Abstract: An apparatus for containing a food and beverage includes a substantially flat stock, for example, cardboard or fiberboard that includes a plurality of perimeter panels that are folded into a three-dimensional apparatus. When formed, the apparatus includes a compartment for holding a food and a beverage. A beverage retaining member attaches in any of a variety of ways where desired to any of the panels to secure various sizes of beverage containers in an upright position on top of a center panel. The outer perimeter panels are each attached on one edge thereof to the center panel and interlock with each other during assembly to prevent accidental opening of the apparatus. A notch is provided to accept a thumb of a user and a semi-spherical opening is provided to receive a napkin or utensil.

Abstract: A carrier with ultraphobic surfaces for promoting more effective cleaning and drying of the carrier. In the invention, entire surfaces or portions of surfaces of a carrier are made ultraphobic. The ultraphobic surfaces of the carrier cause liquids that may come in contact with the surface, such as may be used in cleaning, to quickly and easily “roll off” without leaving a liquid film or substantial number of liquid droplets. As a result, less time and energy is expended in drying the surfaces, and redeposited residue is minimized, thereby improving overall process quality. In addition, the ultraphobic surfaces may be resistant to initial deposition of contaminants, where the contaminants may be in liquid or vapor form.

Abstract: A tray carrier with ultraphobic surfaces for promoting more effective cleaning and drying of the tray carrier. In the invention, entire surfaces or portions of surfaces of a tray carrier are made ultraphobic. The ultraphobic surfaces of the tray carrier cause liquids that may come in contact with the surface, such as may be used in cleaning, to quickly and easily “roll off” without leaving a liquid film or substantial quantity of liquid droplets. As a result, less time and energy is expended in drying the surfaces, and redeposited residue is minimized, thereby improving overall process quality and facilitating economical reuse of the tray carrier. In addition, the ultraphobic surfaces may be resistant to initial deposition of contaminants, where the contaminants may be in liquid or vapor form.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier for retaining and transferring filtration devices, as well as to filtration devices configured for placement in the carrier. The carrier generally includes a tray having a plurality of filter seats along with a plurality of holes extending through the tray. Each filter has a release liner that is removably secured to a pressure sensitive adhesive on the filter, and this release liner also contains a tab that extends through one of the holes in the tray and is permanently bonded to the bottom side of the tray. In use the filters can be removed from the tray by manual or automatic means. During the removal process the release liner separates from the pressure sensitive adhesive on the filter and is retained on the tray.

Abstract: A container for containing, treating and dispensing a bun in a hot dog dispensing machine has a container element having an inner cavity for accommodating a bun, an open side an a bottom located opposite to the open side, and a projection provided on the bottom and formed so that it supports a bun accommodated in the cavity and can be engaged by a formation of transporting means for transporting the container with the bun.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier module for micro-BGA (&mgr;-BGA) type device which is capable of testing a produced device without damaging to a solder ball thereunder after being rapidly connected to a test socket. A carrier module for a &mgr;-BGA type device according to the present invention comprises: an upper and lower carrier module body formed with protrusions at the upper and lower portions thereof; a device receiving unit inserted to the upper carrier module body for receiving a &mgr;-BGA type device; and a spring secured elastically to the upper and lower protrusions by being inserted thereto.

Abstract: A serving tray includes a holding portion, and handles at two sides of the holding portion; the holding portion has trenches formed on an upper side, recesses formed on a bottom, a through hole, upper flow passages formed on the upper side, and lower flow passages formed on the bottom; the handles have second recesses formed thereon. Slip-prevention rubber sheets are attached to the trenches and the recesses by means of injecting melted rubber into a mold used for making the holding portion and the handles via the through hole for the melted rubber to be applied over the trenches, and the recesses via the upper and the lower flow passages.

Abstract: A disposable food and beverage tray that is easily portable, allows quick and convenient loading, easy access to all food and beverage items, prevents contamination of food from a beverage, and serves as an advertising and promotional vehicle is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention allow the attachment of a harness to assist in carrying the food and beverage tray. Other embodiments of the present invention allow the present invention to be used in a motor vehicle. The food and beverage tray has a first side panel, a second side panel, a bottom panel, and a top panel. The top panel has beverage container openings and food item openings. Substantially vertical support members, such as flaps, are used to secure the tray in a substantially rectangular shape and separate the beverage openings and food item openings. When the flaps are disengaged, the tray is collapsible.

Abstract: A serving tray includes a holding portion, and handles at two sides of the holding portion; the holding portion has trenches formed on an upper side, recesses formed on a bottom, a through hole, upper flow passages formed on the upper side, and lower flow passages formed on the bottom; the handles have second recesses formed thereon. Slip-prevention rubber sheets are attached to the trenches and the recesses by means of injecting melted rubber into a mold used for making the holding portion and the handles via the through hole for the melted rubber to be applied over the trenches, and the recesses via the upper and the lower flow passages.

Abstract: A collapsible serving tray that is stiff and flat when open and reduced in size and compact when folded. The tray is designed to be folded up into a compact size that is about one-quarter of the fully deployed size of the tray. One embodiment of the tray includes a perimeter edge that is ninety degrees to the flat serving surface when the tray is fully deployed.

Abstract: A container for containing, treating and dispensing a bun in a hot dog dispensing machine has a container element having an inner cavity for accommodating a bun, an open side an a bottom located opposite to the open side, and a projection provided on the bottom and formed so that it supports a bun accommodated in the cavity and can be engaged by a formation of transporting means for transporting the container with the bun.

Abstract: A device for displaying at least one hair swatch upon a support having a noncylindrical dome shaped portion. At least one hair swatch is held securely on the device, such that it extends over the dome shaped portion and such that it is shaped by the profile of the dome shaped portion. A cover can be provided to conceal one or more locations at which the swatch or swatches are fastened to the support. The cover can have an opening through which the dome and swatch extend. A plurality of the devices can also be arranged within a display having, for example, rows and columns of the display devices.

Abstract: A apparatus with multiple-level eating surfaces, which can be made as separable modular units, or molded units having one-piece construction. Although it is preferable for the molded and modular units to be reusable, they could also be discarded or recycled after a small number of uses. Modular and molded units typically have a plate-like or tray-like base member, one or more support structures having uniform or differing heights, and several elevated eating surfaces or compartments each supported by at least one support structure. The support structures can be narrow and pillar-like, broad and platform-like, or contoured structures having 3-D relief. Liners/inserts can be used to vertically extend the food-holding capacity of any eating surface or food-holding compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of at least one three-dimensional food product and a tray member for displaying the food product thereon. The tray member includes a support base and at least one first retaining member. The food product includes at least a bottom surface arranged so as to rest on the support base and at least one second retaining member. The first and second retaining members are complementarily shaped and arranged to adjust in engagement together so as to be capable to resist disengagement at least in a direction substantially parallel to the support base.

Abstract: A tray device that serves as a shipping tray and an assembly fixture to align a fabricated tape assembly in the bonding of steel locating hinge washers to a hinge assembly to facilitate doors-off/door-on processing through an automotive trim shop. The adhesive bonding system cures during the cathodic electro-cost primer bake cycle. The adhesive maintains an intimate, positive contact with both metal surfaces ensuring adequate bonding performance and maximized bonding surface area during a defined heat or bake cycle.

Abstract: A packaging for at least two associated articles comprises a box-like body (1) with a substantially polygonal bottom (10), a number of standing side walls (11, 12) and a cover (20) which closes off the whole in the closed situation. The box-like body herein houses an internal space (30) in which the articles for packaging can be accommodated. According to the invention this internal space (30) is intended to receive therein only a first of the two articles, the first article being supplied as standard. The box-like body (1) is provided with a recess (40) accessible from outside for receiving a second article therein, which second article can be an optional article which is precisely determined only later.

Abstract: A container has an internal cavity for receiving knife blades lying side by side in a stack, the internal cavity being capable of being reduced in size by a slide member which is preferably displaceable in only one direction. In this way the blades are located in position however full the container is, and damage to the cutting edges by movement or slipping in the package is avoided. Furthermore a method is proposed by which first the blade which lies against the slide is extracted from the stack and then the slide member is urged against the stack of blades.

Abstract: A sterilizable, surgical instrument tray that can deliver, in an instant nearly, 100 ringed surgical instruments held and displayed in a perpendicular fashion in a space and manner similar to that used by surgical scrub nurses on their operating room back tables, as well as hold and display with easy access, a number of forceps, knife handles and retractors. A surgical instrument tray, capable of retaining all the general/major/trauma instruments and arranging these instruments in such a way that said tray may be placed in the operating room in sterile manner, being ready for operational usage. Due to the design and construction of the tray, with recessed sections of applicable shape and size to accommodate certain instruments, upon extraction of the instruments from the tray, the instruments are in ready position to be relayed to the person performing the operation, with no further manipulation of the instruments.

Abstract: A tool box includes a base having a plurality of receiving members pivotally connected between two side walls of the base and each of the receiving members has a shaft. A gear is connected to an end of each of the shafts and a rack is movably connected to the base. The gears are rotatably engaged with the rack. A cover is pivotally connected to the base by a pivot axle and a driving gear is connected to the pivot axle and engaged with the rack so that when opening the cover, the receiving members are pivoted and the bits in the receiving members are pivoted toward the users.

Abstract: An innovative pop-up food tray for combination meals to function as a lap or seat mounted support for the typical sandwich, drink cup and French fry container related to eating drive-in fast-food while operating an vehicle, which includes the features of a pair of automatic pop-out food tray support legs that position the tray in a passenger seat retained by the seat belt or in the drivers lap, a multiple spring cam mechanism for accommodating a wide variety of drink cup sizes, providing a fold out panel that catches spilled food particles while eating seated in a moving vehicle, a foldable condiment serving tub, a fold out cover that contains the used food containers for convenient disposal, punch out game pieces, a random number spinner wheel and a wide variety of games printed on the tray.

Abstract: A storage container for storing ornaments in a hanging orientation is provided. The container is comprised of a box and a plurality of ornament supportable cross-members which extend across the opening defined by the box. In use, a person hangs ornaments from the cross-members by placing a portion of the ornament's hook in a hole formed within the cross-members.

Abstract: A fixing element (30) retains an article (20) from moving inside a container (10). The container (10) has a base (11) and a cover (19). The fixing element (30) has a tape-like portion (31) that is bent around a corner (21) of the article (20), thus retaining the corner (21) and urging the article (20) against two side walls (15, 16) of the base (11) of the container (10).

Abstract: A box made substantially of paperboard, the box having one or more support formations attached to an interior surface of the box and projecting into the interior of the box, wherein the one or more support formations act to (a) locate within the box an object having a shape or size different from that of the box, and (b) brace the box against damage when the object is located within the box by the support formations.

Abstract: A positive attachment wrench case is disclosed, which has positive attachment devices defined in the case. Each positive attachment device (30) is defined to correspond to a clamp (20); and each positive attachment device (30) comprises a strip with one end attached to the case (10) and a tube (35) corresponding to the strip. A wrench (40) to be received in the clamp (20) can be locked by the strip that bends to lock into the tube (35).

Abstract: A fixing element (30) retains an article (20) from moving inside a container (10). The container (10) has a base (11) and a cover (19). The fixing element (30) has a tape portion (31) that is bent around a corner (21) of the article (20), thus retaining the corner (21) and urging the article (20) against two side walls (15, 16) of the base (11) of the container (10).

Abstract: A self-fronting merchandise display box. The box has a horizontal bottom, two sides, a back panel and a front panel. A plurality of merchandise containers form a merchandise column within the box. A rubber band is held adjacent the front panel of the box and extends around the back of the merchandise column. As the front merchandise container is lifted upwardly out of the box, the remaining column of merchandise is moved forward by the retraction of the rubber band. Preferably, a follower plate is located behind the rear of the merchandise column.

Abstract: A bill dispenser includes a cantilever and traction wheel attached thereto. The wheel includes a traction surface around a perimeter thereof for frictionally engaging a currency bill. Movement of the traction surface atop the bill is used for dispensing the bill from its bin.

Abstract: A cup holder includes a paddle-shaped structure having handles extending from opposed ends. The top surface of the paddle includes one or more ports for accommodating a magnet. Cups including a magnetic element are removably seated in the corresponding ports on the paddle surface, and two or more individuals can simultaneously drink from separate cups carried by the paddle by tilting the paddle by the opposed handles.

Abstract: An article holding tray adapted to retain and stabilize a wide variety of articles during their use such as dishware, drinking glasses, eating utensils, video game joy sticks and other articles which are typically usable on a tray or lap tray. The device includes a generally flat tray or board which includes one or more connected elongated slots formed orthogonally through the tray and sized in width for slidable translation of an elongated threaded fastener therealong. Each threaded fastener releasably retains an elongated movable retaining block in a selected position against an upper support surface defined by the tray. Each movable retaining block has at least one side surface, and preferably all of the side surfaces, which is sloped at an angle substantially greater than 90 degrees, and preferably about 105 degrees, with respect to the lower flat surface of the retaining block and the support surface.

Abstract: A ring tray includes a base having an upper surface, a lower surface, a plurality of elongated recesses in the upper surface, and a releasable holding arrangement on the upper surface in surrounding relation to the recesses and on the lower surface, the releasable holding arrangement being formed by layers of small hooks; a foam gripping member positioned in each recess for gripping a ring therein, the foam gripping member being folded so as to have a substantially M-shaped cross-section, formed by two inverted V-shaped portions connected together and between which the ring is gripped; and an upper pad having a fabric lower surface which is releasably held by the hooks in covering relation to the upper surface and the recesses, the upper pad including a central section engaged by the hooks on the upper surface, and two wrap-around sections connected at opposite sides of the central section, each wrapping around a side of the base and engaging the hooks on the lower surface, and the upper pad having a pluralit

Abstract: A container holds an item. The item has an upper surface with a contacting portion and a non-contacting portion. The container comprises a base and a cover. The base has a lower retaining portion with a depth. The item is removably engagable into the lower retaining portion of the base. The cover has an upper retaining portion with a contacting portion and a non-contacting portion. The cover is removably engagable with the base so that the upper retaining portion of the cover is aligned with the lower retaining portion of the base. When the contacting portion of the upper retaining portion of the cover is engaged with the contacting portion of the item, the non-contacting portion of the upper retaining portion is separated from the non-contacting portion of the item by a gap.

Abstract: A currency storage and dispensing apparatus (20) includes a top member (22) defining an upper interior cavity (34), a bottom member (36) defining a lower interior cavity (48), and a slider (64). The top member and the bottom member can be connected to define a storage cavity (49) for the secure storage of a quantity of currency (58). A display notch (80) is formed through a corner of the top member allowing a corner of the currency stored within the apparatus to be exposed. An angled dispensing slot (82) is formed through the upper wall of the top member and intersects with the display notch such that single currency bills can be dispensed through the slot. A currency storage drawer (100) is also provided in which a plurality of bill dispensing units (102) can be secured by a rod (106).

Abstract: A jewelry carrier, for storing and transporting chain-like jewelry such as necklaces, comprising a base, a plurality of pegs arranged in peg rows extending from the base, and a plurality of hook carriers, each having two or more hooks. The hook carriers are each aligned with one of the peg rows. The hook carriers are capable of slidable movement toward and away from its corresponding peg row. The hook carriers are spring biased away from the pegs. Necklaces are initially placed around one of the pegs in one of the peg rows. The corresponding hook carrier is slid toward that peg row, and the necklace is placed around one of the hooks. The hook carrier is then released, the hook carrier slides away from the peg row, thereby tensioning the necklace between the hook and the peg.

Abstract: A combination jewelry pad and hold down member for holding down a jewelry item on the jewelry pad, includes a jewelry pad having an upper wall with an opening therethrough; and a hold down member including an L-shaped clip member including a hold down wall for engaging and holding down a jewelry item on an upper surface of an upper wall of a jewelry pad, and an upstanding wall insertable through an opening in the jewelry pad and having one end connected to the hold down wall; two spring members; and a connecting wall connecting together the two spring members in parallel, spaced apart relation and connected to an opposite end of the upstanding wall, each spring member including a central section connected with the connecting wall, a first spring section connected with the central section at a position spaced below the hold down wall, and a second spring section connected with the central section at a side of the central section which is opposite the first spring section, the first and second spring sections e

Abstract: A screwdriver holder or carrier includes two series of parallel troughs arrayed sequentially and in alternating rows with a handle support wall separating the troughs. The blades fit through a double molded wall construction with a foam insert held therein. The foam insert, in at least in part, frictionally engages the screwdriver blades to hold them in the carrier. The assembly further includes a blade guard at one end and a handle at its opposite end.

Abstract: A dual-purpose carrier tray is specially adapted for packing and shipping either a plurality of ceramic substrates and/or ceramic BGA packages. The carrier tray includes a tray member having a plurality of pockets disposed therein for packing and storing the plurality of ceramic substrates and/or ceramic BGA packages. Semicircularly depressed support members are provided to support only the lower surface adjacent corresponding corners of the plurality of ceramic substrates and/or ceramic BGA packages. A plurality of stand-offs are provided for contactly engaging only the top surface of the plurality of substrates and/or BGA packages adjacent its corners in a lower tray member when stacked so as to retain firmly the substrates and/or BGA packages in the pockets.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an integrated circuit device comprises at least one insert having at least one beveled hole therein, the insert adapted to receive at least one semiconductor device. The apparatus further includes a tray having a pocket for receiving the insert and a slot, a deformable segment on the insert, and at least three posts on the insert. Further included is at least one tab on the deformable segment with one of the slots receiving the tab. The slot in the tray and the tab on the insert movably attaches the insert to the tray, the insert being self-aligning to a processing apparatus thereby in conjunction with the posts and allowing for removal of the insert from the pocket.

Abstract: An alternate stacking paper tray has a planar base with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge positioned opposite the first edge and a fourth edge positioned opposite the second edge. A side is disposed upwardly from each edge. Paper guiding walls are disposed from each side to define a first paper receiving area and a second paper channel which intersects the first paper receiving area. In a preferred embodiment the paper guiding walls extend outwardly to meet the closest adjacent paper guiding wall, thus forming compartments positioned at the corners of the base.

Abstract: An article holding tray adapted to retain and stabilize a wide variety of articles during their use such as dishware, drinking glasses, eating utensils, video game joy sticks and other articles which are typically usable on a tray or lap tray. The device includes a generally flat tray or board which includes one or more connected elongated slots formed orthogonally through the tray and sized in width for slidable translation of an elongated threaded fastener therealong. Each threaded fastener releasably retains an elongated movable retaining block in a selected position against an upper support surface defined by the tray. Each movable retaining block has at least one side surface, and preferably all of the side surfaces, which is sloped at an angle substantially greater than 90 degrees, and preferably about 105 degrees, with respect to the lower flat surface of the retaining block and the support surface.

Abstract: A modular, transportable housing for storing substrates, such as semi-conductor wafers and masks, and for maintaining such substrates in a substantially clean environment. Substrates are supported within the housing by a plurality of combs which maintain the substrates in spaced relationship relative to each other. Access to the interior of the housing is permitted by a pivotal door assembly. A docking unit permits interface of the housing with a clean environment. Control circuitry provided in the docking unit detects the presence of a housing and loads/unloads the housing as directed by a host computer through a communication link. A memory device is preferably mounted to the housing for storing history and other information about the substrates within the housing. The host computer directs the control circuitry to retrieve the substrate information from the memory and relay the information to the host computer. During or after processing of the substrates, the host computer updates the memory as desired.

Abstract: A container includes a box comprising a bottom wall and four side walls. Each of the side walls is pivotably connected to the bottom wall. Each of the side walls has at least one bore that mates with at least one bore in an adjacent side wall when the box is folded into shape. An insert has a bottom wall and two side walls. Each of the insert side walls has at least one bore that mates with the at least one bore in the box side walls. A fastener extends through each of the mating bores in the box side walls and the insert bores to maintain the shape of the box and to maintain the position of the insert within the box. Another container includes a box comprising a bottom wall and four side walls. Each of the side walls is pivotably connected to the bottom wall. Two of the side walls each have a pair of flaps that are pivotably connected to the side wall on opposite edges. Each of the flaps has an inwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface.

Abstract: A sauce cup accommodating tray including an elongate tapered bottom panel with a cup-receiving opening through one end thereof and with peripheral walls including an end wall remote from the opening to define a food receiving compartment between the sauce cup and end wall. A selectively removable cover can be provided for pivotal closure over the tray, the cover including an opening aligned with the tray opening for insertion of a sauce cup directly into and through both openings as a locking mechanism.

Abstract: Plumbing fittings, such as joints, couplings, nipples, etc. are disposed within an opened topped container such that a plurality of the various fittings are disposed within the container. A transparent heat shrinkable film is shrunk onto the opened top container to removably secure the fittings therewithin. Each of the fittings has a removably adhered indicia bearing label secured thereto as well as the container, itself. In this way, the fittings can be sold within the package or may be removed therefrom for individual sales.

Abstract: A package includes a cavity having a series of cavity slots transverse to the cavity's longitudinal axis. These slots permit a pair of stop plugs to be positioned to receive products of different lengths. Each stop plug has four lateral lugs for engaging the cavity slots to resist linear and rotational displacement of the stop plug. Each plug has bottom, end, and side walls to isolate the product end from the cavity. In addition a pair of fingers extending from the stop plug elastically grips the product to further restrain product movement. The fingers can flex to accommodate different sizes of products. A retainer snaps onto the cavity to close it. The retainer includes a retainer stop at each end that extends into the cavity and prevents the retainer from shifting even if the retainer is lifted due to product pressure against the retainer during shipping. The retainer also includes a pair of product restraints extending into the cavity to limit motion of the product toward the retainer.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly for optical fibre splices or other optical fibre components comprises a plurality of trays disposed in a stack with the trays inclined at a common angle to a longitudinal axis of the stack. Each tray is of generally elliptical shape in plan and is pivotally mounted, adjacent one end of its major axis, to an upright support.

Abstract: An improved pan of the kind used for supporting hands and/or feet for working on the cuticles the improvement being a support for a bottle that may hold nail polish or other material. The support is a sloping surface and a pair of VECLRO straps in connection with the inside of one of the side walls the pan. The support may have a sloped bottom surface for supporting the bottle of nail polish at an angle to that of the surface of the pan, thereby allowing the brush to dip into the bottle for maximum use of the polish. Support straps with VELCRO closures may be used to further secure the bottle to the side of the wall.

Abstract: A multiple tier dessert container includes a container, a lid, a plurality of trays, and at least one handle. The container has a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. The perimeter of the first end of the container is terminated with an angled edge of uniform thickness. The recessed cavity extends around the perimeter thereof, and is sized to be received by the angled edge of the container such that the lid snugly fits onto the container. The first side and second side have a plurality of ledges which are formed therein. Each tray has a length, a width and at least one area for storing decorated desserts. The size of the storage area is dictated by the size of decorated dessert. The width of each tray is sized to slidably fit in the container. The length of each tray is sized to firmly fit between an attached lid and the second end of the container.

Abstract: A food support device with beverage fixture comprised of a polygonal planar food support surface. A dimensionally adaptable cavity is positioned within the planar food support surface, whereby a beverage container of varying diameter and type is insertable into the cavity whereby the planar food support surface is supported thereby. Various portions may be configured into the food support surface in order to segregate various foodstuffs from one another. A raised lip along the perimeter of the planar food support surface and the perimeter of the cavity is desirable.

Abstract: In a tray for receiving containers, in particular yogurt cups, flexible tongues of compartments are formed for effective engagement of their front free ends with a lower portion of a container resting on the tray bottom. The flexible tongues are shaped like a pitched roof and the inside roof side of each flexible tongue on the compartment side is drawn a corresponding distance toward the tray bottom for effective engagement with the lower container portion.

Abstract: Photographic film, paper, etc. in sheet form or sealed within a pouch, is packaged in containers. An adjustable bracing or chocking element allows standard size containers to be used to package custom finished film sheets. The chocking element is securely attached to the bottom of a shell, and spaced apart from the walls of the shell. A pouch or stack of sheets is disposed between the chocking element and a pair of substantially orthogonal walls to restrain movement of the pouch or sheets relative to the bottom of the shell.