Abstract: A gum dispenser includes a substantially rectangular, box shaped container having a platform therein. The platform is disposed substantially parallel to a first wall and a second wall of the container. When sticks of gum are positioned between the platform and the second wall of the container, a spring urges the platform against the sticks of gum, and a leading stick of gum is urged against the second wall of the container. The second wall of the container includes a track, with an operator slidably engaged therein. When a user slides the operator toward a slot in the lid of the dispenser, a seat of the operator engages a short edge of the leading stick of gum and pushes the gum partially through the slot, thereby dispensing the gum. The container further includes a base with a notch therein for limiting movement of the operator in a direction away from the lid, so that the operator remains engaged within the track.

Abstract: A microprocessor acts upon instructions received from a random access memory and a read only memory. A removable hard drive contains musical selections digitally stored thereon. The hard drive stores data in the random access memory and retrieves data from the random access memory as directed by the microprocessor. A monitor displays a list of available musical selections and a list of the customer's selections. A keyboard is used by the customer to provide input to the microprocessor. A card reader retrieves electronic information from a payment card and sends payment information to the microprocessor. A CD writer and dispenser is controlled by the microprocessor to retrieve a blank compact disk from a CD storage, record the customer's musical selections onto the compact disk, and dispense the compact disk.

Abstract: Two posts have a thin, flexible barrier attached there-between. The barrier spans a hard playing surface which may be a driveway. Each post is supported from the ground in a substantially vertical position. The barrier includes a cord laced through grommets along the top edge of the barrier to hold the barrier in position. Two players use paddles to hit a projectile back and forth. A method of playing the paddle ball game is disclosed.