Abstract: A salad bowl made of a plastic moldable material having a platform adjacent one side of the bowl to permit the bowl to rest on the platform so that the bowl may be maintained in an upright position. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a cover is capable of fitting over the top of the bowl for maintaining the contents of the bowl in place when the bowl is positioned in its upright position.

Abstract: A chip bin that has a feeding device, an upper container part and a discharge opening defined therein. A discharge zone is disposed between the upper container part and the discharge opening. The discharge zone has no moving parts and has a diameter that is decreasing from the upper container part down towards the discharge zone. The discharge zone has a discharge section in the form of a truncated cone that has a downwardly continuously decreasing circular cross section. The discharge section has a center line extending therethrough so that the center line and the longitudinal vertical axis of the chip bin form an acute angle alpha.

Abstract: A bathroom accessory mountable to a generally vertical flat surface such as glass, mirror, tile, fiberglass or metal. The bathroom accessory makes efficient use of space available in a bathroom.

Abstract: A combination container and closure provided with matching, engaging lugs or a ring on said closure and said container and an interior ring on said closure fitting within the opening on said container.

Abstract: A container assembly includes an elongated container having an elongated hollow body with opposite ends and a hollow externally screw-threaded cylindrical projection extending in a longitudinal direction from each opposite end, a short container having a squat hollow body with a hollow externally screw-threaded cylindrical projection extending from an end face thereof, and a tubular connector having opposite internally screw-threaded end portions.

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

Abstract: A plastic beverage container attachment of the present invention having a curved or beveled section is releasably attachable at its base to the top of a metal or aluminum beverage can, or to the top of a plastic or Styrofoam drink cup or container. The interior of the beveled portion of the attachment comprises an internal concave portion or reservoir, and curved funneled surfaces, that hold and regulate the volume and rate of flow of the beverage and thus inhibit its sudden rush from the container to the drinker's mouth, thus permitting the consumer to enjoy a more gentle beverage flow. An edge is molded around the interior of the base of the container to enable the attachment to firmly snap on and off the top of the container or can. A series of posts or projections are placed around the interior of the base, just above the edge, so as to aid in the support of the attachment on the can or container.

Abstract: An improved beverage container is provided, and has a top wall, a bottom wall, a side wall extending between and being integrally connected to the top and bottom walls. The side wall contains thumb and finger receiving portions which can be detented by applying pressure or by releasing pressure within the container. The thumb and finger receiving portions are oriented for gripping by a person's thumb and fingers. One of the finger receiving portions is positioned below an opening in the top wall of the container such that the container is automatically oriented for drinking or pouring when grasped by a person. The shape of the container can be that of a typical beverage can or plastic bottle. Circular rims adjacent the top and bottom walls of the container allow dispensing from conventional beverage machines.

Abstract: A protective cover adapted to be placed over an article of physical evidence or other object has a dome-shaped body open at one end encircled by a peripheral flange. The flange is provided with retainers operable to restrain inadvertent movement of the cover once it has been placed on a substrate in overlying relation to the object.

Abstract: A measuring vial for automatically determining correct number of fluid aliquots to be mixed with other materials such as dental alginate impression powders comprises a cylinder having an extended recess, an outlet port in the recess, the outlet port being at the height of the meniscus height of the desired quantity of fluid, any excess fluid being lost through the outlet port until the correct quantity is determined. A finger in the recess over the outlet blocks loss of fluid where desired.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a container comprising a hollow enclosed substantially cylindrical rigid body. The body is provided with an elongate passageway extending through the body along the cylindrical axis thereof, the body further provided with a sunken filler opening suitable for receiving a closure means in the form of a threaded cap. The container is provided with a handling device for retaining the container rotatably about the cylindrical axis. A method for manufacturing the container by use of rotational moulding is also provided.

Abstract: An exercise beverage vessel comprising a central, cylindrically shaped, hollow grip portion; a first, second, third and fourth cylindrical shaped, hollow disk member integrally formed with the grip portion to form a barbell shaped drinking vessel; a weight housing in connection with the third disk member having a weight chamber formed therein that is accessible through a fill aperture and having at least one transparent viewing portion of a size sufficient to allow a viewer to view a weight increasing agent level within the weight chamber; a plug member sized to frictionally fit within the fill aperture; and a hinged cap member, hingedly attached to the fourth disk member with a hinge mechanism, having a pivoting cover portion of a size sufficient to cover a drinking opening formed in the fourth disk member.

Abstract: A roll-resistant tennis ball can and lid are provided with features that prevent cans from rolling on flat surfaces. The cans and lids may be manufactured in an economically efficient way. The invention can be accomplished in two ways. The first is by providing the can's lid with a square or other configuration such that a non-circular edge contacts the ground. The second way is to have the body portion of the can have a square cross-section or some other cross-section that is configured to prevent rolling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self springing straw-equipped liquid drink container having a built-in straw in the shape of a spring that extends the straw when opened and retracts when the lid is closed pushing the straw into the container.

Abstract: A plastic bell fountain cup includes a bottom surface, and a side wall formed integrally with and extending upwardly from the bottom surface. The side wall has a lower portion adjacent the bottom surface, an upper lip portion defining a top opening of the cup, and a radially outwardly expanded portion located between the lower portion and the upper lip portion. The radially outwardly expanded portion has a maximum diameter larger than a diameter of the bottom surface and larger than a diameter of the top opening. The side wall has a substantially uniform thickness throughout the lower portion, the radially outwardly expanded portion, and at least a part of the upper lip portion.

Abstract: An end shell for a hermetic compressor is formed from a sheet of metal. When formed, the end shell has a spherical surface which extends for at least 230.degree. of the circumference of said end shell. If necessary or desired, a portion of up to 90.degree. of the circumference of said end shell can be formed as a cylindrical segment in order to provide a radial discharge or the like.

Abstract: A molded bag for children having a main body consisting of a front side portion (1) and a rear side portion (2), which are made by molding, said front side portion (1) suitably and precisely representing a complicated tridimensional shape such as a face of an animal, e.g. a panda, said rear side portion (2) being connected at a lower portion thereof, which is closer to the bottom, to said front side portion (1) for forming a vacant space to receive articles, and an upper portion of said rear side portion (2) constituting a lid (10) openable and closable on a hinge portion (4) integrally formed on said rear side portion (2). The lid (10), when closed with respect to the front side portion (1), allows the main body of the bag to form a box construction having satisfactory strength, so that articles contained in the interior thereof are safely protected.

Abstract: An improved beverage can is provided, and has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall extending between and being integrally connected to the top and bottom walls. The side wall has opposing curved portions and opposing flattened or concaved portions. The flattened or concaved portions are oriented for gripping by person's thumb and fingers. One of the flattened or concaved portions is positioned below an opening in the top wall of the can such that the can is automatically oriented for drinking or pouring when grasped by a person. A circular ridge is provided adjacent the top and bottom walls of the can such that the can is rollable along a surface or track. The flattened or concaved portions also provide an advertising panel for the beverage manufacturer or distributors.

Abstract: A receptacle for cutting and chopping machines having a central circular feed opening with four circular lateral openings that partially overlap the circular feed opening. The four circular openings are grouped in two pairs of two opposed openings each around the central, circular fee opening.

Abstract: A drinking cup 10 for assisting swallowing has a hollow container portion 12 including a base 18 and an upwardly extending, elliptically-shaped sidewall 20. The sidewall defines an elliptical aperture 32 at its apex. The inner surface 26 of the sidewall defines an ellipse from a cross-sectional perspective at substantially all elevations between the aperture and a point proximate to the base, each cross section being taken along a plane disposed parallel to a plane defined by the aperture. The elliptical aperture is sized to accommodate a person's nasal bridge during drinking such that substantial backwards angulation of the head is not required. The cup includes a handle 16 disposed 90.degree. out from the major axis of the elliptical aperture. People with dysphagia and/or arthritis are expected to benefit especially from the features of the present invention.

Abstract: An article for delivering a cleaning composition to a wash water, preferably for laundering clothes, is formed from a flexible substrate folded into an S-shaped construction. Within one region of the folded substrate is positioned a detergent composition that includes a surfactant and builder in the form of a paste having adhesive strength sufficient to bind the two surrounding substrate areas together. In a second region of the folded substrate separate from that occupied by the detergent composition, there is a further composition, adhesive in nature, containing a component which may be a bleach, bleach precursor, enzyme and/or fabric softener. No other bonding is present between the three substrate area flaps constituting the S-shaped construction. The compositions between the substrate areas are easily released to the wash water when the article is placed therein.

Abstract: A storage container having one or more individual vessels, which are triangular shaped and able to affix together into side by side container units. A removable strip lock extends through aligned slots in the affixed vessels to secure the lids of the vessels closed and to interlock the vessels against separation.

Abstract: A magazine apparatus for support about an individual's torso is provided to include an upper collar and lower collar in a spaced parallel relationship mounting a row of magazine tubes in a parallel relationship relative to one another orthogonally aligned relative to the upper and lower collars. The magazine tube is defined at an arcuate intersection of an upper and lower leg of each magazine tube, with the magazine tube including a transparent cap mounted to an upper end of each tube and a removable door plate formed with a spring hinged, or alternatively a slide plate permitting presentation of a paint ball member to be directed through each magazine tube.

Abstract: An adapter for receiving a rectangular beverage container such as a "juice box" or the like and supporting the same stably within a cylindrical recess or circular aperture of a beverage holder comprises a cylindrical lower section for resting within the beverage holder, a transition section, and a rectangular upper section including a rectangular recess for receiving the rectangular beverage container. The adapter may be inexpensively molded as a tubular member of plastic material. The adapter may be supplied in connection with a cap adapted to be releasably affixed to the adapter, to provide a squeeze-preventing shell for a juice box or the like.

Abstract: A curved food container having a cylindrical body portion, a curved extension portion and a mouth portion. The mouth is covered by a removable closure in order to retain the contents. The body portion includes an indentation for positioning, orienting and securing the container to a holder attached to a bicycle frame such that the mouth of the container extends away from the indentation and frame.

Abstract: A caddy for recyclable paper materials constructed from a linear blank of double-faced corrugated plastic sheet material such as polyethylene, with a metal hanger member allowing the caddy to be mounted in hanging relation to the rim of a conventional wastebasket. The caddy includes an open top, with a higher rear wall, lower front wall, and convexly curved side walls. The ends of the hanger member are received between a rear panel and a rear foldover panel which are hingedly connected and folded into parallel abutting contact to form the rear wall, and the central portion of the hanger member extends upwardly and rearwardly through a slit formed between those panels. The front and rear foldover panels are shortened, and the front foldover panel is held in place by a pair of side struts extending from front to rear along the side walls of the caddy.

Abstract: The invention relates to pots or pans for cooking, etc. wherein the pots have rear and front sides of the same disposed at an angle less than 90 degrees and the lateral sides extend preferably perpendicularly to the bottom of the pot which is cylindrical, has a circular bottom and approaches an ellipse at the uppermost portion of the pot. The pot is provided with pair of handles permanently affixed to the lateral sides thereof and a detachable handle adapted to be hooked into secure engagement with the permanent handles for use by either right or left handed persons. A cover may be provided thereon.

Abstract: A container for storing slices of pizza therein, comprising a main container housing having an interior storage compartment structured and configured to conform with the shape of a standard slice of pizza. The container housing includes an open end adapted to receive at least one slice of pizza therethrough for containment within the storage compartment. A removable cap is structured to fit over the open end in covering, sealed relation to the storage compartment and is secured thereto by protruding knobs on the cap which snap into slots formed in opposite sides of the container housing. A surrounding outer lip formed on the upper peripheral edge of the container facilitates vertical stacking of several containers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided wherein an organization includes a lower container of a trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration accommodating a lid defined by a further trapezoidal cross-sectional configuration, wherein the lid is complementarily received upon the container and includes a pivoted entrance door, as well as a handle mounted on the lid receivable within a recessed cavity to permit vertical stacking of containers and lids. Each lid includes plural pairs of "L" shaped brackets to align and position a container thereon. A modification of the invention includes a disposable intermediate lid plate positioned between the lid and the container to receive disposed components of a lesser volume to minimize cleaning and maintenance of the container during use.

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

Abstract: A decorative condiment shaker is provided for holding and dispensing seasonings such as salt and pepper. The shaker includes a body member having a base and integral condiment container. A top includes a fastening ring for engaging the container. A decorative ring is mounted about the condiment container. The ring is held in position by engagement with bearing edges of the base and top. Preferably, the ring is hollow and transparent. Ornamental objects, such as glitter, may be provided in a liquid contained in the ring.

Abstract: A trash receptacle includes an upright open container member, a partition dividing the interior of the container member into first and second compartments and a cover member on the container member, the cover member having first and second access openings therein of circular and rectangular configuration, respectively, for passing recyclable and non-recyclable trash, respectively, into the first and second compartments, respectively. The container member includes an arcuate sidewall which defines the outer extremities of the first compartment and first and second substantially flat sidewalls which are disposed in angular relation to each other and define the outer extremeties of the second compartment.

Abstract: A bin adapted for storing and dispensing particulate materials is formed by joining two or more bin modules of similar shape. The linear dimensions of the modules increase in a geometric series, with the smallest module being at the bottom. The modules are designed to prevent arching of the particular material to assure mass flow. Three embodiments of bin modules are described. In the first and the third embodiments, each module consists of two sections, but in a second embodiment the module consists of four sections. A bin constructed of these modules requires appreciably less head room than does a conical bin.

Abstract: An improved preparation and warming pan structure for supporting an elongated sandwich bun in an open position while the sandwich is being prepared and heated. Opposite long side panels which are integral extensions of the pan's flat bottom are angled and configured to support the bun in proper preparation position and promote even heating of the prepared sandwich when the user grasps a projecting integral handle portion of the pan and places it for a predetermined heating time on an oven rack.

Abstract: A pressurized spray paint container having a spray control nozzle at the top with an internal transport tube attached to the nozzle and extending to the bottom of the container. The container bottom is bulged outward so that the container cannot be rested on its bottom, but rather must be stored generally horizontal whereby the paint solids in the container are away from the inner end of the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to the creation of three dimensional objects from elements or blanks produced by inscribing inwardly and outwardly extending circles about a plurality of polygons, such as isoceles triangles, rectangles, or trapezoids of four, six or other even numbered sides through each point where the sides of the polygons intersect. To provide the appropriate arc lengths, the inscribed circles have the same diameter as the length of the side of the polygon where the arcs are to be inscribed. The element is bent or folded along each arc to form the three dimensional object. Multiple elements can be jointed for form complex elements by superimposing individual elements upon a portion of adjacent elements. The objects thus formed can be held together by forces generated by the folded arcs, although an adhesive may optically be used. The elements, three dimensional objects, and methods of making same also form part of this invention.

Abstract: A container constituted of a microwave transparent material for the heating or cooking of foods or comestibles through the intermediary of microwaves at a high degree of efficiency and with an enhanced temperature uniformity. The container base is configured in a manner to produce generally wavilinear or undulating bottom wall and side wall configurations which will disperse the food or comestible within the container to an optimum extent so as to increase the heating and cooking efficiency thereof, and to provide a more uniform temperature distribution throughout the container contents, thereby enabling the rapid and even heating and/or cooking of the food by microwave energy.

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

Abstract: A molded extensible-collapsible container having a series of flutes, in the generic sense, in its side to permit the container when subjected to an external force to move to a collapsed position or to the extended position when preferably the yield point of the plastic is no greater than about 5% and it has an ASTM modulus of elasticity greater than about (6.895.times.10.sup.8 pascals) and less than about (2.758.times.10.sup.9 pascals) and preferably about (1.034.times.10.sup.9 pascals to 2.069.times.10.sup.9 pascals). The plastic of the blow molded container can be a blow moldable polyester of less than 5% elongation at yield with polyethylene terephthalate being most preferred.

Abstract: A plastic article is provided resembling a natural object such as a rock for hiding door keys and similar articles. It is composed of a rigid body of resin such as a water extended polyester resin having a multiply-contoured, irregular upper surface and a flat lower surface. Inside is a key holding pocket that communicates with the lower surface through an opening having slots along each side to support a sliding door formed from sheet material.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind and ice fishing shed is described including a bottom portion having front, back and opposite side walls. The bottom portion has an open upper end which is closed by means of a pair of transparent cover members hingedly secured to the front and back walls of the bottom portion. The interior of the blind or shed is provided with seats which extend inwardly from the front and back walls and which also define storage areas. A pair of skis are provided at the lower end of the blind and shed to enable the unit to be pulled to fields or the like. A pair of hinged flap members are provided at the lower ends of the front and back walls to facilitate pulling of the unit through the fields.

Abstract: This invention relates to a beverage dispensing system which includes a base container, an elongated discharge neck detachably connectable to the base container and a pouring spout or nozzle which is provided for snap engaging the open outer end of the neck. The nozzle or spout includes a liquid discharge channel and an air vent channel positioned in close proximity to the liquid discharge channel and extending substantially parallel thereto.

Abstract: A pill container and permanently attached cap form a three-sided prism-shaped safety bottle. The container is provided with a top to which the cap is secured permanently by a large-headed shaft from the cap protruding into the container top through an elongated slot with a detent at each end. A slot in one side of the cap rides on a track protruding from the top of the container. An indented section of the cap fits within a dispenser opening on top of the track. Pushing from one side causes the cap to move laterally along a straight portion of the track while the shaft is forced through the tight slot from the first detent to the second. The cap is then pivoted around the shaft, guided by a curved portion of track. A protrusion on the track stops the cap rotation when the opening is exposed to dispense the pills one at a time therethrough. Strength but not manual dexterity is required for the two discrete opening steps.

Abstract: A device for draining and collecting sump oil from a motor vehicle has a drain plug which is closed by a ball valve or rupturable membrane. Oil is drained from the sump by inserting a drain spigot into the plug body to open the valve, or to rupture the membrane, so that oil drains through a hose connected to the spigot into a shallow vessel which may be located beneath the vehicle. The vessel may be pyramid shaped or may, for example, be U-shaped so as to afford a clear working space beneath the sump. Two of the pyramid-shaped vessels may be held together base-to-base, one vessel being filled with fresh oil for sump replenishment.

Abstract: A plug for obturating the lift hole of poured concrete drain pipes or conduits. The plug, preferably made of a plastic molding, comprises a generally thin head in the form of a plate and a shank projecting from the lower surface of the plate. The shank has at least two substantially thin fins extending radially from a common centerline, each having a lateral edge engageable with the rim of the hole obturated by the plug. Preferably, the shank is cruciform and is provided with three or more fins.

Abstract: A lawn tractor including a fuel tank constructed to permit tipping of at least 30.degree. with respect to the horizontal without spilling of gasoline from the tank. The fuel tank includes a bottom wall, side walls and a top wall, the top wall supporting a central filling stem. The top wall and side walls define a pair of air entrapment cavities at the periphery of the fuel tank and located above the base of the filling neck. When the fuel tank is level and filled, air is trapped in the entrapment cavities. If the tank is subsequently tipped, air is permitted to escape from one of the cavities into the filling neck and fuel will flow into that cavity thereby preventing the fuel in the filling neck from being spilled.

Abstract: A pyramid container device is disclosed which is adapted for holding an item. The container device comprises a first container member having the substantial shape of a regular pyramid with a substantially square first container base. The first container member may be formed as a thin wall pyramid structure of a plastic material. A second container member comprises a substantially thin wall frustum of a pyramid having a top base commensurate in size with the first container base of the first container member. Connecting means such as a lip on one of the first and second container members secures the first container base to the top of the second container member forming the pyramid-shaped container device. Aperture means molded in one of the first or second container members is adapted for receiving and locating an inner container such as a cylindrical jar at the geometric center of the pyramid container device.

Abstract: An open-mouth container having a mouth which partially undercuts the body of the container yet which can be shaped about a simple core.

Abstract: A hot air oven for heating food-loaded cartridges, each constituted by a stack of sealed trays nested within an open carton whose side walls have holes therein to admit heated air, the trays containing pre-cooked meals. The oven includes a rotating turntable provided with a raised annular shelf for supporting a circular array of cartridges, the side walls of which define a hollow center core. A driven propeller is disposed within the core, the space between the shelf and the turntable forming a restricted flow passage whose inlet communicates with the core and whose outlet lies at the periphery of the turntable. A heater assembly above the cartridge array produces heated air which is sucked by the propeller into the hollow core. Because of the flow restriction, a substantial portion of the heated air is forced through the holes of the cartons to heat the food in the trays.