Abstract: A lap tray is disclosed for carrying food such as that available from a take-out or fast food restaurant. The lap tray has particular application for use by an individual wishing to consume the food carried on the tray while riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle that is subjected to the usual road turbulence. The lap tray includes a pair of food serving compartments, each of which is surrounded by a raised lip to prevent food carried thereon from falling off the tray. A raised annular rim surrounds a hole formed through the tray in which a drinking cup is received so as to retain the cup in an upright configuration and thereby prevent the cup from tipping and spilling its contents. A pair of legs depends from the tray at opposite sides thereof to extend downwardly along the legs of the user so as to stabilize the tray against lateral displacement when the user is seated and the tray is laid across the user's lap.

Abstract: In a portable container having a receptacle adapted to receive liquid, the receptacle having an opening on the upper surface of the container for both receiving and discharging liquid. In the preferred embodiment, the portable container also has a second set of receptacles adapted to receive powders, each receptacle extending between the upper and lower surfaces of the container, having an opening on the lower surface for receiving the powders and an opening on the upper surface for discharging the powders.

Abstract: Multi-chamber containers are disclosed having at least a central web dividing the container into discrete chambers. A base for the container is provided which is generally outwardly convex having an inwardly arched lineal impression in the region of the juncture between the central web and the base. Outwardly extending foot portions in the base on either side of the lineal impression providing impact support for the container.

Abstract: A carrying container that is releasably attached to various ambulatory appliances by a mounting arrangement that has a common interface. The common interface is adapted to snugly mate with several different ambulatory appliances. The carrying container includes several compartments which are dimensioned to receive articles in a snug manner to secure the same during travel.

Abstract: A fuel tank is disclosed having an inner shell, an outer shell enveloping the inner shell, and a fuel absorbent material filling the space between the inner shell and the outer shell. The fuel absorbent material is preferably a molded granular material. The inner shell is an assembly of injection molded plastic halves joined together along peripheral flanges, each inner shell half being integrally formed with internal walls. The internal walls are formed with undercut openings. The outer shell is an assembly of outer shell halves joined together along peripheral flanges. Also disclosed is an injection molding apparatus adapted to manufacture the inner shell halves with undercut openings in the internal walls.

Abstract: A blow molded plastic container including at least one internal supporting member integral with the inside wall face of the body portion to support same. In one embodiment, the body portion defines lobes connected together by depressions which define a handgrip, wherein the depressions are supported by the internal supporting member. In another embodiment, an axially, inwardly directed part is supported by the supporting member.

Abstract: A tray (10) for receiving a plurality of fish fillets (28) in a layer for compaction and freezing in a stack of layers. The tray is formed from a sheet (18) of material having a first portion (12) joined to a second portion (14) by a flexible hinge portion (16). The first portion is formed to define a plurality of first recesses (24) and the second portion is formed to define a plurality of negative second recesses (26). A fillet is received within each of the first recesses to form a layer, the tray is folded, and an additional layer of fillets is received within the second recesses. The tray is constructed and configured to be deformed and to enable the fillets to deform within the recesses, under the force of compaction, to form separable layers of substantially separate frozen fillets.

Abstract: A ladder caddy (10) includes a rigid tray (12) and a ladder-engaging handle (14)which together define a generally rectangular mounting opening (80) positioned laterally adjacent a mounting side (38) of the tray. The mounting opening is of a size and shape for receiving therein an apex portion (82) and portions of leg pairs (86, 88) of an A-frame ladder (84) when the legs are in a separated, deployed configuration, but sufficiently small that the ladder-engaging handle and the rigid tray contact the separated leg pairs of the ladder near the apex portion whereby the ladder caddy remains mounted on the A-frame ladder. The ladder-engaging handle comprises two follower arms (54a and b) which are slidably engaged in track slots (48a and b) of the rigid tray. The ladder-engaging handle also includes an outer member, or yoke bar, (60) which is rotatably attached to the follower arms and which can be rotated to change the size of the mounting opening.

Abstract: A method of making coffee or tea by use of a coffee maker or tea maker kit which includes a mortar, a pestle, a scoop, and a cup, the cup including a brewing section and a sipping section separated by a partition projecting inward from the inside wall of the cup, the partition having an aperture through which the finished beverage is passed and sipped.

Abstract: A container shown in the form of a lunchbox (10) includes a base container portion (11) and a cover portion (12). The cover portion (12) includes a first door (17) pivotally attached to the base container portion (11) by a first hinge assembly (19) and a second door (18) is pivotally attached to the base container portion (11) by a second hinge assembly (20). Latch assemblies (37) pivotally attached to the base container portion (11) engage the doors (17, 18) so that the doors (17, 18) may be maintained closed on the base container portion (11). A handle member (44) is carried by at least one of the hinge assemblies (19, 20) for rotation relative to the base container portion (11). Tabs (57, 58, 59) may also be provided to confine an accessory within the base container portion (11).

Abstract: Drinks cans are provided with a gas reservoir containing a gas to bubble into beer to initiate the production of further bubbles from gas dissolved in the beer, when the can top (4) is opened by pulling the ring-pull device (5). In the construction of FIG. 1, a plastics cap (8) is a tight snap fit on an annular rib (9) formed on the can base (3), the cap (8) being provided with a fine hole (10) through which nitrogen bubbles on opening of the can. In the construction of FIGS. 2 and 3, an unapertured blow-off cap (8) is fitted on an annular rib (15) formed on a partition wall (12) of the can, the cap normally covering fine holes (13) in the partition wall, air under super-atmospheric pressure in gas reservoir (13) bubbling into beer in the main chamber (6) when the cap blows off the rib (15) on opening of the can top.

Abstract: A cartridge in a book format for accommodating two decks of word-puzzle playing cards. The cartridge includes a top plate and a like base plate simulating the front and rear covers of a book whose inner surfaces, when the book is closed, are then in parallel relation. The top and base plate are interhinged by a slat that simulates the spine of the book. Formed on the inner surface of the base plate are two side-by-side compartments, the two decks of cards being received in these compartments. Formed on the inner surface of the top plate is a rectangular flange within which the two compartments nest when the book is closed, the flange then simulating the pages normally sandwiched between the covers of the book. Printed on the face of each card is a puzzle represented by two words, each having the same number of letters.

Abstract: An improved waste collection system having an on-site container which is internally compartmented to receive and separately store the various waste components such as aluminum, glass, paper and land-fill trash. The route collection vehicle is divided into chambers and has a compaction system for compacting the contents of at least some of the collection vehicle chamber. The vehicle has a loading apparatus which lifts the container to an inverted dumping position in which position the container is positioned with respect to the chambers to cause the waste to be inherently separated or classified within the collection vehicle chambers. The loading apparatus may be side or front loading.

Abstract: A holder used to provide scalpels for use during a surgical operation, and to dispose of scalpels after use. A number of scalpels are held in separated positions to be easily grasped when needed. The holder includes a cover for the blade ends of the scalpels, and a retractable cover for the handle ends. Each scalpel rests readily gripped on edge in its individual compartment. Adhesive pads-are optionally used to secure the holder in fixed location on an instrument tray during the operation.

Abstract: A bill payment center container is provided with removable trays so that the items desired for paying bills can be located in a single convenient location. A cover with a slot is provided so that when a bill envelope passes through the slot it is received by one of the trays.

Abstract: An improved silverware basket is provided for a dishwasher. The basket has opposite side walls, opposite end walls, a bottom wall, and an internal dividing wall which define compartments within the basket. One of the compartments is provided for a lid so that small and lightweight objects can be housed within the compartment. The lid is slidably and pivotally mounted within angularly disposed slots in the side walls of the basket for movement between open and closed positions with respect to the compartment.

Abstract: A container for beads and the like has a body connecting a group of individual compartments. Each compartment is relatively shallow for providing easy access to the contents; and, the bottom of each compartment is sloped so beads will move towards the wall of the compartment, and the bottom is concave so it will not be scratched when resting on surfaces. The container has a plurality of alignment posts to facilitate stacking of containers. The compartments have separate, individually removable, lids so any number of selected compartments can be uncovered for use while the rest remain covered for safety. The compartments are uniformly spaced so a plurality of compartments can be uncovered simultaneously, and beads in a plurality of compartments poured from one container to another.

Abstract: A container for holding data-storage devices of different sizes, e.g. disks of various sizes, cartridges and cassettes. The container is provided with a plurality of trays, preferably identical to each other, which rest on the container bottom, each tray having a platform for receiving and holding data-storage devices Each tray can be turned either side up in the container, and each has support members which are of different heights on its opposite sides so that the platform is positioned higher or lower in the container depending on which way it is turned. The trays are placed in the container in an orientation selected to support the particular size of storage devices to be placed in them; for taller storage devices, the tray is preferably turned so its platform is lower, and vice versa when shorter storage devices are to be stored, whereby the tops of storage devices of different sizes can be made to lie at about the same height for convenient viewing and grasping.

Abstract: A paper plate (1) is provided which is pressure formed from a substantially rectangularly contoured paper board blank having corner sections. The corner sections include a plurality of fanned indentations (2) with the paper board blank being fabricated into the paper plate (1) through pressure formation. The fanned indentations (2) form corner creases after the paper plate (1) is pressure formed. Additionally, the pressure plate (1) defines rib members (5) which divide the paper plate (1) into individual compartments. A plurality of crescent contoured indentations (3) are provided on the paper board blank with the crescent contoured indentations (3) forming a stiffening fold member (6) which lies adjacent to and spans a top surface of a respective pressure formed rib member (5) to provide a double layer of paper board adjacent the respective rib member (5) for resisting deformation of the paper plate (1) when loads are applied.

Abstract: A confection/gift holding structure for disposition in greeting cards and greeting card envelopes includes a base constructed of a generally planar sheet of material having a plurality of relatively shallow recesses formed in one surface thereof to define open receptacles for receiving and holding confections, where such confections have thicknesses and parametric shapes which generally conform to the depths and shapes of corresponding receptacles. A channel is also formed in said one surface of the sheet of material at a location to circumscribe the recesses, with the channel having facing sidewalls and notches formed in at least one of the sidewalls and spaced apart about the channel. A generally flexible planar lid is also provided, where the perimeter of the lid is formed to overlie the channel when the lid is placed on the base. The lid includes a lip projecting downwardly from the perimeter to fit in the channel and allow the lid to lie flat on the one surface of the base.

Abstract: A tool box including a body having two side surfaces, a depression, a slot and a groove formed in one end of each of the side surfaces, the slot inclined from the depression to a middle and upper portion of the body, the groove extended vertically from the depression to the bottom portion of the body, and a cover including a pair of flanges each having a stub formed integral on one end for engagement with the depressions of the body, whereby, the stubs are slidable along either the slots or the grooves.

Abstract: A compartmentalized waiter tray comprised of a light weight, hand carried device which functions in conjunction with a plurality of drink receptacles, or other glasses, removably retained within a plurality of compartments of an industry standard dishwashing rack to provide a quick and easy method for transporting the glasses without subsequent drink receptacle migration due to gravity and inertia and to position the drink receptacles for filling with ice or fluent drinking matter of both via automatic or semi-automatic methods; and the compartmentalized waiter tray is formed with a plurality of compartments extending above the upper surface of the tray in a pre-defined pattern to match the pre-defined pattern which the plurality of drink receptacles occupy within a plurality of compartments of the industry standard dishwashing rack; the plurality of compartments of the compartmentalized waiter tray further comprising an upper surface, internal partitions (which extend upward less than one quarter of the heig

Abstract: A tool holder is disclosed especially adapted to be received within a standard five-gallon dry wall pail or like container. The tool holder is characterized in having an outer side wall, preferably tapered to be compatible with the taper of the dry wall pail or like container. The outer side wall surrounds a cavity within which tools may be stored. The cavity is subdivided by generally vertical walls into a number of tool compartments of various sizes, with the highest and deepest compartments located near the periphery of the cavity and the lowest and shallowest compartments located near the center of the cavity. In a preferred embodiment the tool compartments reflect an inclined plane spiral arrangement, the spiral being lowest in the center of the cavity and moving upward as the spiral approaches the tool holder periphery.

Abstract: A small parts container includes a top wall, bottom wall and peripheral sidewall connected to define a parts containing chamber. A moveable lid affords access to parts in the container. Aligned openings are provided through the top wall and bottom wall and an internal generally tubular wall surrounds those openings for defining a rack member receiving slot through the container.

Abstract: Inserts and a remover are disclosed for use with containers such that the interior space of the container is utilized in the most efficient way. The inserts are sectioned off so that each insert has a plurality of sections. The inserts are further designed with a cylindrical center and outer section that are conical in nature. Each center section includes a cross section for removing the inserts from the container. Further disclosed is a handle for aiding in the removal of the inserts.

Abstract: A resin casing of a box-like configuration has side walls, a bottom wall and a plurality of partition walls. Each partition wall has two opposite end portions tapered, at which the partition wall is integrally formed with the side wall. Thus, the cooling speed is made constant at every portion in the resin casing to avoid shrinkage marks and unwanted raised lines.

Abstract: A disposal container comprising a generally rectangular body portion defining a receptacle with an open top bounded by a rim, and a lid member which is slidably and engagingly mounted over the top of the rim of the container body. The lid member is secured to the container body using a tamper evidencing locking strips. The lid member has a convex raised top surface with a centrally located upwardly projecting cylindrical neck region defining a generally circular aperture. The aperture is selectively sealed by a plastic plug having a concave, recessed interior. The lid member has an pivotably mounted carrying handle, and the entire disposal container may be seated within a mounting bracket which is attached to a wall or vehicle.

Abstract: A utility caddy is provided which can be used for transporting cleaning supplies and the like. The caddy includes a pair of triangular compartments separated by a double-walled partition. A handle formed integrally with the partition allows the caddy to be easily carried. The caddy is preferably provided as part of an assembly including a similarly configured bucket. The caddy can be inserted within the bucket so that both items can be stored in a minimal amount of space, or carried together.

Abstract: A water holding device for a window washer as a first water tank for the reception of a window washing tool, and has a second water tank in communication with the first water tank at its lower end for the relief of pressure caused in the first water tank by rapid insertion of a working tool into the first water tank, the water holding device being of progressively decreasing cross-section in a downwards direction in order to minimize the volume of water required in the first water tank, and thus minimize the weight to be carried by the user.

Abstract: A silverware basket for use in a dishwasher, the silverware basket having a rear wall, a water previous front wall spaced from the rear wall, a water pervious bottom wall connecting the front and rear walls and a plurality of upper and lower dividers extending between the rear wall and the front wall to provide a substatially solid upper and lower barrier between the front and rear walls. The combination of the upper divider and lower divider define a substantially vertical plane or wall bounded by the rear wall, the bottom wall, the front wall and a top of the front wall, wherein a minority of an area of the plane or wall is solid. In the preferred embodiment, the dividers are formed integrally with and project from the rear wall toward and engage with the front wall. The lower divider is also formed integrally with the bottom wall.

Abstract: A unitary injection-molded plastic refuse collection box is adapted to reduce back strain during lifting. The box has a bottom and a generally rectangular side wall. A handle extends circumferentially about the side wall external to the compartment. The handle has a uniform inverted L-shaped cross-section, the cross-sectional dimensions of the handle being sufficient to permit a person to insert his fingers between the handle and the associated side wall to the second joints of his fingers. The upper handle portion has a lowermost terminating portion defining an expanded, downwardly-facing convex surface which comfortably engages the fingers. The user can grip the handle on opposing sides of the box with one hand adjacent to one corner of the box and his other hand adjacent to a diagonally opposite corner. The bottom is configured to avoid freezing to pavement with leakage of contained liquids.

Abstract: A storage/carrying device for safely and conveniently transporting to a patient's bedside sterile needle and syringe devices used in medication and blood collection procedures, and, additionally, to safely transport such implements to ultimate disposal after use, substantially without risk of contaminating contact with the storage/carrying device, or injury or infection to the person handling the device. The storage/carrying device is formed as an integral, unitary assembly comprising first and second transport wells, an extension transport well, a pair of carrying trays, and a carrying handle. The first transport well is adapted to securely store used intravenous-type needles, including the plastic tubing attached to such needles, for transport to ultimate disposal, and can be further adapted to similarly store the syringe portions of used needle/syringe assemblies.

Abstract: An inner surface of each of the side walls of a basket for processing thins plates is provided with plural rod-like projections extending inwardly in opposite directions to each other acting as a space holding member, a plurality of these rod-like projections are arranged in spaced apart relation along an inserting direction of the thin plates so as to form a group of rod-like projections, the groups of rod-like projections are arranged in side-by-side relation with a specified pitch for every spacing of the spaced-apart thin plates, the thin plates are inserted between adjoining groups of rod-like projections, thereby a flowing communication of the processing liquid or air is further improved as compared with the space holding member made by the continuous partition wall of the prior art, resulting in that an etching process or a centrifugal drying for the stored thin plates can be performed efficiently.