Abstract: A clamshell style utensil carrying case includes a pair of housing members coupled together by a double hinge and latch. Each housing member has a support arranged to hold an associated utensil in place with the utensil heads facing in opposite directions. A support stand that projects from the double hinge spine holds a third utensil. In a closed position, the housing members encase the utensils. In an open position the utensils are displayed side by side with the third utensil optionally being elevated relative to the others. To help minimize the visual thickness of the case, the interior surface of each housing member may include a depression in the region adjacent the head end of its held utensil. The depressions form corresponding bulges in the exterior surfaces of their associated housing members. The bulges—which are located on opposite ends and opposite sides of the case—provide additional room for the utensil heads without unduly impacting the visual height of the case.

Abstract: A combination spoon and fork system capable of being stored in a nested configuration or used as a combination eating utensil with the spoon and fork connected end to end. An interlocking mechanism can interlock the spoon and fork in either the nested position or in the end to end configuration. The interlocking system allows the handle of the spoon to slide between rails on the handle of the fork and to snap and lock the spoon in place either nested with the fork or end to end with the fork to form an elongated combination eating utensil. The spoon and fork of the system can also be used separately from one another.

Abstract: A leash assembly that includes an elongated strap device having a distal portion, a central portion and a strap proximal portion that enables gripping of the leash assembly thereof. A central quick release assembly includes a slide fastener member and a mating lock/slide fastener member. The slide fastener member includes a slide portion slidingly disposed at a plurality of positions along the strap central portion. The lock/slide fastener member includes a second fastening component adapted to releasably mate with a first fastening component of the fastener member. The lock/slide fastener member additionally includes a lock/slide portion slidingly disposed along a plurality of positions along the strap central portion in one orientation, and is further capable of releasably locking to the strap device in a second orientation. The first and second fastening components, cooperate for quick mounting to one of a plurality of varying diameter anchoring objects (e.g., a pole).

Abstract: A collapsible drinking cup assembly having a plurality of annular ring segments each flexibly coupled together, end-to-end. An upper drinking lip segment of the ring segments includes an interior and exterior sidewall such that the drinking lip segment tapers inwardly from a lower base portion to an annular upper distal edge thereof. A support floor of the cup apparatus includes an annular bottom flange extending radially beyond an exterior wall of the bottom ring segment. Atop lid member extends over an opening into the cup apparatus, and includes a pair of opposed, inner and outer contact walls that collectively define an annular receiving groove therebetween. The cup apparatus can be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded position when both the annular bottom flange and the lid member are radially gripped and axially pulled apart longitudinally thereof before separation of the lid member from the drinking lip segment.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A plunger filter infusion device comprises a container, a plunger having a resilient plunger head slidable within the container, and an insert plate connected to a long shaft placeable in the base of the container. The insert is placed in the container, infusible material is placed in the container, heated water is poured into the container and the plunger is slid into the container with the shaft of the insert sliding within the hollow central tube of the plunger. The end of the insert shaft becomes releasably connected to the handle via a locking mechanism in the handle. The infusible material is thus confined between the plunger head and the insert plate. The plunger and insert can be removed as one unit allowing clean and simple disposal of the infusible material.

Abstract: A food chopper includes a body part having a body tube, a cap assembly slidably attached to a first side of the body tube for sliding movement with respect to the body part, a shuttle slidably attached to a second side of the body tube for helical sliding movement with respect to the body part, a plunger rotably attached to the cap assembly and the shuttle for sliding movement with respect to the body part and rotational movement with respect to the cap assembly and the body part, and a blade attached to the plunger. Pushing the cap assembly down enables the blade to slide down with respect to the body part. Releasing the cap assembly enables the blade to slide up with respect to the body part and allows the blade to rotate with respect to the body part and the cap assembly.