Abstract: A method for decreasing space requirements during storage, and preventing breakage during transport, of cut potatoes, is shown. This method comprises the steps of preparing potatoes to be cut for food use, cutting the potatoes into rectilinear solids with approximately rectangular cross-sections, having two sets of parallel side faces, each having a width dimension, arranging the rectilinear solids in plurality of close together side-by-side arrays in which one set of parallel side faces are substantially aligned, then stacking the arrays into orderly layers in which the second side faces of are substantially aligned, to create a close stacking mutual support arrangement, and enclosing the arrangement in a suitable container for shipping and storage. In this manner the close stacking arrangement substantially minimizes the storage space required for a unit weight of cut potatoes, and minimizes the exposed cut surfaces to minimize any deleterious effects of exposure to air during storage.

Abstract: A ski tote bag is provided for a motor vehicle seat back in which, when the armrest is deployed, a recess is formed in the seat back. The rear wall of the recess can be moved, revealing a pass through into a vehicle trunk. Alternatively, the rear wall can be separated into front and rear panels which are connected together by an extendable ski tote bag which folds in an accordion-style fashion. With the ski tote extended, elongated objects such as skis can be inserted into the tote bag from the trunk and stored within the trunk and rear portion of the vehicle passenger compartment while protecting the interior of the vehicle from dirt, snow and other debris carried by the skis.

Abstract: A system for abating noise associated with the use of weight stack plates comprising a stack of plates for a weight lifting machine, each plate having a central vertical hole therethrough and supplemental guide holds therethrough and a horizontal hole from one edge to the center vertical hole perpendicular to the central vertical hole elastomeric material operatively associated with at least the upper and lower surfaces of the plates of the stack to abate noise normally associated with the movement of the plates; and a pin positioned vertically through the center holes of the plates of the stack, the pin being formed of a plurality of axially aligned segments coupleable one to another, along a common axis with spacers associated with each segment corresponding to the thickness of the elastomeric material between adjacent plates, the pin being formed to have a horizontal hole in each segment aligned with the horizontal holes of the plates.