Abstract: A drill bit that includes a steel bit body having at least one blade thereon, at least one cutter pocket disposed on the at least one blade; at least one cutter disposed in the at least one cutter pocket; at least one recess formed in at least a portion of the surface of the at least one cutter pocket, wherein the recess is adjacent a leading face of the at least one blade; and an erosion resistant material in the at least one recess is disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis comprises a turbofan engine mounted on the chassis for providing thrust to propel the vehicle over a surface, and four wheels located about and mounted on the chassis wherein at least two of the wheels are substantially spherical or partially spherical in shape. Braking systems, steering systems and stabilizing mechanisms may be provided in accordance with various aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A trailer that includes a belts that each encompass a front wheel and a rear wheel and have a ground engaging surface and a wheel engaging surface, the wheel engaging surface having lugs thereon for mating with the apertures in the front wheel and the rear wheel such that when the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel rotates, the belt is positively driven and at least one belt tensioning system for maintaining tension on the plurality of belts, the at least one belt tensioning system includes a track tension cylinder operatively mounted between an axle of the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel and the main frame, wherein the track tension cylinder maintains tension on the belt by moving the axle of the at least one of the front wheel or the rear wheel in a horizontal.

Abstract: A mechanism of a four-wheel drive vehicle for enabling an engine and a transmission to be arranged compactly by using an empty space within a body frame of the vehicle. The transmission includes a power take-off part for driving the front wheels of the vehicle, and a rear reduction gear mechanism for driving the rear wheels of the vehicle. The transmission and the engine are mounted on a swing arm which is supported on the body frame of the vehicle so as to be able to swing in an up and down direction.

Abstract: A device and method for implementing a hybrid drive mechanism, which stands out by a very low construction expenditure, a small need of installation space, low cost of parts and a simple and effective maneuverability. Particularly, the start and stop of the internal combustion engine should stand out by simplicity and reliability. By a development of a one clutch, hybrid drive mechanism or without an additional second clutch, the needed installation space and costs can be minimized and by control, the expenditure for and the complexity of the control or regulation of a hybrid drive mechanism are considerably reduced. An electric machine (4) is disposed between a single clutch (2) situated between the internal combustion engine and a mechanical transmission (5) so that the electric machine can transmit a positive or negative torque directly to a transmission input shaft of the mechanical transmission.

Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle motor system includes a motor that receives cooling fluid flow from two different cooling sources. A control, such as a valve, selectively changes the cooling flow between the two cooling sources in response to an operational state of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive heat exchanging system has a heat exchanger comprising a condenser and a radiator, an electric fan located in the front of an engine and an automatic transmission. A shroud is attached to and covers peripheral portions of the electric fan and the heat exchanger to prevent air from bypassing the shutter. The shroud forms an air passage inside of it for allowing airflow through the heat exchanger to flow toward the automatic transmission. A shutter is disposed in the shroud and attached at a periphery of the shroud. The shutter is controlled to open and close the air passage by a controller based on oil temperature.

Abstract: A mode changeover control system for a transmission wherein the starting of a vehicle can be prevented even if the transmission is changed over to the drive mode side while a side stand is in an erected position. In a motorcycle including a mode changeover mechanism for a continuously variable transmission, and a side stand, there is provided a changeover operation section changed over by the driver between operation positions corresponding respectively to a drive mode position and a neutral mode position of the mode changeover mechanism. An electronic control unit operates the mode changeover mechanism based on the changeover operation position of the changeover operation section. The control section is configured so as to continually maintain the mode changeover mechanism in the neutral mode position even if the changeover operation section is operated to a drive mode operation position while the side stand is in a stored position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle body structure of a motorcycle which intends to make maintenance of a rear suspension easy and arranges the rear suspension in a compact manner. The vehicle body structure includes a vehicle body frame, a swing arm, and a rear suspension interposed between the vehicle body frame and the swing arm. The vehicle body frame includes a front frame body having right and left main frame members, and a rear frame body having right and left rear frame members extending to a rear side from rear end portions of the main frame members. The rear suspension is arranged so as to be eccentric to a right direction of the vehicle body from a center of the vehicle width. The rear frame body has a layout space for the rear suspension in a lower side of the right rear frame member.

Abstract: A motorcycle frame is provided such that the spacing between a main frame and a side plate can be easily adjusted, and joint surfaces, at which the side plates and engine hangers abut the main frame, can be easily formed. Each side plate is provided with upper and lower plate-side bosses used for adjusting the spacing between itself and a main frame. A surface of an upper first boss of the main frame, which abuts on the upper plate-side boss, and surfaces of upper second bosses of the main frame, which abut on an upper engine hanger, are provided on the same plane. In addition, a surface of a lower first boss of the main frame, which abuts on the lower plate-side boss, and surfaces of lower second bosses of the main frame, which abut on a lower engine hanger, are provided on the same plane.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a vehicle body frame, a rear swing arm which is mounted on a vehicle body frame in a rockable manner by way of a pivot shaft, and a rear wheel which is pivotally supported on a rear portion of the rear swing arm and is rotated by a driving force of a drive shaft. The pivot shaft which constitutes a support portion and an axis of the rear wheel axle are arranged at the substantially same height. The drive shaft is arranged at a position upwardly spaced-apart from the drive shaft, that is, above the pivot shaft. The drive shaft includes a shaft-length variable mechanism which can change a length of the shaft. The resulting configuration provides a motorcycle having reduce weight while maintaining support rigidity of the rear swing arm.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for detecting the position of an occupant (4) of a seat (1) which is provided with a safety belt (9) which is mounted on a retractor (10) includes a sensor (11) which measures the length of belt withdrawn from the retractor The sensor is associated with a processor unit (8) which is associated with a seat position sensor (7). By determining the position of the seat and by determining the minimum length of belt paid-out from the retractor (10) after the seat belt has been buckled in position, and by determining how additional belt has been paid-out at any incident, the position of the seat occupant (4) relative to an air-bag (19) can be determined. If the seat occupant is very close to the air-bag, the nature of deployment of the air-bag can be moderated by the central processor unit (8).

Abstract: The invention is a safety control system for vehicle safety mechanisms. The novel control system uses acquired and stored data about the configuration of a vehicle passenger compartment at the time of an emergency event to determine the type, sequence and degree of safety device deployment. In one embodiment, the invention contains a novel power system employing a supplemental power supply specifically included to provide extra power beyond what is typically available from the power distribution system in conventional passenger compartment vehicle power systems. The novel power supply is routed to the appropriate safety mechanisms when the vehicle emergency event sensors, ie rollover, impact etc. detect a condition when the safety mechanism should be deployed and the extra power supply is required.

Abstract: To place a muffler in a front area to make it suitable for an off-road motorcycle, A down frame extending downward obliquely from a head pipe ahead of an engine and a lower frame connected with its lower end, extending backward under the engine, are provided. A muffler is located in the vicinity of the joint between the down frame and the lower frame where its rear surface is curved forward in a convex pattern along the down frame and the lower frame. An exhaust pipe extending from a cylinder head is almost S-shaped as seen sideways and its forward curved portion and lower backward curved portion are vertically arranged with its lower end connected with a lower portion of the muffler.

Abstract: A membrane (2) for an electroacoustic transducer (1) is disclosed, wherein a thickness (d) of said membrane (2) and an average Young's modulus (Eavg) of said membrane (2) are chosen in such a way that the critical load (Fbc), which causes the membrane (2) to buckle and/or crinkle, is increased compared to a reference membrane. The reference membrane made of Polycarbonate has the same shape, dimension, and stiffness in its direction of movement (MOV) as said membrane (2). According to the result of investigations on buckling and/or crinkling, said effect occurs with different critical buckling/crinkling loads for membranes of the same shape and dimension, but made of different materials, even when the stiffness of the membranes in their direction of movement—and hence their resonant frequency—is identical.

Abstract: Flow guides in the form of extensions that project internally from the housing of an electronic consumer device can contribute to undesirable noise emissions from the device. Proposed is an improved flow guide or extension that reduces propagation of flow induced vibrations to the housing, thereby improving the overall acoustic performance of the device.

Abstract: A silencing device disposed to the outside of a fan 2 that discharges air from the interior of a device 1 to the outside. The silencing device includes a reflection plate 6 provided substantially normal to the rotation axis 2a of the fan 2, and a right-angled parallelepiped shaped duct 4 that guides air from the fan 2 to the outside of the device 1. The reflection plate 6 is disposed at the other end of the duct 4, an air discharge slit 7 is formed in at least one of the four sides of the reflection plate 6, and the distance from the fan 2 to the reflection plate 6 satisfies the relationship L=(?/2)×n. n is a natural number, and ? is the wavelength of the maximum component from among the wavelength components that constitutes the sound generated by the fan 2.

Abstract: A fluid pathway is provided with a flow controller in at least a portion of its length wherein the flow controller comprises an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the fluid pathway, the configuration of the active surface conforming to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.

Abstract: An electrical generator is driven by gravitational force provided by a plurality of pairs of water tanks. Each pair of water tanks is suspended by an elongated chain supported by a series of pulleys. The water tanks in each pair of water tanks move between an upper position and a lower position alternately by filling selected ones of the water tanks with water and draining from the other selected ones of the water tanks. The vertical movement of the water tanks alternately filled with water is translated by ratchet wheels and bevel gear wheels to rotate the electrical generator in the same direction for generating the electrical power.

Abstract: Low lift truck, with a load part, which has a load carrying means and is coupled with a drive part via a lift cylinder arrangement and a bar linkage for load wheels of the load carrying means, a steered drive wheel, which forms with a drive motor a drive unit, which is rotatably bearing mounted around a vertical axis by the frame of the drive part, a drawbar, pivotable in the drive part around a horizontal and a vertical axis, which is in a driving connection with the drive unit, an hydraulic power pack for the hydraulic lift cylinder arrangement, and a battery casing, connected with the load part, whereby the drive motor is a wheel hub motor and the battery casing (34) is disposed above the drive unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a configuration of a plurality of lifting devices (12, 13) in a lifting system (11), wherein a lifting device (12, 13) is defined as a master lifting device with the node address 1, wherein subsequently a node address n+1 is generated and stored for the subsequent lifting device (12b, 13b) so that the number and assignment of the lifting devices (12, 13) will be detected.

Abstract: In an elevator door apparatus, an elevator door is capable of reciprocating between a door closure position for closing an elevator entrance and a door open position for opening the elevator entrance. The elevator door is driven by a door drive device. The door drive device is controlled by a door control device. The door control device adjusts the door open position based on control information for controlling an operation of an elevator, obtains a door opening/closing pattern for the elevator door to be opened and closed between the adjusted door open position and the door closure position, and controls the door drive device so that the elevator door is reciprocated in accordance with the obtained door opening/closing pattern.

Abstract: A spring member for disc-brake calipers is interposed between a lateral edge of at least one pad and reaction surfaces of the caliper so as to act resiliently on the pad. The spring member comprises a ‘U’-shaped portion suitable for forming a connection with a protuberance of the reaction surfaces, a first resilient portion suitable for acting on the pad in a tangential direction, and a second resilient portion suitable for acting on the pad in a radial direction. The first and second resilient portions constitute a single body projecting from a first connection end of the first resilient portion that is connected to the ‘U’-shaped portion, so that, when the at least one pad is in a mounted configuration, it is acted on resiliently by the spring member both in a radial direction and in a tangential direction.

Abstract: A sports equipment bag with an integrated stool for storing, carrying and transporting sporting equipment while providing a foot support to aide a user in donning their sporting equipment. The foot support can be utilized by a single person alone to aid in putting their own equipment on or the foot support can be used in combination with the integrated stool to assist a first person in aiding a second person in donning equipment. The stool and foot support are integrated into the bag and the foot support is positioned within the bag's internal compartment. Along the bottom portion of the bag are a pair of spaced apart ground engaging wheels rotatably and a telescopic handle may be extendable from the bag, thus making the bag, stool and foot support easily storable and transportable.

Abstract: A lock-up device 7 includes a front cover 2, an impeller 3, a turbine 4, and a piston 22 positioned to divide a space between the front cover 2 and the turbine 4, and is engageable with the front cover 2. The piston 22 is formed with a plurality of projections 41 extending in the radial direction on a surface 42. The projection 41 has a straight front edge 51 and a straight rear edge 52, and an arced radially outer edge 53 and radially inner edge 54. The rear edge 52 in the rotation direction overlaps a straight line Ls connecting a radially inner end 52a with the rotation center O, or the rear edge 52 in the rotation direction is inclined to the straight line Ls such that a radially outer end 52b is positioned rearward of the straight line Ls in the rotation direction.

Abstract: A method for controlling an impeller clutch of a torque converter includes determining a function relating a K-factor of the torque, determining a current engine torque, determining a desired impeller clutch slip, using the function determine the actual impeller speed and thus actual clutch slip, and adjusting the operating state of the impeller clutch to produce the desired impeller clutch slip.

Abstract: A freewheel coupling (1) is provided having clamping bodies (4), which are arranged between an inner ring (2) and an outer ring (3) and which have a narrow section (5). A single cage (9) is arranged between the inner ring (2) and the outer ring (3) with a plurality of pockets (10). Each of the pockets (10) has an area (12) that is narrower in the axial direction and an area (11), which is adjacent to this narrower area, which is wider in the axial direction, and which is provided for holding a clamping body (4). A spring band (6), which is arranged radially within the cage (9), has an original curvature in the unloaded state, wherein the curvature radius exceeds a radius of the cage (9), and spring tongues (13), which are provided for spring mounting of the clamping bodies (4), are directed radially inwardly.

Abstract: A supercharger drive pulley includes an inner hub and an outer drive pulley. One of the inner hub and the outer drive pulley is drivingly connected to a drive shaft of a supercharger for driving the supercharger and the other of the inner hub and the outer drive pulley is drivingly connected to an engine for being driven by the engine. A one way drive clutch is drivingly engaged between the inner hub and the outer pulley to allow driving torque from the engine to be transmitted to the supercharger in one direction and to allow the supercharger to freewheel in conditions where it overruns the engine.

Abstract: Packets of cigarettes are conveyed from a packer to a cellophaner by a unit utilizing a first pocket conveyor connected to the infeed of the cellophaner, and a second pocket conveyor by which packets are directed onto the first conveyor at a transfer point; the unit is also equipped with a sensor that will check whether or not each pocket of the second conveyor is occupied by a packet, and a placement mechanism, interlocked to the sensor, of which the function is to fill any empty pockets of the first conveyor with packets recycled from the cellophaner.

Abstract: A pivoting boot is disclosed for attachment to the unloading auger tube of combine harvesters, and serves as both a grain saving dam against unwanted grain spillage, and a directable spout. The boot permits evenly unloading grain onto, or completely filling, transportation vehicles or storage containers, without having to change the combine position, once it is staged for unloading.

Abstract: A wrap-around carrier has side end panels that facilitate erection of the carrier and closure of the carrier ends.

Abstract: A plaster dispenser (1) for removing plasters (3) individually from a plaster pack (2) that includes a number of plasters (3), each inserted in a plastic or paper pocket, wherein the pockets are directed in mutually the same direction, and are together surrounded by a folded plastic or paper sheet (4a, 4b) whose first edge (5) extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of respective plaster accommodating pockets, the plaster pack (2) being widened from the first edge (5) in a direction towards two mutually opposing second edges (19a, 19b) of the sheet parts, and wherein the dispenser (1) including a box-shaped space (6).

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a base defining a recess shaped to accommodate a bottom of a tank, a pair of side walls extending upwardly from the base, and a pair of end walls extending upwardly from the base. Each side wall defines an indentation on the inner surface thereof shaped to conform to an outer surface of the tank when the bottom of the tank in the recess. One of the end walls defines a notch shaped to accommodate a neck of a bottle lying on a side thereof between the side walls. The apparatus may be used to transport one of the tank and the bottle at a time.

Abstract: In the case of the picture-frame transporting crate according to the invention, a spacing which remains in the height direction between the closed cover (4) and the top side of a picture frame (7) which has been placed in position, or of a padding plate which covers the top side of the picture frame, is filled by means of a heightwise spacer (8) which is coordinated precisely, in terms of length, with this spacing. For this purpose, either a heightwise spacer (8) of appropriate length is selected from a supply or the appropriate heightwise spacer (8) is produced on site by virtue of the appropriate length being cut off precisely from a longer strip or a longer rod.

Abstract: Sealed delivery unit 10 (shown in exploded format in FIG. 1A) contains medication 10M, and is formed by a generally flat member 10F pressed into selective engagement with an opposed shaped member 10S. Pumping chamber 12P, enclosed between the members generates a rupturing pressure in response to an external force applied by the user (indicated by arrow F shown in FIG. 1B). Enclosed Medication chamber 12M contains the medication to be delivered. Tunnel conduit 14 provides fluid communication between the chambers for rupturing the medication chamber in response to the rupturing pressure. Perimeter seal 16 extends around the pumping chamber and the medication chamber and the tunnel conduit. The perimeter seal is secure enough to withstand the internal rupturing pressure generated during delivery. Delivery port 18 with pull-away closure 18C (see FIG. 1C) delivers the medication out of medication chamber 12M. Rupture site 18S is proximate the delivery port.

Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing consumer products comprises a multi-compartment molded tray formed with an array of discrete cavities for receiving consumer products. A cover film is secured to the top surface of the tray to retain the item(s) within the cavities. The cover film has pre-formed tear lines defining peripheries of an array of tear-off portions, each tear-off portion arranged so that it overlies an associated cavity to retain the item(s) in that cavity. Each tear-off portion has an associated lug portion not secured to the tray in use, for gripping by a user before removing the tear-off portion. The top surface of the tray has an array of upwardly extending protrusions positioned to be located beneath the lug portions in use to bend those lug portions upwardly out of the plane of the remainder of the cover film to make the lugs readily graspable by a user.

Abstract: A package (10) is described that includes a sleeve (12) having at least one end defining an opening. The sleeve further includes at least one pair of locking tabs (18) extending therefrom, each locking tab including a locking edge, each locking tab being folded inwards into the opening. The package further includes a rigid end cap (14, 16) dimensioned to fit closely within the opening, the end cap including a rim (30, 32) designed so that, when the end cap is inserted into the opening, the rim engages the sleeve end and prevents the end cap from being inserted further into the opening. The end cap further includes a channel (22, 24) for receiving the pair of locking tabs, the channel having a ledge (34, 36) that engages the locking edge of each locking tab to prevent the end cap from being removed from the sleeve opening. Another described package provides a release mechanism for allowing an end cap to be removed without causing damage to the package.

Abstract: Screen separators and a screen tensioning system for separators that facilitates rapid measurement of screen tension. Each separator subframe screen is suspended between opposed subframe walls. Suitable linkages distribute vibration during the aggregate sifting process. Screen edge flanges are secured by tensioners that control a screen suspension bracket. A carriage bolt fitted through bracket orifices and the walls coaxially receive a resilient grommet captivated by an adjustable sleeve nut. As the nut is tightened, screen tension increases and the grommet diameter increases. A portable gauge with an internal U-shaped measurement sleeve is fitted over the deformed grommet to measure screen tension. A plurality of gauge calibration points bordering the deformed grommet determine applied screen tension.

Abstract: The membrane producible by shaping a polymer blend or a block copolymer comprising blocks of monomer units, loading the polymer blend or block copolymer with a blowing gas concentration within the polymer blend or block polymer above a critical concentration at a temperature below a critical temperature, but above the glass transition temperature of the polymer blend/gas or block copolymer/gas mixture and finally stabilizing the foam structure is characterized in that as polymer blend a homogeneous polymer blend comprising at least one hydrophilic and at least one hydrophobic polymer and/or a block copolymer of alternating blocks of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomer units is used, both the polymer blend and the block copolymer having a solubility relating to the used foaming gas above the critical concentration. The said membrane is used for medical purposes, especially for the haemodialysis, haemofiltration, haemodiafiltration, plasmapherese, immunotherapy, micro- or ultrafiltration or gas separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a basket (1) for a dishwashing machine having various receptacles and/or holders for plates or cups whereby in particular a cup support (3) comprises a shelf pivotably mounted in the basket (1) and assuming a horizontal position to form a second supporting surface about hinge points hinge points (4, 5) provided on the basket. To increase the shelf layers of the cup support (3) the hinge points (4, 5) are mounted on the basket (1) in such a way that they are variable in height.

Abstract: A gravity feed. display rack for supporting and displaying merchandise features a merchandise channel support structure, and at least one merchandise channel. The channel has a merchandise support, a left wall and a right wall, the left wall and right wall adjustably located in spaced apart relationship upon the merchandise channel support structure to accommodate varying sizes of merchandise. Thus the display rack may be adjustably assembled to accommodate specific sizes of merchandise.

Abstract: A container has an open top end and a closed bottom end. A chamber is provided between the top and bottom ends. The top end is formed as a neck. The bottom end is formed as a recess. The neck and recess are essentially cylindrical. The neck and recess have a common axis and an essentially common length and diameter. The recess is adapted to receive a neck of another similarly configured bottle/container system. The neck is adapted to be coupled to a recess of another similarly configured bottle/container system.

Abstract: A blow molded, hollow plastic container including two opposed, relatively longer sidewall and shoulder portions which alternate with two opposed, relatively shorter sidewall and shoulder portions. A first of the relatively shorter sidewall portions includes a grip area in the upper portion of the first relatively shorter sidewall portion, and the opposed second relatively shorter sidewall and shoulder portions includes a pour area.

Abstract: A lightweight horizontal dispensing container comprises a pallet base, a pallet cover and a three sided sleeve extending between the pallet base and the pallet cover. The container may be stacked on top of similar pallet covers or below similar pallet bases. A rectangular frame is secured to opposed walls and defines an opening on a fourth side of the container. Dunnage is located inside the container to provide horizontal access to parts inside the container. This container enables a horizontal dispensing container to be stacked above or below conventional pallet loads.

Abstract: A lightweight horizontal dispensing container comprising a pallet base, a pallet cover and opposed side walls of plastic material extending between the pallet base and the pallet cover may be stacked on top of similar pallet covers or below similar pallet bases. Opposed rectangular frames are secured to the sleeve and define openings on opposed sides of the horizontal dispensing container. Dunnage provides horizontal access to parts inside the container. This container enables a horizontal dispensing container to be stacked above or below conventional pallet load.

Abstract: A removable serving lid is provided that sealingly covers the opening of a pet food can. A sealing sidewall extending downward form a flexible lid cover circumscribes the upper opening of a pet food can, and thereby forms an air-tight seal. The flexible material is designed to apply and remove easily, even when cold such as to accommodate refrigeration of any un-dispensed contents of a pet food can. A gripping flange extending laterally outward from the perimeter of the sidewall provides a gripping surface to facilitate removal of the sealed lid. Finally, an adjustable scoop is perpendicularly disposed through the flexible lid cover through a scoop aperture that seals against the handle of the scoop, maintaining a sealed environment even as the sloop is vertically adjusted into the contents of the food can.

Abstract: A can end member for a beverage container is disclosed. The end member has a curl at least substantially defining a perimeter of the can end, a chuck wall extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the curl, and a central panel wall centered about a longitudinal axis. The central panel wall has a product side and a public side. The public side has a means for opening a frangible panel segment. The end member also has a fold joining the chuck wall with the central panel wall. The fold has an opening. A fluid is located adjacent the opening.

Abstract: A liquid medical waste receptacle includes an open top vessel having a bottom and an upstanding wall defining an upper rim. A lid is adapted to cover the open top vessel in sealing engagement with the upper rim. The lid includes a body portion defining a recess portion. The recess portion extends into the open top vessel. In some embodiments, the recess portion makes up a majority of the body portion. In some embodiments, the recess portion has a plurality of fingers. Select fingers have a proximal section, a distal section, and an intermediate section disposed between the proximal and distal sections, wherein the proximal section or the intermediate section includes a flexibility that is greater than the flexibility of at least a portion of the distal section.

Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.