Abstract: Drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container. In some embodiments, the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system. In others, the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system. In still others, the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the systems' valve assembly.

Abstract: Drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container. In some embodiments, the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system. In others, the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system. In still others, the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the systems' valve assembly.

Abstract: Drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container. In some embodiments, the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system. In others, the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system. In still others, the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the systems' valve assembly.

Abstract: Inline roller skates are provided with independent suspension systems, separately suspending one or more of a plurality of wheels. The wheels are mounted rotatably on axles, and the axles are held nominally parallel to the sole of the boot. The suspension systems include guides that maintain the axles parallel to the sole of the boot even as the wheels and axles move vertically in response to bumps and other forces.

Abstract: Drink spout systems for use with drink containers. The drink spout systems are configured to easily pierce a drink container or a seal across an opening in the drink container to access the drink fluid contained within the drink container. The drink spout system may include a valve assembly to regulate the flow of the drink fluid through the drink spout. The drink spout system may additionally or alternatively include a valve assembly that is configured to prevent drink fluid from being unintentionally dispensed from the drink container, such as when the drink container is pierced by the drink spout system or when the drink container is tipped over or dropped. The drink spout system is particularly useful on aseptic drink pouches, aseptic drink boxes, drink bottles and other similar drink containers.

Abstract: A drink valve for use with a drink container is disclosed. The valve includes a straw structure with a gate structure or plug at one end. The gate structure opens and closes to regulate the flow of liquid. The gate structure is opened upon movement of the straw structure. The gate structure may include members which spread apart upon movement of the straw structure, and which come together when the straw structure is released.

Abstract: An engageable, manipulable, infinitely configurable deformation structure including a fluid-impervious bladder-like structure, and a composite filler mixture in the form of plural independent particles thinly coated with a liquid lubricant disposed in a sealed condition within the bladder-like structure, with that filler material substantially but less than completely filling the enclosure in the sense that gas-occupying spaces, or the like, are distributed throughout the enclosure, between adjacent particles, and between particles and the bladder-like structure.

Abstract: A mitt having opposite, matching side expanses forming opposite sides of the mitt is disclosed. Each side expanse is made up of a foam layer sandwiched between opposed overlay layers. The mitt may be shaped for use either on the left hand or the right hand, with a web in the mitt having a reversible concavo-convex shape which is changed depending upon the hand with which the mitt is used.

Abstract: An amusement ball is provided which has both a soft, pliable surface texture and good rebound characteristics. The ball has a resilient inner body at its core which is surrounded by at least one layer of foam. The foam imparts softness to the exterior of the ball. An outer layer of covering material surrounds the foam. The outer layer includes at least a portion of stretchable cloth fabric which allows the outer layer to stretch when the ball is rebounded. That reduces the loss of rebounding energy which would otherwise occur due to compression of the foam surrounding the core. As a result, the ball bounces higher and is generally more lively. An improved outer layer material for soft skin inflated balls is also disclosed. The skin is preferably a stretchable knitted fabric which stretches at least twenty-five percent (25%) in all directions in the plane of the fabric. The invention also includes an amusement ball having a specified thickness of polyurethane foam surrounding the core.

Abstract: A game paddle and a game combination wherein the paddle reacts with an impacting aerial object to cause the same to rebound along an axis generally approximating the axis of impact.

Abstract: A keeper for taking up and storing excess length (slack) in an elongate cord and the like, such as an electrical cord. The keeper disclosed is formed as a unitary, molded, bi-fold device including a pair of housing parts that swing between open and latch-closed conditions, which parts cooperate with a hinged cord-winder panel that swings into a central plane between the two housing parts with the latter closed to define a pair of cord-wind-storing compartments. In its closed and operative condition, the keeper presents, to the viewer's eye, an elongate, slender, graceful element extending in the line of remaining portions of cord.

Abstract: An amusement device which has a substantially spherical configuration, and which is formed from a large plurality of floppy, elastomeric filaments that radiate in a dense, bushy manner from a central core region. The filaments are sufficiently floppy to collapse on impact, thus to absorb enough energy to avoid any tendency to bounce. They are also sufficiently dense and floppy that they tend to quickly thread their way between the fingers of a user on contact with the hand. These features promote sure and quick capture of the device during the act of catching.

Abstract: A base for supporting a load defines a first articular concave spherical surface segment forming a first socket about an axis extending through the center of curvature of the surface segment. The socket is nested with a first mating articular convex spherical surface segment forming a first ball segment joined to a load carrying platform. A first strip of low friction bearing material is seated in a first recess encircling the axis at the perimeter of the first socket to support the first ball segment. The side of the first ball segment facing away from the first socket defines a second articular concave spherical surface segment forming a second socket. A second mating articular convex spherical surface segment forming a second ball segment joined to a retaining member is nested in the second socket. A second strip of low friction bearing material is seated in a second recess encircling the axis at the perimeter of the second ball to support the second ball segment.

Abstract: A closure device for a container provided with at least three compartments open at the top of the container and angularly offset from one another around the container axis, including a cover mounted on top of the container, and presenting first and second dispensing openings, a cap covering the top of the container, enclosing the cover and provided with an outlet opening, and linkage connected between the cover and the cap for permitting the cap to rotate relative to the cover so that the outlet opening of the cap moves between the first and second dispensing openings and for causing the cap and cover to rotate as a unit when the cap outlet opening is aligned with one of the dispensing openings and the cap is rotating in the direction away from the other dispensing opening with respect to the angular path.