Abstract: There is disclosed a bag having a tubular body with a top open end and a bottom closed end. The tubular body has a larger open diameter at the top open end. The tubular body narrows into a narrower open diameter adjacent to a bottom closed end. The tubular body in a flattened two-fold condition has a pair of side edges extending from a top edge to a bottom edge. The top edge delimits the top open end. The bottom edge delimits the bottom closed end. The pair of side edges are generally parallel to one another in a first portion adjacent to the top edge.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for the collection of serous or serosanguinous fluid from a percutaneous site after surgery. A pump unit with one or more pumps or powered sources provide continuous negative pressure suction to draw fluid from the percutaneous site and pumps the fluid into disposable reservoirs with one-way valves that are easy to handle while maintaining sterility and a seal to prevent the loss of vacuum. Air is continuously removed from the reservoirs. Measurement and analysis of the output is performed automatically. Additionally, through such a peristaltic pump device, controlled collection of measured surgical and/or bodily fluid from a subject patient may be undertaken allowing for more effective and closer analysis, as well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a reel-to-reel chalk line comprising a first housing comprising a first reel, a first rotatable crank mechanism connected to the first reel, and a first chalk bin comprising apertures for allowing the passage of a continuous loadable chalk line. The apparatus further comprises an opposed second housing comprising a second rotatable reel, a second crank mechanism connected to the second reel, and a second chalk bin comprising apertures for allowing passage of the continuous impregnable chalk line. The continuous impregnable chalk line is reeled about the first and second reels as the respective crank mechanisms are alternately rotated forward and backward. The chalk line comprises one or more releasable segments along its length. The releasable segments sever the chalk line when a load on the chalk line exceeds the working capacity of the first and second reels and crank mechanisms within the respective housings.

Abstract: Modular mattress systems and methods are described. For example, a modular mattress can include a fabric cover configured to surround at least two foam layers. The fabric cover can include an opening to allow access to an interior region of the fabric cover. The mattress can include a first foam layer positioned within the interior region of the fabric cover, and an encasement layer positioned below the first foam layer. The encasement layer can include a recess configured to receive one or more modular support sections. The mattress can also include a plurality of modular support components received within the recess of the encasement.

Abstract: A two-panel bag constructed from first and second panels that each has the same shape and size. The panels are connected together and a top edge is open for accessing the interior space. The top edge of the panels form handles that can be tied together to close the interior space. The two panels have a laterally inverted shape relative to a centerline. The top edge of each panel further includes two identical sections that each has a vertically-and-rotationally inverted shape. The shape of the panels facilitates manufacturing as the panels can be cut from a flat sheet with limited or no wasted material.

Abstract: A sanitary glove dispensing apparatus. The sanitary glove dispensing apparatus, dispenses connected protective gloves overlapped in a pre-determined pattern, by both cuff ends, so that finger ends of the protective gloves are not contaminated during dispensing and protecting remaining protective gloves in the apparatus from surrounding environment and from other users of the apparatus.

Abstract: The wet wipe flushable roll combination disclosed herein may comprise, at least, a plurality of wet wipes, an inner roll liner, an outer packaging, and a dispensing mechanism. The combination is formed by first rolling the inner roll liner and the plurality of wet wipes, and then enclosing the resulting wet wipe roll within the outer packaging such that the plurality of wet wipes may be pulled through the dispensing mechanism. The combination is preferably formed from flexible, moisture-resistant materials so as to prevent decomposition or contamination of the system and facilitate long-term storage. A preferred system for manufacturing the present combination may involve the use of proprietary robotic arms for the manipulation and assembly of each component.

Abstract: A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of perforations that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A starting point of the lines of perforations is spaced apart from the inflation edge. The positions of the starting point of the lines of perforations with respect to the inflation edge is selected such that a cutter that cuts the inflation edge clears the line of perforations. Binding or wrinkling is therefore not caused by engagement of the cutter with the lines of perforations.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a dispensing device and methods of using a dispensing device having an improved out indicator. The dispensing device includes a housing having a cavity. A tissue stack is disposed within the cavity, the tissue stack including a plurality of tissue sheets folded along a crease. An aperture is formed in a top surface of the housing such that a tissue sheet is removable from the cavity through the aperture. A portion of the tissue sheets includes an out indicator formed along a centerline of each tissue sheet and across the crease.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sheet product dispenser for dispensing individual sheets from a roll of perforated sheet product. The sheet product dispenser may include a housing, a roll support disposed within the housing and configured to rotatably support the roll of perforated sheet product, and a mechanical dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing and configured to guide and advance the sheet product during a dispense cycle, wherein the mechanical dispensing mechanism is further configured to mechanically synchronize the dispense cycle with perforation lines of the sheet product. The present disclosure also provides a sheet product dispenser for dispensing individual sheets from a roll of sheet product that may be non-perforated.

Abstract: Modular mattress systems and methods are described. For example, a modular mattress can include a fabric cover configured to surround at least two foam layers. The fabric cover can include an opening to allow access to an interior region of the fabric cover. The mattress can include a first foam layer positioned within the interior region of the fabric cover, and an encasement layer positioned below the first foam layer. The encasement layer can include a recess configured to receive one or more modular support sections. The mattress can also include a plurality of modular support components received within the recess of the encasement.

Abstract: A dunnage system for processing material into dunnage is herein described. A converting station of the system can include a drum having a drum surface first and second axial sides and guides protruding adjacent the drum surface on the first and second axial sides associated with the drum to rotate with the drum surface. A supply gripping member can be provided to grip a supply roll, and can include a rotatable base. A pivotal blade can be used to cut the dunnage.

Abstract: A waste basket liner bag retaining apparatus including a pair of liner bag retaining apertures formed on opposing sides of a waste basket to receive and secure a waste basket liner bag. Reusable aperture covers can be secured over the apertures to occlude the apertures. In another embodiment, the waste basket liner bag retaining apparatus includes two sets of magnets, each set formed within, or secured to inner surfaces of, opposing waste basket container walls of a waste basket container. Magnetized hooks are positioned over a selected magnet in each set to permit retention of a liner bag. In a further embodiment, a waste basket liner bag retaining apparatus includes apertures formed on opposing sides of a waste basket container, each with a retractable cover to secure portions of a liner bag in the apertures. The retractable covers may include rotatable bag retaining tabs.

Abstract: Approaches herein provided surface mounted devices each configured as a stand-alone component suitable for attachment to a substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB). In some embodiments, a method includes forming a base housing, coupling an electronic component to the base housing, and forming a cover over the electronic component, wherein the cover is coupled to the base housing. The electronic component may include a fusible link/element extending between terminals, the terminals wrapped around an exterior of base housing. The device may then be coupled to the PCB, for example, by attaching the terminals to an upper surface of the PCB.

Abstract: A tamper-evincing seal assembly is configured to be secured to a component to indicate tampering of the component. The tamper-evincing seal assembly includes a curling member that is configured to lie flat in a tamper-free state, and outwardly curl in a tampered state.

Abstract: A plaster dispenser for holding a plaster pack from which plasters may be removed individually. A rear wall of the dispenser limits movement of the plaster pack in a rearward direction; and first and second shoulders of an openable and closeable gate limit movement of the pack in a forward direction. When the gate is opened, movement of the pack is no longer limited in the forward direction, to make it possible to remove the plaster pack from the dispenser. The dispenser may from part of a first aid kit container.

Abstract: The bag may include a draw tape that may be used to cinch closed the opening of the bag. The draw tape has at least one stretched elastomeric strip attached to the draw tape in an extended condition. The draw tape may be smaller in size than the bag sidewalls. The draw tape may include an elastic characteristic, such as patterned ribs. In one embodiment, the roll of bag is kept under tension to maintain the elastomeric strips in a stretched condition.

Abstract: A front load refuse container made according to this invention has its four walls integrally formed out of a single piece of sheet metal. To form the walls, the single sheet is welded along a single vertical seam to form a circular-shaped ring. The circular-shaped ring is subjected to a swaging process that produces a rectangular-shaped ring with rounded corners. The container includes a lift pocket, formed from a single sheet, that defines half-hexagon-shaped prong receiving channel.

Abstract: An assignment device (1) assigns word class information (WKI) to one or more words of text information (ETI). Based on word-class sequence information (WK-AI) formed from this assigned word class information (WKI), actions (A) are executed in order to notify the user of conflicts or to provide the user with background information (HI) relating to words in the text information (TT).

Abstract: A bag dispensing device comprises a box and a roll of bags, the bags being connected together in the roll. Each bag defines a closed bottom end and an upper end that is closed while the bag is part of the roll but that becomes open once the bag is detached from the roll. The roll of bags is located in the container with at least one leading bag thereof extending out of the container so as to be grasped by the user and detached from the roll when a bag is needed by the user for receiving therein a sample or the like.

Abstract: An absorbent article for pets includes a front surface layer, a back surface layer, and an absorbent body, and is formed in a rectangular shape having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a pair of side portions. The first end portion is arranged on the body of the pet, and the second end portion side is detachably attached to the outer surface of the first end portion when worn. The absorbent article further includes an engaging member arranged on the outer surface side of the first end portion, and is engageable with the inner surface of the second end portion. A part of the outer surface of the back surface layer is formed from a member engageable with the engaging member. A low rigidity area is formed towards the second end portion side of the section on the first end portion where the engaging member is arranged.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an ankle-foot orthosis (1) for resisting plantarflexion of a patient's foot, comprising a resiliently flexible sock-like orthotic structure (1) formed of first (12) and second (14) tubular sections set at an angle to one another, wherein the second tubular section is capable of being opened for insertion of the patient's foot and lower leg into respective ones of said first and second tubular sections, the orthosis further comprising at least one closure member (34) that can be passed round at least part of the periphery of the second tubular section and secured in place to urge the second tubular section towards a closed position in which the second tubular section is closely fitted to the lower leg of the patient.

Abstract: A product marking is disclosed in connection with a narrow roll. The narrow rolls are provided with a product marking in a first information adding step, the product marking including at least general information. In a second information adding step, the product marking in at least some of the narrow rolls is provided with customer information. After the second information adding step all the narrow rolls have a product marking comprising the customer information.

Abstract: A trifold side seamed film produce bag includes a front wall and a back wall, first and second side edges sealed together and a seamless bag bottom. The bag is joined at the side edges to additional bags by a perforation. The bag is corona treated on at least one wall and promotional material is printed on the treated surface. The bags are folded to one third of their height to fit compact bag roll dispensers. The bags are folded in a Z-fold or C-fold configuration. The method includes manufacturing the bags and winding them onto cores or forming the bags into coreless rolls. An apparatus for forming the side seamed bags includes an extruder, a tubing flattener, a perforator, a sealer, a corona treater, a printer and a slitter. The treated, printed bags may be stored on rolls for later slitting into two bag streams and folding into thirds.

Abstract: A combination trash liner storage and trash receptacle having integrated trash liner storage includes a housing that comprises a wall extending upwardly from a bottom defining an open top. Each of a plurality of fasteners is coupled to an interior surface of the housing proximate to a bottom of the housing. Each fastener is positioned equally distant from the bottom defining an internal perimeter of the housing. A panel that is substantially complementary to the internal perimeter is reversibly couplable to the fasteners. The fasteners are positioned on the interior wall such that the panel is couplable to the fasteners to position the panel in substantial parallelism with the bottom. A slot is positioned in the panel for insertion of an end of a roll of trash can liners. A plurality of penetrations is positioned in the wall to allow air to pass through the wall of the housing.

Abstract: A pouch is formed from one or more webs of material that provide at least one absorbent surface. The pouch further includes an integral flap, which may be folded over the opening, or entrance, of the pouch so as to maintain the contents of the pouch in place and to help retain moisture within the pouch. The interior of the pouch is defined, at least partially, by its absorbent faces.

Abstract: An absorbent article for pets includes a top sheet, a back surface layer, an absorbent core, a first end portion, a second end portion, and a pair of side portions. Such absorbent articles for pets are stacked and packaged while each absorbent article is folded and the portion of the back surface layer which is near the first end portion forms a first outer surface. The absorbent article for pets also includes: a hook member provided on the portion of the back surface layer which is near the first end portion; an engaging section provided on the portion of the top sheet which is near the second end portion and engageable with the hook member; and a weak engagement section provided at a position at which the weak engagement section is in contact with the hook member of an adjacent absorbent article of the stacked absorbent articles for pets.

Abstract: A multi-closure strip of clips with one or more openings to hold the neck of a bag, which include a male and a female interlocking portion to hold the clips together in a series. Each clip includes a female pocket at a first edge, and a male tab at a second edge. Neighboring clips can interlock or mate-ably attach to the respective pockets and tabs without the need for adhesive, and without fracture of the clip material. Instead of a neighboring clip, a tag or label with a mating pocket or tab can be mate-ably attached to the clip. The clips can be made of a resilient plastic or biodegradable material, or any recyclable products.

Abstract: A multi-closure strip of clips with one or more openings to hold the neck of a bag, which include a male and a female interlocking portion to hold the clips together in a series. Each clip includes a set of male and female slots at a first edge, and a set of male and female slots at a second edge. Neighboring clips can interlock or mate-ably attach to the respective sets of slots and fingers without the need for adhesive, and without fracture of the clip material. The clips can be made of a resilient plastic or biodegradable material, or any recyclable products.

Abstract: A machine for creating multi-layer price tags. The machine has a proximal end and a distal end. The machine further has a base. A frame is attached to the base toward the distal end of the machine. A secondary frame is attached to the base toward the proximal end of the machine. An unwinder is mounted to the frame toward the distal end of the machine. At least two printers are mounted to the frame, and at least one automated label applicator is mounted between the at least two printers. A rewinder is mounted to the secondary frame. The at least two printers are preferably thermal transfer printheads. The automated label applicator preferably utilizes either a low-stick or non-stick adhesive. In an alternative embodiment of the machine, the rewinder is replaced by an automated label applicator mounted to the secondary frame.

Abstract: A carton has a series of panels including top and bottom panels, side panels, and front and rear panels which collectively define an interior space for carrying wire or other filamentary material. The carton is formed from a unitary blank. The cartons can be set up by an automated machine without intervention of an operator. The carton include an interior channel located between two, aligned exterior holes located in opposing panels of the carton. The interior channel is formed from several hingedly connected panels, at least one of which is attached to the carton. The hingedly connected panels are folded around or rolled to form the interior channel, which is inserted into the carton. Once assembled a shaft or rod may be passed through one of the exterior holes, through the interior channel, and out the other exterior hole. The interior channel reinforces the structure of the carton and further allows the carton to hang from a shaft or rod without the carton tearing.

Abstract: A self-adhering sun shield fixedly-coupleable to a windshield of a vehicle system includes a self-adhering sun shield assembly having a first self-adhering sun shield removable sticker, a second self-adhering sun shield removable sticker; and a third self-adhering sun shield removable sticker. The self-adhering sun shield fixedly-coupleable to a windshield of a vehicle system includes the self-adhering sun shield assembly. The self-adhering sun shield assembly is self-adhering to the windshield via static electricity. The first self-adhering sun shield removable sticker, the second self-adhering sun shield removable sticker, and the third self-adhering sun shield removable sticker form self-adhering sun shield assembly when removably-adhered to the windshield to prevent sun glare when in an in-use condition.

Abstract: An end support for supporting a roll of material wound on a tubular core is defined by a generally rectangular plate and a projecting hub member. The hub is dimensioned for insertion into a tubular core material roll. A plurality of spaced plate ribs are provided internally within the plate with at least one rib extending inwardly from each of the plate side perpendicular to the hub member. A plurality of crossing ribs are also provided and intersect with the perpendicular plate ribs and other crossing ribs to define a generally open areas lattice pattern. A plurality of corrugation surfaces are fixed to one or more of the side members, corner members, hub member, crossing ribs and plate ribs and extend into the open areas of the lattice pattern. The corrugations surfaces are alternately formed along the front and rear faces of the plate.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bag may include a sidewall that may have a plurality of first and second ribs formed therein. The first ribs may be longer in length but shorter in height than the second ribs. The second ribs may be arranged in discrete networks that appear superimposed over the first ribs. The second ribs may normally remain in a bent-over configuration. When a force is applied, the second ribs may expand the area of the sidewall so that the bag may easily accommodate large objects. To produce the bag, a thermoplastic web may be directed between opposing first and second rollers. One of the rollers may include ridges that may have first and second segments of differing heights that correspond to the differing heights of the first and second ribs. The formation of the first ribs may increase the width of the web.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bag may include a sidewall that may have a plurality of first and second ribs formed therein. The first ribs may be longer in length but shorter in height than the second ribs. The second ribs may be arranged in discrete networks that appear superimposed over the first ribs. The second ribs may normally remain in a bent-over configuration. When a force is applied, the second ribs may expand the area of the sidewall so that the bag may easily accommodate large objects. To produce the bag, a thermoplastic web may be directed between opposing first and second rollers. One of the rollers may include ridges that may have first and second segments of differing heights that correspond to the differing heights of the first and second ribs. The formation of the first ribs may increase the width of the web.

Abstract: An absorbent article package, includes: a plurality of absorbent articles each folded to define a first outer face and a second outer face; and a packing bag that stores the plurality of absorbent articles in a layered state such that the first outer face of each of the plurality of the absorbent articles makes contact with the second outer face of an adjacent absorbent article, in which each absorbent article includes an engagement member arranged on the first outer face thereof and engaging with the second outer face of the adjacent absorbent article, and the packing bag includes a first face positioned to face the first or second outer faces of the absorbent articles stored in the packing bag and configured to form therein an opening to allow the absorbent articles to be extracted.

Abstract: A bag reloading garbage unit includes a base with a compartment therein for containing a plurality of separably interconnected garbage bags. The base includes a slot through which the garbage bags can be pulled into position for use. The base includes at least two articulable guide arms with guide channels therein for engaging with a garbage bag being pulled into position. When the garbage bag top arrives at the top of each articulable guide arm, the top of the garbage bag is secured in position within the unit. The guide arms operate to open and close the garbage bag. When the garbage bag is full, it is closed and removed by pulling upward and pulling with it a connected garbage bag into position in the garbage unit.

Abstract: A vertical roll wrap tray kit of the present invention includes at least one product tray, a plurality of spacer clips, a plurality of wire dividers and a plurality of push clips. The product tray can be attached to various types of retail display units. The product tray contains two slot walls which are sized to accommodate insertion of the wire dividers. The dividers are used to divide the tray into segments or compartments in which the roll wrap material is stored and displayed in a vertical arrangement. The width of the rows or compartments can be varied based on the diameter of the roll wrap product. Spacer clips are used to hold two adjacent dividers into place. The tray is angled slightly in a backwards direction to avoid accidental removal of the vertical roll wrap.

Abstract: Plastic bags, rolls of plastic bags, and tubular blown film processes for making rolls of plastic bags. The rolls of plastic bags include a tubular blown film with a plurality of perforation lines along which plastic bags are separated from the roll. The perforation lines are formed so that portions of the lips of the plastic bags are offset from each other. The offset portions of the lips facilitate opening of the bags.

Abstract: A bandage strip includes a plurality of flat adhesive bandage packages of conventional configuration, having sealed therein an adhesive bandage with a pad and an adhesive substrate for adhering to a patient and holding the pad in place on the patient's skin. The packages are adhered to an elongated substrate in end-to-end, spaced relation to form a flat, elongated bandage strip, with perforations in the substrate between the packages. A user can dispense a length of substrate, sever it at the perforations, and remove the bandage from the substrate for use in the conventional manner. A bandage dispensing device is attachable to the wrist of a user for convenient dispensing of bandages from a strip of individually packaged bandages.

Abstract: A dispensing container is designed for dispensing bags from plastic bag rolls, especially bags having lower handle holes that are reverse-rolled for dispensing bottom-end first. The container has a top surface with an opening configured for withdrawing a bag from a roll enclosed therein. A handle hole arresting tab projects inwardly across the opening to catch and arrest an inner adjacent bag when an outermost bag is withdrawn, to facilitate separation of the bags at a perforated junction. A plastic bag dispensing system is also disclosed and includes the dispensing container and reverse-rolled bags equipped with lower handle holes. The system exposes a bottom end of an outermost bag of the roll through the opening while enclosing a top end of the outermost bag within the roll.

Abstract: A method of providing a food storage product dispensing kit for de-bulking food includes a plurality of re-sealable primary bags and a plurality of secondary pouches, wherein the secondary pouches are adapted and configured to be worn and inverted over a user's hand as well as minimize freezer burn of food items therein.

Abstract: A food storage product dispensing kit for de-bulking food includes a plurality of re-sealable primary bags and a plurality of secondary pouches, wherein the secondary pouches are adapted and configured to be worn and inverted over a user's hand as well as minimize freezer burn of food items therein. An advertising insert may include branding information, de-bulking instructions, food safety information, a product sample, and a coupon. The bags, the pouches, and the advertising insert are unitized in a single package for consumer convenience.

Abstract: A blister strip for receiving medical and/or pharmaceutical and/or food supplement products, includes a roll-up single-web product carrier that can be divided into individual blister sections. The single-web product carrier has individual nests, one behind the other in its direction of transport defining a division of the blister strip for receiving single products, as well as a film-like cover for closing the nests. Each product is arranged in sealed form within a nest. Each nest has a holding chamber formed with two steps and a depression independent of the product geometry and a depression dependent on the product geometry. The depth of the product-independent depression starting from the cover on the one hand being so great that the blister strip can be laterally guided mechanically along the product-independent depression, and on the other hand being less than the thickness of the smallest product to be received within the nest.

Abstract: A pair of sheets defining a disposable sheath for covering the electrical leads in a monitoring system used for monitoring patient vital signs and secured together along edges and along spaced seams to define a plurality of longitudinally extending compartments. A plurality of tear lines extend along the spaced seams from the second end to a distance spaced from the first end for laterally separating the compartments into separate arms, and fingers, whereby electrical leads may be bundled together in the open distance at the first end and inserted into the arms and fingers. A seal seals the sheets about the electrical leads at the respective ends.

Abstract: A collapsible dispenser for dispensing various edible and non-edible materials in an industrial or home environment. More particularly, the invention pertains to a foldable and generally pyramoidal-shaped dispenser particularly suited to dispensing granular, powdered or viscous liquid materials and includes a dispenser body having a dispensing end and an interior compartment for receiving and storing various materials. The dispenser body includes a foldable base that may be manually manipulated between a collapsed position closing and sealing a dispensing mechanism and an expanded position opening and unsealing the dispensing mechanism for use.

Abstract: A pet waste bags dispenser provided for dispensing animal waste bags, having a collapsible container, a dispenser cavity cover and a dispensing means, wherein the dispensing means allows waste bags placed within the waste bags dispenser to be dispensed to a user easily and conveniently. The collapsible waste bags dispenser is made of a collapsible material, such that the dispenser is easy to store, light in weight, simple to manufacture, and has the flexibility to contain different amounts of waste bags within the collapsible container, wherein rolls of or individually wrapped waste bags are allowed to be dispensed. The collapsible waste bags dispenser further has external connecting means for connecting the waste bags dispenser to a foreign object, so as to facilitate the user to easily obtain a waste bag from the dispenser.

Abstract: A pet waste bags dispenser includes a pouch body, a pouch cover, means for detachably attaching the front cover edge of the pouch cover on the front wall of the pouch body, and a bag dispenser, wherein the bag dispenser allows waste bags placed within the waste bags dispenser to be dispensed to a user easily and conveniently. The pet waste bags dispenser is made of a collapsible material, such that the dispenser is easy to store, light in weight, simple to manufacture, and has the flexibility to contain different amounts of waste bags within the pouch body, wherein rolls of or individually wrapped waste bags are allowed to be dispensed. The pet waste bags dispenser further includes a pouch carrier for the pouch body to be carried around, so as to facilitate the user to easily obtain a waste bag from the dispenser.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing bags and the resulting bag are disclosed. The bags may be continuously and detachably connected, and continuously and detachably connected bags may be wound onto a roll. In addition, a dispenser is disclosed for storing and dispensing bags. Also disclosed is an apparatus for use in dispensing plastic bags. A dispensing system is disclosed for continuously and detachably connected series of bags and in which the removal of a bag results in the subsequent bag in the series being at least partially opened.

Abstract: A ribbon of packaging comprises individual packages (11) adjacently and separably arranged for separation prior to filling. The ribbon is preferably drawn under tension from a reel, and the packages are linked by mechanical couplers (FIG. 11) which are separable in a direction orthogonally to the traction force. The packages have a closure (FIG. 8) which is removed and replaced to permit filling. Also disclosed are preferred package couplers, and filling and dispensing arrangements.