Abstract: A portable collapsible tank for storing and insulating hot water or other liquid is contained by an elongate flexible and foldable outer sleeve which defines the outer perimeter of the tank and is formed with sufficient tensile strength to support the tank and stored water. A side wall of insulating material is contained within the sleeve extending around the inside circumference of the sleeve from the top to the bottom of the tank. The outer sleeve and side wall layer overlap and frictionally engage the edge of a floor or base disk of rigid insulating foam material for stability of the tank without tilting and to prevent ballooning of an inner liner from the bottom of the tank. An inner liner of impervious flexible material suitable for contacting hot water, for example, for consumptive use is removeably seated within the side wall and base and extends over the top of the tank.

Abstract: A foamed polystyrene beverage container cooler. In one embodiment an annular wall is nestably received between a base and lid each of which defines a cylindrical inner cavity to receive a half barrel size beverage container. The outlet of the container extends centrally through an aperture located in the top wall of the lid locating the container concentrically with respect to the cylindrical inner surface of the cooler allowing ice to circumferentially surround the container. A skirt and rim mating combination between the annular wall and the lid and between the annular wall and the base secure the components together. In an alternate embodiment, a cooler to receive a pony keg includes a base and lid each of which has an annular wall defining a cavity sized to allow ice to surround the keg. The keg outlet extends through an aperture in the lid locating the keg concentrically with respect to the interior surface of the cooler.

Abstract: Insulating panels or plates are formed along their opposite longitudinal edges with a cylindrically segmental projection and a cylindrically segmental groove receiving the projection, both of these formations being preferably formed as extruded polyvinyl chloride shells. The arc length of the groove is greater than 180.degree. but less than that of the projection so that the plates can be interfitted and angularly offset to fit around a vessel, the angular adjustability allowing the plates to be accommodated to greater and lesser curvatures of the vessel.

Abstract: A beverage container lid includes a foldable flap which may be opened to allow a user to drink from a beverage container which is covered by said lid. A recess in the beverage container lid is provided to receive the opened flap and to firmly secure the flap in its open position. The recess includes a pair of detents on either side and an overhang at one end which cooperate to hold the flap firmly within the recess.

Abstract: A disposable, removable closure cap for a beverage container, including a depression permitting the beverage to be drunk while the cap remains in place on the container, while limiting spillage of liquids held in the container. The cap includes perforations in a depending wall located closely adjacent an inner wall of the container in order to limit the flow of beverage into a depression defined in the upper surface of the cap. A slit in the cap permits the aroma of a beverage to be enjoyed while the beverage is being drunk from the depression. The cap may be formed from sheet plastic material.

Abstract: A cover for openings in a partially assembled missile or aircraft structure to prevent entry of chips, oil or other debris during further machining or other manufacturing operations. The cover has a central elastically compressible plug section adapted to fit snugly in an opening and an outwardly extending flange around one end of the plug. When the plug portion is inserted into the opening, the flange covers a ring of bolt holes surrounding the opening. The plug is formed from an elastic closed cell foam material and preferably has a cross-section slightly larger than the opening so as to be compressed slightly when inserted in the opening. The cover is coated with an elastomeric polyurethane coating to prevent flaking of the foam plug when inserted and removed from the opening and to prevent adhesion of contaminates to the cover. Because of the compressibility of the plug, each cover can be used with similarly configured openings of slightly varying sizes.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for controlling the temperature of a fluid contained in a receptacle. The fluid is accessible through an aligned container access port and receptacle access port. Heat exchange from the receptacle is minimized by a seal located about the container access port which conforms to the edges of the receptacle. The fluid may be heated or cooled by an appropriate temperature affecting means within the container.

Abstract: A flexible plastic removable lid apparatus for a disposable glass or cup having a horizontally disposed circular member constructed of a semi-rigid flexible plastic material. The edges of the circular member have an annular downwardly depending flange attached thereto for extending over the edge of such glass or cup. An upper tubular connector is connected to the central top portion of the circular member and a lower short tubular connector member is connected to the bottom central portion of the circular member. These two tubular connector members are in fluid communication with each other. A first upper straw is glued in an arcuate position to the top of the circular member and this upper straw can be removed and placed on the upper connector member to produce an upper straw section.

Abstract: A children's drinking vessel for mounting on a fixed member in a vehicle and including a container to which a flexible drinking straw is disconnectably mounted thereon, the drinking straw being stored in a non-use position in encircling relation around the container and being movable to an extended position relative to the container, wherein the outer end of the straw is free for being received in the mouth of a child user, the container being prevented from tipping as mounted on the fixed member in the vehicle, while the child user drinks the fluid in the container through the extended drinking straw.

Abstract: A toddler drinking cup for use by a small child or an infant. The drinking cup includes a cylinder separated by a partition into a first compartment for retaining and storing liquid and a second compartment for temporary storage of extra lids. Lids adapted for various purposes are utilized to cover the aperture of the first compartment. The second compartment houses the remaining lids for temporary storage, and includes a screw cap to retain the remaining lids therein.

Abstract: A toy drinking cup which simulates the appearance of a drinking container used by astronauts for consuming pre-mix carbonated beverages in outer space. The cup includes a cup body, a cap assembly, a drinking spout extending from the cap assembly, a dip tube, a vent and a lever for opening and closing the vent. When the lever is depressed, the beverage in the cup may be sucked up through the dip tube and drinking spout by the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a container for shipping and storing a substance at a constant temperature. The container is made up of an inner liner with outlets, an insulating shell enveloping the liner and a fiber drum which houses the shell and the liner. A slip-on removal cover is used to close the drum.

Abstract: A lid for a drinking cup includes an annular mounting portion for engaging the lip of the cup, an annular side wall extending upwardly from the mounting portion, and a top wall having a drinking opening formed in it. In the preferred embodiment, the top wall of the lid has a recess formed in it adjacent the drinking opening to accommodate the upper lid of the user.

Abstract: A method and container assembly for storing toxic material. An original container of toxic material is positioned within a first container and is insulated therefrom by sealant material. The first container is in turn inserted into an outside container and spaced therefrom by additional sealant material. Relief valves are positioned on the containers to allow complete filling of the space between containers with sealant material. A cap is sealingly mounted to the outside container and is fixedly secured to the first container.

Abstract: A single beverage container top provides an arcuate-shaped opening within an edge rim. The arcuate-shaped opening is defined by a first severance line. A truncated cone portion within the first severance line comprises a handle for opening the arcuate opening. A second severance line on the truncated cone handle provides a sanitary straw opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new model packing device for ice cream which composed of an inner cup, an outer cup, and a sucker-scoop with the functions of ice cream-scooping and water-sucking. The outer cup for containing water accommodates the inner cup for ice cream, with suitable clearance between the two said cups to store cold water and to receive the said sucker-scoop. In use of the said sucker-scoop can scoop the ice cream as well as suck water, after enjoying ice cream, not only to satisfy thirst but clean the mouth cavity. More than this, cold water between the two said cups has the effect to extend dissolution time of the ice cream contained in the inner cup.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sanitary beverage container having an enclosed straw which is automatically straightened and repositioned above the container when it is opened by pulling back the opening tab thereof. The straw is so positioned that the lips and the mouth do not contact the top or walls of the container while drinking the contents from the container, thereby avoiding contamination and bacteria frequently associated with the top and sides of the container.

Abstract: A removable closure for the top of a can having, at its top, a lid and a raised bead surrounding the lid, the lid being arranged to have a dispensing opening created therein, the closure including: a plate having an opening, a pouring spout aligned with the opening and projecting from one side of the plate, and elements for clamping the plate to the raised bead of such can; and a sealing unit carried by the plate at the side opposite the one side, the sealing unit including a first sealing element positioned to sealingly engage the entire periphery of the can lid, and a second sealing element enclosed by the first sealing element and positioned to sealingly engage the lid around the dispensing opening, when the plate is clamped to the raised bead of the can.

Abstract: Increasing the wall strength of a cup having a closed cell foam wall and a solid plastic coating on at least the outer surface thereof by contacting said surface of the cup with a heated mandrel. Apparatus is also shown.

Abstract: A cap for a drinking cup is provided with an integral lip resting hutch of elliptical shape adjacent the edge of the cap. The peripheral wall of the cap adjoining the hutch is elevated and curved outwards. The hutch bottom surface and the elevated peripheral wall outside surface form acute angles with one another. The cap enables a patient to drink in the natural manner closing a discharge opening in the hutch area by his upper lip.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container for carrying temperature-sensitive materials, having a case and inner chamber separated by a cavity containing thermal insulation, characterized in that the thermal insulating means includes a heat sink whereby the contents of the inner cavity is protected from a temperature increase for a period sufficient to avoid deterioration under normal conditions of use.

Abstract: A combination straw, lid and cup including a cup, a lid forming a cover for the cup hinged at one end thereof, means for retaining the lid in an open position and against the body of the cup, an externally-mounted straw one end of which is passed through the bottom of the cup into the interior thereof and the other end extending above the rim of the cup, and a housing for the straw.

Abstract: The vacuum-formed plastic lid for a large disposable container of liquids includes a pouring spout formed into the rim of the lid. A portion of the lid can be torn out, and the liquid poured through the hole. A well in the lid constitutes a receptacle for storing and carrying a number of empty, smaller, drinking cups. The lid includes a ridge, and two cuts, one either side of the ridge. When a person squeezes the ridge, the cuts spread over the ridge, until they meet. The ridge constitutes also a handle, by which the person can manipulate and remove the tear-out portion.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sanitary beverage container having an enclosed spout for drinking liquid such as beer, milk, soft drinks or vegetable juice. The spout is automatically released from the container when it is opened by pulling back the opening tab thereof. Thus, the user's lips and mouth can use the drinking spout without contacting the top or walls of the container while drinking the contents from the container, thereby avoiding contamination and bacteria frequently associated with the top and sides of the container.

Abstract: The molded shell of an article, while still warm from being molded, and while remaining within the mold or fixture in which it has been created, for instance by blow-molding of a parison of polyolefin plastic material into contact with the mold walls, is filled with a fluid, settable foaming plastic material, for instance polyurethane. This may be done by injecting the foaming mixture directly into the cavity of the shell. In this manner time, labor and materials are saved, and the resulting product is characterized by better adhesion of the foamed core to the internal wall surface of the shell.

Abstract: An open container includes an outer part formed of molded polyurethane and an inner liner of preformed plastic material, the polyurethane being placed in an open mold cavity and a center core plug having a plastic liner disposed thereabout is inserted into the open mold cavity to occupy a predetermined positional relationship therewith so that when the polyurethane is allowed to foam, rise, set and cure, the liner is securely bonded thereto to form a mechanically strong heat insulated container for displaying consumer items such as soft drinks immersed in ice water disposed within the container.

Abstract: A portable fire resistant case 10 is made with a molded, double-walled resin body 11 and cover 12 hinged and locked together and filled with insulation in the spaces between the double walls. Spring latches 30 mounted on body 11 engage interlock surfaces 33 on cover 12 to hold cover 12 to body 11 independently of the hinge and are assisted in this by a lock element 27 engaging and holding projections on the inside of body 11. Body 11 and cover 12 are formed with molded filling projections 19 and 20 forming passageways into cavities 11c and 12c that are filled with insulation through filling projections 19 and 20. Projections 19 and 20 and overfilled insulation material that they contain are cut away after the insulation has set to leave insulation stubs 23 and 24 over which escutcheons 25 and 26 are mounted on the lock side of case 10.

Abstract: A protector for an opening in a liquid container is provided to prevent entry into the container by dangerous insects such as bees and the like while allowing the user to drink from the container through the protector. The protector includes a flat cover having a number of small apertures therein. The protector also includes a mechanism for mounting the cover to the container over the drink opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the protector is adhesively attached over the drink opening. In another embodiment, the flat cover is part of a tab opening device which can be locked over the drink opening after the opening is made.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device which enables a straw to be incorporated in a beverage can provided with a non-detaching top sealing tap. When the can is in sealed state, the top end of the straw incorporated in the can is located in the vicinity of the opening sealed by the sealing tap, and when the can is opened, it is pulled to the opening and emerges therefrom without the likelihood of being hindered by the sealing tap.

Abstract: A picnic or similar type food storage container that uses a selected appropriate source for either heat or cold input to the food, in which the source is properly below the food in the heating mode, and above the food in the cooling mode, to thereby provide an enhanced temperature control over the food.

Abstract: A cushioned container capable of simultaneous use as a seat cushion and as a cooling container. The container holds in separate compartments separate containers having first chambers for receiving a cooling medium and second chambers for receiving consumable materials, for example, canned or uncanned beverages.

Abstract: An insulated food serving tray or lid therefore which includes a pair of preformed thermoplastic panels bonded together about a peripheral seam to permanently encase an insulator within a chamber between the panels. At the peripheral seam area, a first panel has an outwardly extending ledge area with a retaining lip. The second panel has a peripheral tongue area that fits inside the lip of the first panel. The panels are joined between the lip and tongue by a bonding material to provide a peripheral seam that is protected from fracture when the tray or lid is laterally banged at the peripheral seam area during handling. A method of forming the tray or lid is disclosed which includes forming the tray or lid with a gap between the insulation and panels at the time of assembly.

Abstract: A water heater including a tank, a cylindrical jacket, surrounding the tank to provide an insulating space therebetween and a cover member mounted on top of the jacket to close off the top of the insulating space. An insulating wall is provided in the insulating space between the tank and the jacket. The insulating wall is comprised of a plastic envelope member and a wall of insulating material which has been foamed-in-place inside the envelope member.

Abstract: An insulated modular cooler comprising in one embodiment a plurality of tubular housing sections and a plurality of tubular hollow-walled insert housings containing a refrigerant in the hollow walls of the insert housings. The tubular housing sections can be secured end to end to form an elongated tubular body into which the tubular insert housings are slidably received. The cooler further comprises a top end cap adapted to engage the top of the tubular cooler body as well as the top of each individual cooler housing sections, and a lower end cap adapted to engage the bottom of the tubular body as well as the bottom of each individual cooler housing section. Other embodiments are described in which the inserts are integral with the housing sections, in which several inserts are slidably receivable in a single housing section and in which a single insert is slidably received in each modular housing section.

Abstract: A portable beverage cooler comprises a tubular container having an internal storage passageway therein open at its opposite ends and arranged to receive a plurality of beverage cans in end-to-end relationship. Removable caps at the ends of the container function to close the ends of the storage passageway. The container has generally cylindrical inner and outer side walls slightly spaced apart and together defining a closed refrigeration chamber therebetween with refrigerant in the chamber. A spring in the storage passageway is biased against the beverage cans to assist in removing them from the cooler when one or the other of the end caps is removed.

Abstract: A buffer device for an elevator employs, as a buffer member, a foamed plastic material such as polyurethane foam which undergoes very little permanent deformation upon receipt of an impact. The foamed plastic material is accommodated in a box made of a thin non-combustible material, and a heat-insulating material is disposed between the box and the buffer member in the box.

Abstract: A beverage container having collapsible legs is described, the legs being manually locked in an extended position by frictional engagement with depending members formed in bottom recesses of the container adapted to accommodate the collapsible legs.

Abstract: A snap-on type lid or cover is provided for plastic or paper cups or cartons used for hot or cold drinks which includes a mouth or drinking orifice integral therewith thereby enabling the user to drink the liquid without removing the cap or cover as is the usual practice. A flange depends downwardly around the inner periphery of the drinking aperture which is adjacent one side of the cover and this flange reduces spillage which might occur due to the inadvertent movement of the container, particularly when being used in a moving vehicle. An air hole is provided spaced from the drinking aperture with the entrance situated in a plane above the drinking aperture, to prevent spillage therefrom when drinking from the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a system of containerized handling of fish onboard an ocean-going vessel. Fish are stored in closely stacking containers within the hold of the fishing vessel and are cyclically removed from within the hold to working positions on the deck of the vessel, where they are charged with fish and ice and returned to storage positions, by the cooperative use of an in-hold travelling hoist adapted to move a selected plurality of containers to and from chosen position within the hold compartment without disturbing other containers and an above-deck conveying system operable to convey the plurality of containers between a position inside the hold compartment directly below the hatchway through the deck overlying the hold compartment and a selected working position on the deck.

Abstract: Mobile and collapsible insulating insert for storage and transportation containers. The insert has a hood which has connected outside surfaces made of non-foamed, flexible material. The mass and contours thereof correspond to the inside surfaces of the container. The outside surfaces are provided with pockets of non-foamed, flexible material, projecting into the inside of the hood, disposed closely one beside the other and extending over the length of the outside surfaces. The pockets are filled tightly and alternatingly with an open-celled foam plastic and a closed foam plastic. The hood has a releasable closing arrangement, which permits the temporary connection of at least one of the outside surfaces of the hood with the adjacently located outside surfaces of an insulating bottom plate. A fluid-tight bottom trough is attached between the bottom of the storage and transportation container and the bottom plate of the insulating insert.

Abstract: A non-spillable drinking container is manufactured in assemblable parts which provide stackability and reduced manufacturing costs. The drinking container utilizes a perforated expandable diaphragm mounted or formed over a base plate. The container is preferably frustro-conical in shape to provide stackability. A drinking tube is attachable to the expandable diaphragm and a top is sealably mountable over the tube. Drinking is accomplished by pulling upwardly on the tube to expand the diaphragm opening the perforations therein, allowing fluid flow through the perforations and up the straw to the mouth of the drinker.

Abstract: A sterilizable support tray for medical instruments is disclosed comprising a block of sterilizable reticulated foam material having multiple parallel longitudinally-extending and laterally-extending slices which penetrate partially through the thickness of the foam block. In addition to a verticle component, at least one of the slices includes a horizontal component for defining a plane and creating a reduced cross-section partable web attaching multiple finger portions created by said slices to an unsliced base portion. The partable webs define a location and plane at which individual finger portions may be torn away from the base portion to define custom-shaped channels within which medical instruments may be positioned, stored, sterilized, and accounted for.

Abstract: Self carrying platform of the sandwich type forming a closed goods accommodating space, preferably for refrigerator/freezer trailers, comprising a core (15) and surface layers (16) laminated thereto. The surface layers consist of metal plates and the core of a constructional cellular plastics on PVC-basis. At least one mounting plate (17) for a wheel shaft arrangement/demountable body framing is adhesively attached to the core.

Abstract: Drink mixing apparatus including a preformed circular container cover, a container, and a circular or like base. The container cover is substantially circular including a preformed indentation for accepting and engaging against a lip of a container and is a closed-cell foam with a laminated film on both sides. The container can be a shake container or shot glass. The base is circular or the like geometrical configuration of closed-cell foam. In mixing, the preformed container cover and container are slammed with a hand motion onto the base, causing effervescence of the contents of the container, usually a liquor and carbonated liquid. The base and cover can be of PVC closed-cell foam or the like.

Abstract: For holding ice (36) in a drinking container (20) out of contact with the beverage (34) but in a manner that allows the beverage to be cooled by such ice when said container is used for drinking, an insert cup (10) which is provided which self-positions in an upper portion of said drinking container, above the beverage, and has openings (18) to allow the beverage to pass through while retaining the ice. A cap (22) with a drinking spout (24) is positioned over the mouth of the drinking container to hold the ice in while allowing one to drink from the container. The insert cup can have folded sides (42, 44) for self-adjustment to a variety of sizes of drinking containers and can also have a projectile weight (56) attached to the inside of its floor (52) so that the cup can be inverted and used as a shuttlecock (FIG. 3E).

Abstract: The apparatus includes an insulated inner compartment member, an outer compartment member completely enclosing and spaced from the inner compartment member, with both of the members being liquid tight and with non-inflammable liquid being positioned in the space between the members and completely covering the inner compartment member, the inner compartment member being supported only at its upper end by the outer compartment member. Filling and discharge means connect to the inner compartment member from outside of the apparatus to complete the storage device.

Abstract: Device for beverage drinking for use by a plurality of drinkers. The device comprises a base mountable on a beverage container opening, such as the mouth of a beer mug with the base defining plural bores through which flexible drinking tubes extend into the container. Short posts or pegs are provided on the base onto each of which the drinking end of a tube can be placed, thus serving as a tube-retaining means when the tube is not in use. An elongate handle is additionally provided to facilitate handling of the device.

Abstract: A container with pull up straw is provided and consists of a beverage can, a pull tab hingably affixed to the top of the beverage can, a straw having two flexible sections in the upper portion of the straw and a clamp affixed to the underside of the pull tab and between the two flexible sections in the upper portion of the straw whereby the upper portion of the straw bends around the top of the beverage can so that when the pull tab is pulled the upper portion of the straw will come out of the beverage can. A retainer is also provided for holding the lower portion of the straw in a fixed position within the beverage can. Alternatively a spring stiffener may be affixed to the end of the clamp so that the upper portion of the straw will come out of the beverage can straight and the pull tab can be resealable to the top of the beverage can.

Abstract: A cover for a drink container, preferably a disposable container, having a rim, said cover made from a resilient non-metallic material, preferably a thermoplastic polymer, and comprising a peripheral rim section adapted to fit snugly over the rim of the container and a resilient cover panel extending between the confines of said rim section to cover the container, said cover panel having a weakening line defining a flap and a hinge for the flap, said flap having a raised pull-tab which may be grasped and pulled so that the weakening line may be torn and the flap opened by folding at its hinge section, said cover panel also having a depressed well section which is of such size and shape and so positioned that when the flap is folded over on its hinge, the pull-tab may be nested in the well and the flap thereby retained in an open position.

Abstract: A tank assembly normally used in laboratories is disclosed. The tank assembly is modular including one or more channel modules and a connector module positioned at each end. The connector modules are of different types including bend modules and end modules. Opposed sidewalls of the channel modules each include an outwardly extending flange member at the top of each sidewall. A reinforcing member is positioned within each of said flange members.