Abstract: A container comprises a sealed cavity defined by first and second walls of the container and a coolant disposed within the cavity wherein the coolant is capable of assuming first and second phases. A portion of the first wall is joined to the second wall wherein the portion includes an off-center opening. The portion is rupturable to limit pressure in the sealed cavity. The container further comprises a container rim and a lid having both an outer channel and a tab. The outer channel receives the container rim. The outer channel defines a first width. The tab has a second width substantially equal to the first width. When the coolant in the cavity is in the first phase there is a first interference fit of the channel with the container rim. When the coolant is in the second phase, there is a second interference fit, different than the first interference fit, between the container rim and the outer channel of the lid. A method of manufacture of such a container and lid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container comprises a sealed cavity defined by first and second walls of the container and a coolant disposed within the cavity wherein the coolant is capable of assuming first and second phases. A portion of the first wall is joined to the second wall wherein the portion includes an off-center opening. The portion is rupturable to limit pressure in the sealed cavity. The container further comprises a container rim and a lid having both an outer channel and a tab. The outer channel receives the container rim. The outer channel defines a first width. The tab has a second width substantially equal to the first width. When the coolant in the cavity is in the first phase there is a first interference fit of the channel with the container rim. When the coolant is in the second phase, there is a second interference fit, different than the first interference fit, between the container rim and the outer channel of the lid. A method of manufacture of such a container and lid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamshell container for food is formed of a single sheet of thermoplastic material thermoformed to have a concave base with an upwardly extending sidewall with an outwardly extending peripheral flange. A hinge attachment segment extends outwardly from the base flange, and a lid is connected to the hinge attachment segment along an integral hinge which allows pivoting of the lid to cover and uncover the base. Intermittent perforations in the plastic define a line of weakened material between the base flange and the hinge attachment segment. A tab extends from the hinge attachment segment. Pulling on the tab causes the hinge attachment segment to separate from the base flange along the line of weakened material, to thereby remove the lid from the base, leaving a dining dish which has insubstantial indications of its former connection to a lid, thereby better simulating conventional dinnerware.

Abstract: A transparent thermoformed thermoplastic blister has a product bubble which protrudes from a flange which is connected to a backing card. The bubble has an access opening which is selectably uncovered by a pivotable door hinged to the flange and to a hinge panel by parallel hinges, with the hinge panel hinged to the flange to define an over-center hinge arrangement. The lengths of the hinge panel and door, as well as the spring constants of the hinges may be selected to form a closure which will tend to remain opened once opened, or alternatively one which will automatically spring closed when finger pressure on the door is released. The closure may alternatively be formed in a clamshell package. The physical manipulation of the door is similar to the throwing of a light switch, and hence is readily apprehended by new users.

Abstract: A flea trap including a horizontally oriented base and a vertically oriented cover, the cover extending upwardly from the rear edge of the base, and the base extending forwardly from the bottom edge of the cover. The base has a horizontal insert tray slot adapted to receive an insert tray that has a tacky upper surface. The insert tray slot has an upwardly opening tray slot window, through which fleas may fall to land on the tacky surface, and access means for the insertion and removal of the insert tray. The cover has a light source with means to direct the light substantially forwardly, across the base, toward the area in front of the flea trap.

Abstract: An insect trap having a back portion and a base portion oriented at essentially right angles to each other. The trap back portion contains a light source to attract insects, especially fleas, to the trap and the trap base portion contains an insect structure which bears on its surface an adhesive material for trapping the insects attracted to the trap. The trap back and base portions may be configured so that they may be folded against each other when the trap is not in use.