Abstract: A holder includes top, middle, and bottom sections respectively. The middle section includes hollow cylinders connected to the top and bottom sections respectively. The cylinders extend along a vertical axis and have a vertical wall oriented thereabout. The top, middle and bottom sections form a hollow chamber. The top section has a bottom end connected to an upper end of the middle section and a top surface provided with a plurality of apertures. An outer wall is formed with the bottom end and the top surface respectively. The bottom section is mated to a lower end of the middle section and includes a plurality of apertures therein, and has a diameter greater than a diameter of the lower end of the middle section. A mechanism for telescopically adjusting the top and middle sections is spaced from the bottom section and anchored to a bottom one of the cylinders.

Abstract: An insulating holder for holding a beverage in a bottle or a can having a lower cylindrical enclosure which receives an upper cylindrical enclosure. The lower cylindrical enclosure has vertical ribs to frictionally grip the upper cylindrical enclosure. The upper cylindrical enclosure is adapted to cover the top portion of a bottle inserted into the lower cylindrical enclosure and to snuggly receive a can when inverted and inserted into the lower cylindrical enclosure.

Abstract: A shipping container having side walls, a bottom and a top defining an internal volume. The top is selectively displaceable for gaining access to the internal volume and for sealing the internal volume of the container. A valve drawing a vacuum on the internal volume from outside of the container is provided. The side walls are capable of contracting and expanding as a result of the pressure within the internal volume.

Abstract: An expandable storage case is disclosed for storing various writing utensils. The storage case includes a base, an inner carousel, a top carousel, and a lid. The base, the inner carousel, and the top carousel are connected in a telescoping manner such that the storage case may be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded, in-use position. The storage case includes a locking mechanism to selectively secure the storage case in the expanded position.

Abstract: An expandable display system that has an expanded position for displaying products and a compact position for efficient shipment. The expandable display system includes a product tray and a graphic panel, with the graphic panel being configured to slide along the product tray so that the expandable display system can move from the compact position to the expanded position and vice versa. In certain embodiments, the expandable display system includes a locking mechanism that prevents the graphic panel from separating from the product tray when the graphic panel slides along the product tray as the expandable display system moves from the compact position to the expanded position.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively elevating objects stored in a container, the apparatus comprising a lift that includes a base, at least one guide having a first end coupled to the base, and an outer ring, wherein the at least one guide includes a second end coupled to the outer ring, whereby the outer ring may be vertically adjusted along a container sidewall surface resulting in vertical adjustment of the base within the container interior.

Abstract: A collapsible container has adjustable height walls. The container includes a base defining the bottom wall of the container, an opposing pair of side walls, and an opposing pair of end walls. The side walls and end walls are pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position over the base. The side walls and end walls each further include extension walls movably connected thereto between a nested, unextended position and an upright, extended position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a telescope tap to be used for the tapping of liquid from a bag-in-box where a bag containing the liquid and equipped with a spout is placed inside a box. The telescope tap comprises a base member which engages with the spout and with the box wall, a telescope pipe placed sliding extractable in the base member, a handle to extract the telescope pipe from inside the box, a knob for opening and closing the outlet in the telescope pipe, and a gap around a part of the telescope tap for slidably receiving the box wall when sliding the telescope tap into the box. The invention furthermore concerns a method of filling a bag-in-box with a fluid, where a bag with a spout is filled with a fluid, a telescope tap is placed in the spout thereby closing the bag, a cut is made in the box, and the bag then is slid into the box with the tap fitting the cut in the box.

Abstract: Drill and driver bit organizer and storage case includes a case formed of a plurality of planar panels consisting of end and intermediate panels. The panels are hingedly connected to each other to form a fan-folded arrangement of zigzag panels with intermediate panels being joined to either other intermediate panels or to an intermediate panel and an end panel while the end panels are joined to an intermediate panel to allow the panels to be collapsed into a closed case in which the panels are arranged in substantially parallel planes and into an expanded or extended condition in which the panels are unfolded out of said parallel planes. Each of the panels include securing members for receiving a plurality of drill and/or driver bits. Thus the case is closed and protects the bits in the collapsed condition when it is closed and provides access to the bits in any of the panels when unfolded.

Abstract: An expandable receptacle comprising an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The inner tubular member is concentrically positioned in, and supported by, the outer tubular member in a telescoping relationship such that one of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member is moveable along a longitudinal axis of the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member cooperate to define a content receiving compartment having an open top and an open bottom whereby contents of the content receiving compartment are removable therefrom by lifting the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member upward and away from the contents.

Abstract: A reusable container for frozen goods, and a method of reusably containing ice pops, are disclosed. The reusable container includes at least two telescoping casings having at least an outermost casing that includes an uppermost portion and an innermost casing that includes a lowermost portion, wherein each casing has therein at least one cavity suitably sized for insertion of at least one frozen good into the cavity, and at least one liquid coolant within at least one of the casings. The method includes the steps of telescoping upward at least two telescoping cases to accommodate at least one ice pop, placing the at least one ice pop within the telescoped ones of the at least two telescoping cases, wherein, upon placement of the ice pop within the telescoped ones, the ice pop is at least partially surrounded by a frozen liquid coolant.

Abstract: Collapsible cookware is provided. The collapsible cookware includes an upper member having a first opening and a second opening located below the first opening, the upper member being substantially rigid, and a lower member having a third opening located adjacent and connected to the second opening and a bottom portion, the lower member having a substantially constant thickness between the third opening and the bottom portion, wherein the lower member is substantially flexible such that the lower member is collapsible upwards towards the upper member.

Abstract: A collapsible ball game practice device is comprised of a plurality of sections, each section above a lower section being substantially collapsible into the lower section. Detent structure is provided on an upper portion of each lower section and a lower portion of each upper section to secure each upper section when raised to its raised condition. A mounting structure is provided on the bottom of the lowermost section for releasably securing the device to a basketball playing surface. Arms may be rotated to various positions. The arms may be collapsed and slid on a carrier into the uppermost section. A head structure may also be slid into the uppermost section. The sections may be collapsed such that all of them may be collapsed into the lowest section. A handle is provided in the top of the head structure for carrying the entire assembly. The collapsed device may be easily transported and/or stored. The device is particularly useful as a defensive dummy in practicing the games of basketball and volleyball.

Abstract: A storage case allows access to the accessories therein regardless of the length of the accessories. The case may be telescopic such that the length of the case may be adjusted to store accessories of various lengths and to facilitate the access to these accessories. The storage case may have fixed dimensions with a slidably removable wall that allows easy access to the accessories stored therein. The storage case may be fixed in dimension and has panels with multiple hinges that allow the different hinges to provide varying degrees of access to the accessories therein. The storage case may be fixed in dimension and have a pivotal sidewall that may be pivoted to allow access to the accessories stored therein.

Abstract: A shipping unit for shipping items of varying length defines first and second tray sections which are connected and selectively move relative to one another to accommodate items of varying lengths. The first and second tray sections include base portions that allow shipping units to be stacked upon one another. Alternatively, the shipping unit includes a tray and a lid. The lid is connected to the tray and defines a tab and a slot on an end of the lid opposite the tab. The shipping units are connected by snap fitting the tab of one shipping unit into the slot of another shipping unit.

Abstract: A container for storing toiletry items includes an outer sleeve having first and second opposing side walls and opposing front and rear walls. The side walls and the front and rear walls of the outer slide define an interior space and an opening providing access to the interior space. The container also includes an inner slide that is a snug sliding fit within the outer sleeve and has a base, first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. The base, the side walls and the end walls define an interior space of the inner slide. An interior wall of the inner slide divides the interior space of the inner slide into first and second compartments. A panel that is hingedly attached to the interior wall and is movable between an open position, in which the interior space of the first compartment is exposed, and a closed position, in which the interior space of the first compartment is concealed.

Abstract: An automotive container holding apparatus having a holding portion (51) which holds a bottom (Ca) of a drink container (C), and erect wall portions (61, 62, 64) which are provided at sides of the holding portion (51) in such a manner as to face sides Cb(Cb) of the container (C), wherein the holding portion (51) and the erect wall portions (61, 62, 64) are provided so as to move vertically in such a manner that the erect wall portions (61, 62, 64) move upwards in such a manner as to link with a downward movement of the holding portion (51).

Abstract: Devices are disclosed for telescopic containers. In one example embodiment, a device for a telescopic container includes a first portion having a top surface connected to a bottom surface by one or more sides. Further, the device includes a second portion also having a top surface connected to a bottom surface by one or more sides. Further still, the device includes more than one telescopic units, which are located on the top and bottom surfaces of the first and second portions, that expandably connect both the first top surface to the second top surface and the second bottom surface to the second bottom surface. Whether rectangular or wheel shaped, for example, the container may store items in a contracted state, and, in an expanded state, the container transforms into a working surface with an increased surface area as compared to the container in its contracted state.

Abstract: A telescoping egg container is disclosed comprising a plurality of slidable egg holder units that can nest one within another, such that the telescoping egg container can be extended or collapsed to accommodate various numbers of eggs to be stored.

Abstract: Blast resistant and blast directing container assemblies for receiving explosive articles and preventing or minimizing damage in the event of an explosion. The container assembly comprises a container of blast resistant material and a blast mitigating material located within the container. The container is collapsible for storage when empty. The container assemblies have utility in aircraft, where weight is an important consideration, as cargo holders or containment devices in the passenger cabin. They also are useful as transport devices for hazardous materials such as gunpowder and explosives, e.g., bombs and grenades.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit used for scanning a photoconductor includes a light source, a rotatable deflector, a driver, a scan lens, an optical element, a first casing, a second casing, a first cover, and a second cover. The rotatable deflector deflects a light beam generated by the light source to scan a surface of the photoconductor. The driver rotates the rotatable deflector. The scan lens converts the light beam deflected by the rotatable deflector with equiangular motion speed to a light beam having constant speed motion. The optical element is disposed along an optical path from the scan lens to the photoconductor surface. The first casing houses the light source, the rotatable deflector, and the scan lens. The second casing houses the first casing and the optical element. The first cover covers at least the first casing. The second cover covers the optical element housed in the second casing.

Abstract: A telescopic safety shield device includes a carrier movably engaged onto a platform and having one or more guideways tilted relative to the platform, a tool rest movably engaged onto the guideways and moveable inclinedly relative to the carrier and the platform, and a telescopic shielding device having two or more casing members coupled between the platform and the tool rest for shielding the area between the platform and the tool rest, the casing members are pivotally coupled to the platform and the tool rest for allowing the casing members to be pivoted relative to the platform and the tool rest respectively and for preventing dirt or contaminant from entering into the areas between the platform and the tool rest.

Abstract: A collapsible container has adjustable height walls. The container includes a base defining the bottom wall of the container, an opposing pair of side walls, and an opposing pair of end walls. The side walls and end walls are pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position over the base. The side walls and end walls each further include extension walls movably connected thereto between a nested, unextended position and an upright, extended position.

Abstract: A container for storing personal items, such as toothbrushes, cotton swabs, make-up applicators, and the like, is disclosed. The container has a body made from at least two telescoping walls, and a lid for closing an open end of the body. The lid is connected to the telescoping walls in a manner which provides better access to the stored items when the lid is opened. The container may be embodied such that the innermost wall of the body is raised to expose the stored items, or such that the outermost wall of the body is retracted to expose the stored items.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for expandable storage and metering are disclosed. In some embodiments, the expandable storage and metering device comprises a body with a storage cavity therein, a chassis upon which the body is mounted, and at least one port in communication with the storage cavity, wherein the body is expandable and collapsible to change the internal volume of the storage cavity. Some method embodiments for operating the expandable storage and metering device comprise expanding the device and collapsing the device, wherein said expanding and said collapsing comprises utilizing actuators to raise/lower or extend/retract the walls of the device. In other method embodiments for operating the device, said expanding comprises removing the roof of the device and positioning at least one stackable module on top of the device and said collapsing comprises removing the at least one stackable module and replacing the roof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thread storage and dispensing systems which allow thread to be stored and used while positioned in the same location. A thread caddy of the present invention includes one or more drawers that can be opened and closed, and can move from a retracted storage position to an expanded usage position. The drawers can include a thread tray that has locations for positioning multiple spools of thread. A positioning system may also be included to reorient the thread tray between multiple orientations. In a first orientation, the tray may be retracted so that a drawer can be moved to its closed position. In a second orientation, the drawer may be expanded so that the drawer cannot be closed. The positioning system may also be retractable within the drawer. A retractable feed guide can also be included which can feed multiple threads simultaneously.

Abstract: An extendable tray structure is disclosed for receiving a server. The extendable tray structure is composed of a tray main body, a tray extension body and a plurality of locking elements, wherein the tray main body has a plurality of locking holes, and the tray extension body has a plurality of stripe-shaped openings which are parallel to each other, and the locking elements are installed on the locking holes of the tray main body through the stripe-shaped openings. The extendable tray structure is featured in extending and adjusting the length of the tray structure by positioning the locking elements in the stripe-shaped openings.

Abstract: A foldable or collapsible stovetop container that maintains a rigid shape while in use and can be folded into a smaller size for storage. The stovetop container includes rigid top and bottom portions separated by a flexible middle portion. The flexible middle portion includes thin wall sections that form predetermined bend areas. Pressure applied to the top portion causes the flexible middle portion to collapse in an orderly manner toward the bottom portion, with the middle portion folding at each of the predetermined bend areas to create one or more folds or pleats in the middle portion in the collapsed configuration. The foldable stovetop container may be used on residential stovetops for the heating and cooking of food.

Abstract: A trash bin of the shredder consists of an inner bin and an outer bin. When the user inserts the inner bin into the outer bin, a bolt assembly combines the inner bin and the outer bin. An energy storing element of a pushing mechanism stores energy to push the inner bin out. The user can trigger the bolt assembly by depressing or stepping to release the energy stored in the energy storing element. The inner bin automatically jumps out for the user to clean trash paper therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing products stored in standing containers. The apparatus comprises a container member having each of a first predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material. The container member has a slot formed into a side of such container member. A flexlift member having a second predetermined shape is engageable with the slot formed on the side of the container. A lift member is engageable with the flexlift member for raising such product disposed in the container when such flexlift member is pushed downward. A bottom cap member is engageable with a bottom portion of the container member for closing off the bottom of the container. A track cover for engagement with a portion of the flexlift member and is further engageable with the bottom cap member. A top cap member is engageable with a top portion of the container member for closing off the top of the container member thereby keeping products stored therein from falling out.

Abstract: An adjustable storage tray includes an inside tray and an outside tray. Each tray has a plurality longitudinally spaced transverse rib wherein protrusions associated with the ribs of the inside tray are shaped to fit within indentation associated with the ribs of the outside tray.

Abstract: A configurable organizer is described having releasably securable dividers or partitions for defining areas or compartments within the organizer for receiving items therein. The dividers are secured via retainers having retainer portions that are resiliently shiftable to permit insertion or removal of the retainer portions within openings in the organizer and to permit shifting to a natural outwardly biased position for retaining the dividers with the organizer. Support structures may also be provided to retard or prevent tilting or deflecting of the secured dividers. Additionally, the organizer may include a pair of trays having the openings for receiving the retainers and supports, and the trays may be adjustably and selectively moved relative to each other to expand or contract the organizer as desired, such as to conform to interior dimensions of a drawer.

Abstract: A collapsible container has adjustable height walls. The container includes a base defining the bottom wall of the container, an opposing pair of side walls, and an opposing pair of end walls. The side walls and end walls are pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position over the base. The side walls and end walls each further include extension walls movably connected thereto between a nested, unextended position and an upright, extended position.

Abstract: A shipping crate for shipping objects such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal water-crafts (PWCs). The shipping crate is completely recyclable and includes a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure. The top and bottom frame structures are operable to telescopically engage each another when the crate is empty. Also, leg portions can be placed between the top and bottom frame structures and the leg portions can telescopically engage the top and bottom frame structures at opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible container holder assembly for a vehicle having a floor tray. The container holder assembly comprises a carrier portion adapted to be selectably fastened to the floor tray of the vehicle and includes at least one recessed opening formed therein for receiving a beverage container. At least one container receptor portion is adapted to be telescopically engaged and retained within the at least one opening formed in the carrier portion wherein the at least one container receptor portion is adjustable between an extended and collapsed position relative to the carrier portion as desired by the user.

Abstract: Wheeled luggage having a telescopically expandable body is disclosed. The luggage body may be manually adjusted from a normally sized carry-on configuration during transit, to a vertically enlarged configuration once the final destination, such as a hotel room, is reached. The body further includes a plurality of interior horizontally disposed, vertically stacked shelves connected in accordion fashion to an internal liner so as to automatically expand from a compact configuration to an expanded configuration when the main body is telescopically expanded thereby providing a series of vertically spaced shelves which provide convenient access to the contents. A garment folding apparatus may be incorporated with the luggage to provide a tool that assists the user in quickly folding clothing to dimensions compatible with storage spaced within the luggage.

Abstract: This application is directed to a dynamic storage compartment for modifying the interior space of a vehicle, either as originally equipped or as an after-market modification, so as to provide a means for providing enhanced storage capacity for a vehicle which is characterized by ease of use and the ability to provide secure out of sight storage for valuables.

Abstract: A receptacle stores and keeps items, such as toiletries and medicine, within close proximity to a tissue box. The receptacle includes a bottom wall, a plurality of walls and a hook element. The plurality of walls extends outwardly from the bottom wall to define a storage space. The hook element has an edge for forming a hole in a top surface of the tissue box.

Abstract: According to various principles of the present invention, a collapsible paintball container may include a plurality of cylindrical sections arranged to form a holder sized to contain a supply of paintballs in a expanded state and arranged to fit one within another in a collapsed state. The container has a closed end and an open end. A lid can be provided to cover the open end and can be hingedly connected to the container. A spring or other biasing member can be provided to bias the lid in an open position when the lid is opened. The biasing member may also bias the lid in a closed position when the lid is closed. A locking member can be provided to retain the paintball container in its expanded state.

Abstract: An item of expandable luggage includes a substantially rigid main peripheral frame and a substantially rigid secondary peripheral frame. A peripherally continuous gusset of flexible material is connected between the two peripheral frames. Opposite wall panels of the main peripheral frame are joined to corresponding opposite wall panels of the secondary peripheral frame by bridge assemblies, one such assembly being associated with each of the opposite wall panels of the respective frames. Each bridge assembly includes a receiving member affixed to the wall panel of the first component, the receiving member having an aperture therein, and a substantially rigid bridge plate affixed to the wall panel of the second component and slidably received by the receiving members, the plate having a first and second tongue capable of cooperating with the aperture.

Abstract: A cylindrical case 3 receives a stick of solid glue 8 as an item to be received in a reciprocating manner so as to come out and retract through an opening of the case 3. A cap 5 is arranged to engage with the opening of the case 3. Engagement release of the cap 5 is carried out by rotating an operating member 6. The operating member 6 includes a peripheral member 50 and an operating force imparting portion 51 continuous with the peripheral member 50 mounted on an upper portion of the case 3. When the operating force imparting portion 51 is pressed downward, force apply points 54 formed at a side opposite of the operating force imparting portion 51 impart a push-up force to the cap 5 thereby releasing the cap 5 from the engagement.

Abstract: A trash receptacle that receives and supports a flexible trash bag liner and sucks the empty flexible liner tight against the interior surfaces of the receptacle in a full open position absent any air pockets or billowing by extracting air trapped between the exterior surface of the liner and the interior surfaces of the receptacle.

Abstract: A combination lock container (10), suitable for accepting a wine bottle, consisting of an upper housing (12), a lower housing (50), a plurality of tumblers (18A-18E), and externally applied indicia (24). Cylindrical walls, or skirt portions, of each housing nest and engage into one another. Each housing has a key-like feature, consisting of a linear array of tabs with gap spacing between, that projects radially from the outer cylindrical wall surface. The upper housing has a longitudinal slot opening in the cylindrical wall, adjacent to its set of tabs, which can accept the tabs of the lower housing. When the housings are fully assembled, matching tab and gap features on each housing are adjacent and in lateral alignment with respect to each other. A plurality of tumblers, each with an internal annularly formed locking rib, are placed concentrically around the housings.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the shipping and display of products for selection and purchase by a consumer, the product shipping and display carton includes a display box, a shipping sleeve, and a removable fastener. The display box is defined by a bottom panel and an upwardly extending wall panel together forming a product carrying enclosure. The display box has an open top defined by a top wall panel edge opposite the bottom panel. The wall panel has a removable panel portion below the open top defining a product viewing window in the display box. The shipping sleeve is defined by a top panel and a downwardly extending wall panel together forming a telescoping enclosure. The shipping sleeve has an open bottom defined by a bottom wall panel edge opposite the top panel. The display box is positioned in the telescoping enclosure such that the open top is covered by the shipping sleeve.

Abstract: A multi-tier feeder which is comprised of a plurality of mesh feeder bodies stacked one upon the other in a collapsible fashion and which include even feed baffle plates positioned therein in a vertically spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: An insulated drinking utensil that extends to contain more liquid and enhance logo/decorative display including an outer casing, inner casing(s), a lid if desired, a handle if desired, and sealing gasket if desired. The extendable drinking container transforms from a normal drinking utensil into a larger drinking utensil capable of holding more and displaying more. This container allows individuals the convenience of turning their everyday mug into a larger container or pitcher. This container allows individuals to show off their favorite team in a new and revolutionary way. This container allows retailers to offer something completely unique to their customers while also conserving precious shelf space normally used for containers with similar storage capacity. This container also allows the end user the luxury of storing a container with a large holding capacity into a small storage area.

Abstract: An ashtray for automobiles exhibits a holder and a removable ashtray that is inserted in the holder, whereby a lifting mechanism is provided for lifting the ashtray from a usage position into an easy-grip position for removal. The lifting mechanism includes an actuator element, which is adjustable at the holder and a transmission element acting together with it. A lifting mechanism exhibiting a simple, cost-efficient construction is created in that the transmission element is in an operating connection with a pivotal lever hinged to the holder in such a manner that, when shifting the actuator element, the pivotal lever makes an arc shaped movement, during the course of which a rounded upper end area of the pivotal lever comes into contact with the underside of the ashtray, and moves it up towards the easy grip-position for removal.

Abstract: An organizer for a drawer or other rectangular or non-rectangular space. The organizer has a plurality of individual elements that are mutually nested together and can be moved both in the width direction and in the length direction to expand or contract the organizer so as to conform to the dimensions of the drawer or other rectangular or non-rectangular space. Each element has a bottom surface that combines to provide a contiguous bottom surface of the organizer in the expanded and contracted positions. There is also a peripheral continuous raised edge that surrounds the perimeter of the organizer when in the contracted or expanded positions.

Abstract: A covered food container or serving platter incorporates a cover stand as part of the structure of the container. The cover may be temporarily stored on the stand while the user obtains access to the container. In one embodiment a plurality of support columns are attached to and distributed about the serving platter, and correspond to a plurality of support extensions that extend from the lid of the cover. Each of the columns has a substantially hollow interior of appropriate dimension to slidably receive the support extensions when the cover is placed over and received upon the serving platter. As the cover is raised from the platter and the support extensions partially withdrawn from the support columns, at a certain height above the platter the support extensions and the support columns selectively interact to create an elevated support shelf from which to suspend the platter cover over the platter.

Abstract: An expansion mechanism for use with a piece of luggage, the expansion mechanism being designed to resiliently support, but not rigidly lock, a piece of expandable luggage in an extended position. The expansion mechanism allows for float at intermediate positions between a collapsed and extended position further preventing damage to the mechanism by allowing it to internally shift to compensate for shocks, and to allow the mechanism to continue to function even if it is bent or damaged. The expansion mechanism also allows for moveable parts of the mechanism and pinch points to be protected from interaction with the contents of the luggage.