Abstract: A container of variable volume includes an inner flexible member substantially enclosed in a number of interlocking outer sleeves. The volume of the container can be varied by moving at least one outer sleeve relative to another outer sleeve. The outer sleeves are moved to vary the volume of the container by rotating screw-threaded outer sleeves, moving an outer sleeve relative to another by a ratchet, or by using a multi-level bayonet type connection.

Abstract: This invention provides a kit for use in a method for detecting gastric damage. The kit comprises: (a) a sealed container of sterilized buffered aqueous sucrose solution; and (b) a urine collection device suitable for collection and storage of human urine.

Abstract: A wheeled container is constructed so as to be demountably secured to a cargo carrier assembly (or “carrier”) which is externally carried at the rear of a sports utility vehicle or truck. The carrier includes a support beam to which the container is secured by attachment latches on its rigid base. Two of the attachment latches are pivot latches, allowing the container to be pivotably disposed on the support beam without lifting wheels of the container off the ground. In one embodiment, the container comprises a frameless rigid tub adapted to be secured to the support beam; in another the container comprises a framework of elongated rigid struts, e.g. of metal tubing which may be collapsible within which is secured a rectangular receptacle or “sack” of flexible material. Only a portion of the base of the container is directly supported on the support beam, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base.

Abstract: A covering system for use in connection with an appliance mount having a at least one self-closing tubular sleeve and a plurality of retaining rings. The retaining rings are adapted to engage a support structure. The sleeve wraps around the support structure and creates an inwardly directed clamping action which secures the sleeve to the rings.

Abstract: A carrying case has an elongated housing having a central and two end housing structures in overlapping, telescoping relationship so that the length of the carrying case can be adjusted. Hinges are connected to each housing with the hinge axes aligned so that the housings can be jointly rotated between open and closed positions without twisting the housing structures. Hinge alignment is possible by making the leaves of some hinges radially longer than the leaves of other hinges. Interengaging, load-bearing bosses are provided on the housing structures for adjustability to the length of the carrying case while providing strong connections, making it possible to use light weight material. Ribs and buttresses are molded as unitary parts of the central element and have an interengaging feature for reinforcement.

Abstract: A container for fresh produce including a base unit with a bottom wall and four to eight side walls and a sleeve with four to eight side walls that fits frictionally within the base unit. The base unit has a height that is at least about twenty-five percent the height of the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention is a collapsing garbage can which further comprises a feeder for garbage bags. Several novel mechanisms for collapsing the can are shown. The mechanisms allow the at least certain sections of the can to be made of absorbent or recyclable materials (paper and cardboard) while the base is made of a water resistant material so it may be used on a variety of surfaces. The absorbent nature of the materials from which the upper parts may be made allow for the can to be used as a deodorizing device.

Abstract: A modular container is formed of a casing, a seat ring, a rotary cover, and a base. The casing is provided with a plurality of retaining holes and retaining projections. The seat ring is located in the top of a cylindrical object which is formed by the casing. The base if disposed at the bottom of the cylindrical object. The rotary cover is provided with a plurality of retaining protrusions. The seat ring is provided with a plurality of locating slots. The rotary cover is located by the seat ring such that the retaining protrusions of the rotary cover are located in the locating slots of the seat ring.

Abstract: A collapsible funnel and a storage case therefor, the collapsible funnel having a base and an upper portion, the upper portion being formed of a plurality of segments divided by fold lines to permit the segments to be folded inwardly, the base portion being formed of at least first and second base portion sections, the storage case having a polygonal cross sectional configuration corresponding to the polygonal configuration of the upper portion.

Abstract: In a case connection structure for connecting connection end portions of both case members, a boss portion is formed in one of the connection end portions to protrude to the other one of the connection end portions, and a recess portion into which the boss portion is fitted is formed in the other one of the connection end portions. A slit is provided in the boss portion, and a press-fitting portion is provided in the recess portion to be press-fitted into the slit. While the boss portion is fitted into the recess portion, the press-fitting portion is press-fitted into the slit to expand the boss portion to an outer side, so that an outer surface of the boss portion press-contacts the recess portion.

Abstract: A container for a magnet, in the form of a box, has an outer clear plastic shell and an inner box preferably of opaque molded material, sized to fit closely within the clear outer shell. A magnet fits closely within the inner box. Between the outer and inner boxes, at an outer face of the composite container, a sheet of decorative or graphic material can be retained, sandwiched between walls of the outer and inner boxes. The inner and outer box elements preferably are retained together by snap-in structure, which in one preferred embodiment comprises nipples molded on the inside surface of side walls of the outer box, to be engaged in dimples or recesses at corresponding positions on the outer surface of the inner box's side walls. Both the inner and outer box elements are open at one side, and the magnet can be retained in the inner box by adhesives, fasteners or other appropriate connection devices.

Abstract: A steel manhole is provided which includes a steel box having a hole having a bolt hole and formed at an upper portion of the same, a height control pipe having a vertical longitudinal hole inserted into an inner diameter portion of the hole, a multi-hole lid for covering an upper portion of the height control pipe, a male screw formed at left and right portions of the steel box and having a male screw portion, and a female screw having a thread portion for being threaded with the male screw pipe.

Abstract: An adjustable length containing device comprises modular, molded polymer members. The containing device members are ribbed and attached to each other by connection flanges and bottom panels. The containing device is used to store and ship heavy, large objects and is used as an underground storage tank.

Abstract: A nestable beverage cup is preferably formed of two tapered sections. A lower section is sized to fit a cup holder such as used in a vehicle, while an upper section which is not held in the cup holder is provided with a larger diameter than the lower section, and is more broadly tapered to hold a greater volume of fluid. The lower section has a flattened rim which is ultrasonically sealed to the bottom of the upper section. A recessed bottom of the upper section provides an air gap which will insulate the user from the surface of the lower section. The two stage cup contemplates designs with various sidewalls, angles, shapes and raw materials.

Abstract: A covered food container or serving platter incorporates a cover stand as part of the structure of the container. The cover may be temporarily stored on the stand while the user obtains access to the container. In one embodiment a portion of the cover is received within a suitably configured retention area formed within the container. Another covered serving container utilizes a central support extending from the platter and a corresponding support that extends from the cover, with an interlocking possible at the maximum extension of each support, thus separating the cover from the platter. A further embodiment utilizes a pair of covers, one receivable upon another to enable a nesting storage with access available to the exposed container storage area. A surface rib and groove formed in corresponding surfaces of the two covers provides stability when in the nested configuration.

Abstract: A rotation cup has a base, a first sleeve rotatably mounted on the base, a second sleeve rotatably mounted within the first sleeve and a cup securely mounted on the base and having a body portion received in the second sleeve. Because the first and the second sleeves are made of a transparent material and there are patterns on the outer periphery of the first and the second sleeves, the rotation of the first and the second sleeves is able to show various attractions to the user.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting a specimen under thermally stable conditions includes an outer insulating container body having a top and sidewall to form a receptacle shape and an inner insulating container body having a bottom and sidewall to form a receptacle shape to fit in interlocking nested engagement with the outer insulating container body to form a double walled hermetic chamber. A specimen receiving structure is supported within the hermetic chamber for receiving a biological specimen such as a corneal tissue. Another comprises an outer insulating container body and an inner insulating container body shaped to fit in interlocking nested engagement with the outer insulating container body to form a hermetic chamber. At least one of the insulating bodies comprises a hard shell filled with an insulating material.

Abstract: An adjustable length containing device comprises modular, molded polymer members. The containing device members are ribbed and attached to each other by connection flanges and bottom panels. The containing device is used to store and ship heavy, large objects and is used as an underground storage tank.

Abstract: A protective insert for a drawer having a plurality of sidewalls which are interconnected by a bottom wall is comprised of a generally continuous, generally tubular frame. The frame is formed of a plurality of interconnected, generally flat panels, the number of panels corresponding to the number of sidewalls of the drawer. Each of the frame panels is sized and shaped to conform to and to engage and cover at least a portion of an interior surface of the sidewalls of a corresponding one of the drawer. A flexible liner extends between each of the panels of the frame to engage and cover at least a substantial portion of the bottom wall of the drawer. In this manner, the frame retains the liner in place within the drawer such that the combination of the liner and the frame cover and protect at least a substantial portion of the interior surfaces of the drawer. In one embodiment, the frame is adjustable to fit drawers of different sizes and the liner is a sheet of polymeric material.

Abstract: A cigar receiving tube includes a first tube having two open ends and each open end has a protrusion extending radially outward from an outside thereof. Two second tubes are respectively movably mounted to the tow open ends of the first tube and a collar extends radially inward from an inside of a first end of each of the two second tubes to prevent the second tubes from being separated from the first tube when pulling the second tubes. Each second tube has a cap mounted thereto so that the length of the cigar receiving tube can be adjusted according to the length of the cigar to be received in the cigar tube.

Abstract: A tubular core assembly and system including a rigid, open ended, tubular core body having grip strips arranged in a pattern on the outer surface of the tubular core body, at least one circumferential locking area, and a pair of annular insert members each configured to be received within respective opposed ends of the tubular core body. Upon engagement of an annular insert member with an end of the tubular core body, at least one radially extending member integrally formed on an external peripheral surface of the insert member, becomes releasably interlocked with the locking area, and one or more other radially extending members become frictionally engaged with an inner surface of the tubular core body. The pattern of the grip strips is configured such that when sheet material disposed in a first wrap around the tubular outer surface frictionally engages the grip strips, the first wrap remains releasably retained and successive wraps of the sheet material are disposed in a tightly rolled configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to buoyant, water-resistant sport luggage for various items. The portable sport luggage includes two hollow cylindrical members with their side walls forming conical threads, such that the members may be threaded securely together to form a compartment that provides buoyancy to the sport luggage as well as contain selected utility items. Either one or both hollow cylindrical members may include an apertured tab member with the tab member served to a closed-end member. The apertured tab member is suitable for attaching the portable sport luggage to another object or for use as a lanyard or handle depending on the size of the sport luggage.

Abstract: A variable height container for a vessel of which the upper side is open includes a bottom plate where freight is placed, a plurality of fixed posts installed on the bottom plate, a mobile post installed at each of the fixed posts to be capable of moving up and down by being guide by the fixed post to adjust the height of the container, and a fixing deice for fixing the mobile post to the fixed post so that the height of the mobile post can be fixed. Thus, the cost for transportation can be reduced, mass transportation can be possible, shipping is possible any shipping places, freight can be loaded anywhere on a deck of a ship or inside the ship. Also, rapid and free transportation can be available and the container can be folded by being folded so that a freight space can be reduced.

Abstract: A paperboard display tray having adjustable depth including an outer tray support with a back wall and a pair of integral side walls having a tapered profile from back wall to the front. The side walls are composed of double walls with a space in between. The display tray also includes a slidable tray section with a bottom wall, a front wall along the front edge of the bottom wall, and a pair of side walls. The side walls of the slidable tray section engage the space in side walls of the outer frame in a sliding engagement and have detents to prevent the slidable tray from disengaging from the outer frame. The overall depth of the display tray can be adjusted by sliding the slidable side walls of the slidable tray section back and forth with the walls of the tray support.

Abstract: A packaging case set, used for packing swimming goggles with a mono frame, including two pieces of packaging cases that have the same style case shell, and in which each of the packaging cases consists of a first and second enclosure, bonding unit etc. Therein, the first and second enclosures are inward arching and are then assembled to form a sealed space. Furthermore, each enclosure is equipped with a bonding unit, whereby the bonding unit contains the first and second fasteners, which further become fastened together accordingly. Owing to the above structure, and also by means of the fastening function in-between the first and second fasteners on the first enclosure, it can hence be reassembled into two different-styled packaging cases at the time of opening. Thus, it is ready for the packing of small personal items or complete set of swimming goods, such as swimming goggles, earplugs, nosepieces, etc.

Abstract: A case composed of at least two shells. In a preferred embodiment, two semi-cylindrical shells are provided. The shells are coupled for relative rotation about an axis and are sized so that each shell segment nests within an adjacent shell. The shells are rotatable between a closed position, in which the shells cooperate to define an enclosed compartment, and an open position, in which said shells nest inside one another to provide access to the compartment.

Abstract: An animal feeder assembly including a top and a base. The top comprising an upper surface with a depending sidewall, while the base comprises a bottom wall with an upstanding sidewall. Ribs are spaced about the interior surface of the depending sidewall of the top, and depressions are formed in the outer surface of the sidewall of the base. The top is slightly larger than the base, and fits thereover. The top can be rotated 180.degree. relative to the base, between two operative positions. In one operative position, the ribs pass through the grooves so that the top telescopes over the base to provide a Lowered feed assembly; in the other operative position, the top is extended, relative to the base, to form an elevated feed assembly. A large storage area is formed in the interior of the feeder assembly.

Abstract: A versatile drawer organizer structure for segregating a plurality of items. The structure includes a main compartment and two adjustable side compartments located on each side of the main compartment. Each of the side compartments can slide toward the main compartment or away from the main compartment thus decreasing and increasing the size of the side compartments and decreasing and increasing the overall width of the structure so that the structure precisely fits within the inside width of the drawer. The overall width of the structure can be adjusted without cutting of the material making up the structure and without making any permanent alterations to the structure. Thus, the structure can be easily sized to precisely fit the inside width of a large number of different drawers and many other enclosed spaces.

Abstract: An expandable enclosure with a base having a stationary section and a sliding section. The stationary section has a pair of side edges, each of which has elongated guide tracks formed thereon. The sliding section similarly has a pair of side edges each of which has a second set of elongated guide tracks which slide matingly with the first elongated guide track such that the base can be enlarged by sliding the sliding section relative to the stationary section from a closed position into an expanded position. A preferred embodiment of the invention has a door or cover having a stationary section and a sliding section.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for compressing a collapsible container to adjust an internal volume thereof in order to, for example, preserve carbonation of a liquid in the container. In one embodiment, a base section having a bottom surface and a skirt is adapted to receive and support a lower portion of the container. An upper section having a top surface and an upper skirt engages the base section and surrounds at least part of an upper portion of the container. Interlocking means are operative to interlock the base and upper sections in response to an applied compressive force, and to retain the container in a compressed state after the removal of the force. Other exemplary embodiments may utilize a threaded interlocking means, or a telescoping arrangement with a middle section between the base section and upper section, or may eliminate either the base section or the upper section and utilize interlocking means formed on the container itself.

Abstract: A collapsible cargo container (20) includes a lower portion (22) which is surrounded and slidably received by an upper portion (44). Upper portion (44) may be raised and locked in a fully extended position wherein collapsible cargo container (20) has the dimensions and connection interfaces of a conventional cargo container. Alternatively, upper portion (44) may be lowered onto lower portion (22) so that the volume of collapsible container (20) is approximately one-half that of a convention cargo container. A plurality of connectors (70) hold the walls of the upper portion (44) and lower portion (22) together in either the fully extended or fully collapsed positions. Four hinged corner posts (36a-d) permit upper portion (44) to reside on lower portion (22) in either a fully extended or fully collapsed position.

Abstract: A rigid wall telescoping wine bottle includes an outer cylinder member having an inner cylindrical wall with internal threads and an inner cylindrical member having a bottom end, a top end and external threads engagable with the internal threads. An axially located tube of small diameter as compared with the diameter of the inner cylindrical wall passes through the top and bottom ends of the inner cylindrical member and terminates at the top end in a transparent threaded neck which serves as a pouring spout. An O-ring seal near the bottom end of the inner cylindrical member seals against the inner wall of the outer cylindrical member. Turning the inner member into the outer member displaces air above the wine minimizing oxidation and causing the wine to be forced up the tube into the neck.

Abstract: A foldable box assembly includes a base plate, two first side plates, and two second side plates. The base plate has two opposite lateral sides provided with receiving chambers, respectively. The first side plates each have four sides. One side thereof is pivotally connected to two sides of the base plate. The second side plates are formed from a flexible material and are elastically wound up in the two receiving chambers of the base plate. The second side plates each have an upper end connected to an end rod. The end rod has two ends each being connected to one end of a link. The link has the other end pivotally connected to a free end of a respective one of the first side plates. A positioning mechanism is provided between the base plate and the first side plates, and is adapted for controlling the first side plates to be positioned in an assembled state or in an adjustable state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-use receptacle having longitudinally and laterally variable dimensions, comprising a planar bottom and lateral and longitudinal extension devices which cooperate with said bottom by slidingly moving elongate members which are comprised in said extension devices and which are integral with walls forming the walls of the receptacle in an assembly position.

Abstract: An organizer defining a plurality of compartments which are adjustable in size and shape by panels defining the compartments being adjustable in length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scraper arrangement for attachment to at least one of at least two machine parts which are movable relative to one other, particularly for protection of guideways in machine tools. In this case a scraper strip made from elastically deformable material is replaceably retained on a rigid carrier strip which for its part is releasably connected to a machine part. With a view to a reliable attachment and quick replacement of carrier strip and scraper strip, at least one approximately strip-shaped intermediate carrier can be firmly attached to one machine part and with the aid of at least one C-shaped clamp can be replaceably fixed on a front end edge region of the machine part.

Abstract: A convertible trivet utensil having a body defining a central aperture and a planar surface and a plurality of frusto-conical rings oriented concentrically about a central axis and perpendicular to the planar surface so as to function as a trivet. The rings are nested in a single plane within the aperture in a first state and co-planar with the planar surface. A stand is displacibly attached to one of the rings to form a braced paraboloidal cavity as a bowl or container in a second state.

Abstract: A cargo organizer for the trunk of a vehicle. The device consists of a tubular fame work which is telescopically adjustable and held in position by a pressuring device located inside the tubular members of the framework. Divider plates are located on the framework for dividing the available space in the organizer. The plates may be moved or positioned anywhere along the straight portion of the tubular members.

Abstract: A collapsible shipping container comprises a lid, a base, and a dolly. The lid includes a top wall and a plurality of lid side walls extending downward from the top wall. The base includes a bottom wall and a plurality of base side walls extending upward from the bottom wall. The top wall and the bottom wall are each generally triangular in shape. The base and the lid are releasably engageable to each other and are each convertible between an erected form and a collapsed form. The dolly includes a support frame and a pair of wheels rotatably mounted to the support frame. The support frame is connected to the base with the wheels projecting through respective holes formed in the base.

Abstract: The adjustable measuring device has a cylindrical base and a slightly larger cylindrical sleeve which slides upwardly and downwardly on the cylindrical base to form a cup of variable volume. Both cylinders are oblate and preferably are elliptical or oval in cross-section. This allows the height of the device to be reduced, without loss of measuring capacity, and without loss of gripability. Also, the oblate shape forms a natural pour spout. A sealing member having a relatively thin, flexible wiper or flange element forms a seal at the junction between the interior surface of the sleeve and the top of the base member and minimizes leakage of liquid from the cup. A lip on each narrow end of the upper edge of the sleeve minimizes dripping and running of excess liquid down the outside of the sleeve after pouring. In one embodiment, detent mechanisms are provided to accurately locate different measurement positions of the sleeve.

Abstract: A container which can be held and opened by one hand has a dome-shaped cap formed by a series of adjacent, contiguous and ogee-shaped segments resiliently held together by an elastic ring. When the cap is forced down over the opening rim of the vessel, the ogee-shaped segment separate to expose the vessel opening.

Abstract: A two-part container has a base and a ring. Latches along the lower part of the ring secure the ring to the base and the container is assembled in an upright position in which a flowable material is charged into the container. To dispense the material, a center outlet is provided in the base and the interior walls of the base are slanted toward the outlet. A cutoff device slides across the opening to control the flow of material through the outlet, and the cutoff device can be blocked into place. Once the container is emptied, the ring can be removed and inverted in its orientation and placed over top of the base for assembling the ring and base in a collapsed position in which the container can be returned to the distributor or distribution center. The container is stackable in both the upright and collapsed positions, and the lid sits over the top of the ring when it is assembled in the upright position and over the bottom of the ring when it is assembled in the collapsed position.

Abstract: The left and right side panels of a portable storage enclosure are intersected by window openings through which left and right side support members can be extended laterally into engagement with the load deck sidewalls of a pickup truck. The storage enclosure is installed in an operative position wherein the access opening of the storage enclosure is presented substantially flush with the tailgate access opening so that the storage compartment is conveniently accessible when the tailgate is open and is secured against unauthorized access when the tailgate is closed. Vertical movement of the storage enclosure relative to the load deck is blocked by engagement of the side support members against side pocket portions formed in the deck sidewalls. Forward movement of the storage enclosure is limited by engagement of a stop flange against end portions of the deck sidewalls. Rearward movement of the storage enclosure is blocked by the tailgate when it is in the closed position.

Abstract: A new megaphone cup for providing a device that is convertible between a drinking cup and a megaphone. The inventive device includes a base having upper and lower surfaces with a tubular cup mount upwardly extending from the upper surface of the base. The cup mount has a lumen and an upper opening into the lumen. Removably inserted into the lumen is the bottom end of a cup member. The top and bottom ends of the cup member both have openings into the cup member hollow interior and the cup member is also tapered towards the bottom end of the cup member. When the cup member is detached from the cup mount, a user may shout into the opening of the bottom end to use the cup member as a megaphone. The cup member also includes an extendable portion which is retractably extendable between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: An expandable pet cage for animals, and a method for house-training pets of various sizes comprises two complimentary compartments that are in telescopic relation to each other, thereby providing an adjustable composite volume to house a pet. The adjustable composite volume facilitates using the natural instincts of the pet to resist excreting in the volume of the confinement, thus resulting in house-training the pet. The adjustable volume also can be relied on to hold an animal securely and safely during transporting, and provides an efficient enclosure for drying a pet after grooming. Also, the adjustable composite volume provides the pet owner with the convenience of only having to purchase one cage even if dogs of various sizes are to utilize the cage at different times and for different purposes.

Abstract: A new car washing bucket and organizer for assisting in washing a car and storing loose belongings. The inventive device includes an outer container having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a surrounding side wall. The outer container has a handle pivotally coupled thereto. An interior surface of the outer container has a pair of opposed protrusions extending inwardly therefrom. An inner container slidably receives within the open upper end of the outer container. The inner container has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a surrounding side wall. The inner container has a pair of inverted U-shaped channel members disposed on exterior surfaces of side walls thereof. The channel members receive the protrusions of the outer container therein when the inner container is positioned within the outer container.

Abstract: A holiday treat package (16) comprising a tubular container (18) filled with a plurality of candy and small toys (20). A wrapper (22) has first and second longitudinal edges (24) of a length longer than the axial length of the tubular container (18). It also has first and second transverse edges (26) of a width longer than the radial circumference of the tubular container (18), so that the wrapper (22) can be rolled about the tubular container (18). A facility (28) is for sealing off the transverse edge (26) of the wrapper (22) after the wrapper (22) is rolled about the tubular container (18). A component (30) is for retaining one of the longitudinal edges (24) to the wrapper (22) after the wrapper (22) is rolled about the tubular container (18) so that it can be given to a child.

Abstract: A container including a container body decorated with a drawing, a hollow shell sleeved onto the container body and defining an enclosed space around the container body; and a telescopic decorative device mounted around the container body within the enclosed space and having a plurality of decorative rings that slide one inside another and decorated with a part of a drawing, wherein the decorative rings of the telescopic decorative device are received one inside another and the drawing of the container body is revealed when the container is turned upside down with the top opening facing downwards; the decorative rings of the telescopic decorative device are extended out of one another to show the drawing thereof as a whole when the container is disposed in vertical with said top opening facing upwards.

Abstract: A new adjustable container for providing a storage container whose volume may be adjusted to suit the size and amount of items held therein. The inventive device includes a base with a perimeter side wall extending around the base outer perimeter to define an interior space. The perimeter side wall has a height (defined between the terminal edge of the perimeter side wall and the base) which is adjustably extendible to increase or decrease the volume of the interior space. A removable lid is provided for substantially covering the opening into the interior space.

Abstract: A versatile drawer organizer structure for segregating a plurality of items. The structure includes a main compartment and two adjustable side compartments located on each side of the main compartment. Each of the side compartments can slide toward the main compartment or away from the main compartment thus decreasing and increasing the size of the side compartments and decreasing and increasing the overall width of the structure so that the structure precisely fits within the inside width of the drawer. The overall width of the structure can be adjusted without cutting of the material making up the structure and without making any permanent alterations to the structure. Thus, the structure can be easily sized to precisely fit the inside width of a large number of different drawers and many other enclosed spaces.