Abstract: The herein taught invention generally relates to domestic fireplaces particularly of the wood burning type and a method of, and apparatus for sealing such fireplaces to prevent the loss of conditioned air (heated and/or cooled) from the living quarters through such fireplaces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved, cylindrical, paperboard collar for placing around a specialty sandwich such as a multilayer hamburger or such. The collar blank is cut from flat paperboard stock in the form of an elongated rectangle which is folded back over itself having its free ends adhesively attached to one another whereby the resulting flat preform may be expandingly opened to form a cylindrical configuration. Two tongue like locking tabs are cut into the paperboard surface which when the preform is expanded to form an upright cylinder the tabs act to maintain the open cylinder.

Abstract: An elongate generally-rectangular single handle opening is disposed transversely across the top panel of a sleeve-type carrier. Optionally, a generally-rectangular stress-relief score line arrangement extends transversely completely across the top panel and down into the side panels, and is centered around the handle opening. A generally-rectangular tear-stop score line arrangement extends transversely only partially across the top panel, and encircles the handle opening between the handle opening and the stress-relief score line arrangement. In this manner, tears originating at the handle opening are substantially prevented from propagating across the top panel of the carrier and compromising the structural integrity of the carrier.

Abstract: A beverage container lid is disclosed and taught whereby the brim of the lid is provided a multiplicity of small inwardly directed, radial protuberances projecting inward from the lid's outer peripheral brim which snap-in place under the cup's beaded rim thereby securing the lid to the cup's rim. In addition the circumferential array of small protuberances is interrupted by one or more, preferably three, inwardly projecting, circumferentially elongated oblong protuberances which engage the under surface of the cup's circumferential beaded rim. A second embodiment the beaded rim of the beverage cup is also taught wherein circumferentially spaced depressions, or recesses, corresponding to the oblong protuberances of the lid are provided. When the lid is applied to the cup, the oblong protuberances are indexed so as to pass over the rim depressions.

Abstract: A clamshell type container is formed from a unitary blank (10) of paperboard, the top or crown of the container including two side wall panels (32) which extend slantingly downwardly and whose free edges extend beneath the upper edges of the lower container half side walls. The crown has a front wall formed of two panels (40, 48) folded together so as to define a dual layer front wall. The outer panel (40) of the dual layer front wall is provided with spaced apart perforated lines (46) to define a tear strip (44). The inner panel (48) of the dual layer front wall is provided with indicia to show the winning of a prize upon tearing off of the tear strip. Alternatively, the normally hidden inner surface of the tear strip may be provided with indicia. Either of the downwardly sloping side wall panels (32) of the crown or top may, alternatively, be provided with this tear strip and indicia construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular food package particularly suitable for use in the fast food industry, and more particularly to a modular package that can be used as a stand alone, open ended, scoop type, package suitable for containing food items, such as french fries, potato cakes, cookies, pies, and such, or two identical units may be combined to create a completely enclosed, and interlocking, package for a sandwich or other appropriate food items.

Abstract: An anti-spill liquid container is disclosed and taught wherein the center of gravity of the container/liquid combination causes the container to inherently roll to a predetermined, non-spill, position if the container is inadvertently "knocked over." The invention disclosed and taught is applicable to any generally cylindrical container and is particularly suitable for drinking cups as commonly used in the fast food industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing an operable divergent/convergent variable geometry exhaust nozzle for jet propelled aircraft. A multiplicity of hinged, overlapping, nozzle blades circumferentially surround the exhaust nozzle thereby providing a divergent cylindrical exhaust nozzle that may be convergingly reduced to a conical configuration by action of a remotely controlled solenoid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing an operable variable geometry exhaust nozzle for scale model jet aircraft. A multiplicity of hinged, overlapping, nozzle blades circumferentially surround the exhaust nozzle thereby providing a divergent cylindrical exhaust nozzle that may be convergingly reduced to a conical configuration by action of a remotely controlled solenoid.

Abstract: An actuator for use with electric conductor systems using push-to-connect fittings, especially suitable for tractor/semi-trailer connections employing an actuator body having linearly displaceable plungers mounted upon a flexible conductor fitting which separates the conductor fitting and receptacle upon the plungers extending. A lever operator mounted upon the actuator body is connected to a flexible lanyard of a length less than that of the electrical conductor whereby tensioning of the lanyard occurs before damaging tension can be applied to the conductor and lanyard tensioning extends the plungers to disconnect the conductor fitting and receptacle.

Abstract: A low flow resistant dry break fluid coupling suitable for military and industrial refueling applications wherein the coupling is connected to a male adapter by radially displaceable detents operated by an axially movable locking sleeve. The coupling including a valve having a manual actuating handle which includes locking sleeve interference structure preventing the locking sleeve from being displaced to the adapter release position while the valve is in the open position. Additionally, electric switch structure mounted upon the coupling body permits gloved actuation to control a fluid pump.

Abstract: Automotive trim strips are molded in an open-faced mold cavity by extruding a ribbon of plastic therein and moving a shaping roller thereover to compression mold the viewing surface of the trim strip into conformity with the surface of the mold cavity and to shape the non-viewing with the shaping roller.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly for interconnecting rigid conduits or ducts including spherical ball and socket elements in turn mounted in a housing for universal adjustment. The housing includes spherical segment support surfaces for engaging exterior spherical surfaces defined on the socket element to insure the range of adjustment. A spring member provides electrical continuity between the ball and socket elements comprising a bowed wire of an oblong configuration having an end attached to the ball element and resilient bows engaging the socket and ball elements such that as the elements are angularly displaced, the spring maintains a relatively constant spring load.

Abstract: A method of converting a single wheel wheel barrow to a dual wheel wheel barrow is taught whereby an extended axle is attached to the structural longerons by rotating the axle attaching brackets rearwardly upon each associated longeron and affixing a wheel laterally outside each longeron.

Abstract: An improved decorative automotive vehicle trim strip and method and apparatus for forming by reshaping an end of a previously extruded length of thermoplastic material. The surface of the length of thermoplastic material intended for viewing is maintained at a cold temperature, well below the softening point of the thermoplastic material, during the reshaping operation. The length of thermoplastic material is heated during reshaping by a mold section heated 400.degree. to 410.degree. F. pressed against the surface intended to be affixed to the vehicle.

Abstract: A plate wall cargo vehicle construction is disclosed comprising a multiplicity of light weight laminated panels. Each panel comprises a resinous core material having a metal skin adhesively bonded to each planar surface thereof.