Abstract: An apparatus includes a first interface platform and a second interface platform. One interface platform is configured to be coupled to a support structure, and the other interface platform is configured to be coupled to a device that operates at a temperature different than a temperature of the support structure. The apparatus also includes at least one intermediate stage platform and struts connecting the first and second interface platforms to the at least one intermediate stage platform. Top surfaces of the interface platforms may be substantially coplanar. At least a portion of the second interface platform can reside within an opening of the first interface platform. The struts can be arranged in a nested configuration having first and second sets of struts, where the second set is located within the first set. Each strut in the first set could be substantially parallel to an adjacent strut in the second set.

Abstract: A germ trapping device is constructed for preventing germs from spreading due to coughing or sneezing. The germ trapping device includes a receptacle having a closed position and an open position. The receptacle is made of a material hindering liquid from passing through the receptacle. The receptacle has an interior with a germicide. The receptacle has a plurality of biasing members biasing the front wall and the rear wall of the receptacle toward each other such that the receptacle is normally in the closed position. The method of using the device includes applying a force to the biasing members to move the front wall and the rear wall apart and to place the receptacle in the open position. When the receptacle in the open position, a person can sneeze or cough into the receptacle of the germ trapping device to prevent germs from spreading.

Abstract: A spit cup includes a cap housing defining an interior area. The spit cup further includes a plurality of disposable liners, at least one disposable liner being removably positioned in the interior area to receive a user's spit. A lid is selectively coupled to the cup housing. The lid includes a stationary portion and a flap that is pivotally coupled to the stationary portion and movable between an open position providing access to the interior area and a closed position preventing access thereto. The lid includes a spring for biasing the flap toward the open position. The lid further includes a catch operatively coupled to the stationary portion and being movable between a first configuration in which the catch interacts with the flap and maintains the flap at the closed position and a second configuration in which the catch allows the flap to move to the open position.

Abstract: The hand-held cuspidor with replaceable cup has a base which receives a replaceable cup. A holder engages on the base and retains the cup in the base. The holder has a handle for manual carrying. A pivoted cover swings from a closed position over the holder to an open position where the replaceable cup is available for expectoration.

Abstract: Beverage fill valves, adapter nozzles for placement at the discharge end of beverage fill valves, novel counterpressure, and snift discharge valves including plungers, actuators or buttons, and unique counterpressure snift flow paths in novel combination with fill valves and/or fill valves with adapter nozzles, and related methods are disclosed, whereby automatic filling of a can having a smaller diametral opening at the top thereof is accommodated.

Abstract: A spittoon comprising a receptacle and a sleeve. The receptacle includes a handle intended to be grasped by a user when transporting the same. The receptacle matingly engages the sleeve to form a seal therebetween. The sleeve is disposed substantially interiorly of the receptacle and comprises a drain hole and a drain plug received by the drain hole. The drain hole is located in a sidewall of the sleeve adjacent the open upper end thereof so as to permit the contents within the receptacle to be drained from the receptacle. The drain plug is removably received by the drain hole to block the drain hole and prevent the contents of the receptacle from passing therethrough. The sleeve is configured to provide a restrictive passage for spittle or saliva to enter into the receptacle and to form a liquid trap to resist spilling of the same from the receptacle. A cover is releasably attachable to the receptacle to seal the receptacle to prevent the contents therein from escaping therefrom.

Abstract: A portable spittoon includes a hollow body member having a top access opening disposed in an oblique plane. A pivotal cover is operated by a thumb tab. An annular shoulder is recessed within the access opening and engages a radially outwardly extending flange formed at an inlet opening of a frusto conical funnel. An outlet end of the funnel is suspended within the hollow body and has a downwardly curved end to direct spittle to a central interior floor portion of the hollow body member. A disposable plastic liner is received within the hollow body member and has an upper end edge clamped between the radial funnel flange and the annular recessed shoulder. A deodorant and disinfectant treated sponge is secured to a bottom floor portion of the liner and rests on the interior floor of the hollow body member. The spittoon includes a handle and is designed to dispose of tabacco chewers' spittle in a socially acceptable and sanitary fashion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a waste container to be held in the hand for the collection of liquid waste, primarily stomach contents thrown up at attacks of vomiting. With a view to providing a waste container in which it is possible to catch large quantities of vomit or waste, which is readily handled without spillage of the contents, and which after deposition on a support prevents all by itself the contents and the smell from escaping, the waste container (1) comprises an annular handle (2) on which there is disposed a waste bag (3) whose length (L) considerably exceeds the diameter (D) of the annular handle (2), the waste bag (3) being flexible so as to bend at the annular handle (2) when the waste container (1) is deposited on a support to place a part (3b) of the waste bag (3) in recumbent position beside the annular handle (2), wholly or partly closed by the handle.

Abstract: A disposable waterproof bag has a cuff-like fold at its upper end with side openings for the lateral reception of the opposed legs of a substantially rigid, wishbone-shaped support frame operative to maintain the mouth of the bag open while at the same time providing gripping means laterally outwardly of the bag opening to facilitate holding the open bag in position for urinating into while in standing position.

Abstract: A hollow member having a closed end and an open end is provided with a projection adjacent but spaced from one end thereof with a flange or laterally extending portion to enable the hollow member to be secured on a ledge such as a car door handle, ash tray or the like. A handle is secured to the member and an open end plastic bag or liner is positioned in the hollow member with a body of cellular material conforming with and contained therein.