Abstract: A packaging container for the transportation and distribution of fluids, pellets, and granular materials, that may also be used as a building material. The packaging container includes two protrusions extending from the packaging container exterior surface and forms two recesses in the packaging container exterior surface, the protrusions and recesses sized and shaped so that a protrusion can be inserted within a recess to link two or more packaging containers together in an effort to construct a structure. The packaging container also has a notch and channel defined in the exterior surface, each sized and shaped to receive a container spout and handle therein, so that a flush engagement can be achieved when connecting a significant number of containers in the construction of a large structure, such as a wall of a dwelling. A method of utilizing the packaging containers in this manner is also provided.

Abstract: An agitator for use in agitating lightweight polymeric balls in conjunction with a ball washing device is disclosed and includes a base portion, a standing portion attached to the base portion, with the station portion oriented in a vertical direction and generally perpendicular to a horizontal plane formed by the base portion; a motor having a rotatable shaft, a linkage connected to the rotatable shaft, and a bumper connected to the linkage at a location different from the rotatable shaft; and a tubular member connected to the standing portion, the tubular member having an internal diameter that is generally free of obstructions, to facilitate passage of balls through said tubular member when the balls are subjected to a negative pressure differential within the tubular member for transport to a ball washer device.

Abstract: A shoehorn including an elongated blade defining a laterally extending arched geometry with lateral sides that are higher than the center portion and a substantially hollow handle defining a design feature selected by the user inspired by a favorite pastime such as golf, tennis, baseball, basketball, or other generally spherical members is provided. A method of producing a shoehorn including a handle feature inspired by a particular hobby of the user includes providing a polymeric material, injection molding the polymeric material into the shape of a blade as described above, and saving a significant amount of manufacturing material (at least 50%) by molding the handle feature with a substantially hollow center and about one half of the handle defining a plurality of cores therein is also provided.

Abstract: An attachment and method of use is described for securing flags, banners and the like to flag poles. The attachment includes a ring having a rotatable pin which fits within a conventional flag grommet. A ring retainer is used to maintain the ring at a selected location along the flag pole. In order for the attachment to work with flag poles having different diameters, a ring retainer spacer and ring spacer are available for easy use during assembly. The attachment allows ease in repositioning the flag along the pole as desired.

Abstract: A bottle carrier/cooler is provided for easy, convenient transportation, cooling and storage of a single conventional plastic beverage bottle. The bottle carrier/cooler is configured to substantially contain one standard bottle while exposing the bottle neck and bottle cap. The body of the bottle carrier/cooler is of a diameter sufficient to maintain ice, water or other refrigerants so the bottled beverage will remain at a desirable low temperature. The beverage which may be a soft drink, can be poured from the bottle without removing the bottle from the carrier/cooler. A seal connected to the carrier/cooler lid prevents leakage of the refrigerant while the beverage is poured and in conjunction with projections along the bottom of the carrier/cooler stabilize the bottle longitudinally. In the preferred embodiment of the invention a lid having a pour spout and finger tabs is provided.

Abstract: A bottle carrier/cooler is provided for easy, convenient transportation, cooling and storage of a single conventional plastic beverage bottle. The bottle carrier/cooler is configured to substantially contain one standard bottle while exposing the bottle neck and bottle cap. The body of the bottle carrier/cooler is of a diameter sufficient to maintain ice or other refrigerants so the bottled beverage will remain at a desirable low temperature. The beverage which may be a soft drink, can be poured from the bottle without removing the bottle from the carrier/cooler. Finger detents formed within the sidewalls of the carrier/cooler keep the bottle in a radial stable location. A seal connected to the carrier/cooler lid prevents leakage of the refrigerant while the beverage is poured and in conjunction with projections along the bottom of the carrier/cooler stabilize the bottle longitudinally.

Abstract: A ball washing apparatus and method for children's play pools includes a venturi assembly having a high pressure air line which brush, diaphragm and air dry balls passing through. A divider at the air line junction of the venturi assembly prevents clogging and jamming as the balls rapidly exit the ball washer through a ball return conduit. Preferably an ultraviolet light source acts as a germicide treatment for the water and balls contained within the washing chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a children's ball pen for use in the home. The ball pen is made from a floor and sidewall of corrugated plastic sheets which are sonically welded together. Molded bottom anchors between the floor and sidewall together with rings hold resilient polymeric foam covered vertical posts in the desired upright position. A metal rod surrounds the top of the sidewall to give added rigidity and provide an anchor for the vertical post rings. A net and a top complete the ball pen and hold balls therein during play.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device for separating deformed balls from normal spherical balls prior to washing as is common in the ball pen industry. The device comprises an L-shaped tunnel which defines a slot on its lower surface. The slot feeds into a receptacle positioned below the tunnel. Balls enter under the force of vacuum pressure through an intake opening, striking a first bi-angled deflector plate. Deformed balls will fall through the slot into the receptacle in most cases. However, to increase the likelihood of such an eventuality, the balls then strike a second deflector plate and are sent down the second leg of the L-shaped tunnel. The second leg also defines a slot. By striking the second deflector plate, the ball is reoriented and the likelihood of passing through the slot is increased. Thus, normal balls are left and pass from the L-shaped tunnel out through an output opening and on for conventional washing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a children's ball pen for use in the home. The ball pen is made from a floor and sidewall of corrugated plastic sheets which are sonically welded together. Molded bottom anchors between the floor and sidewall together with rings hold resilient polymeric foam covered vertical posts in the desired upright position. A metal rod surrounds the top of the sidewall to give added rigidity and provide an anchor for the vertical post rings. A net and a top complete the ball pen and hold balls therein during play.

Abstract: A ball cleaning system incorporates an object converger and diverter. The converger accepts objects from a plurality of inputs at a housing and uses a flexible tube to selectively connect each input to a single output. A motor, elongated member, and actuator move the flexible tube between inputs. The diverter includes a Y-shaped assembly, a solenoid, and a gate wherein the solenoid selectively moves the gate across the Y-shaped assembly so that objects passing through the Y-shaped assembly are directed down different branches of the Y. The actuator is a linear actuator.

Abstract: A ball cleaning system utilizes negative and positive pressures to urge ball travel to and from the ball washing compartment. The system described herein is particularly useful for "dry" pool balls which must be frequently moved and cleaned for sanitation and appearance purposes. Convergers and diverters increase the functionality of the system by allowing balls from multiple pools to be cleaned in an easy, convenient manner.

Abstract: A method is provided for washing spherical objects such as toy balls and the like. The balls are delivered into a bin above a hopper where they are manipulated to prevent jamming as they are passed from the hopper to a channel below consisting of rotating and stationary brushes. The balls are brushed and a detergent solution is applied. The balls are then rinsed and air is forced over them to dry any moisture thereon. The balls then exit through a discharge where they can then be collected and reused.

Abstract: The invention herein provides an apparatus and method for washing spherical objects such as toy balls and the like. The balls are delivered into a bin above a hopper where they are manipulated to prevent jamming as they are passed from the hopper to a channel below consisting of rotating and stationary brushes. The balls are brushed and a detergent solution is applied. The balls are then rinsed and air is forced over them to dry any moisture thereon. The balls then exit through a discharge where they can then be collected and reused.