Abstract: A method for attaching an object to a surface using an adhesive. Prior to applying the adhesive, the surface is prepared by rubbing the surface with an eraser. After rubbing the surface, the eraser dust is wiped away, the adhesive is applied to the surface and the object is placed against the adhesive.

Abstract: A garden watering tool comprising a hose reel and integral nozzle is disclosed. The reel is provided with a short length of hose which is connected to the nozzle and a long length of hose which is contained upon a reel and can easily be pulled out and reeled in. The long length of hose is to be connected to a faucet and the tool carried to the location of use.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing hot melt adhesive or other materials. The apparatus includes a container and an outlet. The container has a first material (the material to be dispensed) disposed therein, which changes from a solid state or a state of high viscosity to a state of low viscosity when heated above a predetermined temperature. The container also has a second material disposed therein, which is adapted to be heated above a predetermined temperature when subjected to microwaves for at least a predetermined period of time. The second material can be an inner layer of the container, can be applied to a microwave transparent sheet surrounding the first material, or can be embedded in a silicone tube surrounding the first material. The second material is in a heat transfer relationship with the first material. While the dispenser is being subjected to microwaves, the second material converts the microwave energy into heat and transfers the heat to the first material.

Abstract: A connecting element for creating a blind side connection for materials such as furniture. Connecting element includes a tenon which includes a groove positioned about the peripheral surface of the tenon. A compression material which is flexible and has excellent memory is inserted into the group on the tenon. A mortise is provided which has an opening for telescopically receiving the tenon and compression material into the inner chamber of the mortise. The inner chamber includes a set slot positioned around the interior surface of the chamber and is designed to receive the peripheral edge of the compression material on the tenon. Liquid and/or re-wettable adhesives can be used to rigidly connect the tenon in the mortise.

Abstract: Removably attachable roller components provide an article of luggage or other objects with a rolling capability. The roller components are economical to manufacture, easy to attach to an article of luggage, and strong enough to resist detachment under high impact forces. Further, the assembly of components, while particularly useful for an article of luggage, are adaptable to provide other types of articles with a rolling capability. The roller components include a first coupling member attachable to a selected location on an article, and a second coupling member attached to a wheel subassembly and engageable with to the first coupling member. The first coupling member has one side adapted for attachment to the selected location on the article, and a plurality of hook or loop fasteners extending away from the other side. The second coupling member supports a wheel structure on one side and a plurality of hook or loop fasteners extending away from an opposite side.

Abstract: A finishing composition for restoring the appearance of the aged, painted surface of an automobile comprises an isobutyl methacrylate resin polymer dissolved in a solvent system comprising a low boiling organic solvent and a high boiling organic solvent.

Abstract: A structure and a technique for heating hot melt adhesive by means of microwaves, to place the hot melt adhesive in a tacky state in which it adheres to an object. A preferred structure according to the invention comprises an article of manufacture (e.g., a wall hook) having a mass of the hot melt adhesive and a susceptor thereon. The article, with the adhesive and susceptor thereon, can be subjected to microwaves for a predetermined period of time, to place the mass of adhesive in a tacky state which enables the article to be attached to an object (e.g., a wall). A special container for the article is placed with the article into a microwave oven as a unit, and removed as a unit from the oven. The container enables the article to be safely and efficiently attached to the object.

Abstract: An adjustable seat or back cushion to provide comfort and support for a sitting individual has an outer fabric cover with a front panel and a back panel forming an enclosure. The cover has a zippered opening which provides selected access to the enclosure. At least one support pad formed from compressible material with a first predetermined configuration and a first ILD is designed to be inserted through the opening and selectively located in the enclosure adjacent the front panel. A plurality of other support pads also formed of compressible material having at least one other predetermined configuration and ILD different than the configuration and ILD of the first support pad can be inserted through the opening and selectively located between the first support pad and the rear panel. The support pads are located in adjacent, surface-to-surface contact to create a tiered structure within the cushion.

Abstract: A wax craft product which comprises a bendable extruded rod of wax having a textured surface is provided. The textured surface enables the rod of wax to adhere to itself and to other surfaces when the rod of wax is pressed into contact with itself and other surfaces. The wax comprises petroleum-derived paraffins, microcrystalline waxes, and hydrocarbon resins. In an alternative embodiment, the wax craft product comprises a bendable extruded rod of wax having a coating which has adhesive properties. In this embodiment, the adhesive coating enables the rod of wax to adhere to itself and to other surfaces when the rod of wax is pressed into contact with itself and other surfaces. As with the textured rod of wax, the wax comprises petroleum-derived paraffins, microcrystalline waxes, and hydrocarbon resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the design and construction of apparatus for dispensing microwaveable hot melt adhesives and other heat sensitive materials. The apparatus comprises a dispenser which is heated by microwaves and then used to dispense a material therefrom. The dispenser is specifically designed to convert microwave energy into heat and to transfer the heat to the material to be dispensed in a more efficient and/or safe manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispensing hot melt adhesive or other materials. The apparatus includes a container and an outlet. The container has a first material (the material to be dispensed) disposed therein, which changes from a solid state or a state of high viscosity to a state of low viscosity when heated above a predetermined temperature. The container also has a second material disposed therein, which is adapted to be heated above a predetermined temperature when subjected to microwaves for at least a predetermined period of time. The second material is in a heat transfer relationship with the first material. While the dispenser is being subjected to microwaves, the second material converts the microwave energy into heat and transfers the heat to the first material. The first material then changes to a state of low viscosity and can be dispensed from the container through the outlet.

Abstract: A wheel assembly designed to be adhesively attached to an article. The assembly includes a mounting plate having an upper surface with an adhesive layer and a peel-away protective cover. The cover is designed to be removed to reveal the underlying adhesive layer. The mounting plate further includes a center portion and side portions which are pivotal relative to each other to enable the mounting plate to be adhesively attached to adjacent surfaces of the article. A pair of legs are formed in one piece with the mounting plate and extend away from the bottom surface. Each of the legs has a front edge and a rear edge. The front and rear edges of the legs are inwardly offset from the front and rear edges of the mounting plate to prevent the mounting plate from separating from the article. The pair of legs and the bottom surface of the mounting plate between the legs define a wheel channel. A relatively rigid insert is located within and conforms substantially to the wheel channel.

Abstract: A shielded cover for a microwave container having upper and lower layers and a diamond-shaped metallic ring therebetween. The ring surrounds an upwardly extending multi-step truncated pyramid formed out of the center section of the upper and lower layers of the cover. The top surface of the truncated pyramid includes a series of openings to vent steam produced within the container. Microwave radiation produced by the microwave oven is reflected by the metallic ring and therefore only penetrates the cover to enter or exit the container at the corners and the center section of the cover. Microwaves are concentrated at the center section of the container and retained within the container, heating the center of the food therein proportionally more than the outer portion of the food, resulting food having a uniform and consistent temperature throughout.

Abstract: A double-walled cooking utensil provides inner and outer metal layers which are nested together and permanently connected along peripheral flanges. Each layer provides a planar bottom portion which cooperate with each other to define a thin chamber therebetween. A sheet of reflective aluminum is positioned in such chamber and resists the transfer of radiant heat from the bottom surface of the outer layer to the bottom surface of the inner layer which constitutes the cooking surface of the utensil. The reflective sheet is embossed with a grid of ribs which extend toward the outer layer and maintain a small spacing between the portions of the reflective layer between the ribs. The utensil promotes quality baking without requiring increased baking time, and produces bakery having more uniform texture and better color.

Abstract: A cooking utensil for use in a microwave or conventional oven is disclosed. The utensil comprises a metal baking pan of largely conventional design with a plastic ring or girdle fitted around the outside edge of the pan to space the pan from the oven walls. The girdle may be provided with an interior shoulder to accept a lip on the pan. A rib on the girdle extending above the shoulder may be used to capture the pan lip between the rib and the shoulder in a snap-fit arrangement. Additionally, the girdle may be used as a cool-to-the-touch handle with or without handle extensions.

Abstract: A system for dispensing flowable foodstuffs such as chili and the like. The system comprises a food-containing reservoir which is at least partially surrounded by a container filled with warm water or the like in order that the foodstuffs be kept in a warm and servable condition. The food reservoir is fitted with a valve generally of the plug or portion control type so that individual servings may be drawn from the reservoir. The dispenser is also fitted with a vacuum source such that a vacuum may be drawn at the upper levels of the food reservoir. An air inlet is provided into the reservoir preferably through the valve itself so that as the vacuum is being drawn on the reservoir, the valve simultaneously will be cleaned by the air flowing through it even when the valve is in its closed position. This air flow, in turn, agitates the flowable or chunky material so that it remains relatively homogenous and so that the chunky or suspended particles in the foodstuff do not settle to the bottom of the reservoir.

Abstract: A wax craft product which comprises a bendable extruded rod of wax having a textured surface is provided. The textured surface enables the rod of wax to adhere to itself and to other surfaces when the rod of wax is pressed into contact with itself and other surfaces. The wax comprises petroleum-derived paraffins, microcrystalline waxes, and hydrocarbon resins. In an alternative embodiment, the wax craft product comprises a bendable extruded rod of wax having a coating which has adhesive properties. In this embodiment, the adhesive coating enables the rod of wax to adhere to itself and to other surfaces when the rod of wax is pressed into contact with itself and other surfaces. As with the textured rod of wax, the wax comprises petroleum-derived paraffins, microcrystalline waxes, and hydrocarbon resins.