of the U. Typically, a container will be thermoformed from lightweight thermoplastic material giving the U-shaped ridge considerable flexibility. The female sealing regions used in the practice of the invention may take the form of an undercut channel adapted to receive and match the undercut U-shaped ridges found in the male portion of the container wherein the walls and base of the channel are sufficiently flexible that the undercut portions of the U-shaped ridge are urged into engagement with the undercut portions of the channel and the crest of the ridge is urged into the channel.

Abstract: A sealable food container includes a base serving member such as a bowl with a generally planar central portion, a sidewall and a flange. The sidewall defines an annular sealing region with an annular sealing portion, a stop ridge and a laterally extending retaining shelf. A lid is provided with a peripheral portion adapted to be retained by the annular base sealing portion and to be secured by the stop ridge. In one preferred embodiment, the lid is a planar paperboard lid provided with a tab and the annular sealing portion of the base is an undercut groove in its sidewall.

Abstract: Plastic trays used for baking shrink when in an oven such that lids which attached to the tray prior to baking no longer fit the tray after baking. Since the shrinkage of the tray is known for the temperature range expected during baking, a lid having two sets of locking tabs at different perimeters can be used to secure the lid to the tray. The first perimeter and locking tabs are used before the tray is baked and the second perimeter and locking tabs used after the tray baked. In this manner a tray with food therein can have a lid secured thereto before baking when the tray is one size and the same lid secured thereto after baking. The lid is removed during baking and reapplied after baking thus protecting the food in the tray before and after baking. Alternatively the tray may have two lid engaging perimeters for attaching the trays to the lids. The first tray perimeter used before baking and the second after baking. The lid would have one perimeter for engaging the tray before and after baking.

Abstract: A plastic food container has a lid and a base, each of which has a flange and an inverted U-shaped rim. The flanges and rims mate to form four seals with the rim forming a large horizontal seal and two air pockets between seals to allow for easy opening.

Abstract: An articulable container. The container is articulable from and between a first open position to a second closed position. In the first open position the container can receive product. Additionally, the user may dispense or display product from the container while it is in the first open position. In the second closed position, the container covers or encloses the product. The closed position is useful for storing the product or transporting the product between two points such as the point of manufacture to the point of use or sale. The container may take the form of a plate, bowl, tray, clam shell, shipping container, display device, or other known configurations.

Abstract: An underground storm shelter comprising a bottom section, expander section and a top section bolted together to form the shelter. The base section has a closed bottom while the top section has an access hatch formed in the upper end thereof. The base section, expander section and top section are bolted together at the installation site. The walls of the base section and the top section are tapered to enable the base section and the top section to be nested during shipment. The expander section may be slipped over the top section.

Abstract: A memory card casing includes a plastic framework, and upper and lower metal covers that could be conveniently assembled to two sides of the plastic framework. The metal covers are fastened to each other via fastening means spaced on perpendicular wall portions of the metal covers. Each of the fastening means includes first and second fastening plates. The plastic framework is provided with retaining means, each of which includes a neck portion inward projected from and perpendicular to inner wall surface of the plastic framework and an expanded head portion in front of the neck portion.

Abstract: A media holder mouse pad having an upper half casing and a bottom half casing that when sandwiched together forms a storage compartment therebetween for storing 3.5 inch floppy diskettes, CDs, DVDs, mini DVDs, and the like. In the diskettes/disk storage mode, the casing can be but not limited to triangular, rectangular, and polygonal shapes and can easily be placed in the mail and/or stored similar to traditional diskette/disc cases. The upper half casing and the bottom half casing can be completely separated and has connectors on their respective sides for allowing each half to be attached in a side by side arrangement so that it can be used as a work surface for supporting mouse pads, and the like. The arrangement is expandable so that other casing halves can be attached side by side so that a larger workplace surface can be formed for supporting other objects such as laptop computers and the like.

Abstract: An egg server for cooked eggsin the shell. The server includes a bottom wall from which a sidewall extends, to form an interior which partially receives an egg. An inclined support face is formed within the interior to accommodate a wide variety of egg sizes, increasing the usefulness of the server. The lower outer face of the server may be of reduced size to nest within the interior of another of the egg servers, permitting multiple egg servers to be placed in a stacked position for storage. An upper rim of the sidewall may have a shape which mates with itself in an inverted position, permitting the upper rims of two egg servers to abut when the upper of the two egg servers rest upon the other egg server in an inverted relationship referred to as an insulating position. In this insulating position the two egg servers combine to encase an egg, retaining its heat prior to serving.

Abstract: A closure device for joining a barrel and receptacle comprising a cylindrical barrel having a barrel lip at one end of the cylindrical barrel, and a barrel base at a second end of the cylindrical barrel, an outside surface having an outside diameter attaching the barrel base to the barrel lip, a plurality of substantially triangular projections disposed on the outside surface aligned along the barrel base, an annular depression adjacent the barrel lip, a cylindrical receptacle for receiving said cylindrical barrel having a receptacle lip at one end of the cylindrical receptacle and a receptacle base at a second end of the cylindrical receptacle, an inside surface having an inside diameter wherein the inside diameter is nominally equal to the outside diameter of said barrel, a plurality of substantially triangular indentations disposed on the inside surface aligned along the receptacle base having a reciprocal shape to the triangular projections disposed on the outside surface along aligned along the barrel ba

Abstract: A closeable shipping container for containment of a plurality of flowers with stems which includes separated protective bud-containing housings and/or separate stem supporting notched bridging or supporting members. The container is made of plastic, or other lightweight, but strong materials. The container is dimensioned so that the volume it occupies, per dozen flowers, is most economical to ship.

Abstract: A housing and a housing assembly method of a heating or air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle has at least two housing parts that can be sealingly connected to one another along their separating plane. The peripheries of each housing part has a tongue and groove connecting members. The two housing parts are held together with the tongue and groove connecting members by displacing the two housing parts linearly relative to one another along the separating plane so that the tongue and groove formed around the peripheries of the two housing parts sealingly connect together. Locks or latches are provided in the tongue and groove connection to prevent the housing parts from inadvertently displacing along the separating plane.

Abstract: An over-molded product, such as a container, and a method of manufacture. The product is primarily used for enclosing hazardous materials and is formed by utilizing a thermosetting plastic material in a reaction injection molding process at low temperature and pressure to envelop adjacent portions of two or more components to form the desired product. This provides a mechanical interface but avoids a chemical reaction which would degrade the components.

Abstract: A tub box for receiving a drain trap is formed from two substantially identical plastic housing portions each including one or more round knockouts in one or more side walls of the housing portions and one or more edge flange knockouts in an edge flange of each housing portion and side walls in line with and terminating in close proximity to the respective round knockouts. Pull tabs on the round knockouts facilitate removal of the round knockouts from the housing portions and limit the amount of nesting of the housing portions inside one another when stacked for storage and shipment so the housing portions can easily be pulled apart when desired. A lip protrudes axially outwardly from the radial outer edge of the edge flange of each housing portion around one half only of the periphery of each edge flange for overlapping engagement with the outer edge of the edge flange of an other housing portion when the edge flanges of two housing portions are placed in engagement with one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to buoyant, water-resistant sport luggage for various items. The portable sport luggage includes two hollow cylindrical members with their side walls forming conical threads, such that the members may be threaded securely together to form a compartment that provides buoyancy to the sport luggage as well as contain selected utility items. Either one or both hollow cylindrical members may include an apertured tab member with the tab member served to a closed-end member. The apertured tab member is suitable for attaching the portable sport luggage to another object or for use as a lanyard or handle depending on the size of the sport luggage.

Abstract: Perfume bottle structure including an upper casing and a lower casing mated with each other. The upper and lower casings are respectively housed in two frame bodies and the surfaces of the upper and lower casings are disposed with replaceable decorative articles. A perfume container is placed in the lower casing and connected with a base seat for firmly locating the perfume container. A fixing seat is mounted at bottom end of the lower casing for freely firmly locating the perfume bottle at desired places. The top end of the upper casing is formed with a cylindrical cavity in which a cylindrical sleeve is fitted. A decorative cap is engaged with the cylindrical sleeve for opening/closing the perfume bottle.

Abstract: A packaging case set, used for packing swimming goggles with a mono frame, including two pieces of packaging cases that have the same style case shell, and in which each of the packaging cases consists of a first and second enclosure, bonding unit etc. Therein, the first and second enclosures are inward arching and are then assembled to form a sealed space. Furthermore, each enclosure is equipped with a bonding unit, whereby the bonding unit contains the first and second fasteners, which further become fastened together accordingly. Owing to the above structure, and also by means of the fastening function in-between the first and second fasteners on the first enclosure, it can hence be reassembled into two different-styled packaging cases at the time of opening. Thus, it is ready for the packing of small personal items or complete set of swimming goods, such as swimming goggles, earplugs, nosepieces, etc.

Abstract: A paint brush protection device in the form of a sheath is configured for containing the bristles and the ferrule portion of a paint brush, for keeping the bristles in proper shape and alignment. The sheath has a bristle-holding portion with an expansible bottom opening for receiving a paint brush in a handle-first orientation, and a ferrule-holding portion with an expansible top opening for allowing the handle to extend outwardly from the sheath, and for allowing the paint brush positioned within the sheath to be removed therefrom. The sheath includes front and rear sheath halves that are joined together along their sides for a portion of the length below the top opening. The part of the sheath where the sheath halves are joined together forms the ferrule-holding portion of the sheath. Between the ferrule-holding portion and the bottom opening, the sheath halves are unjoined and are resiliently separable from each other to allow the expansion of the bottom opening to receive a paint brush.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container having top, bottom, and side walls that comprises first and second substantially identical halves, each of which has a major surface that has a polygonal shape defined by at least six sides and at least one substantially vertical side wall, substantially orthogonal to the major surface, that forms a portion of the side walls of the container when the halves are assembled, an at least double wall construction, the two substantially identical halves matingly engage when the halves are assembled to form the container, and means integral to each half for securing the two halves together. In another aspect, the container of the invention comprises a major surface having a curved periphery and is otherwise as summarized above.