Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage case having a central retaining element which comprises a push-button, at least two spring-catches forming a locking element, and at least two supporting clips forming a supporting element. Each spring-catch has a first projecting portion with a projection and a spring-arm and each supporting clip has a second projecting portion and a supporting plate. The spring-arms and the supporting plates are tilted down to form a conical seat. The spring-catches and the supporting clips are spaced by means of the spacing slits. The push-button is placed in the central hole defined by spring-catches and integrated with the underside of spring-catches. When a pressure applied on the push-button is released, the projection will make its outside tilted surfaces to lift the disc from the supporting surface. As such, the user can readily remove the CD.

Abstract: A snapping mechanism of a CD case, wherein, a short conic support area extending from the bottom of the case having at its center protruding a short cylindrical snapping member; a guiding concave and a conic guiding area respectively provided on top of and on circumference of the snapping member; individual snapping bulge provided beneath the conic guiding area; both the snapping member and the support area are equally divided into multiple sections by grooves for each section to be segregated into an elastic snapping panel, and a hollow channel provided to each of the snapping panels at where the snapping member connected to the support area for each elastic snapping panel and the support area to be connected by a trail.

Abstract: A handgun case for protecting and transporting a pistol or revolver, includes a closable outer shell; an inner liner within the outer shell; a variety of accessories removably attachable to the inner liner at any point on the inner liner, for example by hook-and-loop fasteners; a closed-cell foam pad between the outer shell and the inner liner; and a number of resilient protective ribs on the outer shell.

Abstract: A storage and security case for a personal computer comprises a housing with fold over side platforms which raise and lower a support platform within the case to cover a personal computer stored within the case or expose the personal computer. The side platforms provide additional functions such as a storage tray for various materials and a mouse platform.

Abstract: A guidewire holder is provided that stores a coiled guidewire substantially immersed in a storage fluid and allows for a facilitated retrieval of the guidewire. The guidewire holder is generally configured as a shallow pan in a circular shape with an outer periphery to retain the coiled guidewire. The outer periphery includes a concave inner wall and a set of ribs that generally retain the coiled guidewire on the outer periphery. An access area is provided to suspend a portion of the guidewire away from the outer periphery to enable a medical practitioner to reach into the guidewire holder and grasp a portion of the guidewire in order to easily extract the coiled guidewire from the holder. An inner periphery reduces the amount of storage fluid needed to immerse the guidewire and is used in combination with the outer periphery to provide a location for comfortably holding the guidewire holder. Multiple holders may be coupled together so as to be stacked on top of each other.

Abstract: A socket suspender includes a support plate, a positioning rack detachably mounted on the support plate, and a positioning bolt for securing the positioning rack on the support plate. In such a manner, the positioning rack may be secured on and detached from the support plate easily and quickly by screwing or unscrewing the positioning bolt, so that the socket may be stored in the socket suspender when not in use or taken out from the socket suspender when in use easily and quickly, thereby facilitating the user using or storing the socket.

Abstract: A tool box includes a base and a cover is pivotally connected to the base by extending two shafts through two sides of the base and two lugs of the cover. An inner frame has two sidewalls and a rack is connected between the two sidewalls. A plurality of recesses are defined in the rack for receiving tools therein. A slot is defined through each of the sidewalls and two operation members are connected between the two sidewalls and the two lugs. The two shafts extend through the two operation members and two respective ends of the two sidewalls. Each of the operation members has a protrusion which is engaged with the slot corresponding thereto so that when the cover is opened to a certain degree, the rack is pivoted upward.

Abstract: A packaging structure of planographic printing plates and an internal packaging material for the plates, which reliably protect the planographic printing plates from an external force, and which block the plates from light and keep the plates free from moisture; wherein the internal packaging material and an external packaging material are easily recycled. A stack of the planographic printing plates is internally packaged in the internal packaging material, whose light transmittance is a predetermined value or lower, and the stack is further packaged in the external packaging material. Light coming from the exterior of the closed external packaging material to the interior thereof becomes faint, and moreover, the planographic printing plates are prevented from accidental exposure due to a light-blocking property of the internal packaging material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented herein for uniformly sealing and peeling a cover tape to/from a carrier tape. The carrier tapes of the present invention include surface transitions that minimize/eliminates surface irregularities and distortions such that the cover tapes can be uniformly sealed and peeled from the carrier tapes. The surface transitions act as physical barriers to prevent propagation of surface irregularities and distortions from the thermoformed pocket area into the heat bonding zones. The surface transitions also act as stiffening members to keep the heat bonding zones as flat as possible during subsequent handling of the carrier tape. The surface transitions may be in the form of continuous ribs and/or step portions.

Abstract: A tool holder for elongate tools, in particular drill bits, having a front wall part, having a receiving device for the tools and having a rear wall part, the two wall parts being movable relative to one another in order to release a filling and removal opening, wherein the two wall parts are arranged and/or designed in such a manner that, in the closed state of the tool holder, there is a distance (A) between the two wall parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated processing of bulk mail in a continuous and automatic procedure includes an operative combination of processing stations including an input station for receiving incoming mail in bulk fashion and for separating the pieces of mail for individual delivery to the remainder of the apparatus a station for detecting irregularities in the contents of the envelopes, such as metal items, folded contents, or oversized items; a station for outsorting envelopes rejected in accordance with determinations made at the detection station; a station for opening the envelopes, preferably along multiple edges; a station for removing the contents from the opened envelopes, for subsequent processing of the contents; and a series of stations for handling and orienting the contents for subsequent delivery to a plurality of output stackers.

Abstract: A machine for the sorting by size of pear-shaped objects including a conveyor (10) able to move essentially horizontally. The conveyor includes a first alignment of equidistant and parallel primary rollers (30) separated each from the next by an interval allowing one object to pass through. The conveyor (10) also has a second alignment of secondary rollers (44) each arranged in alignment with an interval. The machine has a device (42) for guiding the secondary rollers (44) along a sorting path (14) of the conveyor. The guide device (42) being such as to move the secondary rollers progressively away from the primary rollers along the length of the sorting path (14). The primary and secondary rollers do not rotate about their axis for the greater part of the sorting path (14).

Abstract: Colander apparatus for straining and rinsing including a first rim portion and a second rim portion hingedly movable about an axis between a generally coplanar position and a collapsed or folded position wherein the rim portions are generally parallel or oriented at a small acute angle one to the other, the first and second rim portions when in the generally coplanar position defining a bowl opening. The colander apparatus further includes a bowl portion integrally formed with, attached to or otherwise supported by the first and second rim portions around the bowl opening in spanning relation thereto, the bowl portion including a plurality of openings therethrough.

Abstract: A high load capacity, low profile, low friction slide assembly for use in a rack assembly. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a first longitudinal member having a central portion, a first upwardly extending portion on one side and a second upwardly extending portion on the other side and a second longitudinal member having a central portion, a first downwardly extending portion on one side and a second downwardly extending portion on the other side. The second longitudinal member is slidably engaged with the first longitudinal member such that the second longitudinal member can slide lengthwise with respect to the first longitudinal member.

Abstract: In a support device for printed circuit broads with a support structure, equipped with at least one board guiding groove, a locking group has the task of locking detachably the boards. The support structure has at least one transversal cutting which crosses the groove and cooperates with the locking group. The locking group includes a guiding element which slides inside a relative guiding seat. One end of the guiding element is connected to a plate provided with at least one locking element which is introduced inside the transversal cutting for locking the board.

Abstract: A portable cue holder comprises a bag having a strap attached at one end. The bag is filled with a discrete material such as lead pellets. The relatively heavy lead pellets will allow the bag to conform to any substantially horizontal surface. The combination of the strap and the relatively heavy lead pellets functions to support the cue in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A replenishable merchandising display requires the product to be displayed for sale be loaded into modular receptacles at the manufacturer and that a merchandising display for receiving the modular receptacles be shipped to a retailer. The retailer then loads the modular receptacles containing product into the merchandising display and eventually replenishes the merchandising display once the product is depleted.

Abstract: A storage rack for hockey sticks comprising a frame, a base, and at least one transversely extending support member, a retaining member being pivotably connected proximate said support member and being moveable between an open position to permit hockey sticks to be placed in a storage position on the rack and a closed position wherein the retaining member prevents removal of the hockey sticks from the storage rack. The storage rack is preferably transportable and includes a storable stand.

Abstract: A display wall panel including a base member with a horizontal slot having a triangular cross-section. That is, the slot has an upper surface and a lower surface where the surfaces converge toward the opening of the slot. The system also includes a bracket having a curved portion with a top member and a bottom member where the curved portion fits into the slot and the top member bears against the upper surface of the slot and the bottom member bears aginst the lower surface of the slot. There is also provided a wall panel system which includes a base member with at least one horizontal slot extending therein. The slot has an upper surface, a lower surface, a rear surface, and an opening formed by an upper wall and a lower wall. The system also includes a bracket having a vertical member with a top member, a bottom member, and a curved portion extending outwardly from the vertical member.

Abstract: A storage structure includes generally rectangular panels arranged in at least one group of panels that are vertically oriented and each hinged about a respective hinge pin to a common connecting structure to pivot between two limit orientations. Each end panel has, on its bottom horizontal edge, a support wheel, which rolls on the floor to support the panel cantilever-fashion. Each panel can carry objects, such as works of art, that can be observed from a sufficient distance in a storeroom. Both faces of each panel are accessible and can be used to fix objects, which maximizes the available storage area.

Abstract: A combination type support rack structure includes multiple upright support posts, multiple separation boards mounted between the support posts, and multiple support and securing devices mounted on the support posts for supporting and securing the separation boards. Each face of each of the support posts is formed with at least one insertion groove. Each of the support and securing devices includes an insertion block received in the insertion groove, an ear seat protruded outward from one side of the insertion block, and a plate block pivotally mounted on the ear seat in an eccentric manner. Thus, the combination type support rack structure may be assembled easily and quickly, without having to use screws or tools, thereby saving time and manual work.

Abstract: A tank cap has a cap part, a filler neck for receiving a refueling nozzle wherein the neck can be closed by the cap part via a rotary closure having at least two seals arranged on the cap part and active between the cap part and the neck. The sealing surfaces on the neck are provided behind a raised region of a protuberance and below at least one projection.

Abstract: A liquid stabilizing baffle is described in which first and second loops are formed by strips of flexible spring material. The first and second loops intersect one another at two intersection points along an axis. A third loop, formed of a flexible spring material strip may be joined with the first and second loops at points between the intersection points of the first and second loops.

Abstract: A tank for transporting liquids is provided. The tank includes a tank vessel having front and rear walls defining a longitudinal direction, opposing sidewalls defining a lateral direction and a floor and a top. An X-shaped baffle arrangement extends through the interior of the tank vessel in the longitudinal direction. The X-shaped baffle arrangement has a longitudinally extending chamber in the center thereof, two upper legs extending between the chamber and the top of the tank vessel and two lower legs extending between the chamber and the floor of the tank vessel. A plurality of longitudinally spaced pivotal baffles extending from either side of X-shaped baffle arrangement towards a respective one of the sidewalls. Each pivotal baffle being supported for pivotal movement on the X-shaped baffle arrangement between an open position wherein the pivotal baffle extends in the longitudinal direction and a closed position wherein the pivotal baffle extends in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for containing a fluid at elevated pressure features an unstressed corrugated metallic liner forming part of a hermetic seal. The liner has corrugations extending parallel to a first direction to accommodate deformation in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Around the liner is a filler layer of elastic material forming a contiguous layer adjacent to the external surface of the liner and filling the corrugations. An external primary load-bearing container has at least one wall made of fiber-reinforced composite material adjacent to the filler layer. The shape of the primary container, the reinforcing directions of the fiber-reinforced composite material, and the mechanical properties of the filler layer are configured such that, under a given change in the pressure of the contained fluid, a strain caused in the liner parallel to the first direction is at least one order of magnitude less than a corresponding strain in the second direction.

Abstract: Two portions (10, 12) are injection molded and ultrasonically welded together to form a plastic container (C) defining a hollow interior (16) for containing food products and having an open top sealed by a thin, flexible, foil seal member (14). The container (C) has an inwardly projecting lip (38) which is arched shaped including an outer annular portion (86) extending inward and upward from the sidewall (24) of the container (C) away from the hollow interior (16) of the container (C) and including an inner annular portion (92) radially inward of the outer annular portion (86) and having an outer face (92a) extending downward towards the hollow interior (16) of the container (C). The upper surface of the lip (38) is continuous, smooth and free of steps and ridges to present a continuous seal area for the foil seal member (14) independent of the deflection of the lip (38) into the hollow interior (16) of the container (C).

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of thin-walled articles comprising the steps of: 1) selecting a polymer blend having an ESCR of greater than 10 hours; i) a plurality (preferably 6 or more) of strips of the polymer blend incorporating any post molding treatment intended for the final article having the cross-sectional dimensions of 0.65 mm in thickness and 10 mm in width are injection molded under high shear, long flow length conditions, similar to those intended for use in the manufacture of the flexible thin-walled article; ii) the strips are bent back upon themselves and stapled 3 mm from the bend; iii) the bent strips are immersed in a solution of a stress crack agent and held at a temperature of 50° C.

Abstract: A coupon dispensing and containing device for use as a sweepstake's box that includes an outer box having at least one coupon-dispensing opening and at least one inner box affixed within the outer box, each of the at least one inner boxes containing coupons and having a coupon-exit opening aligned with a coupon-dispensing opening in the outer box.

Abstract: The present inventions relates generally to improvements in article handling, such as in vending machines, and more particularly, to improvements in methods and apparatus for handling articles using a vacuum-type product lifting/dispensing mechanism, to improvements in article display panels which enhance sales of primary products, and to improvements in product containment systems which improve product storage capacity, as well as the ease and efficiency of product handling, access and loading into the article handling apparatus.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is provided for dispensing items. The dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing outlet and an item holder having item holding areas and being movably disposed to position the item holding areas one at a time in sequence over the dispensing outlet so that when one of the item holding areas is positioned over the dispensing outlet, the other item holding areas are not disposed over the dispensing outlet. The dispensing apparatus further includes a blocker disposed over the item holder opposite the dispensing outlet, the blocker blocking access to the dispensing outlet from directly above the item holder when the item holder positions one of the item holding areas over the dispensing outlet.

Abstract: A decorating and cutting device includes a housing. A cutting blade and decorating material dispenser are disposed within the housing and are operable to simultaneously or independently dispense decorating material and/or cut a target material. The cutting blade is biased within the housing to prevent unintentional operation.

Abstract: External manipulation of a prefilled vial to dispense its contents by deforming the vial is disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing beverages may include a support structure and a plurality of valve trays mounted on the support structure in side-by-side relation. The machine may also include a connection block disposed on each of the plurality of valve trays, where each connection block may be configured to receive a first supply of a diluent and a second supply of a diluent. A valve may be disposed on each connection block, and each valve may be configured to be selectively movable between the first supply, the second supply, and a closed position. A nozzle may be mounted to each of the valve trays at a predefined dispensing location, and each nozzle may be configured to selectively receive diluent from the first supply and the second supply.

Abstract: A multi-chambered ampoule for dispensing a mixture of substances comprising: an oblong container (10) having at least two cylindrical chambers (12, 14) which extend in the axial direction from the rear end to the front end of the container, a respective piston (22, 24) which can be slidingly inserted into each chamber in an axial direction, creating a seal with respect to the inner wall of the chamber, and a housing (30) comprising a front section (32) which surrounds a discharge channel (34) and a rear section (36) which is adjacent to the front section, containing an inner chamber (38) formed therein into which the container can be inserted in such a way that the front end of the container defines a mixing chamber (33) inside the housing, leading into a discharge channel and provides a tight closure. In a ready-to-use state, the openings at the rear end of the chambers are closed by pistons and the openings at the front end of the chambers being sealed by a sealing means (40).

Abstract: A swivel top closure including a base and a top affixed to the base, the top being movable with respect to the base along the horizontal plane in swivel-like motion between a closed position in which the top fully covers an opening in the base to an open position in which the top uncovers the opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for serving a heated alcoholic beverage is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes supplying an alcoholic beverage mix, such as a mulled wine mix, which is connected to a serving tap. The mulled wine is heated between leaving the source and being serviced from the tap.

Abstract: A combined toothpaste dispenser and oral hygiene assembly includes a toothpaste dispenser which is preferably a rigid pump. A holder is mounted to the outer component of the pump for detachably housing at least one oral hygiene or personal care tool. Such tool may be a dental floss dispenser and/or toothbrushes. Preferably, a cover is mounted over the top of the dispenser to provide sanitary protection for the dispenser and the personal care tools and to function as a cup as well as enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the assembly.

Abstract: A plastic container having a storage chamber which graduates from a shoulder section into a bottle neck, in such a way that the length of the bottle neck can be changed about its axis. Thus, this invention provides a constriction between the shoulder section and a pour-out area. The constriction is adjacent the shoulder section and is followed by an area which can be axially compressed. The constriction can serve as a sealing area. Liquid, free-flowing and pourable media can be discharged in doses using a metering element which is fixed to the top of the bottle neck and which penetrates the constriction. By exerting pressure on the metering element, it is possible to establish an open or closed connection between the metering element and the storage chamber of the plastic container.

Abstract: A pump for use with a device for containing and dispensing a product may include a single-piece vessel of unitary construction defining a variable-volume chamber. The vessel may include a first wall and a second wall. The pump may include an inlet slit on the first wall, the inlet slit being configured to open one way in response to a decreased pressure in the chamber. The pump may also include an outlet slit on the second wall, the outlet slit being configured to open one way in response to an increased pressure in the chamber. The vessel may be configured to deform from a first position occupying a first volume to a second position occupying a second volume in response to a pressure applied to the vessel. The pump may be used in combination with a container to form a device for containing and dispensing a product.

Abstract: A filling amount adjustment device for a liquid-form substance filling machine, the device including first sliding units disposed on a swing arm and connecting links pivotally attached at one ends to connecting pins of first sliding members (of the first sliding units) that slide along the length of the arm. Second sliding units are disposed on both sides of the swing arm, and the other ends of the connecting links are pivotally connected to the connecting pins of second sliding members (of the second sliding units). Connecting rods connected to piston rods are pivotally connected to the connecting pins. When fine adjustment shafts in which male screws are cut are rotated, the second sliding members are moved and positioned; as a result, the first sliding members slide via the connecting links, thus changing the positions of the connecting pins in the direction of length of the arm.

Abstract: A pressure-activated flexible valve for use with a container for dispensing fluid material. The valve has a single sealing surface and comprises an inner component having a sealing portion and an outer component having an annular rim that seats against the sealing portion. The outer component also has a flexible portion that changes shape in response to pressure from the container material, thereby opening and closing the valve.

Abstract: A pin pickup and article holder apparatus can be removably attachable to any metal surface of a sewing machine for retaining loose pins as well as loose sewing articles, such as chalk, spools of thread, buttons, beads, etc. The apparatus comprises a first body cushion and a second body cushion, where the first body cushion has a magnet that is embedded thereto so that the magnet can be removably attachable to any metal surface of the sewing machine. An elastic netting is attached to the first body cushion for retaining chalk, spools of thread, etc. thereto. A pen opening is provided on front of the first body cushion for retaining and securing a pen or writing instrument thereto. The second body cushion also has a magnet that is embedded thereto for being removably attachable to the magnet of the first body cushion.

Abstract: An improved backpack includes two capacious storage pockets secured to a flexible envelope for retaining a frame. A seat pad is adjustable between three positions for carrying, to provide seated cushioning and to provide recline support. Side pockets on the pack open upwardly and forwardly with respect to a user for carry, seated and recline positions of the backpack, in whichever orientation it is placed. A plurality of support straps carry partial weight of stored items to the top area and shoulder straps of the pack. A roll down, hunter orange panel is selectively concealed or unfurled for safety.

Abstract: A handgun holster has a body that includes inner and outer sides. A catch projects into a handgun receiving pocket toward the inner side. The catch extends within and engages the trigger guard of a handgun carried in the pocket, preventing the handgun from being removed from the pocket. A guide plate is moveable away from the end of the catch in response to outward pressure, to provide clearance for the trigger guard to pass by the catch so that the handgun can be removed from the holster only when the handgun is manipulated appropriately by the wearer. The catch includes a cam surface mounted on a mounting plate so that the trigger guard will slide past the catch when the handgun is placed into the holster. The guide plate and mounting plate cover extend past the rear of the trigger of the holster so as to prevent accidental contact with the trigger.

Abstract: A crutch and cane holder attachment for attaching to the rear vertical surface portion, below the seat and preferably just above a rear deck, of a motorized wheelchair-scooter, of the type used to transport a disabled person. Such motorized wheelchair-scooters are typically provided in grocery stores and other retail establishments for use by disabled persons. The adjustable crutch and cane holder will accommodate storage of crutches or canes regardless of the angle of attachment of the holder to the motorized wheelchair-scooter or the slope of the wheelchair seat-back. This adjustability provides that the crutches will not hit the user in the head or interfere with the seat-back when utilizing a seat that swivels. The low mounting height provides for a minimal distance above the floor that the crutches or cane must be lifted to accommodate storage.

Abstract: A universal snowmobile handlebar bag having a first larger pouch and a second smaller pouch interconnected at upper edges therof by a flexible panel sized to fit across the central portion of a snowmobile handlebar with the pouches on opposite sides of the handlebar and with the side of the handlebar to which either bag is located being determined by the configuration of the snowmobile and with the access to and interior configuration of each pouch being determined by the size of the pouch.

Abstract: Motorcycle luggage for removeable attachment to a motorcycle's sissy bar. The luggage has a first storage bag with a removable pocket attacheable to the first storage bag. The removable pocket securely engages the sissy bar. The pocket may be manufactured in a number of sizes to fit various size sissy bars, and may also be adjustable within a given size to fit various sissy bars. The first storage bag is collapsible when not in use. A second storage bag may be removably attached to the first storage bag.

Abstract: A car-mounted bicycle or wheelchair carrier that enables a bicycle to be easily and quickly loaded and unloaded, that can be completely stored in the trunk in a compact fashion when it is not being used and be removed from the trunk in a one-step operation, that can be easily mounted to any existing cars, that can reliably immobilize a bicycle or wheelchair when the car is being driven, that can be applied to various types of bicycles as well as to wheelchairs, and that can be manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: A combination bicycle car rack and work stand is provided. The device has one or more bicycle carrier channels to secure one or more bicycles, and a clamp assembly which can be oriented in a desired position in order to perform maintenance or repair on another mounted bicycle. The invention may be mounted to a vehicle, or may be mounted to a stationary base. If the clamp assembly is not in use, additional bicycles may be transported by removing the clamp assembly, and attaching a bike transport assembly which includes additional bike carrier channels. Enhanced structural support is provided on the support assembly of the device to ensure a strong and rigid connection with the hitch assembly of a vehicle. The clamp assembly is adapted to receive various sized components of a bicycle, and can be rotatably oriented with ease.

Abstract: A container holder for receiving and securing a container is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the container holder comprises a base surface, at least one moldline structure unit, and a sensor. The sensor detects the presence of the container in the holder and induces deformation in the moldline structure unit such that the container is secured in the holder.