Abstract: A thermos bottle utilizing a wide opening vacuum filler is disclosed. The thermos is provided with a compound stopper removably engaging the thermos for converting the wide mouth thermos to a narrow mouth configuration.

Abstract: A game board apparatus is disclosed for playing a variant of the game of checkers. The game board is similar to a checkerboard, having alternating light and dark colored squares or alternatively, plain and textured squares. Unlike checkers, however, the two center rows of the game board are replaced by a channel adapted to receive two rows of vector tiles therein. The vector tiles alter the normal movement of playing pieces thereon. A piece landing on a vector tile is constrained to move only in the directions indicated by the particular directional indicia on the tile. At the start of each game, the vector tiles are removed from the channel and replaced in a different order thereby to vary the movement constraints for the next game.

Abstract: An odor masking ashtray is constituted by an ashtray provided with openings in its side for the insertion of cigars, cigarettes and pipes serving as a base supporting a housing in which is mounted a fan positioned between two filters so that smoke and other objectionable odors may be drawn upwardly from the ashtray through the filters and in the process filtered out of the air and/or masked.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated container is produced by sealing the ends of a pair of hollow concentric tubular members. Air is then evacuated from the enclosed space between the members to obtain a vacuum insulating sleeve. An insulated base seals one end of the sleeve while a liner is provided in the interior of the sleeve for receiving food or a beverage. The other end of the sleeve may have various configurations to provide either a wide or narrow mouthed opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for serving beverages comprises a thermally insulated tray having depressions on its upper surface for receiving the bottoms of insulated tumblers or mugs. A similar tray rests on top of the tumblers with the tops of the tumblers received in recesses formed in the bottom surface of the upper tray. In use these alternating layers of trays and tumblers may be stacked and beverages in the tumblers held at desired temperatures until served.

Abstract: A device for growing houseplants is disclosed. The device is adapted to extend from a window such that the plants provided therein receive adequate sunlight. The device is enclosed on all sides extending from the window to protect the plants from exposure to temperature excesses. The rear of the box is open and communicates with the interior of a room to maintain the plants at a temperature substantially equivalent to the indoor temperature. The device is provided with a pull-out drawer to provide easy access to the plants and vents for permitting outside air to enter the device. Flexible baffle curtains are provided so that the entire window area through which the planter box extends may be closed off from the outside.

Abstract: A mailbox having a platform for receiving mail and a cover for providing weather protection is disclosed. The cover is pivotably mounted to the center of the platform and may be opened by a latch on either side thereof. When either latch is opened, the cover rotates to provide access to the platform, and the latch on the opposite side drops free of the platform.