Abstract: A medical apparatus (FDA Classifications: “Sputum Specimen [In-Home] Self-Collection Device” and “In Vitro Medical Diagnostic Device”) and method for self-collection, transport, decontamination and storage preservation of expectorated sputum specimens, to optimize specimen quality and reliability of clinical laboratory stain interpretation, culture and molecular diagnostic tests, thereby improving laboratory support for pathogen-specific treatment (antibiotic stewardship).

Abstract: A foldable container module includes a body and a foldable container. The body has a sidewall and a room. The foldable container has a panel, multiple folding line sets formed on the panel, and a joint. The foldable container can be transformed by folding along the multiple folding line sets. The joint connects to the sidewall of the body. The foldable container module can be held in one hand by a user, and the other hand of the user can swing freely or take the solid food from the foldable container, such that the user can also suck the liquid from the body by the straw at the same time. Moreover, when the foldable container module is to be stored, the user can fold the foldable container along the multiple folding line sets to reduce a volume of the foldable container.

Abstract: A wine glass constructed from molded plastic includes an upper body defining an upwardly narrowed flume for concentrating the wine bouquet, in combination with a contoured lower base defining an annular moat surrounding a central punt for enhanced visual inspection of the wine. In addition, the upper body further includes a notched indent at an outboard side thereof forming a shelf for facilitated fingertip grasping and manipulation of the assembled glass. In one form, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are provided as separate modules adapted for assembly to form the wine glass, and disassembly for respective compact stacking. In another form, the wine glass has a one-piece construction adapted for compact stacking by nested reception of the upwardly narrowed flume partially into the underside of the lower base of an overlying glass in the stack.

Abstract: Container for beverages, liquids and other fluid substances which includes a plurality of sealed chambers, sealed openings in coplanar walls of the chambers, a stationary cover plate with openings in registration with the sealed openings, an opener movably mounted on the cover plate for selective engagement with seals for the openings in the walls, and a selector plate operatively connected to the opener with an opening in the selector plate that can be moved into and out of registration with the openings in the chamber walls and cover plate.

Abstract: A beverage container that includes a main body portion having an open top and a closed bottom, an interior, a circular rim and a first set of threads on an inside surface thereof that are positioned adjacent the rim at a first height. The rim includes a downwardly depending portion that extends below the first set of threads. The container also includes a removable cover with a bottom, a generally cylindrical side wall, an annular flange extending outwardly from the generally cylindrical side wall and an annular collar. The collar, the annular flange and the side wall define a first channel that receives the rim, and the bottom and the generally cylindrical side wall cooperate to define a cover cavity. The side wall includes a second set of threads on an outside surface thereof that are matingly engaged with the first set of threads.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to provide storage and includes a container having an opening, a panel, a plurality of bins, and a cover. The panel has at least one through-hole. The perimeter of the panel is larger than the perimeter of the opening of the container. Each bin has an opening, and each bin is configured to be received by a corresponding one of the through-holes of the panel. The cover is attached to the container. The apparatus may be used to transport food and other items needed for a tailgate party.

Abstract: A dual-chambered beverage container in the form of a shot glass. The interior of the glass is bisected via a hinged divider flap, creating two separate chambers within the glass. The upper chamber holds a first beverage, preferably a shot of hard liquor, while the bottom chamber holds a volume of a second beverage, such as soda or juice. When the shot glass is in a resting position, the divider flap is closed, segregating the beverages in their respective chambers. A user begins to drink the first beverage, the hinged diver flap will slowly swing open, allowing the second beverage to flow out of the bottom chamber, through the upper chamber, and into the user's mouth. Thus the user experiences the taste of the shot of hard liquor only briefly before consuming the chaser beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a base, a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment is enclosed at the base and has a first opening, and the second compartment is enclosed at the base has a second opening. The first compartment is adjoined to and positioned on the base, and has a wall that is substantially perpendicular to the base. The second compartment is adjoined to and positioned on the base and shares at least a portion of the wall. The second opening is smaller than the first opening.

Abstract: A beverage container that includes a cylindrical main body portion having an open top and a closed bottom and that defines an interior. The bottom includes a contact surface and a continuous concave non-contact portion extending therebetween. The cylindrical main body portion defines a first volume. The container also includes a removable cover positioned at a location between the bottom and the top, and a recess defined between the removable cover and the open top. The recess defines a second volume that is between about 5% and about 50% of the first volume.

Abstract: A system for organizing very similar articles in a container so that the user can readily identify the desired article. A “menu” may be used to readily identify the articles, which preferably are non-food, consumer items, such as bandages or first-aid supplies. The “menu” may be provided in the lid of the container. If desired, the “menu” may be fixedly provided in the lid of the container, such as on the interior-facing surface of a flip-top or hinged-lid of the container. The articles may be organized in an insert or tray that is removable from a shell portion of the container so the shell can be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A modular recycling unit comprises a support for supporting a first container. The first container is tiltable between a first position where the interior of the container is accessible and a second position where the interior of the container is inaccessible. The first container is freely removable from the support. A second container is supported on the support such that it is in a stacked relationship relative to the first container. The second container is freely removable from the support.

Abstract: Food container is provided having a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion and the second body portion are joined together to define an interior of the container and a mouth to the interior. The first body portion has a first flap moveable between an open position and a closed position, and the first flap includes a foldable support formed therein to hold a receptacle when in the open position. The second body portion has a second flap moveable between an open position and a closed position, and the second flap includes a tab to engage the first flap in the closed position to form a lid across the mouth of the interior. A blank for forming the food container from a sheet of blank material is also provided.

Abstract: A multiple-opening container is configured to facilitate the simultaneous opening of two or more material containing compartments, thus allowing for the material contents within the multiple containing compartments to be suitably mixed upon pouring into another container. As a result of the simultaneous opening and pouring ability facilitated by the multiple-opening container, the time for mixing of multiple materials, such as beverages, fluids, powders or other like contents, can be suitably reduced. In addition, the de-carbonization and/or deterioration or other side affects caused from pre-mixing of the contents can be eliminated. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, engagement portion can comprise a snap clip and a ring portion configured for sealed coupling to a material containing compartment. Second compartment can be suitably filled within beverages or other materials, and then positioned within the container portion and sealed or otherwise coupled by the engagement portion.

Abstract: A portable cooler has a thermally isolating outer shell defining an internal compartment for holding contents to be kept cool, such as, for example, food, drinks and temperature-sensitive medicine. The portable cooler has a door connected to the outer shell for providing unrestricted access to the internal compartment. The portable cooler may have a shelf for holding a cold gel pack to help keep the contents cool. The cooler may also have a plurality of dividers (that are optionally reconfigurable) for defining variously sized storage spaces for the contents. The cooler may have an aesthetically pleasing curved outer shell and an adjustable shoulder strap so that the cooler can be carried on a person's shoulder. Because the cooler is easy and comfortable to carry and because its large swing-open door provides full and quick access to its contents, this cooler is more ergonomic and aesthetic than traditional designs.

Abstract: An apparatus for separately containing fuel and an exhaust gas treatment fluid on a vehicle, such as an SCR reductant, includes a fuel tank having a perimeter wall and at least one end wall defining an internal space for containing fuel, a portion of the perimeter wall extending beyond the at least one end wall to form a rim defining with the at least one end wall a recess, and, a second vessel for containing the reductant or other treatment fluid having a shape conforming to the recess, the second vessel being supported in the recess.

Abstract: An insert for a backpack includes an inner pocket assembly having staggered pockets. The inner pocket assembly is attached to the back panel of the insert. Arms are attached to the sides of the insert. The arms are configured to wrap in front to the insert and connect to each other. Each pocket of the staggered pockets include an opening in the bottom corners.

Abstract: Mop bucket with two compartments positioned horizontally, one for containing clean water and the other for containing dirty water, where each compartment is connected to its corresponding wringer. It comprises three pieces that can be coupled together: a first and main piece that comprises the clean water container, on whose mouth a second piece is coupled, comprising a compartment for dirty water, which is smaller in size and has a lower height, in such a way that after it has been fitted, its bottom is higher than the bottom of the main body, with two mouths for the whole bucket. Said whole is then finished off at the top with a third piece that can be coupled to it and which contains a pair of wringers that coincide with the mouths of each water compartment, together with an opening for the mop head to gain access to the clean water compartment.

Abstract: A dual-chambered beverage container in fthe form of a shot glass. The interior of the glass is bisected via a hinged divider flap, creating two separate chambers within the glass. The upper chamber holds a first beverage, preferably a shot of hard liquor, while the bottom chamber holds a volume of a second beverage, such as soda or juice. When the shot glass is in a resting position, the divider flap is closed, segregating the beverages in their respective chambers. A user begins to drink the first beverage, the hinged diver flap will slowly swing open, allowing the second beverage to flow out of the bottom chamber, through the upper chamber, and into the user's mouth. Thus the user experiences the taste of the shot of hard liquor only briefly before consuming the chaser beverage.

Abstract: A package for containing a viscous substance in a transport configuration and for dispensing the viscous substance in a dispensing configuration is disclosed. The package includes first and second sheets disposed in opposing relation that are sealed together around a perimeter. The package has a compartment that defines a space for holding the viscous substance. The package further includes an integral tube having a first end in fluid communication with the compartment, and a second end that is closed in the transport configuration. The second end can be opened such that the viscous substance contained in the package can flow from the container, through the integral tube, and exit the package via the opening. The second end of the integral tube is positionable independent of the compartment for depositing the substance at multiple, spaced apart target locations without moving the compartment.

Abstract: A fluid-collecting container for receiving a siphoned-off fluid has a closed chamber for a solidifying agent. The chamber can be opened towards an internal space in the fluid-collecting container under external application of force. At least part of the chamber projects into the internal space in the fluid-collecting container. On the outer side of the container, the chamber is closed by an outer wall which can be pressed inwards, and the chamber is open towards the internal space in the fluid-collecting container by the outer wall being pressed in. The internal space continues to be closed to the outside in the region by the outer wall. The fluid-collecting container has a first and a second housing part which together form the internal space in the fluid-collecting container. The outer wall is formed integrally with a wall of the first housing part, the wall surrounding the outer wall.

Abstract: A package for containing a viscous substance in a transport configuration and for dispensing the viscous substance in a dispensing configuration is disclosed. The package includes first and second sheets disposed in opposing relation that are sealed together around a perimeter. The package has a compartment that defines a space for holding the viscous substance. The package further includes an integral tube having a first end in fluid communication with the compartment, and a second end that is closed in the transport configuration. The second end can be opened such that the viscous substance contained in the package can flow from the container, through the integral tube, and exit the package via the opening. The second end of the integral tube is positionable independent of the compartment for depositing the substance at multiple, spaced apart target locations without moving the compartment.

Abstract: A flexible mold for a smoking device having a cup-shaped outer wall, a cup-shaped inner wall, and a third cup-shaped wall. The outer wall has a continuous sidewall connected to a bottom wall containing a central opening. The sidewall of the outer wall extends from the bottom wall of the outer wall to an open end and contains an opening in the sidewall spaced between the bottom end and the open end. The inner wall has a continuous sidewall, a cover closing one end. The sidewall of the inner wall is attached to the bottom wall of the outer wall surrounding the central opening. The third wall has a continuous sidewall and a closed end. The sidewall of the third wall is connected to the sidewall of the outer wall surrounding the opening in the outer wall. The closed end abuts a surface of the inner wall.

Abstract: A bowl includes a main bowl portion and an ancillary portion or trough integral with the side of the bowl that is shaped to receive cereal or other food as a staging location before the food is maneuvered into the main bowl portion.

Abstract: A container with an improved structure includes a body having an opening. The opening is covered with a cover. The bottom of the cover has a first assembly part. A supporting base is accommodated inside the body. One end of the supporting base has a second assembly part to hang on the first assembly part. The other end of the supporting base has a connecting part for connecting with an infusion object. When the supporting base is hung on the first assembly part using its second assembly part, the supporting base can be shaken with a force.

Abstract: The invention provides a drink mixing cup for fluids comprising an outer chamber having an outer rim disposed at its top and a chamber disposed inside the outer chamber having an inner rim disposed below the outer rim by an amount selected to optimize mixing fluids poured from said chambers when drunk by humans while not interfering with their noses. The design allows for nesting of cups to reduce storage space. Anti-nesting ribs prevent full nesting so that separation of cups is not difficult. When thin walls made from plastic are used and the inner chamber is elevated, the fluid in the inner chamber is thermally insulated. When inverted, the chamber below the inner chamber can serve as a drinking glass.

Abstract: A multiple-opening container is configured to facilitate the simultaneous opening of two or more material containing compartments, thus allowing for the material contents within the multiple containing compartments to be suitably mixed upon pouring into another container, such as a pitcher, glass or cup or other like container. As a result of the simultaneous opening and pouring ability facilitated by the multiple-opening container, the time for mixing of multiple materials, such as beverages, fluids, powders or other like contents, can be suitably reduced. In addition, the de-carbonization and/or deterioration or other side affects caused from pre-mixing of the contents can be eliminated. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, engagement portion can comprise a snap clip and a ring portion configured for sealed coupling to a material containing compartment.

Abstract: An organizer device includes a top horizontal organizer (THO) section that rests on a top horizontal surface and a three-ring binder assembly. The THO section is an open top rectangularly-shaped box. The THO section includes at least one chamber to store and organize desktop items such as paper clips, clamps, tacks, small memory devices, etc. The THO section includes a bottom horizontal floor and supporting vertical walls with an open top. Nonetheless, one or more chambers may have a lid (not shown). The three-ring binder assembly includes a plurality of binder rings coupled to a binder strip or support plate. The plurality of binder rings has two portions that are configured to be opened and closed (pivoted away or toward each other) via a manually operable lever. The binder ring portions of a ring may be spring biased toward each other to a rings-closed position when the manually operable lever is in a first position.

Abstract: A stackable beverage cups and, in particular to a dual use stackable beverage cup that can be used both as a standard size cup and as a smaller shot size cup.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for improved containers and lids, and combinations thereof. Multiple compartments are provided in a container, one of which can be formed as the container's handle. The lid incorporates a plurality of hinged openings situated on the periphery of the cover, and the container includes a molded unitary body plastic container comprised of at least two chambers or compartments. The lid openings can be located strategically over or adjacent the container chambers/compartments, to provide independent access thereto. The compartments or chambers within the container separate the contents thereof, while multiple hinged openings may allow access to individual or multiple chambers or compartments within the container. Tamper evidencing structures in conjunction with detents or engagement structures may hold the lid and container openings in the desired relationship during shipping, handling, storage, and/or use. Related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A dustbin with an adjustable height comprises an outside container body, an inside container body, a compression spring provided between the bottom of outside container body and the bottom of inside container body, a longitudinal row of grooves provided at the side wall of the inside container body and a level regulator provided at the side wall of the outside container body. The level regulator has a left end for embedding in the groove and a right end for coupling with a switch means to control the horizontal motion of the level regulator. The height of inside container body can be adjusted to satisfy the users of different heights by the level regulator.

Abstract: A bottle for dispensing fluids, semi-solid, ointments, gels, paste, creams, powder, and the like. The substances in the container are naturally fed by gravity to a dispensing portion without the need for the dispenser to be placed in a vertical position, upside down position, or inclined position in order to allow the substances to move to the tip of the dispensing portion, all the while maintaining the container in a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A container for enabling consumers to obtain of all skin care products and minimize residual skin care products is provided. The container includes an elongated upper body portion and an elongated lower body portion. The elongated upper body portion is connected to the elongated lower body portion to form a container body to be adapted for containing the substance therein for use from the dispensing head. Moreover, the elongated upper body portion is further adapted to disconnect from the elongated lower body portion to facilitate getting the remaining substance from the container body to obtain of all skin care products.

Abstract: A dispensing device comprising a housing having an upper loading chamber, a dispensing chamber located beneath the loading chamber and a gate movable between a first, open position and second, closed position to allow selective communication of the loading chamber and the dispensing chamber, entry to the lower chamber being by way of a door, the device further comprising a lock which prevents the door from opening when the gate is in the open position and which prevents opening of the gate, when the door is open.

Abstract: A multi-component package is provided which enables simultaneous heat cooking of a food product which does not require a long cooking time and a food product which requires a longer cooking time. The multi-component package includes a lower container comprising a bottomed, lower container main body for containing a first food product. The container further includes an upper container comprising an upper container main body for containing a second filled food product. A flange of the lower container main body and a flange of the upper container main body are engaged with each other so that the lower container and the upper container are combined integrally. A vapor vent is provided in a lower container lid material, whereby water vapor generated upon heating of the first food product heats the second food product in the upper container.

Abstract: A method of making a beverage that needs to be agitated before drinking includes a first step of providing a container assembly having a main body portion that has a side wall that defines an interior space and an upper mounting portion to which a closure is releasably secured. The main body portion has a lower portion that is at least partially filled with a first substance, the lower portion defining a first volume, an upper head portion having a second volume and an agitator portion defined in the side wall between the lower portion and the upper head portion. The closure is removed, and a second substance is added to the container assembly. The closure is then replaced, and the container assembly is shaken by the consumer, which causes the agitator portion to promote mixing of the contents of the container assembly. The consumer will then drink at least a portion of the contents of the container assembly.

Abstract: A food container particularly configured for use with food products having a refuse component, such as sunflower seeds having shells and cherries having pits. The food container comprises an inner cup having a wall that encloses a receptacle that is open at the top and a chamber that is closed at the bottom. A divider separates the chamber, which stores the food product for consumption, from the receptacle, which receives the refuse. The inner cup is rotatably received in a sleeve. The consumer rotates the sleeve to align an outer opening thereon with an inner opening on the inner cup to dispense food product from the chamber. A cover closes the outer opening and prevents rotation of the sleeve. A beverage can be served in the receptacle. An indexing mechanism and a rotation mechanism can be incorporated into the food container. The food product chamber can include a freshness seal.

Abstract: A thin-walled cup is formed of a single piece of polymeric material having a uniform thickness throughout the extent of the single piece of polymeric material. The cup has an outer chamber which extends around an inner chamber. The outer chamber holds a first liquid and the inner chamber holds a second liquid. The liquid in the inner chamber is mixed with the liquid in the outer chamber during drinking from the cup.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a multi-compartment system, the cartridge including a housing having an opening at a top end, a sealing wall at a bottom end and wall openings through side walls of the housing; a displaceable sleeve sealingly mounted in the housing, the displaceable sleeve having a sealable filling opening at its top end, and an opening at its bottom end adapted and configured for sealing engagement with the sealing wall; the displaceable sleeve being axially displaceable between two positions along a longitudinal axis through the cartridge, a first position whereby the displaceable sleeve is in sealing engagement with the sealing wall and a seal is formed, and a second position where the sealing wall and the displaceable sleeve are disengaged, providing flow communication through the wall openings.

Abstract: The invention provides a drink mixing cup for fluids comprising an outer chamber having an outer rim disposed at its top and a chamber disposed inside the outer chamber having an inner rim disposed below the outer rim by an amount selected to optimize mixing fluids poured from said chambers when drunk by humans while not interfering with their noses. The design allows for nesting of cups to reduce storage space. Anti-nesting ribs prevent full nesting so that separation of cups is not difficult. When thin walls made from plastic are used and the inner chamber is elevated, the fluid in the inner chamber is thermally insulated. When inverted, the chamber below the inner chamber can serve as a drinking glass.

Abstract: The present invention includes a package for holding one or more comestible products having a first compartment and a second compartment extending from, and rotatable with respect to, the first compartment. The package has a closed position where the first and second compartments are substantially coplanar with each other and an open position wherein the second compartment lies in an adjacent overlapping tiered relation to the first compartment. A cover extends from the second compartment and overlies at least a portion of the first and second compartments when the package is in the closed position.

Abstract: Described are food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package and multiple pieces for a package; the packages can contain multiple food products including cereal and milk, but not necessarily cereal, for consumption together in a convenient manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a divider device for use with a container having at least one opening, each such opening having an associated cap. The divider device includes a dividing wall for releasable sealing engagement with an interior wall of the container and for dividing the container into two separate compartments, a first compartment above the dividing wall and a second compartment below the dividing wall. The divider further includes an operable portion coupled to the dividing wall for moving the dividing wall between a sealed position, separating the first and second compartments, and an unsealed position, defining a flow passage permitting flow communication between the first and second compartments. The operable portion including means for engaging a closure member, so as to close said operable portion. The divider device is removably couplable to the container when at least partly disposed inside the container.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for improved containers and lids, and combinations thereof. Multiple compartments are provided in a container, one of which can be formed as the container's handle. The lid incorporates a plurality of hinged openings situated on the periphery of the cover, and the container includes a molded unitary body plastic container comprised of at least two chambers or compartments. The lid openings can be located strategically over or adjacent the container chambers/compartments, to provide independent access thereto. The compartments or chambers within the container separate the contents thereof, while multiple hinged openings may allow access to individual or multiple chambers or compartments within the container. Tamper evidencing structures in conjunction with detents or engagement structures may hold the lid and container openings in the desired relationship during shipping, handling, storage, and/or use. Related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a drink mixing cup for fluids comprising an outer chamber having an outer rim disposed at its top and a chamber disposed inside the outer chamber having an inner rim disposed below the outer rim by an amount selected to optimize mixing fluids poured from said chambers when drunk by humans while not interfering with their noses. The design allows for nesting of cups to reduce storage space. Anti-nesting ribs prevent full nesting so that separation of cups is not difficult. When thin walls made from plastic are used and the inner chamber is elevated, the fluid in the inner chamber is thermally insulated. When inverted, the chamber below the inner chamber can serve as a drinking glass.

Abstract: A receiving method is provided comprising the following steps. First, a receiving device is provided, wherein the receiving device comprises a chamber, a plurality of spacers, a spacer moving module, a first cover unit, a second cover unit, a control unit and an input interface. Then, an order is inputted to the input surface, wherein the input surface sends a control signal according to the order, and the control unit controls movements of the first cover unit, the second cover unit and the spacer moving module according to the control signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a drink mixing cup for fluids comprising an outer chamber having an outer rim disposed at its top and a chamber disposed inside the outer chamber having an inner rim disposed below the outer rim by an amount selected to optimize mixing fluids poured from said chambers when drunk by humans. The design allows for nesting of cups and thermal insulation of the inner chamber. An advantageous method of delivering mixed drinks to patrons can be obtained using one or more cups having an outer chamber and an inner chamber and having a space below the inner chamber disposed inside said outer chamber and a tray having mandrels having a shape corresponding to the space below the inner chamber, whereby the cups can be mounted on the mandrels and prevented from sliding off the tray when tipped.

Abstract: A waste recycling bin has a first compartment adapted to receive recyclable waste paper, and at least a second compartment adapted to receive non-recyclable waste. Rim engaging flange portions support the second compartment against a portion of the rim of the first compartment such that the second compartment descends into the opening of the main body of the first compartment so as to form two openings to the first compartment on opposed sides of the second compartment for inserting waste paper therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides a drink mixing cup for fluids comprising an outer chamber having an outer rim disposed at its top and a chamber disposed inside the outer chamber having an inner rim disposed below the outer rim by an amount selected to optimize mixing fluids poured from said chambers when drunk by humans. The design allows for nesting of cups and thermal insulation of the inner chamber. An advantageous method of delivering mixed drinks to patrons can be obtained using one or more cups having an outer chamber and an inner chamber and having a space below the inner chamber disposed inside said outer chamber and a tray having mandrels having a shape corresponding to the space below the inner chamber, whereby the cups can be mounted on the mandrels and prevented from sliding off the tray when tipped.

Abstract: A container includes a primary compartment and a secondary compartment generally evenly opposed to and oppositely facing from the primary compartment. A lid is provided for each of the primary compartment and the secondary compartment. In use, the primary compartment is suited for storing food items and the like, and the secondary compartment is suited for storing a coolant such as an ice pack or the like.