Abstract: An upper portion of a damper connected at its lower end to a lower arm of a suspension is accommodated within a side frame having a closed section. An upper spring seat, which is a mounting portion for the damper, is fixed to a lower surface of the side frame by a bolt. Thus, the support rigidity of the damper is enhanced, whereby the responsiveness of the damper to a load input from the lower arm is improved. Moreover, since the upper portion of the damper is accommodated within the side frame, an internal space in the side frame can be utilized for disposition of the damper. In addition, it is unnecessary to arrange the side frame and the damper side-by-side in a lateral direction of the vehicle body, and hence it is easy to ensure a space for disposition of the suspension.

Abstract: A one-way power transmission unit has a force-fitting feature formed on at least one of an outer circumference of a boss of a driving member and an inner circumference of a boss hole of a latch member, for force-fitting the driving member into the latch member with a friction which is less than a load exerted to a driven member. A method of one-way power transmission includes force-fitting the driving member into the latch member with a friction which is less than a load exerted to a driven member. Since the latch member force-fits over the boss of the driving member, the driving member and the latch member rotate together with each other when the driving member switches from a driving force disconnection state to a driving force connection state, and thus, engagement of latch gears of the driving member and the latch member is reliably achieved. Accordingly, the time interval between switching from the driving force disconnection state to the connection state can be maintained to be essentially constant.

Abstract: An object sorting apparatus and method using chutes for transporting objects to selected locations. The chutes include one or more openings through which a fluid may be forced to reduce friction between the objects and the chute. Diverters are operatively aligned with the chutes for directing the objects to selected chutes. A momentum mechanism imparts forward motion to the objects to move them along the chutes along the chutes.

Abstract: A currency bill recycling machine has an input (3) and output (8, 9) for receiving and dispensing currency bills; a transport system (4); and a detection system (5) to which bills are fed by the transport system from the input (3). The detection system (5) is adapted to determine the denomination, authenticity and fitness of each bill. A recycling store (11–14) and an unfit bill store (15) are provided to which bills are fed by the transport system (4). The detection system (5) is adapted to cause genuine fit bills to be fed to the recycling store (11–14), and to cause unfit bills to be fed to the unfit bill store (15), the transport system being operable to withdraw bills from the recycling store for dispensing via the output (8, 9).

Abstract: A coin distinguishing method capable of concurrently picking up the images of the surface and the side of a coin by using two light sources, downsizing a device, and providing high-accuracy coin distinguishing. The side of a coin (C) falling through a coin passage (101) in an advancing direction is irradiated with a first light (105) from a flash shooting first light source (104), and the outer periphery portion of the surface of the coin (C) is irradiated with a second light (107) from a flash shooting second light source (106). Then, a fist reflection light (108) reflected off the side of the coin (C) and a second reflection light (109) reflected off the outer periphery portion of the coin (C) are input to an image sensor (110) to concurrently obtain the images of the side and the surface of the coin (C).

Abstract: A device for forming groups composed by a variable number of products including a path of advance along which, in use, a continuous array of products advances along a direction of advance with the products in mutual contact. An arresting member is included against which, in use, the continuous array of products comes in arresting contact at the end of the path of advance. A conveyor device removes from the continuous array successive groups of products from a terminal part of the array in contact with the arresting member. A regulator device varies selectively the position of the arresting member along said direction of advance. An accompanying device supports the array of products and control the velocity of displacement towards the arresting member.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously grouping or marshalling objects together on a conveyor includes the conveyor being divided into a first and a second conveyor section, where the second conveyor section has a higher speed than the first conveyor section. The conveyor sections have a common plane on which the objects are advanced. The conveyor sections each have two bending rollers in the common plane, each of which have a bending roller lying closely adjacent one another. Between the rollers placed adjacent one another is disposed an arrest member. The arrest member is movable through 90 degrees in relation to the common plane. The arrest member is moreover, together with the bending rollers, displaceable along the common plane.

Abstract: Various shuttle conveyor designs are disclosed. The conveyors are suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The shuttle conveyors may include a track extending along a conveying path, the track defining a length, and a plurality of shuttle elements independently movable along the track. Each shuttle element may define mating structure for following the track along the conveying path. Each shuttle element may include at least one movable gripping member for selectively gripping conveyed objects. The shuttle elements may define a collective length less than the length of the track. A drive mechanism moves the shuttle elements along the track. The shuttle elements may include a plurality of links. The shuttle elements may be driven faster on at least a portion of a return portion of the track than on the conveying portion of the track, and the shuttle element flow along the track may be modulated in various ways.

Abstract: A conveyor (10) that delivers product to a plurality of transverse conveyors of chutes (11). The conveyor (10) includes conveyor segments (12) along which the product is conveyed. Product is removed from the conveyor (10) by the lateral displacement of an upstream end 15 or a downstream end 16 of adjacent conveyor segments (12).

Abstract: A conveyor comprises laterally spaced apart lifting/holding slats (12) and laterally spaced apart conveying slats (10) between the lifting/holding slats (12). The conveying slats (10) are advanced in a first direction for conveying a load and are retracted in a second direction for returning them to a start position. The lifting/holding slats (12) have lower portions (62) which reciprocate and upper portions (60) which move up and down. Cams (92, 94) operate in response to longitudinal movement of the lower portions (62) to raise and lower the upper portions (60).

Abstract: A discharge device for worked material is provided. The worked material produced by the press working is received on a chute arranged just below a lower die. The chute is driven to make a reciprocating motion within a substantially horizontal plane in response to a die stroke. At a moment of stopping of the forward movement of the chute, an inertia force acting on the worked material from the chute is greater than a static frictional force. Or otherwise, a force taking effect upon starting of a backward movement of the chute is greater than the static frictional force. Consequently, the worked material is due to be discharged from the chute.

Abstract: A shoe press belt comprises a shoe side layer, a base body on the external circumference of the shoe side layer, and a wet paper web side layer formed on the external surface of the base body. The shoe side layer is formed on mandrel having a polished surface, and the base body comprises a lattice material made by joining crossing points of warp and weft yarns, and a wound layer made by winding a thread in a helix. The lattice material, made by joining the crossing points of the warp and weft yarns as a component of the base body, has smaller undulations than those of a woven material.

Abstract: The food carrier has a central vertical support panel with a handle and a pair of trays with beverage cup holders attached to the central support panel. A folded side-wall structure can be unfolded to start the formation of the trays, and a folded bottom panel or two-panel structure unfolds into the side-wall outline to stabilize the side-wall and hold the carrier erect while it is resting on a flat surface thus to make unfolding and loading the carrier quicker and easier. An auxiliary tray can be slipped into the central vertical support to hold solid foods, and both beverages and solid foods can be carried. Advantageously, the auxiliary tray can have substantially the same structure as the first carrier unit, except is has no beverage-receiving holes. It can be mounted to ride “piggyback” on the first carrier, or it can be used alone.

Abstract: A toilet tool storage device for providing accessible and transportable storage for a tool having an implement and a handle is disclosed. The device includes a first shell and a second shell. The first shell has an inner surface defining a receptacle sized to house the implement and an outer surface defining a first opening. The second shell is rotatably engaged to the first shell and has an outer surface defining a second opening. The second shell is rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first opening and the second opening are cooperatively aligned to provide access to the receptacle so that the tool may be moved in or out of the receptacle. In the second position, the outer surface of the second shell and the first opening are cooperatively aligned prohibit access to the receptacle, thereby enclosing the implement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a non-contact package useful when an article to be stored or shipped in the package includes a sensitive surface, the performance of which will be detrimentally affected if the sensitive surface is contacted with a nominal amount of mechanical force. A fluid environment which does not produce sufficient mechanical force to detrimentally affect the sensitive surface may be used in contact with the sensitive surface to prevent an undesirable chemical reaction on the sensitive surface. A fluid environment may also be used inside the package to support surrounding walls of the package so that such walls do not contact the sensitive surface and/or to dissipate force applied to the exterior of the package so that the sensitive surface will not be damaged.

Abstract: A package having a container with a layer. The layer has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The layer forms an interior space. The interior space has a plurality of absorbent articles forming a stack within the interior space of the container. Each of the absorbent articles has a thickness and is individually wrapped in a wrapper. The wrapper of each of the absorbent articles has a distinctive design and a first color. The exterior surface of the container has a graphic which has a distinctive color and a first window on the container. The distinctive color is color coordinated with the first color of the distinctive design on the wrapper. The first window reveals at least a portion of the thickness of at least one of the absorbent articles and at least a portion of the first color of the wrapper.

Abstract: A flexible package for displaying, accessing and transporting dry goods which includes an upper member, a lower member and four side members inter-engaged along adjacent edges forming an inner area. An opening is formed in one of the forming members allowing access to the inner area of the package. A flexible patch having a pair of generally parallel spaced openings forming a strip there between is secured to the one forming member with the strip positioned over and covering the opening. The package is constructed to display the goods stored in the inner area, to allow access to the inner area through the opening for ascertaining the texture of the goods and to provide ease of transport by utilization of the strip as a carrying handle.

Abstract: A lap tray to securely hold finger food and a beverage cup on one's lap while parked in a vehicle or watching a spectacle either at home, at a movie theater, or in a stadium. The cup receptacle consists of a well positioned at the center of gravity of the tray. The well extends below the lower surface of the tray to fit between the thighs, and also provides, in cooperation with some undersurface fins, a convenient way to grab and carry the tray with one hand. The top surface area surrounding the well is slanted toward it. The ribs project into the cupholding well to keep the cup at a slight distance from the wall and bottom so that any spillage is drained to a reservoir area formed at the bottom of the well. A central depression in the front edge of the tray provides some clearance for a steering wheel. Slots provide for holding common eating utensils and the attachment of a carry strap.

Abstract: A wafer-shipping device and a wafer storage method for protecting bonding pads from fluoridation. First, at least one through hole is drilled in the shipping box. The wafer is then placed in the shipping box. A packaging bag containing the shipping box is put into a vacuum packaging machine to remove air from the packaging bag and the shipping box. A dry inert gas is then introduced into the packaging bag and the shipping box until approaching atmospheric pressure as so to prevent the shipping box from collapse. The packaging bag is then sealed.

Abstract: Cyclones having abrasion resistant liners with a system and method for replacing the liners when they worn out due to the destructive nature of the materials being classified in the cyclone. The cyclone includes segmented inlet housing liners which are separately removable through the opened top of the cyclone housing. A lifting ring in the bottom of a conical housing has an apex cone and plural cone liners supported in a stacked array thereon within the conical housing and hoisting straps are used to lift the lifting ring, the apex cone and the array of cone liners out of the opened top of the cyclone housing without having to remove the cyclone from its operating position and completely disassemble the cyclone. Wear detector bolts attach the inlet head liners and a cage-like conical housing allows direct viewing of wear detecting weep holes provided in the liners mounted therein.

Abstract: A skimmer device and a method for skimming a liquid, foam, fat or other solid or liquid material or anything else that a user wants to remove or separate from a remaining liquid or solid that is left in a container.

Abstract: A desk organizer having a horizontally disposed rail is mounted over a desk by use of a support base secured to the desk, or a support base secured to walls surrounding the desk, such as those found in office cubicles. The desk support base includes an elongated rod carrying a spindle which extends vertically from the support base. The spindle and rod have several receptacles at different levels above the support surface and are rotatably mounted on the support base. The rail can support numerous receptacles along the length thereof by use of slots located on either side surface of the rail. In addition, a slot located along the top surface of the rail permits the placement of self supporting items such as envelopes, cards, notes and the like.

Abstract: An article storage display tower for storage, display and continuous easy access to the article is provided. The display tower has a top and a bottom with a cell structure having a plurality of cells positioned between the top and the bottom. Each of the cells of the tower can store and display a plurality of articles, such as compact discs, while allowing access to the articles. The cell structure is rotatably connected to a base that permits the cell structure to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the base, so that access to all cells is facilitated.

Abstract: A storage rack formed of modular sleeve units assembled to variable lengths at mating tab and slot connections for attachment to mounting surfaces horizontally or vertically for storing and organizing articles.

Abstract: The foldable display stand has a stepped display shelving portion removably mounted over a foldable support base. The shelving portion is formed by folding various parts of a configuration formed on a single sheet material. The configuration includes a plurality of rectangular panels connected by a plurality horizontal fold lines. Side extensions are formed on the two side edges of the rectangular panels which are foldable to form side wall of the shelves and the side walls are mounted in place by mounting tabs formed in the side extensions and mounting slots formed in the selected rectangular panels. Side extensions having a unique design are adapted to form reinforced side walls of the shelves.

Abstract: A shelf includes a plurality of integrated hook members supporting a rod member to provide free movement of items supported by the rod member. The hook members are integrally connected to support members of the shelf deck to support the rod member for use in, for example, hanging items thereon.

Abstract: A product storage apparatus or rack comprises a base having a product placement portion capable of receiving a product; means for clamping the product to the apparatus when the product is positioned on the apparatus; and, a linkage assembly that operates the clamping means, the linkage assembly optionally including a self-locking mechanism that locks the clamping means in a closed position, such that when the clamping means is in the closed position, force applied directly to the clamping means will not open the clamping means. A foot pedal may operate the linkage assembly. In one embodiment, the self-locking mechanism is an over-center mechanism. One or more product storage apparatuses can be attached to, or incorporated into, a shipping rack. In the shipping rack, the linkage assembly of one product storage apparatus may control an adjacent product storage apparatus.

Abstract: An intelligent assist method and apparatus are disclosed. The intelligent assist method includes imparting a manual force to a suspended object, determining an angle at which the suspended object is manually forced, generating motorized power to move the object in accordance with the angle at which the suspended object is forced, and inputting a signal to continue the motorized power and enable the object to continue moving on accordance with the angle at which the suspended object is manually forced.

Abstract: A nursing nipple is sealingly attached to a beverage container having a neck with a particular internal diameter by the invention. Sealingly attached below the nipple is an axial passage in fluid communication with the nipple. Many thin, resilient annular rings surround the passage. They have an external diameter larger than the internal diameter of the container neck. When the rings are forced into the neck of the container, they are compressed against the inner surface of the neck. This secures and seals the nipple to the container providing a convenient source of fluid for a baby.

Abstract: A package includes a closure that is applied to a container. The closure includes a base wall having a cylindrical skirt depending therefrom. Locking lugs and cam lugs extend in a radially inward direction from the skirt. As the closure is applied down on the container, the locking lugs engage notches formed in the undersides of the projections and internal cam surfaces on the cam lugs engage external cam surfaces formed on projections disposed around the open end of the container. As a downward force is applied to the closure onto the container, the internal cam surface travels axially downwardly over the external cam surface, thereby causing the cylindrical skirt to spread radially outwardly.

Abstract: A synthetic resin bottle has a grip assembled and fixed in an upright orientation to the center part of a concave region at the ear portion of a substantially cylindrical trunk portion of the bottle main body. A shoulder portion in the bottle main body has a lower circumferential wall with a truncated pyramid shape defined by a plurality of panels. A right/left center axis of a rear surface panel is placed at substantially at the center of the rear surface of the bottle main body. A center portion of each of the panels is formed as a protrusion having a convex shape gradually bulging outwards of the bottle main body.

Abstract: Barrier units and articles made therefrom, particularly constraining bands of high strength and low weight for containing articles, especially in blast resistant container assemblies, are disclosed. The barrier unit comprises a surface having a regular polygonal perimeter with a plurality of substantially parallel sides, each of which terminates in at least one loop integral with the surface. The surface comprises at least one network of high strength fiber with at least about 50 weight percent of the fiber comprising substantially contianuous lengths of fiber aligned in the hoop direction of the loops. The barrier units have utility as constraining bands for loads of articles like logs, and as doors/closures for access openings to the interior of aircraft blast resistant cargo containers. They are also useful as fences and window protectors.

Abstract: A transport and storage device including a cargo container, a system for positioning at least one removable storage module inside the container, and a system for releasably securing the positioned storage cabinet to the container. A door arrangement is provided for side access openings of the cargo container. The doors are moveable between closed positions and open positions where they provide full access to the access opening. In the open position, the doors are moveable to positions within the cargo container without interfering with the side access openings.

Abstract: There is provided an overcap for a resealable container that includes a drying agent layer. The drying agent layer is included in a top portion of the overcap and is positioned below a top layer of the top portion such that the drying agent layer is exposed to the interior of the container. The overcap may be formed from a multilayered coextruded sheet having a top layer of polymer material and a drying agent layer mixed with a polymer material. The multilayered coextruded sheet may also include a barrier layer, a polymer layer, and/or additional drying agent layers. Alternatively, the drying agent layer may be joined to the overcap by an injection molding process or by an adhesive. The drying agent layer is exposed to moisture in the interior of the container such that the drying agent layer is operable to absorb moisture from the air that enters the interior of the container during the opening and resealing of the container.

Abstract: The “HOT DRINK CUP LID WITH COOLING AIR-FLOW” is an article of manufacture with a uniquely designed form arranged so that the hot liquid is cooled by an air-flow drawn over the liquid as it is sipped. The unique design, placement of the drinking hole and cooling air-flow hole create a structure whereby hot liquid can be cooled and sipped in a manner that reduces the temperature of the hot liquid as it transfers from the cup to the user. This cooling action is activated by the suction caused by the action of the user sipping at the drinking hole and concurrently drawing air from outside of the cup down through the air-flow hole and up through the drinking hole along with the hot liquid. Thus the hot liquid is cooled as the air is drawn up in conjunction with the hot liquid through the drinking hole.

Abstract: A drinking device having a fluid-containing portion is provided. The fluid-containing portion includes a first end having an opening and a second end substantially opposed thereto. The opening in the first end of the fluid-containing portion is typically larger than the opening in the second end of the fluid-containing portion. The device also includes a holding member having a generally C-shaped channel therein. The device includes a flexible tubular member including a first end and a second end. The first end of the tubular member is connected to the opening in a second end of the fluid-containing portion. The second end of the flexible tubular member is in releasable communication with the C-shaped channel of the holding member.

Abstract: Outdoor and indoor debris receptacles that can be formed from molded plastic. The receptacles include an open upper end with a D-shaped configuration and a closed bottom end with a substantially circular bottom configuration. The receptacles can have a generally cylindrical shape and a flat side wall having a triangular tubular shape for allowing the receptacle to be laid on its side so that rakes and brooms can move debris fully into the D-shaped opening with ease. At least one handle located on the apex of the D-shaped opening allows the container to be easily lifted to a vertical standing position, and curved interior wall surfaces allow debris to easily slide toward the bottom of the container. Embodiments allow for different sizes of container, and extras such as lids, wheels and supports for tools. such as but not limited to rakes, hoes, and shovels to be carried and stored by the receptacles.

Abstract: A disposable child's drinking cup has a lid with a drinking spout defining multiple open holes sized to resist leakage in the absence of suction, such as by the development of surface tension at the holes, and to allow flow when suction is applied. The holes are formed during molding of the lid. An inner contour of a groove of the lid and an outer contour of the cup body rim are selected to provide a slight snap fit of the lid onto the cup body, to provide a secure seal.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a stacked pad of adhesive tape sheets is disclosed. The dispenser comprises a base having transversely spaced first and second major surfaces, first and second longitudinal ends defining a length, and first and second lateral sides defining a width. The dispenser further comprises a pair of laterally opposed side tabs proximate the first longitudinal end of the base which are transversely spaced from the first major surface of the base and laterally extend inward from the sides of the base so as to extend over the first major surface of the base. Substantially the entire first major surface of the base remains exposed.

Abstract: A gas adsorption material containing a desired quantity of gas is placed in a pressurized container along with a product to be dispensed, and as pressure in the container is depleted during use, stored gas is released into the container to maintain pressure in the container within a predetermined range. The material may be in contact with the product, or it may be isolated from the product, and is known as a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system, wherein adsorption of gas into the material occurs at a high pressure, and desorption of gas from the material occurs at a low pressure. Such devices are capable of storing under pressure a volume of gas 18 to 20 times the volume of the material. A preferred adsorbent gas storage material is granular activated carbon, or a carbon fiber composite molecular sieve (CFCMS).

Abstract: A toy water gun system includes a primary water gun having a housing, a pressurizable reservoir, an outlet nozzle in flow communication with the reservoir, and an actuating trigger, with the primary toy water gun adapted to discharge an output stream of water through the outlet nozzle in response to actuation of the trigger. The housing includes a first receiving area and a second receiving area, with each receiving area having an output port in flow communication with the reservoir via a conduit, a pair of valves to control flow through the conduits. A first detachable water toy mounts to the housing at the first receiving area and receives water from the reservoir, and a second detachable water toy mounts to the housing at the second receiving area. The first and second detachable water toys are selectively removable from the primary water toy for use.

Abstract: A compartmented fluid dispensing apparatus suitable for use as a beer “bong”, which provides for simultaneous dispensing to multiple drinkers, wherein the fluid distribution is equitable and wherein fluid is distributed to only those who are actually drinking independent of the number of distribution tubes. A container has an open container mouth and a plurality of compartments, each compartment having an open compartment mouth which collectively form the open container mouth. Each compartment is fluidically isolated from each other compartment and has its own unique exit portal. Each exit portal is connected with its respective flexible distribution tube.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a dispenser apparatus for dispensing fluids. The dispenser apparatus includes a rotatable table, a plurality of dispensing units. Each dispensing unit has a receptacle for holding a fluid, and each receptacle includes a corresponding pump for dispensing fluid held therein. The dispensing units have a base portion to detachably attach the units to the rotatable table. The dispenser apparatus further includes a stationary dispensing station that has a pump actuator for dispensing fluid held in the receptacle. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for engaging the base portion of a dispensing unit. The mechanism when activated, moves the dispensing units thus rotating the table to align a pump corresponding to a receptacle to the stationary dispensing station, wherein fluid held in the receptacle may be dispensed.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed container having a nozzle that defines a dispensing orifice closed by a unitary but removable cap. Accumulation of container contents in the cap is minimized by a constriction in the nozzle situated at least 0.1 inches from the dispensing orifice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for metering and dispensing powdered product into containers, including a storage chamber for receiving the product, an incrementally rotating filler wheel that has at least one metering opening, the filler wheel in a first position receiving product from the storage chamber and in a second position dispensing the received product to a container, and a closure element, which is disposed adjacent to the filler wheel and can be connected to the filler wheel in such a way that upon a motion of the filler wheel into its replacement position, the closure element is disposed below the storage chamber, to prevent the escape of product from the storage chamber.

Abstract: A pressurized gas cartridge drives a dispensing device for viscous product cartridges. The dispensing device and the viscous product cartridge form a gas enclosure separated from a product enclosure by a movable wall. A valve is driven by a rack and pinion valve drive mechanism between an open position and a closed position upon rotation of the pinion. The rack rotates the pinion upon linear movement thereof. A trigger is adapted to impart linear movement to the rack upon manual actuation of the trigger. The open position of the nozzle valve permits viscous product to flow through the dispensing passage, and the closed position of the nozzle valve prevents viscous product from flowing through the dispensing passage. The interface between the trigger and rack is designed to operationally disengage rather than transmit a force therebetween that is capable of damaging the device.

Abstract: A closing device for recipients provided with a nozzle and a cap and having a cylindrical seat provided in the nozzle and having at least one radial window in communication with the recipient; a cylindrical tubular seal affixed to the interior of the cap, having at least one radial opening and being fitted and journalled in the interior of the seat; and a sealing means, incorporated in the interior of the cap and being seated against the free end of the seat to seal it, said cap having an axial orifice opened to the interior of the cylindrical tubular seal and being selectively angularly displaced between an opening position, and a closing position.

Abstract: A garment security hanger and display comprising one or more hanger assemblies, one or more lock rod assemblies, and a base. Each hanger assembly comprises a hanger body with an integral locking device and indicator mechanism. The present invention provides for the placement of a garment on a hanger assembly before the hanger assembly is releasably attached to a lock rod assembly. The lock rod assembly is typically inserted through a sleeve of the garment before being inserted into a channel formed in the hanger assembly. When the lock rod assembly is fully inserted into the channel, the locking device is engaged and the indicator flags the locked status. The hanger assembly may be unlocked by a key inserted in the locking device, allowing the lock rod assembly to be extracted. The present invention possesses a simple, yet scalable, design for economical manufacture and widespread retail use.

Abstract: A collapsible hanger for suspending clothing and other items includes: a pin; a suspension member mounted on the pin; and first, second, and third hanger arms. The ends of the first hanger arm are pivotally joined to the pin and the second hanger arm. The ends of the second hanger arm are pivotally joined to the first and third hanger arms. The third hanger arm has one end pivotally joined to the second hanger arm and the other end detachably mounted on the pin to form the hanger arms into a triangular configuration or detached from the pin whereby the hanger arms can be suspended from the pin in a generally straight-line configuration. The second hanger arm is an articulated arm with segments pivotal between a first folded position when the hanger is collapsed into a compact configuration and a second unfolded position where the first and second sections are in releasably held in longitudinal alignment.

Abstract: A baton scabbard for stowing various length batons enables insertion into and removal of a baton from the scabbard through lateral movement of the baton. The scabbard includes a generally C-shaped housing that supports a pair of laterally spaced snap-action latching mechanisms mutually cooperable in response to entry of a baton to effect a snap-action retention of the baton within the housing. A belt or strap attachment is pivotally connected to the housing for attaching the scabbard to a user's belt and permits the housing and a baton held therein to be selectively oriented relative to the user irrespective of the length of the baton.