Abstract: A collapsible pet crate that is easy to operate, aesthetically pleasing, quiet, light, durable, easy to clean, and safe and comfortable for the animal. Also disclosed herein are methods of operating a collapsible pet crate. The collapsible pet crate disclosed herein can further include one-step operation, environmentally safe and pet-friendly materials, and method to include various pet-friendly accessories.

Abstract: A waste storage device and an intelligent management system are provided. The waste storage device includes: a casing, a control module disposed in the casing, a microphone module disposed on an outer surface of the casing, and a moving module electrically connected to the control module. The microphone module is electrically connected to the control module. When the microphone module receives a first audio signal, the microphone module transmits the first audio signal to the control module, the control module analyzes an audio sending direction of the first audio signal, and the control module provides a driving signal to the moving module according to the first audio signal to drive the waste storage device to move in the audio sending direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving a recyclable product is disclosed herein. In one embodiment the apparatus includes: a structure defining an interior cavity, the structure having a plurality of walls; a bottle return mechanism for determining when a bottle has been received within the interior cavity, comprising: an elongated cylinder providing a passage into the interior cavity, the elongated cylinder having an inlet opening proximate to an exterior of the enclosed structure and an outlet opening proximate to the interior cavity; a bottle return mechanism configured to provide an output when a bottle has been inserted into the elongated cylinder; and a dispensing rack secured to one of the walls of the enclosure.

Abstract: A hair styling device holster includes a bottom section, a middle section, and a top section. The bottom section includes a flat bottom surface. The middle section is coupled to the bottom section and includes walls that define an interior compartment sized and configured to receive a heated end of a hair styling device. At least a portion of one of the plurality of walls including a mesh grating. The top section is coupled to the middle section and defines at least one opening in communication with the interior compartment defined by the middle section. An insulating material is disposed on an upper interior surface of the bottom section for insulating the bottom section from a hair styling device when the hair styling device is disposed within the first opening.

Abstract: A housing and tray assembly for holding coffee pods. The housing has a rectangular shape formed by a wire frame. A tray is removably inserted into an opening in the front of the housing. The tray has pairs of dividers defining rows running from the front to the back of the tray. The dividers in each pair are spaced apart a distance so the lips on coffee pods in adjacent rows do not abut. The dividers defining each row are spaced apart so the coffee pods are suspended on the lips of the coffee pods or spaced apart to squeeze and hold the coffee pod body to suspend the coffee pod in the row.

Abstract: A microwavable container for receiving food and to be put into a microwave oven for microwave heating. The microwave oven includes a support surface for supporting the microwavable container placed therein. The microwavable container is composed of a main body and a support member. The main body includes an internal bottom wall and an internal peripheral wall, both of which jointly define a chamber for receiving the food. The support member is provided with a predetermined height and located at a bottom side of the main body in such a way that a gap is formed between the internal bottom wall of the main body and the support surface of the microwave oven while the container is placed into the microwave oven. In this way, the microwave can pass through the gap to heat where the food is close to the internal bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A technique for allowing the convenient and orderly withdrawal of contents is disclosed. An apparatus according to the technique may include a container which includes an enhancement at the rim of the container. The enhancement provides the functionality to move edible and/or inedible substances onto objects. In one example, the enhancement may protrude inwardly as a smoothed surface that may push substances onto objects as the objects are removed from the container.

Abstract: A crate is provided with a base, sides, front, and back that form an enclosure. The front includes and opening and a door positioned within the opening in the closed position. The door is hung by hinges, which are associated with uninterrupted rails on the top of the crate. To open the crate, the bottom of the door is swung outward and upward to pivot the door toward the horizontal position on the hinges. Then, the door can be slid into the enclosure along the uninterrupted guides. The door may also include locks that can secure the door in the closed position. Both of the sides or both the front and back can be releasably connected with the top and pivotable into the base. After both sides or both the front and back are pivoted into the base, the remaining walls and top can be pivoted to fold into the base as a unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for bottled beverage distribution. Apparatus includes bin, means for receiving bottles, sensor and receipt dispenser. Method of selling includes providing an inventory, assigning identification indicia, assigning first and second purchase prices and positioning apparatus for receiving, storing and dispensing receipt. Method of distributing includes delivering to a first location water bottles, positioning at a second location a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus, and retrieving empty bottles from the apparatus. Method of distributing includes creating an account, assigning a first amount charged for each bottle sold, assigning a second amount deducted from the first amount for each bottle received, delivering bottles and positioning a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods include unfolding a product bin from a flat configuration to vertical configuration to define a portion of a product enclosure. The product bin comprises a plurality of sections hinged end-to-end in a chain. A free end of a first one of the sections in the chain is releasably connected to a free end of a last one of the sections in the chain with a support member. The support member is fastened to an object such that the plurality of sections and the object combine to define a product enclosure. A plurality of products is placed in the product enclosure.

Abstract: A hair styling device holster includes a bottom section, a middle section, and a top section. The bottom section includes a flat bottom surface. The middle section is coupled to the bottom section and includes walls that define an interior compartment sized and configured to receive a heated end of a hair styling device. At least a portion of one of the plurality of walls including a mesh grating. The top section is coupled to the middle section and defines at least one opening in communication with the interior compartment defined by the middle section. An insulating material is disposed on an upper interior surface of the bottom section for insulating the bottom section from a hair styling device when the hair styling device is disposed within the first opening.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for bottled beverage distribution. Apparatus includes bin, means for receiving bottles, sensor and receipt dispenser. Method of selling includes providing an inventory, assigning identification indicia, assigning first and second purchase prices and positioning apparatus for receiving, storing and dispensing receipt. Method of distributing includes delivering to a first location water bottles, positioning at a second location a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus, and retrieving empty bottles from the apparatus. Method of distributing includes creating an account, assigning a first amount charged for each bottle sold, assigning a second amount deducted from the first amount for each bottle received, delivering bottles and positioning a receiving, storing and receipt dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A transport and storage container for liquids includes an inner container of plastic material with a closable filling socket and a draining socket for connection to a removal fitting, an outer casing of metal mesh or sheet metal, and an underframe constructed as a skid pallet or frame pallet which is configured to be manipulated by a lifting truck, a shelf operating device, or similar transport device. The skid pallet being equipped with a bottom resting with support legs on a metal skid and two outer skids for supporting the inner container, and the frame pallet being equipped with a base frame and support legs for the bottom. The bottom of the underframe is an injection molded article of plastic material provided with longitudinal and transverse corrugations serving as a support for the inner container and for stiffening the bottom.

Abstract: A holder for a cleaning implement is provided. The holder includes a plurality of side walls each having a plurality of openings for allowing airflow therethrough, a bottom wall, and a lid hingedly attached to an upper edge of one of the plurality of side walls. The plurality of side walls, bottom wall, and lid define a compartment for receiving and storing a cleaning implement, such as a sponge, scrubbing pad, etc. The holder could be provided in an upright configuration, wherein first and second storage compartments are provided in front-to-back relationship, each compartment storing a cleaning implement in an upright position. Lids could be provided on the first and second storage compartments, and hingedly attached thereto. A third compartment could be provided for storing a brush in an upright position.

Abstract: A combined storage apparatus comprises a storage bag and a storage box. The bottom of the storage bag forms an extended flat surface and is attached with a stiff board. Two sides of the stiff board are provided with locking members. Thereby, after the storage bag contains an article and is vacumed, two lateral sections of the stiff board are folded upward to form two sidewalls. The storage bag is then placed into the storage box. Since the combined storage apparatus is boxy and of tough structure, a plurality of them can be stacked up so as to save storage space.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus includes a metal basket and a metal frame. The metal basket includes a bottom and a wall attached to the bottom. The wall includes an upper edge and a bent connection extending from the wall to the upper edge. The metal frame includes a vertical portion, a first horizontal portion, a bent connection extending from the vertical portion to the first horizontal portion, a second horizontal portion, a retroflex connection extending from the first horizontal portion to the second horizontal portion and a roiled edge extending from the second horizontal portion. The bent connection of the basket is clamped between the bent connection and the rolled edge of the frame. Therefore, the frame is secured to the basket.

Abstract: In a rigid thin-walled inner receptacle from thermoplastic material for storage and transport of fluid or free-flowing loads, with a cage of crossed hollow bars closely surrounding the plastic receptacle as a support jacket and a bottom pallet which supports the receptacle and on which the support jacket is firmly attached, the crossed vertically and horizontally extending hollow bars which are welded to each other at welding points and configured such that they are free of any dimples in their contact area at a point of intersection, and each of the hollow bars are provided laterally next to the point of intersection with at least one dimple laterally and at a distance from the point of intersection respectively the welding point.

Abstract: A pallet container includes a bottle, an enclosure for the bottle as well as a plastic pallet. The enclosure is a grid connected to a plastic pallet by having a lower horizontal circumferential rod received in a laterally opening circumferential groove in the plastic pallet. The rod can be locked through the use of a side plate.

Abstract: An improved cover plate for household appliances having enhanced utilization potential by being at least partially provided with a raised edge on a perimeter thereof.

Abstract: A lightweight, soft-sided, oval basket for use as a portable infant bed. The basket bed includes a basket body made with a continuous coil material produced by encasing a monofilament nylon cord and filler material in a fabric tube or casing. A decorative braiding stitch wraps around the coil material to provide support. Starting at the center of the bottom panel of the basket body, the coil material is spiraled concentrically outward and then upward to form an elongated oval basket body. The adjacent rows of the coil material are joined with transparent, nylon zigzag machine stitching. The coil material is used to produce handles which are formed along the top, center sections of the side walls. An optional lightweight rigid support member is placed over the top surface of the bottom member to provide additional support thereto. An optional mattress is also provided that fits inside the basket and over the support member.

Abstract: Pallet container comprising a bottle, an enclosure for said bottle as well as a plastic pallet. The enclosure, preferably comprising a grid is connected to a plastic pallet by having its lower horizontal circumconferential rod received in a laterally opening circumferential groove in the plastic pallet. The rod can be locked through the use of a side plate.

Abstract: A folding collapsible container basket is constructed to include a rectangular top open frame, a plurality of U-shaped bottom wire rods pivotally connected between two long sides of the top open frame and arranged in parallel, a bottom rack coupled to the U-shaped bottom wire rods, and a handle detachably coupled to the bottom rack. The U-shaped bottom wire rods are turned upwards and closely attached with the bottom rack to the top open frame after disconnection of the handle from the rack, keeping the folding collapsible container basket in a collapsed, flat condition.

Abstract: A pallet container is provided comprising an inner plastic container for transporting liquids. The inner container is secured to a pallet by means of a grid support structure. The intersections of the first and second grid elements are connected by penetrating the second element through the first element. The first and second elements are then connected to one another at one or more positions in the region of the intersection.

Abstract: The container has a pallet-like base platform (1), provided with short vertical tubes (5) at its vertices, into which two side panels (7-7′) can be inserted, which are definitively secured to the base platform with the aid of pressure-activated joining clips (16-17), while the back wall (20) and front wall (21) are subsequently secured to said side panels (7-7′) with the aid of clamping pins (24), formed by a roughly rectangular rod, open at one of its vertices, one of whose end sections can be fitted into aligned holes (18-19) on the panels, while the rest of the rod acts as a clamp which appropriately connects the vertical posts to be joined. Thus, the container is easily assembled and disassembled without threaded fasteners, by means of the aforementioned clips (16) and clamping pins (24).

Abstract: A fire resistant composite intermediate bulk container for holding flammable liquids is provided. The composite IBC has an inner polyethylene container surrounded on at least its vertical sides by a protective metal cage. The protective metal cage is coated with an intumescent paint or other intumescent coating. When the intumescent coating is exposed to high temperatures, such as could occur during a fire, the coating swells and chars, producing an ash that insulates the metal cage, preventing it from heating up to the point where it can melt through the polyethylene container.

Abstract: A new portable lap tray for securing to a user's thighs for use inside of a vehicle. The inventive device includes a tray portion having a generally rectangular configuration. The tray portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a circular recess formed therein. The tray portion is defined by a long forward edge, a long rearward edge and opposed short side edges. The long forward edge curves inwardly at a central extent thereof. The long rearward edge and the opposed short side edges have a continuous upwardly extending peripheral ridge. The tray is securable to the thighs of a user.

Abstract: A bulk liquid container including a pallet defining an annular outer peripheral portion defining an upwardly facing annular seat and a central platform portion within the outer peripheral portion; an annular cage including an annular sidewall structure and an annular lower edge positioned on the annular seat; and a bulk liquid bottle positioned in the sleeve with its sidewall structure juxtaposed to the sleeve sidewall structure and its bottom positioned on the platform portion. The pallet defines an upstanding rim extending around the annular seat and a plurality of circumferentially spaced channels opening inwardly of the annular seat and above the seat. A plurality of straps extend through openings in the rim and through an opening in the lower annular portion of the cage for passage into a respective channel.

Abstract: A vessel holder for cups or the like, having a generally square or rectangular base portion for positioning on a flat surface such as the dashboard or a seat, a plurality of side members positionable from a storage position substantially horizontal against the upper face of the base, and movable to a substantially vertical position wherein a cup or a bottle may be placed within the space defined by the four upright members. It is further included a wire border which is a generally rectangular portion of wire positionable as a continuous border around the upper portions of the upright sides, in order to define a substantially continuous member in order to hold the side members in an upright position. Further, one of the ends of the upper border is somewhat truncated in order to define an opening in the sidewall so that a handle on the cup may extend therefrom.

Abstract: A frame container support is formed from a substantially planar rectangular section and a plurality of corner sections attached to the corners of the rectangular section. Each corner section has a container framing section extending a predetermined distance from one side of the rectangular section's plane and downwardly depending segments, which may be loop-shaped, extending a predetermined distance from the opposite side of the plane. The frame may also have a plurality of container support sections which join two adjacent sides of the rectangular peripheral portion. A container is supported within the frame. Plural frame container supports may be placed one on top of another to form a stack by fitting the downwardly depending segments snugly over the outside surface of the container framing segments of the frame disposed immediately below. Lateral movement of the frames with respect to each other is inhibited by this stacking technique.

Abstract: A transport and storage container has an annular and erect outer wall constituted as a grid of welded-together vertical and horizontal bars and having a lower edge provided with a lower-edge bar and an upper edge provided with an upper-edge bar, a normally horizontal and generally rectangular sheet-metal floor plate having an inwardly open C-section outer rim engaged over the lower-edge bar, and a flexible inner vessel enclosed by the outer wall and resting on the floor plate. The floor plate has four sides including two opposite sides formed with the C-section outer rim. In addition another of the sides is also formed with the C-section rim and a fourth side is free of the C-section rim and the fourth side of the floor plate is formed with outwardly projecting tabs that engage over the lower-edge bar.

Abstract: The apparatus sets forth a tray organization that is usable wherein first and second rigid base members are hingedly mounted relative to one another with plural pairs of apertures mounted on each top surface of each base plate to receive plural pairs of support rods wherein the support rods are joined at their upper ends by a spanning U-shaped cap member. The rods and cap members are separable and are receivable within recesses formed within each base plate to secure the rods and cap members within the base plates during periods of non-use during transport and storage of the organization.