Abstract: A receptacle for secure mail and parcel receipt and storage. The receptacle includes a top which provides a roof for the receptacle, a base, and a housing connected to the top and the base. The housing includes an upper compartment into which mail is first placed, a lower compartment into which mail is deposited from the upper compartment, a front door, located on a front of the receptacle, which is opened to provide access to the upper compartment and through which mail is placed into the upper compartment, a trap door, operatively connected to the front door, in the upper compartment, and an access door that includes a lock. The trap door rests in an open position when the front door is closed, allowing communication between the upper and lower compartments. The trap door is moved to a closed position by the opening of the front door, thereby preventing access to the lower compartment from the upper compartment.

Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable sprayer for applying a diluted product to a surface to be treated. The sprayer includes a housing including an inlet for supplying pressurized water to the sprayer, a first water only outlet, and a second diluted product only outlet. A mixing chamber is located within the housing. The mixing chamber is dimensioned to securely hold the product and is in fluid communication with the second outlet. A first flow passage extends through the housing. The first flow passage is in selective fluid communication with the inlet and the first outlet. A second flow passage extends through the housing. The second flow passage is in selective fluid communication with the first flow passage and the mixing chamber. A wall of the second flow passage is configured to direct the pressurized water flowing through the second flow passage into the mixing chamber to evenly dissolve the product and provide a generally consistent product to water ratio.

Abstract: A powered edging assembly for providing a voltage source at an edge of a garden or lawn having an edging extrusion configured for in-ground placement at the edge and including an above-ground upper portion having contained wires extending along a length of the extrusion; the wires being insulated by penetrable sheaths. An electrically powered device is selectively positionable and fastenable on the extrusion, whereby contacts for the device penetrate the sheaths for communicating electrical power from the wires to the device.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator having an actuator near its top which can be easily used with one hand having an elastomeric top seal is described. The cosmetic applicator is provided with a seal opening sleeve which protects the body of cosmetic from the elastomeric seal during opening operations and closing operations.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible radiant heater includes a base and a support mounted to the base. The support has a collapsed position wherein the base is configured to at least partially receive the support, and an extended position wherein the support extends upwardly from the base. A heater-head for generating radiant heat is connected to the support. A reflector is mounted to one of the heater-head and the support. The reflector at least partially surrounds the heater-head for downwardly reflecting radiant heat generated by the heater-head. The reflector and heater-head are reciprocally movable between the collapsed position wherein the reflector and heater-head are in close proximity to the base and the extended position wherein the reflector and heater-head are distant from the base.

Abstract: A step stool nestable for stacking is formed vertically tapered with the smaller end closed to form a horizontal stepping surface. The interior of the shell has attachment surfaces faces upon which the casters are attached for use. Initially the casters are mounted on the undersurface of the closed end to permit stacking of the stools for bulk transport or shipment in quantities. Upon separating the stools in the stack, the user removes the platform and casters from the undersurface of the closed end and attaches them to attachment surfaces in the shell. In the disclosed embodiment a platform member is attached to the shell and the casters mounted on the platform member. In the disclosed embodiment, the casters and platform member are enclosed in a container and releasably secured to the undersurface of the closed end of the shell for stacking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable sprayer for applying a diluted product to a surface to be treated. The sprayer includes a housing including an inlet for supplying pressurized water to the sprayer, a first water only outlet, and a second diluted product only outlet. A mixing chamber is located within the housing. The mixing chamber is dimensioned to securely hold the product and is in fluid communication with the second outlet. A first flow passage extends through the housing. The first flow passage is in selective fluid communication with the inlet and the first outlet. A second flow passage extends through the housing. The second flow passage is in selective fluid communication with the first flow passage and the mixing chamber. A wall of the second flow passage is configured to direct the pressurized water flowing through the second flow passage into the mixing chamber to evenly dissolve the product and provide a generally consistent product to water ratio.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system for a vehicle includes a console (12), which may be centrally positioned between the front seats (16) of the vehicle. A canister (10), in the form of a drawer to the console, is selectively removed, when vacuuming is to be commenced, and a flexible hose (96) unclamped from a side compartment (112) of the canister. The canister, with the hose attached, is carried by a handle strap (58) to a part of the car to be cleaned. A motor fan assembly (70) within the canister is powered from the vehicle's battery by means of a power cord (84) to draw dirt into a dirt cup (90) in the canister. Entrained air passes from the dirt cup through a filter (94) and is directed by the fan to an exhaust outlet (82) in the canister.

Abstract: A powered edging assembly for providing a voltage source at an edge of a garden or lawn having an edging extrusion configured for in-ground placement at the edge and including an above-ground upper portion having contained wires extending along a length of the extrusion; the wires being insulated by penetrable sheaths.

Abstract: A cleaning device (10) includes a handle assembly (14). A cleaning head (12, 312, 512) is pivotally mounted to the handle assembly (14). The cleaning head selectively holds a cleaning pad (70) for collecting dust and debris from a surface to be cleaned. A suction nozzle (18) is carried by the cleaning head. A dirt collecting receptacle (208) is mounted to the housing and is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle and with a suction fan and motor assembly (30). At least one spray nozzle (22) is mounted on the suction nozzle. A liquid delivery system (90) delivers a cleaning fluid to the at least one spray nozzle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a scent dispenser is provided that includes a fan and a scent cartridge, the scent dispenser dispensing scent when a flow of air is directed over a fragrant or aromatic substance in the scent cartridge.

Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved shower sprayer is provided which includes an oscillating head to provide improved water coverage for a shower user. The valve may include a base, at least one oscillating sprayer head supported by the base and a turbine system driven by a current of water fro a water source. The turbine system actuates the oscillating sprayer head.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning system for a vehicle includes a console (12), which may be centrally positioned between the front seats (16) of the vehicle. A canister (10), in the form of a drawer to the console, is selectively removed, when vacuuming is to be commenced, and a flexible hose (96) unclamped from a side compartment (112) of the canister. The canister, with the hose attached, is carried by a handle strap (58) to a part of the car to be cleaned. A motor fan assembly (70) within the canister is powered from the vehicle's battery by means of a power cord (84) to draw dirt into a dirt cup (90) in the canister. Entrained air passes from the dirt cup through a filter (94) and is directed by the fan to an exhaust outlet (82) in the canister.