Abstract: Disclosed is system and method for measuring the tension of a tennis net, and, alternatively or in addition, for determining if a service let occurs via the measuring of the net tension. The disclosed embodiments measure a force exerted on the center-strap or the singles stick by the net. In these embodiments, the measured force provides an accurate reflection of the tension of the net.

Abstract: An assembly for assisting with the pouring of fluid includes, among other aspects, a fill tube and a pop-up component disposed at least partially within the fill tube. The pop-up component assists with directing poured fluid into the fill tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is system and method for measuring the tension of a tennis net, and, alternatively or in addition, for determining if a service let occurs via the measuring of the net tension. The disclosed embodiments measure a force exerted on the center-strap or the singles stick by the net. In these embodiments, the measured force provides an accurate reflection of the tension of the net.

Abstract: An assembly for assisting with the pouring of fluid includes, among other aspects, a fill tube and a pop-up component disposed at least partially within the fill tube. The pop-up component assists with directing poured fluid into the fill tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a towel rack for use during a tennis or other sports event. In one example, the towel rack includes a support for supporting a towel, and at least one display panel for displaying a message. In a disclosed method, a message is displayed during the sports event, and the towel is placed on the support such that the message is unobstructed by the towel.

Abstract: A bottle assembly has a bottle for storing a fluid, such as a cosmetic fluid. An applicator for applying the fluid is configured to be insertable and removable from the bottle along a path. A sealing body, or assembly, which may include one or more seals, is configured to continue to seal the bottle when the cap is removed.

Abstract: A bottle assembly has a bottle for storing a fluid, such as a cosmetic fluid. An applicator for applying the fluid is configured to be insertable and removable from the bottle along a path. A sealing body, or assembly, which may include one or more seals, is configured to continue to seal the bottle when the cap is removed.

Abstract: A bottle assembly has a bottle for storing a fluid, such as a cosmetic fluid. An applicator for applying the fluid is configured to be insertable and removable from the bottle along a path. A sealing body is configured to seal the bottle. The sealing body has a channel width movable between a first width and a second width. The first width is large enough to accommodate the applicator and the second width is smaller than the first width. The channel is resiliently biased toward the second width.

Abstract: A bottle assembly has a bottle for storing a fluid, such as a cosmetic fluid. An applicator for applying the fluid is configured to be insertable and removable from the bottle along a path. A sealing body is configured to seal the bottle. The sealing body has a channel width movable between a first width and a second width. The first width is large enough to accommodate the applicator and the second width is smaller than the first width. The channel is resiliently biased toward the second width.

Abstract: A bottle assembly has a bottle for storing a fluid, such as a cosmetic fluid. An applicator for applying the fluid is configured to be insertable and removable from the bottle along a path. A sealing body is configured to seal the bottle. The sealing body has a channel width movable between a first width and a second width. The first width is large enough to accommodate the applicator and the second width is smaller than the first width. The channel is resiliently biased toward the second width.

Abstract: A bottle assembly has a bottle for storing a fluid, such as a cosmetic fluid. An applicator for applying the fluid is configured to be insertable and removable from the bottle along a path. A sealing body is configured to seal the bottle. The sealing body has a channel width movable between a first width and a second width. The first width is large enough to accommodate the applicator and the second width is smaller than the first width. The channel is resiliently biased toward the second width.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir wiper assembly has a fluid reservoir for storing a fluid. There is an inserter for insertion into the fluid reservoir. A wiper for wiping fluid from the inserter has a first wiping position and a second wiping position within the fluid reservoir. The first wiping position is closer to the inserter than the second wiping position. A block is configured to be disposed between the wiper and the inserter. The block is configured to selectively allow the wiper to move between the first wiping position and the second wiping position.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir wiper assembly has a fluid reservoir for storing a fluid. There is an inserter for insertion into the fluid reservoir. A wiper for wiping fluid from the inserter has a first wiping position and a second wiping position within the fluid reservoir. The first wiping position is closer to the inserter than the second wiping position. A block is configured to be disposed between the wiper and the inserter. The block is configured to selectively allow the wiper to move between the first wiping position and the second wiping position.

Abstract: A dip stick assembly has a dip stick and a housing that receives the dip stick. A wiper is selectively engageable with the dip stick. The wiper has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wiper is in contact with the dip stick. In the disengaged position, the wiper is out of contact with the dip stick. The wiper is resiliently biased into the engaged position with dip stick. A block maintains the wiper in the disengaged position when in a blocking position and permits the wiper to be in the engaged position when in the unblocking position.

Abstract: A dip stick assembly has a dip stick and a housing that receives the dip stick. A wiper is selectively engageable with the dip stick. The wiper has an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the wiper is in contact with the dip stick. In the disengaged position, the wiper is out of contact with the dip stick. The wiper is resiliently biased into the engaged position with dip stick. A block maintains the wiper in the disengaged position when in a blocking position and permits the wiper to be in the engaged position when in the unblocking position.

Abstract: A device for curling polypropylene ribbon comprises means (12) for delivering a supply of curlable ribbon, curling means (17) for the ribbon, and drive means (31–33) for drawing the ribbon across said curling means. The device may include guide means to control the approach angle of ribbon to the curling means, drag means to impose drag on said ribbon, and shredding means to shred said ribbon subsequent to curling.

Abstract: In one embodiment a hand operated machine for making curly ribbon products comprises a rotary drum that includes a station to attach the uncurled ribbons (more than one), a cutting station to cut the curled ribbons, and a stapling station to staple the ribbons together or to a card, ribbon, or the like. A handle is provided to rotate the drum and a fixed curling mechanism mounted downstream of the drum serves to curl the ribbon as the drum rotates to place the ribbon in contact with the curling mechanism. In another embodiment the machine is automated and includes a drum that has the same stations. The attaching station includes a pair of jaws that are sequentially movable one relative to the other and together to attain attaching the ribbons to the drum for the first cycle, detaching the ribbon during the first cycle and attaching the succeeding ribbon used in the next cycle for mass producing the curly ribbon product.

Abstract: In one embodiment a hand operated machine for making curly ribbon products comprises a rotary drum that includes a station to attach the uncurled ribbons (more than one), a cutting station to cut the curled ribbons, and a stapling station to staple the ribbons together or to a card, ribbon, or the like. A handle is provided to rotate the drum and a fixed curling mechanism mounted downstream of the drum serves to curl the ribbon as the drum rotates to place the ribbon in contact with the curling mechanism. In another embodiment the machine is automated and includes a drum that has the same stations. The attaching station includes a pair of jaws that are sequentially movable one relative to the other and together to attain attaching the ribbons to the drum for the first cycle, detaching the ribbon during the first cycle and attaching the succeeding ribbon used in the next cycle for mass producing the curly ribbon product.

Abstract: In one embodiment a hand operated machine for making curly ribbon products comprises a rotary drum that includes a station to attach the uncurled ribbons (more than one), a cutting station to cut the curled ribbons, and a stapling station to staple the ribbons together or to a card, ribbon, or the like. A handle is provided to rotate the drum and a fixed curling mechanism mounted downstream of the drum serves to curl the ribbon as the drum rotates to place the ribbon in contact with the curling mechanism. In another embodiment the machine is automated and includes a drum that has the same stations. The attaching station includes a pair of jaws that are sequentially movable one relative to the other and together to attain attaching the ribbons to the drum for the first cycle, detaching the ribbon during the first cycle and attaching the succeeding ribbon used in the next cycle for mass producing the curly ribbon product.

Abstract: In one embodiment a hand operated machine for making curly ribbon products comprises a rotary drum that includes a station to attach the uncurled ribbons (more than one), a cutting station to cut the curled ribbons, and a stapling station to staple the ribbons together or to a card, ribbon, or the like. A handle is provided to rotate the drum and a fixed curling mechanism mounted downstream of the drum serves to curl the ribbon as the drum rotates to place the ribbon in contact with the curling mechanism. In another embodiment the machine is automated and includes a drum that has the same stations. The attaching station includes a pair of jaws that are sequentially movable one relative to the other and together to attain attaching the ribbons to the drum for the first cycle, detaching the ribbon during the first cycle and attaching the succeeding ribbon used in the next cycle for mass producing the curly ribbon product.