Abstract: A tool and wallet system includes a planar body portion, the planar body portion approximately the size of a standard credit card, and a strap, the strap wrapped around the planar body portion, the strap taut to the planar body portion due to elasticity in the strap. The tool and wallet system includes numerous tools.

Abstract: A CMOS analog and audio front-end circuit includes an enhanced analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that achieves a desired signal-to-noise-and-distortion (SNDR) and an analog-front-end transmit (TX) digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The enhanced ADC includes an improved single Op-Amp resonator coupled to a feed-forward loop and can substantially reduce signal transfer function (STF) peaking of the enhanced ADC. The CMOS analog and audio front-end circuit is integrated with a baseband processor.

Abstract: A protective bag for a portable electronic device is provided, which comprises a first cover, a second cover connecting the first cover and a support element. The first cover and the second cover can be folded relative to each other for covering two opposite sides of the portable electronic device. The support element is disposed on a first inner surface of the first cover and has a first foldable plate and a second foldable plate. The first foldable plate and the second foldable plate can be folded relative to each other for being received between the first cover and the second cover. The first foldable plate and the second foldable plate can be unfolded relative to each other as well for slanting the first foldable plate on the first inner surface with a support provided by the second foldable plate.

Abstract: A test strip container with an insert comprising a channel and a retaining member and methods of manufacturing and utilization thereof are disclosed. The container includes a housing, an insert, a lid, and at least one retaining member in at least one channel. The at least one retaining member releasably retains a plurality of test strips in the at least one channel.

Abstract: A container for holding elastic loops therein is described. The container includes a substantially planar card having two portions with a folding section therebetween. A foldable, substantially planar sheet is included for holding elastic loops thereon. The sheet is formed such that it can be contained within the card. A separator is pivotally attached with the card. When an elastic loop is placed upon the sheet and the sheet is positioned upon the card, the separator covers a portion of the sheet such that it holds elastic loops against the sheet. Thus, the separator assists in folding both the elastic loops and sheet when the card is being folded along the folding section. For ease of storage and concealment, the card has a shape and size such that when folded, the card is of a substantially similar shape and size as a credit card for placement within a wallet.

Abstract: A support can provide information and display objects. The compartment of the support is hinged to switch between a flat folded condition and an unfolded and open functional condition to receive an object. It comprises a retractable wall (115) for holding the compartment in its unfolded and open condition and an elastic element (127) for biasing the holding wall in an unretracted holding position. The flattening of the compartment is done by retracting the holding wall against the action of an elastic element. The pivoting holding retracting wall (115) is a shoring wall between a floor face (105) and a ceiling face (103) with which they form a force descending rod.

Abstract: A hearing device opening in a housing of an in-the-ear hearing device is to be able to be sealed in a simple manner. To this end, an elastic band is provided, which is attached to a second housing part and/or faceplate and to a first housing part or inside the second housing part. The band pulls the second housing part into the corresponding opening of the first housing part. The second housing part is herewith automatically brought into position and retained. An electrical component can be mounted on the elastic band if necessary.

Abstract: A key cover for preventing intoxicated persons from driving a vehicle, such key cover comprises a generally U-shaped member formed of a first predetermined material and having a first elongated leg member having a first predetermined shape, a first predetermined length and a second elongated leg member formed of a second predetermined material and having a second predetermined shape, a second predetermined length. Such second predetermined length being shorter than the first predetermined length. Such second elongated leg member is substantially parallel to the first elongated leg member thereby forming a space therebetween for receiving a key portion of a car key. A means is disposed in such generally U-shaped member for preventing lateral movement of such key disposed between the first elongated leg member and the second elongated leg member. There is an aperture disposed on an outer portion of the second end of the first elongated leg member for receiving a key ring.

Abstract: A product or device for holding medicinals, and serving as a convenient daily reminder to the user to take the medicinals at prescribed periodic intervals. The device comprises a board having ridges or slots on each side, with the ridges or slots arranged in a saw-tooth configuration. Indicia are inscribed on the board to indicate to the user when each medicinal is to be taken. A length of flexible or elastic material is affixed to the board and interwoven on each side of the board along the ridges or slots to hold the medicinals in place until removed by the user.

Abstract: A container for holding elastic loops is described. The container includes a foldable and substantially planar card. A foldable, substantially planar sheet is included for holding elastic loops. The sheet is formed such that it can be contained within the card. A separator is pivotally attached with the card. When an elastic loop is placed upon the sheet and the sheet is positioned upon the card, the separator covers a portion of the sheet such that it holds elastic loops against the sheet to allow the loops and sheet to be concealed within the card. For ease of storage and concealment, the card has a shape and size such that when folded, the card is of a substantially similar shape and size as a credit card for placement within a wallet.

Abstract: A shipping system comprises an article of furniture and a packaging assembly. The packaging assembly includes a container and a protective insert. The container houses the article of furniture. The protective insert is disposed within the container and is positioned to help protect the article of furniture from damage. The protective insert has at least one convertible portion that is adapted to be removed from a surrounding portion of the protective insert, transition between a first configuration and a second configuration, and form at least a portion of an accessory product for the article of furniture when the convertible portion is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing rubber bands is disclosed, the dispenser comprising a lower container and an upper container. The lower container is open at a top end thereof and comprises at least one side wall and one bottom wall. The bottom wall has an upward facing inner surface. The upper container is likewise open at a top end thereof, and comprises at least one side wall and one bottom wall. The bottom wall includes an aperture therein and a downward-facing outer surface. The lower container encompasses a larger volume than the upper container, the difference between the volume of the two containers being essentially the storage volume for rubber bands.

Abstract: A display apparatus for displaying and dispensing a plurality of items, the apparatus including a box having a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom wall. A dispensing mechanism is slidably disposed within the box and moveable along a longitudinal axis between the box front wall and the box back wall. A biasing device has a first portion secured adjacent the box front wall and a second portion secured adjacent the dispensing mechanism such that the biasing device biases the dispensing mechanism toward the box front wall as the items are removed from between the dispensing mechanism and the box front wall.

Abstract: A box includes a bottom, a plurality of collapsible sides affixed to the bottom, and a lid for holding them in place. A support structure provided for the box includes sides that drop away from the center where an item or gift is stored. The bottom and sides are typically formed from a single piece of support material that may be scored where the side and bottom meet. This thickness of the scored area is thinner than that of the sides and bottom. This operates to allow the sides to be rotated upward to form around the item or gift stored within the box. Removal of the lid allows the sides to drop away from the stored item that rests on the bottom of the box.

Abstract: A binder including a binder body including a front cover and a rear cover directly or indirectly pivotally coupled together, and a panel located on an outer surface of the binder body to thereby form a pocket between the panel and the binder body. The panel has a free edge located adjacent to a mouth of the pocket. The mouth faces an outer edge of the binder body, and the free edge of the panel is located a variable distance from the outer edge of the binder body along the length of the free edge such that the pocket has a variable width.

Abstract: A case, including a housing having a hollow interior and a channel proximate a perimeter of the housing at two sides thereof, a first end cap fixedly secured to a first end of the housing, the first end cap having a channel proximate a perimeter thereof, a second end cap removably secured to a second end of the housing, the second end cap having a channel proximate a perimeter thereof, and an elastic band positioned within the channel of the housing, the channel of the first end cap and the channel of the second end cap, the elastic band operatively arranged to urge the second end cap into a retained position in engagement with the second end of the housing.

Abstract: A transportable merchandise display unit (10) is provided comprising: an outer container (20) containing an inner display case (30) removable via an opening in the top of said outer container, the outer container including display case support means (50, 50?); the support means arranged to move from a first position to a second position; the first position is resiliently retained by an elastic band until the inner display case is vertically displaced from an initial transit position to a display position, at which instant the support means resiles to the second position to engage and support the inner display case thus preventing the inner display case from returning under the force of gravity to the initial transit position.

Abstract: A multimedia distribution box includes a container portion and a lid portion. The container portion includes a plurality of upstanding walls, at least two of which are opposing, and a pair of slots, each of which is formed in a respective one of the opposing walls. It is used to contain computer software and documentation associated with the software. The lid portion is adapted to cover the container portion, and thereby enclose the software and the documentation within the assembled box. An insert is provided for selectively positioning the software within the container portion, and a band is used to maintain the insert, the software, and the documentation firmly in place.

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 method for storing elastic bands makes use of an annular storage device, larger in diameter than the unstretched length of the elastic bands to be stored. The device has a series of clogs around its circumference, thereby creating a recessed area between each pair of adjacent clogs. The elastic bands to be stored are sequentially applied to the device, each elastic band being stretched between diametrically opposed recesses, thereby spanning the center. The elastic bands are then later removed in reverse order, as needed.

Abstract: A container presenting multiple compartments is provided wherein separable container sections are joined to provide a single container capable of holding multiple different substances and while maintaining separation between the substances.

Abstract: A chain of elastic bands (1) includes at least two elastic bands (3), wherein adjacent elastic bands are joined to one another by means of at least one bridging piece (4). The longitudinal direction (A) of the elastic bands preferably extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (C) of the chain of elastic bands (1). The chain of elastic bands may be produced from a flat, sheet-like web of elastic material (9), such as rubber, preferably natural rubber, in which essentially oval elastic bands (3) have been formed. The elastic bands have a constant width (B) all round. Adjacent elastic bands are preferably joined to one another by at least two bridging pieces (4), which are preferably each arranged at a transition between the adjacent longitudinal strips (5) and arc-shaped strips (6). The chain of elastic bands according to the invention can be rolled up into a roll or can be folded up to form a harmonica-like stack.

Abstract: Essentially "U" shaped endless elastic loops, with the opening facing inwardly, removably hold first foil covers over access openings of flanged containers. The foil is placed over the container opening and flange formed around the opening. The elastic loop is stretched to encompass the foil cover and flange and then released to secure the foil cover over the access opening. Clamping strips can be provided with the elastic loops to hold second foil covers onto the elastic loops and over the container openings. The clamping strips are provided with protrusions or recesses that match recesses or protrusions on the upper surfaces of the elastic loop to clamp foils between them and over the access openings.

Abstract: An elastic band holder is comprised of a generally rectangular-shaped or generally cylindrical-shaped body member having one or more concave slotted portions encompassing the body. The slotted portions can be disposed in either parallel or perpendicular orientation to one another. All corners and edges of the device are rounded in order to prevent elastic band shearing. One or more receptacles are located on the body to receive and hold additional objects such as pens, pencils, rulers, paper clips and the like. Mushroom-shaped and apple-core-shaped embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A holding device in which two side parts are provided which lie against one another with one edge region of each side part being encircled by an elastic ring or rubber band that is detachably fixed in the noted edge region. Furthermore, each of the side parts has at least one recess whose contour corresponds substantially to the contour of an object to be held, and heightwise corresponds in the vertical direction to the dimensions of the object, or is larger than the latter, while at least sections of the at least one recess are dimensionally smaller in a horizontal or widthwise direction than the corresponding dimension of the object to be held.

Abstract: A unit for the packaging and presentation of at least one product of a solid or semi-solid consistency. The product is received in a cavity of a supporting element and the cavity is delimited by a substantially flat bottom and by a side wall substantially perpendicular to the bottom. Provision is made for an elastic device for holding the product in position in the cavity between at least one portion of the side wall delimiting the cavity and the product, allowing the product to be extracted from the cavity at will, and the introduction of fresh product to be placed in position.

Abstract: A durable, economical to manufacture organizer for a sketchbook designed to store and carry various drawing instruments used by the artist which directly attaches to the sketchbook. The organizer includes a container which selectively attaches to a leaf on a sketchbook and allows the sketchbook to be opened or closed while the organizer is attached to the sketchbook. The container has a flap member which folds and slides between the leaf of the book and the drawing pages in the sketchbook. Hook and loop connector pads and an elastic strap are provided to hold the container over the front surface of the leaf. A lid is attached to the container which may be selectively closed during use. The organizer is made from a single template made of durable material which is easily folded into the container. Suitable connectors are used to hold the walls and parts of the container together.

Abstract: A suture needle protector for holding needles during surgical operations includes a cover attached to a base by a hinge to allow selective opening and closing of the cover with respect to the base. The suture needle is held within the protector temporarily, such as during tying off of a suture knot. A flexible elastic strap may be attached to the base to allow the protector to be mounted on the finger of the surgeon where the protector is conveniently available at a known location. A magnetic plate may be mounted within the base to help draw a surgical needle to the base and hold it in place when the cover is open. The cover is releasably held to the base by mating hook and lip structures on the cover and base to provide a snap connection. When the surgeon wishes to open the cover, pulling the cover from the base disengages the snap connectors.

Abstract: A paper-saving, trash-decreasing device for utilizing used standard-sized envelopes as either rigid, hand-held portable writing-paper or as rigid writing-paper stabilized on a desk-top by weight of the writing arm, said device being a stiff sheet sized to fit all the way into a standard-sized flap-sealed, one-end opened envelope and project therefrom, having projection affixed with a resilient friction pad positioned to contact the desk surface. This device has further paper-saving, trash-decreasing utility when it is attached by flexible bands to the hard back of a standard note-pad so that when the note-pad is placed on a desk, hard-back down, the resilient friction-pad of this device will be in contact with the desk top so as to stabilize the note-pad even when it is written on near its bottom edge.

Abstract: A convertible shipping container includes, as its main components, a tray-shaped receptacle for accommodating objects to be shipped in the container in its collapsed condition and displayed in the container in its erected condition, a base connected to the receptacle for displacement between its collapsed position in which it is flat and substantially coextensive with a bottom wall of the receptacle and an erected position in which it has a substantially box-shaped configuration. A securing arrangement, especially such constituted by a tray-shaped cover, secures the base in its collapsed position to the receptacle prior to conversion of the shipping container into a display stand.

Abstract: A syringe, particularly for epidural anesthesia, has an elastomeric driver in the form of a single elastic band perforated for mounting onto the tip of the syringe between the barrel and the needle hub. The elastic band is stretched into engagement with the thumbrest of the plunger to drive the plunger to full depression into the syringe barrel. The elastic band extends symmetrically on either side of the barrel to apply balanced force. Various configurations for the elastic band are disclosed.

Abstract: A container assembly for collecting amorphous specimens that includes a tube member, enclosed by a plastic bag and both these housed by two jacket members. Each jacket member has one porous plug inside. The jackets are urged together by a rubber band and the tube member is firmly sandwiched between the plug members. One of the jackets is longer than the other so that the former can be used as a test tube.

Abstract: A presenting/dispensing system for chain-interconnected, cut-separable orthodontic/medical devices, organized into groups having a pre-selected number of patient-usable units, including a container constructed for housing such devices, and presenting/dispensing aperture substructure formed therein to allow for presenting such devices and dispensing a desired number of the same in an indexed manner. The system also includes check structure associated with the presenting/dispensing aperture substructure, which check structure is changeable, as a result of dispensing action, to a first condition that accommodates dispensing of such devices, and to a second condition, upon termination of such action, that resists slipping back of a chain of devices into the container.

Abstract: A rubber composition or a rubber composite which is biodegradable in soil and is used to hold pot soil to the roots of plants to facilitate transplanting, said rubber composition containing a natural or synthetic rubber component and a water-soluble additive which does not bind to the rubber component and thus can elute into the soil.

Abstract: An improved desktop accessories holder is disclosed which incorporates a platform resting on a horizontal surface such as a desktop, and slanting upwardly on an incline as it extends away from a user. A pencil cup is held on the inclined platform so that the open end of the pencil cup faces the user, and pocket members are hung onto the sides of the pencil cup to provide containers for paper clips, typing correction fluid, stamps and the like which a user can readily reach into because the tops of the containers are tilted toward and face the user in the same manner as the open end of the pencil cup. Adjacent the top of the pencil cup is a mesh of rubber bands which elastically grasp the bodies of the items which are pushed into the pencil cup.

Abstract: A resilient collapsible tube for dispensing viscous material has an elastic device for retaining the tube in progressively rolled positions as the contents of the tube are dispensed. The elastic retaining device defines elastic loops extending longitudinally around the tube.

Abstract: A golf bag with a kit to convert the manually carried golf bag to a pulled golf cart. An elastic band is attached to the base of the golf bag and receives a pair of wheels to add mobility to the bag when it is pulled by its attached strap.

Abstract: A shipping box for plants set with soil in pots, in which a plurality of holder panels are positioned in the box in spaced relation. Each panel is formed with a plurality of pairs of entry slots extending vertically upwardly from the bottom of the panel. The entry slots terminate at their upper ends in retaining slots adapted to receive elastic, resilient retainer bands which when expanded are adapted to extend around and thus constrict a potted plant and resiliently bias the plant toward the panel. The plant is thus retained in position during shipping, and its spilling of soil is prevented in the event the box is tipped or tilted.

Abstract: An apparatus as disclosed for holding and organizing colored threads used in needlework. The organizer includes a card, on each face of which are provided a plurality of rings for attaching needlework threads of individual colors and a needle for use with each different color of thread. A plastic sleeve for the card has holes for insertion of the sleeve and card in a three-ring binder.

Abstract: A kit for collecting specimens that includes a trocar member 20 which is partially housed, at its ends, by jacket members 30 and 40 and rubber band 50 wrapped around jacket members 30 and 40. The first alternate embodiment includes trocar 30' which has a porous lateral wall or the lateral wall includes small apertures so that the moisture can escape thereby permitting a user to do an occult blood test. The second alternate embodiment corresponds to trocar 30" that includes larger apertures around its lateral wall. The second alternate embodiment is intended to be used in hystopathological procedures. A mixer member is coaxially mounted within either jacket member 30 or 40. A reagent is preferably stored in the other jacket not having the mixer member.

Abstract: A disposable laryngoscope blade cover that includes a flexible sleeve and a resilient slide band for use in conjunction with a laryngoscope having a blade and a handle. The sleeve has an open end and a closed end. The open end is received by the blade and the handle. The sleeve covers the blade and at least a portion of the handle. The resilient slide band is fixedly attached to the sleeve. The band engages the handle to maintain the sleeve on the laryngoscope. After the cover has been used, the band can be disengaged from the handle for removal of the sleeve from the laryngoscope. The invention is also directed to a method for maintaining the sterility of the cover.

Abstract: A battery booster cable storage system that takes two elongated battery booster cables each having a predetermined length L and folds them back and forth upon themselves into a predetermined shape that is substantially linear and having a folded length no greater than L/3. A closed loop elastic member is secured to one of the alligator clamp assemblies at each end of the substantially linear folded shape. A gripping member may be secured to the closed loop elastic member and there is provided a cable support member that removably receives the gripping member.

Abstract: A long, thick, 1-11/2" wide colored elastic band folded and sewn at each end in such a way as to allow a short wooden or plastic dowel through each end. Each dowel is painted and decorated at each end with a cap made of metal with gold or silver finish, or made of plastic. One of the dowels consists of a chain with a chain fastener strewn through one of two holes in the dowel placed on each side of the elastic band, strewn in front of the elastic, and up through the hole of the other end of the dowel, thus allowing for the invention to be hung up and hairclips and hairbows clipped to the elastic band, stretching the elastic for expansion of clipping space.

Abstract: A case for holding, storage, protection and working of cane reeds for woodwind instruments which secures a number of reeds to protect against damage and distortion. The reed case maintains reeds in a flat condition during storage, insulates them from impact during storage, acts as a working surface in the restoration of desired reed qualities, and provides a container with a controlled environment for reed storage. The individual reeds are secured flat against interior surfaces of a central core member. The surfaces can be provided with ventilation holes for homogeneous reed drying. The reeds are protected from contact or damage by the core member. An outer cover can be added to further protect the reeds and to provide a controlled environment for storage. The holder taught in the present invention also provides a second set of flat surfaces, on the exterior of the core member opposite the reed securing surfaces, for use as working surfaces in the adjustment of reeds.

Abstract: A reusable packaging device is provided which is in the nature of a joke or novelty item or advertising article. The device includes an outer shell assembly in which an object to be packaged can be housed prior to use thereof or during interruptions in that use. This shell assembly includes a plurality of shell parts which, in the closed position thereof, surround the object. An elongate support member supports the shell assembly and the object. The shell parts are hinged at one end thereof to the support member so that said shell parts can pivot between a closed position in which the shell parts surround and enclose the object, and an opened position wherein the object is revealed. A rubber band secured to hooks formed on each of the shell parts biases the shell parts toward the support member so as to tend to maintain the shell parts in the positions to which shell parts are moved, i.e., to hold the shell parts either opened or closed.

Abstract: A jewelry box has plural racks, plural covers and retaining bands. Each rack has a board with openings formed therethrough. The openings receive jewelry. A variety of opening sizes are provided. Each rack also has a standoff wall projecting out in front and in back of the board. The racks are pivotally coupled together with hinges in an accordion manner so as to allow the opening and closing of the box by opening and closing the racks. The standoff walls provide gaps between the boards when the box is closed. The covers cover the endmost racks. The covers have projections for receiving the retaining bands, which maintain the box in a closed condition.

Abstract: A kit comprises a tray with a well for a tourniquet, a dressing to use with a medical device inserted into a blood vessel. An antimicrobial treatment in the well disinfects an area of skin through which the medical device punctures the vessel. A pair of juxtaposed gloves with the finger ends, the hand parts and the cuff portions against one another are rolled up along their longitude from their fingers to their cuffs driving out air entrapped within the gloves. The process of rolling from the fingers to the cuffs leaves the cuffs of each glove at the periphery of the rolled generally cylindrical gloves for access to the inside of each when donning. A method for rolling gloves into a relatively cylindrical package, includes setting the gloves side by side with the finger ends, the hand parts, and the wrist or cuff portions juxtaposed. The finger portions are gathered into an axial bundle and rolled from the finger ends toward the palm or back hand parts driving out air within the gloves.

Abstract: A rubber band dispensing container for storing and dispensing rubber bands or like objects. The dispensing container comprises a unitary plastic molded body having a receptacle cover and a confronting base adjoined along a common edge by an integral hinge and further includes cooperative locking members extending outwardly from the edges of the receptacle cover and the base opposite the integral hinge for cooperative engagement therebetween when the dispensing container is in a closed configuration to securely maintain the closed position and to prevent accidental opening thereof. The dispensing container is further provided with a flap for creating a dispenser opening on the receptacle cover for inserting fingers to remove rubber bands or like objects stored therein when the dispensing container is in the closed position.

Abstract: Dispensing device for dispensing orthodontic O-rings wherein the O-rings are individually dispensed and are easily accessible.

Abstract: A container with an opening and having two flexible stretchable cords attached to the upper edges of the container. The central areas of the cords may be releasably attached together over the opening by means of a fastener. When the cords are not attached together, each cord may be stretched over a corner holding means located at or near the corner of the container that is between the ends of that cord.