Abstract: A fluid line connector facilitates the rapid and inexpensive replacement or repair of damaged portions of a fluid line or conduit, such as a vehicular refrigerant line, oil line, fuel line, or the like. The fluid line connector includes a main body that can accommodate different sizes of fluid lines, with ferrules and conduit couplers attached at opposite ends of the main body. The conduit couplers, ferrules, and seals cooperate with the main body to retain and seal the respective open ends of the fluid line in the connector, thus creating a secure and sealed junction or connection along a fluid conduit.

Abstract: A universal drain plug system and method allow for the use of a single tool, such as a wrench, for installing and removing drain plugs from fluid containers such as vehicle oil pans. The system includes a plurality of different drain plugs, each with a substantially identical tool-engaging head portion, but with a different threaded shaft. The threaded shafts may differ in diameter, length, and thread dimensions including thread height and pitch, for example.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling or splicing two fluid lines together includes a connector, a sleeve and at least one fastener. The connector has first and second end portions configured for insertion into first and second tube ends, respectively. The connector has an outer surface profile that includes at least one protrusion at each of the end portions for engaging an inner surface of a tube when the end portion is inserted into the tube end. The sleeve is configured for positioning at least partially around the connector and the tube ends disposed at the first and second end portions. The sleeve has an inner surface profile that generally corresponds with the outer surface profile of the connector, and the sleeve has an outer surface that has at least one threaded portion. The fastener threadedly engages the threaded portion of the sleeve and is tightened thereon.

Abstract: A hand operated gripping tool includes a first jaw unit having a first work piece engaging portion, a support member extending generally transversely with respect to the first jaw unit, a first handle at the second end of the support member, a second jaw unit having a second work piece engaging portion, and a second handle having an end portion pivotally attached at the second jaw unit. A guiding device is disposed at the end portion of the second handle. The guiding device has an engaging element and a biasing element, and the engaging element is biased or urged toward and into engagement with the second reaction surface by the biasing element. The engaging element engages the second reaction surface as the second jaw unit moves along the support member to adjust the size of the work piece receiving space.

Abstract: A coupling device for coupling or splicing two fluid lines together includes a connector, a sleeve and at least one fastener. The connector has first and second end portions configured for insertion into first and second tube ends, respectively. The connector has an outer surface profile that includes at least one protrusion at each of the end portions for engaging an inner surface of a tube when the end portion is inserted into the tube end. The sleeve is configured for positioning at least partially around the connector and the tube ends disposed at the first and second end portions. The sleeve has an inner surface profile that generally corresponds with the outer surface profile of the connector, and the sleeve has an outer surface that has at least one threaded portion. The fastener threadedly engages the threaded portion of the sleeve and is tightened thereon.

Abstract: A hand operated gripping tool includes a first jaw unit having a first work piece engaging portion, a support member extending generally transversely with respect to the first jaw unit, a first handle at the second end of the support member, a second jaw unit having a second work piece engaging portion, and a second handle having an end portion pivotally attached at the second jaw unit. A guiding device is disposed at the end portion of the second handle. The guiding device has an engaging element and a biasing element, and the engaging element is biased or urged toward and into engagement with the second reaction surface by the biasing element. The engaging element engages the second reaction surface as the second jaw unit moves along the support member to adjust the size of the work piece receiving space.

Abstract: A drain hole sealing system has a ribbed drain plug that includes a shaft for engaging the drain hole of a fluid container, a head portion for engaging a tool, and at least one annular rib or ridge or projection extending from the head portion in the same direction as the threaded shaft and concentric therewith. The annular rib or ribs provide compressive and biting engagement with an annular deformable seal positioned concentrically around the drain hole that is engaged by the shaft of the drain plug. At least one annular rib moves into biting engagement with the annular deformable seal so that the seal deforms at least partially around the annular rib when the drain plug is tightened.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for containing multiple portions of flowable material in multiple chambers separated by dividers includes a dispensing passageway at one of the chambers, with each divider having an openable region to permit flow of fluid from an adjacent chamber into the chamber having the dispensing passageway so that only a selected portion of flowable material may be expunged from the container at a time, without all of the contents reaching the dispensing passageway until such time as it is desired. The user may select the quantity of material to be dispensed and may squeeze the chamber or chambers to break or open the desired or appropriate number of dividers to dispense the desired or appropriate quantity of flowable material through the dispensing passageway of the container. Optionally, each chamber may have a respective dispensing passageway that is openable to dispense the contents of the respective chamber.

Abstract: A product display system and method includes a support and at least one product container supported by the support. The product containers incorporate one or more wings or flanges that enhance viewability of the containers from the side. The wings of the product containers may project forwardly or rearwardly from card portions of the containers, such as at angles of at least 20 degrees relative to the card portions. The containers may be supported at a support arm or the like, and have a center of gravity located behind a header for suspending the packages from the support arm, causing the packages to angle or tilt with their front faces angled somewhat upwardly, such as toward an illumination source, when suspended from the support arm.

Abstract: A container for containing a flowable material includes first and second sheet portions selectively sealed together along a perimeter of said container to define a closed cavity for containing the flowable material therein. The cavity includes a dispensing portion at a periphery of the container, with the dispensing portion being configured for dispensing the flowable material from the cavity when the dispensing portion is opened. The base and/or the side regions of the container may comprise at least one substantially rigid region with at least one weakened portion to facilitate folding of the base and/or side regions at the weakened portion or portions to assist in dispensing the flowable material from the container.

Abstract: A product display system and method includes a support and at least one product container supported by the support. The product containers incorporate one or more wings or flanges that enhance viewability of the containers from the side. The wings of the product containers may project forwardly or rearwardly from card portions of the containers, such as at angles of at least 20 degrees relative to the card portions. The containers may be supported at a support arm or the like, and have a center of gravity located behind a header for suspending the packages from the support arm, causing the packages to angle or tilt with their front faces angled somewhat upwardly, such as toward an illumination source, when suspended from the support arm.

Abstract: A product display system and method includes a support and at least one product container supported by the support. The packages are tilted such that the front faces of the tilted packages face at least partially upward, such as toward the illumination source, so as to provide enhanced illumination of the front faces of the tilted packages. The tilted packages may be supported at a support arm or the like, and have a center of gravity located behind a header for suspending the packages from the support arm, causing the packages to angle or tilt with their front faces angled somewhat upwardly, such as toward the illumination source, when suspended from the support arm.

Abstract: A method of handling a high heat lighting bulb includes providing a pouch that has a substantially non-porous flexible outer skin portion and an inner lining material. The non-porous flexible outer skin portion is substantially sealed around the inner lining. A high heat lighting bulb having a bulb portion and a power connecting portion is provided and the pouch is opened to expose the inner lining. The inner lining forms a receptacle that is configured for receiving the bulb portion of the high heat lighting bulb therein when the pouch is opened.

Abstract: A product display system and method includes a support and at least one product container supported by the support. The packages are tilted such that the front faces of the tilted packages face at least partially upward, such as toward the illumination source, so as to provide enhanced illumination of the front faces of the tilted packages. The tilted packages may be supported at a support arm or the like, and have a center of gravity located behind a header for suspending the packages from the support arm, causing the packages to angle or tilt with their front faces angled somewhat upwardly, such as toward the illumination source, when suspended from the support arm.

Abstract: A package for a retail item includes a panel having a front side and a back side, and an enclosure attached to the panel. The enclosure encloses a retail item of the package. The package includes a product identification code or price code or bar code printed on either the front side or the back side of the panel. An aperture is defined in the panel and passes through the product identification code. The aperture is adapted to receive a hook for hanging the package. The product identification code may be adapted to be read by a machine at a checkout counter. The product identification code thus may provide information to the machine that enables the machine to determine the price of the retail item.