Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for providing answering service via an answering device comprises associating an answering service for a target telephone number of a user with the answering device; enabling the answering device to receive a call directed from a caller device to the target telephone number; storing an answering message; and configuring the answering device to send back the answering message to the caller device in response to receiving the call when a condition is satisfied. Moreover, in some embodiments, the condition is based on a date of the call or a time of the day of the call, a status of a business associated with the target telephone number, an origin of the call or a type of the caller device, or the condition is satisfied when the call is received at a specific occasion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cloud voicemail and two way communication. In some embodiments a method for providing answering service via an answering device comprises associating an answering service for a telephone number of a user with the answering device; enabling the answering device to receive at least one call targeted to the telephone number originating from a caller device; starting a call secession between the caller device and the answering device; responding to the call by sending to the caller device through the call session an answering message; detecting information related to an alternative communication channel different from the call session; and sending or receiving information via the alternative communication channel.

Abstract: The present invention includes both a system and a method for communication over Internet protocol. In its various embodiments, the system and method of the present invention is particularly well suited for communication via VoIP between a user and a recipient, wherein the recipient is a host or a representative of a host. For example, a recipient could be a customer service or client relation's specialist employed by a host company. According to the present invention, the host is responsible for providing communications means to the recipient. In particular, the communications means are embedded within a host web page accessible to the user, such that the user can directly communicate via Internet protocol to a selected recipient or representative of the host.

Abstract: A computer-based system for gathering, storing and transmitting contact information for wireless communication devices. The system includes a network station for compiling contact information received from wireless communication service providers. The compiled information is periodically updated and transmitted upon request. The system can be accessed by interface facilitators as well as by individuals interested in obtaining contact information, such as, for example, the calling number for a particular cellular phone.

Abstract: A beverage product includes a container having an interior volume and a frangible block of a frozen beverage material formed in the interior volume. The beverage product can further include a liquid beverage material disposed in the interior volume. In use, the frangible block of a frozen beverage material can be broken prior to consuming the beverage. The container can be made of a resilient material so as to allow the frangible block of a frozen beverage material to be broken. Another aspect of the present invention provides a vending machine capable of dispensing beverage products having frangible blocks of a frozen beverage material formed therein.

Abstract: A system and method in which unpublished subscribers of telecommunications services are able to receive a notification that an individual is trying to contact them, without revealing unpublished contact information. A requestor of a telecommunication subscriber's unpublished contact information is given an opportunity to indirectly send the subscriber a notification message. This is accomplished by collecting information from the requestor regarding the desired content of the notification message and then sending the notification message to the subscriber. The unpublished subscriber receiving such a notification message has the choice of contacting the requestor or ignoring the notification message.

Abstract: A fastener, such as a nail or staple, includes a fastener body having an impact surface and a plug of filler material joined to the impact surface. The plug of filler material fills the hole made by the fastener body when the fastener is driven into a workpiece. Many types of fasteners can be used, such as nails and staples. In the case of a nail, the plug of filler material would be joined to the nail head. In the case of a U-shaped staple, the plug of filler material would be joined to the cross member joining the staple legs. The filler material can be a wide variety of materials such as wood putty, acrylic sealant, fiberglass resin fillers, epoxy adhesives, and plastic.

Abstract: A fastener, such as a nail or staple, includes a fastener body having an impact surface and a plug of filler material joined to the impact surface. The plug of filler material fills the hole made by the fastener body when the fastener is driven into a workpiece. Many types of fasteners can be used, such as nails and staples. In the case of a nail, the plug of filler material would be joined to the nail head. In the case of a U-shaped staple, the plug of filler material would be joined to the cross member joining the staple legs. The filler material can be a wide variety of materials such as wood putty, acrylic sealant, fiberglass resin fillers, epoxy adhesives, and plastic.

Abstract: A system and method in which unpublished subscribers of telecommunications services are able to receive a notification that an individual is trying to contact them, without revealing unpublished contact information. A requestor of a telecommunication subscriber's unpublished contact information is given an opportunity to indirectly send the subscriber a notification message. This is accomplished by collecting information from the requestor regarding the desired content of the notification message and then sending the notification message to the subscriber. The unpublished subscriber receiving such a notification message has the choice of contacting the requestor or ignoring the notification message.

Abstract: A computer-based system for gathering, storing and transmitting contact information for wireless communication devices. The system includes a network station for compiling contact information received from wireless communication service providers. The compiled information is periodically updated and transmitted upon request. The system can be accessed by interface facilitators as well as by individuals interested in obtaining contact information, such as, for example, the calling number for a particular cellular phone.

Abstract: Portable folding board games are provided. These games include a pair of elongate board members. A first side of each board member includes (i) a plurality of apertures each constructed to receive a game peg, and (ii) a well constructed to retain a plurality of game pegs when the board is not in use, and an opposite side of each board member includes (i) a first slot, extending across the width of the board member near a first end of the board member, and (ii) a second slot, extending across the width of the board member near the opposite end of the board member. The board game further includes a pair of securing loops, each loop being constructed to be wrapped around the two board members, when the board members are placed with their first sides facing, in a manner so that the loop extends into the first and second slots and is retained therein. Cribbage board systems are also provided.