Abstract: An improved hydration system for runners that provides superior motion control and easy dispensing. Fluid is contained within a flexible bladder and pack, and attached to the waist. The pack is constructed of comfortable, elastic, and thermally-insulating fabric. When attached to the waist, tension in the fabric compresses the bladder against the user and dampens motion. Uniform distribution of fluid in the bladder contributes to motion control and is provided by a flexible plastic compression plate and snap elements that pinch the lower portion of the bladder. The snap elements can be disengaged to allow the bladder to be fully expanded for easy cleaning and drying. Fluid is dispensed from a small waist-mounted squeeze bottle that fills automatically from the bladder via fluid coupling elements. Check valves ensure that fluid flows unidirectionally from bladder to bottle to user, and prevent air infiltration into the squeeze bottle and bladder.

Abstract: Covers, containers, multi-ply insulators and methods are disclosed for maintaining a desired thermal environment for carried or conveyed materials. The insulating cover of this invention for use over a liquid supply tube of the type associated with body mountable hydration pack system includes a multi-ply envelope having outer and inner material layers, the outer layer having an outwardly facing reflective surface, preferably a silver MYLAR with knit backing. The inner layer includes an open cell foam with a smooth, inwardly facing, lining.

Abstract: A water bag is provided having a water outlet tube at the bottom side, a mouth at the top side, transverse locating ribs and transverse locating grooves symmetrically disposed in inner sidewalls of two opposite bag body panels of the mouth and adapted for sealing the mouth, and a strip and hook material and a strip of loop material provided at the outer sidewalls of the bag body panels at two sides for fastening to each other to hold the mouth in a closed rolled up status.

Abstract: A self defense pendant and necklace with a pendant assembly including: a removable and replaceable front panel, a main body capable of retaining a small pressurized spray canister and associated spray head, and a hinged top portion that allows access to the top of the spray head. The pendant front includes a horizontally disposed orifice at its top potion that allows pepper spray to exit the front of the pendant assembly. The main body includes an orifice at its top most portion to allow a necklace to be attached to the pendant assembly. The pendant front includes a decorative element. A necklace assembly includes a necklace and attached lanyard. The lanyard is retained in a coiled manner inside a standard spring reel assembly so that the necklace can be extended outward when the user wants to access the pepper spray function and automatically return to its original position after use as a defensive implement.

Abstract: A pressure valve device for a gas pressure cartridge has a pressure valve, a container connected to the pressure valve and a clip connected to the pressure valve. The pressure valve has an exhaust port and a gas inlet with a crewing portion. The container in which a gas cartridge is retained has a screwing opening screwed onto the screwing portion of the gas inlet. When the container is screwed onto the screwing portion, gas from the gas cartridge is input to the gas inlet. The pressure valve outputs a fixed gas pressure through the exhaust port into the compressed air gun. In addition, the clip on the pressure valve makes carrying the pressure valve device on a belt or the like easy.

Abstract: The device for filling and leveling grass surfaces comprises a tube having an upper end and a lower end; a planar bottom chute extending across the lower end of the tube, the planar bottom chute being pivotaly mounted to the lower end of the tube; a handle assembly mounted at an upper end of the tube; a linkage mechanism connected between the handle assembly and the planar bottom chute; and a biasing device for biasing the handle assembly to exert a pulling force on the linkage mechanism to hold the planar bottom chute closely against the lower end of the tube whereby an operator can manipulate the handle assembly for moving the planar bottom chute toward and away from the lower open end of the tube for opening and closing the tube to facilitate dispensing of grass seed or a grass seed and earth mixture from the lower end of the tube and can level the seed or seed mixture with seed planar bottom chute.

Abstract: A handle assembly and related kit for dispensing liquid to a surface. The handle assembly includes a handle, a valve system, and an actuator assembly. The valve system includes a delivery tube disposed within the handle that fluidly connects an upstream housing and a dispensing assembly. The upstream housing is fluidly connected to a liquid reservoir. The dispensing assembly includes a plunger forming at least one orifice. The actuator assembly biases the valve system toward a closed position in which the orifice is exteriorly sealed, and allows actuation to an open position in which the orifice is open relative to an exterior of the handle assembly. During use, the valve system is transitioned to the open position in which liquid flows from the reservoir to the orifice and outwardly therefrom without introducing air upstream of the orifice.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a hydration system designed for drinking liquids from that system. The mouthpiece comprises a body having an internal conduit passing through it, the internal conduit having a broad portion provided with a broad opening and a narrow portion provided with a narrow opening, a piston member having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the piston member provided with a passageway passing through it, the passageway having a first opening at the proximal portion and a second opening between the proximal portion and the distal portion. At least a portion of the piston member is inserted in the conduit fitting inside the broad portion while the distal portion of the piston member is adapted to fit inside the narrow portion. The piston member is adapted to coaxially move within the body. The mouthpiece further provided with an O-ring closely encircling the distal portion of the piston member.

Abstract: An improved bite valve for use in personal hydration devices and other water dispensing systems. The valve has a flexible conduit sealed at an end by a cap. Fluid is blocked from flowing out of the conduit by the cap. The cap provides a fluid seal as a ring around an exterior surface of the conduit. Biting an end of the conduit, near the cap, radially separates the conduit from the cap, permitting fluid to flow into a person's mouth. The configuration of the valve permits a larger valve opening, and correspondingly improved fluid flow through the valve. A positive stop mechanism, to prevent undesired fluid flow, may also be provided in a valve.

Abstract: A hydration pouch with a releasable coupling is disclosed. The hydration pouch is a flexible bag or pouch with a separate inlet and outlet. A hose or tube is provided for a user to draw refreshment from the pouch. A valve is provided at one end of the tube. Closer to the pouch, or at the pouch itself, a coupling is provided for attaching and detaching at least a portion of the hose. The coupling includes a shutoff or check valve in order to maintain the patency of the pouch when the hose is disconnected. Upon engaging the portions of the coupling, fluid within the pouch is able to feed into the tube. In use, the pouch is generally housed in a backpack. By actuating the coupling, the pouch alone may be removed for refill, chilling or cleaning—leaving the hose behind so it does not also have to be refit in the pack the next time around.

Abstract: A drink valve including a housing, a valve member telescopically engaged within the opening of the housing with the housing and valve member being in fluid communication and including a flow path defined by openings of the housing and valve member, and an actuating mechanism including a deformable seal defined by a deformable sidewall of the housing, where the actuating mechanism includes a fluid tight seal that prevents fluid flow in a normally closed position and is actuatable into an open position to enable fluid flow through the flow path when the sidewall of the housing is deformed.

Abstract: A portable, battery powered spray applicator car wash device capable of holding and dispensing liquid cleansers and waxes for rubbing into the body and windows of a vehicle; thereby, enabling complete and portable mobile washing and cleaning services and complete detailing of a vehicle without the use of water.

Abstract: A container (20) for a flowable material for carrying on a person. The container includes an elongate vessel (22) for containing the flowable material, the vessel including a first end (24), a second end (26) and a longitudinal axis. The vessel is bendable so that the first end and the second end can be brought toward each other. Further, the vessel is deformable axially to alter the length and volume of the vessel. A sealable inlet (28) is provided for introducing the flowable material into the vessel (22), while a sealable outlet is provided for expelling the flowable material from the vessel.

Abstract: Personal defense apparatus including a receptacle containing a quantity of a defensive composition, an attached nozzle for directing a flow of the defensive composition from the receptacle through an opening, and attached ornamentation disguising the receptacle and the nozzle and that does not interfere with the flow of the defensive composition from the receptacle through the nozzle.

Abstract: A tubular reservoir for wear on a finger contains a deterrent to ward off an assailant. A housing, defining the reservoir, collapses upon flexing of the finger to propel the deterrent for nozzle discharge. A cap is carried by a retainer which is rapidly dislodged by a finger adjacent the finger worn device.

Abstract: A self defense ring device which ejects a noxious substance in the direction of an assailant when activated by a user. The invention includes a sealed ampoule containing a noxious substance or a combination of substances separated by membranes. This ampoule is driven forward by pressure within a closed chamber having an ejection outlet. The ampoule is pierced and collapsed by the pressure, ejecting the noxious substance or mixture of substances through the ejection outlet at high speed. This mechanism is appropriate for a wide variety of noxious substances. The ejection outlet is inconspicuously placed on the side or underside of the ring, aiding in concealing the self-defense function of the ring device.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing container for conveniently storing and dispensing various types of fluids. The liquid dispensing container includes a container capable of storing a volume of fluid, a strap attached to an upper surface of the container, a fill cap removably attached to a threaded nipple, a transparent or semi-transparent viewing portion within at least one side of the container, a dispensing hose fluidly connected to a lower portion of the container, a dispensing nozzle attached to the end of the dispensing hose, and a clasp attached to the container for catchably receiving the dispensing hose. A plurality of marker lines and relevant indicia are preferably positioned adjacent the viewing portion which has an elongate vertical structure thereto for allowing an individual to determine the amount of fluid within or dispensed from the container. The dispensing hose and the nozzle are preferably comprised of a relatively smaller structure for allowing the individual to fit the nozzle into compact areas.

Abstract: A hydration system for providing fluid to a user. The system comprises a bladder configured to hold a fluid, wherein comprises an outer layer of a fluorinated rubber composite. A spout is connected to the bladder and in communication with the inside of the bladder, wherein the spout comprises an output port and an fill port for filling the bladder with fluid. A cap adapted to engage and close the fill port is included. Also, a tube having a first end is connected to the output port of the spout and having a second end and having a second end connected to a fluid delivery fitting.

Abstract: A tubular reservoir for wear on a finger contains a deterrent to ward off an assailant. A housing, defining the reservoir, collapses upon flexing of the finger to propel the deterrent for nozzle discharge. A cap is carried by a retainer which is rapidly dislodged by a finger adjacent the finger worn device.

Abstract: A hard and soft plastic integral nozzle structure includes a built-in supporting frame member which is made of hard plastic, and at least having a left and a right clipping rod such that both the left clipping rod and the right clipping rod of the frame member in the injected mold being propped by a propping member to open outward, and forms an integrally wrapped nozzle. After the propping member in the mold retracts and separates from the mold, the contraction of the elasticity for the two clipping rods of the supporting frame member made of hard plastic material gives an excellent anti-leaking effect for the crevices at the center of the nozzle.

Abstract: A portable spray misting device including an internally hollowed body capable of holding a volume of fluid to be dispensed. The body includes a substantially bottom facing surface and a contoured upper body terminating in an upwardly extending and interiorly open neck which defines a first port having a first diameter. A spray applicating head for issuing a mist spray of said fluid is secured to said open neck by means of an integrally formed collar and a portable fan unit including a plurality of rotatable blades may be secured atop the spray applicating head. An interiorly open and annular rim extends from a specified location of the bottom facing surface and defines a second port with a diameter greater than the first diameter of the first port.

Abstract: A personal hydration system surfers and sports participants is disclosed that minimizes interruption of the user's sporting activity. A receptacle attached to the rear of a surfer's wetsuit vest retains a removable fluid container therein and the removable fluid container includes a flexible fluid delivery tube to allow a user to suck fluid stored in the removable fluid container through the tube. The upper body garment is constructed of a semi-flexible material that is sufficiently stiff to allow the upper body garment to maintain its shape while conforming to a user's physique. The upper body garment also includes side panels of a very flexible and body conforming material such as Lycra® that aid the user's upper body movements. Other embodiments are shown wherein the garment could be a snow boarding jacket or a fisherman's waders. An embodiment for retrofitting such a personal hydration system to an existing garment is shown also.

Abstract: A water supply device for divers includes a cylinder connected to a mouthpiece and a piston member is movably received in the cylinder so that when the piston member is moved by pushing a push rod connected to the piston member, water in the cylinder flows out from the cylinder and enters into the mouthpiece. The piston member has a central passage defined longitudinally therethrough and has a threaded portion defined in a periphery defining the central passage. The push rod extends through the central passage of the piston member and has a threaded section engaged with the threaded portion of the piston member. The push rod is disengaged from the threaded portion of the piston member and received in the cylinder when the push rod is not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus disguised as a flashlight to be used as a self protection device. This apparatus includes a housing ergonomically designed to fit a user's hand. Included in the housing are a battery, a low battery indicator device, a lighting device, a chemical spray canister, a shocking primary electrode and an additional shocking electrode, each component having a trigger assembly. The primary electrodes are triggered by a trigger switch. The additional electrode is triggered by applying force on the electrodes. The apparatus is used to either shoot the chemical spray at an assailant at a distance, or use the shocking primary electrode at a close distance, if the assailant is in front of a victim. When the assailant is at the back of the victim, the bottom additional electrode is activated for use while at the same time deactivating the shocking primary electrode. The personal safety device has a safety device that can disable the personal safety device when it is pulled from a user.

Abstract: A portable device for dispensing a particulate salt material upon a ground surface having a body with a substantially hollow interior, a forwardly located and open end and a reclosable end cap engaged with a rearwardly located end for permitting the hollow interior to be filled holding a volume of the particulate material. A rotor element is mounted in communication with the first open end and includes a plurality of individual and arcuately arrayed dispensing portions arranged around a central cross wise extending and rotatable shaft. A driving mechanism is associated with the body for actuating the rotor element to dispense volumes of the held particulate and may include either a hand-operated crank or an electric motor operatively connected to the rotatable shaft and powered by at least one battery contained within the hollow interior of the body and electrically communicable with the motor.

Abstract: A flexible member is fabricated with side walls forming a chamber which is coupled to a liquid source on one side and has a slit through an end wall on the other side. The end wall is generally curved toward the chamber on its interior surface. The exterior surface of the end wall has ridges adjacent to the slit that extends through the end wall. Deformation of the side walls of the flexible member as by biting causes the end wall with the slit to deform and open the slit which otherwise is retained closed by the walls of the flexible member. This action establishes fluid dispensing from the source through the slit. The thickness of the end wall varies over its distance creating weaken areas in the end wall. These weakened areas create areas in which the end wall deforms opening the slit. In addition to the foregoing, the interior surface forming the chamber has a minimal surface area. The surface is smooth, allowing easier cleaning of the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand held, seed planting device for use by individuals. It is comprised of a soil probe for insertion into the earth, a seed feed conduit, and a movable clearing rod that slides through the soil probe. The clearing rod is used to clean the probe and embed the seeds in the earth. An adjustable depth gauge on the probe allows for the consistent, measured insertion of the seeds into the soil without stooping.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus for removably coupling to an arm of a user. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a container for holding a liquid. The container includes a first wall, a second wall and a peripheral wall extending between the first and second walls to define an interior for receiving the liquid. A port having a hole extending through it is provided for expelling the liquid. A conduit is provided for transporting the liquid from the container to the port. A first end of the conduit is fluidly connected to a second wall of the container. A second end of the conduit is fluidly connected to the port. A valve assembly is provided for controlling the flow of liquid through the conduit and is operationally coupled to a portion of the conduit. A plurality of fastening members is provided for fastening the apparatus to the arm of the user.

Abstract: A squirting swim mask is provided having a snorkeling mask and a pair of squirt nozzles, one located on either side of the mask, near eye level. Each nozzle connected to squeezable bulbs via sections of thin plastic tubing, with each squeezable bulb having its own one way water valve that allows water to enter the bulb through the valve, but never leave the bulb through the valve.

Abstract: A portable backpack sprayer for spraying liquid chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers having a large storage tank in which is mounted a pressure vessel. A manually actuated pumping assembly is connected with the bottom portion of the pressure vessel and also with the bottom portion of the tank. The pumping assembly comprises a reciprocating piston to draw liquid from the storage tank and pressurize it within the pressure vessel. The operator may discharge the pressurized liquid using a hose and a control valve affixed to the pressure vessel. The pumping assembly further comprises a double-walled piston and a leak barrier to collect any liquid that may leak from the piston. The reciprocating action of the piston is utilized to return the leaked liquid to the storage tank via a return siphon.

Abstract: A pressurizing device for a personal hydration system of the type utilizing a bladder storing a quantity of hydrating fluid. The pressurizing device utilizes at least one compression plate which contacts the hydration bladder and is held thereon through use of at least one retaining band. Through such attachment, the fluid within the hydration bladder of the personal hydration system is pressurized and able to be more easily drawn into the mouth of a user of the personal hydration system.

Abstract: A personal hydration system with a flow-restricting device. The hydration system includes a fluid reservoir configured to store fluid and a tube assembly that is coupled to the reservoir and configured to deliver fluid to a user's mouth, such as via a mouthpiece. The system further includes a flow-restricting device that is configured to selectively restrict the flow of drink fluid between the reservoir and the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the flow-restricting device includes a body and a rotatable core.

Abstract: An auxiliary sole includes a ball portion, a heel portion, scent dispensing means, and attachment means for releasably attaching the heel portion to the ball portion. The ball portion and the heel portion include a base having a plurality of projections depending from the base. The scent dispenser may be made of an absorbent material impregnated with the scent of an animal that is positioned within a recess formed in one of the projections of the ball portion or the heel portion. The base of the ball portion has an elongate opening and the base of the heel portion has a pair of opposed end tabs that are received within the opening of the base of the ball portion. The base of the ball portion and the base of the heel portion may be provided with hook and loop fasteners to releasably attach the heel portion to the base portion.

Abstract: A portable spray misting device including an internally hollowed body capable of holding a volume of fluid to be dispensed. The body includes a flattened base capable of supporting the body upon a flat surface and a contoured upper body terminating in an upwardly extending and interiorly open neck which defines a first port having a first diameter. A spray applicating head for issuing a mist spray of the fluid is secured to the open neck by an integrally formed collar. An interiorly open and annular rim extends from a specified location of the contoured upper body and defines a second port with a diameter greater than the first diameter of the first port. A cap is provided for securing in a fluid-tight manner over the annular rim of the second collar and so as to provide a device which permits a user to more quickly refill a fluid reservoir within the body interior and to facilitate reception of larger sized ice cubes and the like.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for holding and dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on a golf course. The dispenser has a container, a spout releasably attached to an end of the container and dispersing means for dispersing the fill material within an interior of the dispenser. A holder for dispenser is provided with protrusions that engage the dispenser in a manner where the dispenser is spaced the holder. The holder is provided with a universal mounting surface that permits attaching the holder to a golf car in a variety of positions. A mounting plate for the holder and brackets are also provided.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system and method utilizing a dispensing tube on a therapist's hand for receiving medicated and non-medicated fluids, lotions and gels from a reservoir to be disposed onto a patient by manual contact by the therapist is disclosed.

Abstract: A personal hydration system with an improved mouthpiece for use in providing fluid for delivery to a user. The mouthpiece includes a neck that is adapted to be mounted on a supply tube to a hydration system and which is joined to a resilient head. The head includes a dispensing face with a pair of lips that define a normally closed slit, through which fluid is dispensed from the mouthpiece, a perimeter and a minimum dimension between opposed points on the perimeter. The bite region extends from the perimeter to a shoulder, which joins the bite region and the neck. From a closed position, in which the lips extend against each other to close the slit and prevent fluid from being dispensed through the slit, the mouthpiece is deformable to a dispensing position in which the lips are spread at least partially away from each other to allow fluid to be dispensed through the lips.

Abstract: A portable device for dispensing a particulate salt material upon a ground surface having a body with a substantially hollow interior, a forwardly located and open end and a reclosable end cap engaged with a rearwardly located end for permitting the hollow interior to be filled holding a volume of the particulate material. A rotor element is mounted in communication with the first open end and includes a plurality of individual and arcuately arrayed dispensing portions arranged around a central cross wise extending and rotatable shaft. A driving mechanism is associated with the body for actuating the rotor element to dispense volumes of the held particulate and may include the provision of either a hand-operated crank or an electric motor operatively connected to the rotatable shaft and powered by at least one battery contained within the hollow interior of the body and electrically communicable with the motor.

Abstract: A hand operated water gun which utilizes a base section which can be mounted on the upper arm of the user or carried by the user. The base section may include an elastic bladder and a pumping apparatus. The elastic bladder connects with a reservoir. The pumping apparatus is manually operated by a movable section which can comprise a handle. The movable section is pivotally mounted to the base section. Movement of the movable section causes water to flow from the reservoir into the elastic bladder causing the elastic bladder to expand. A discharge nozzle is connected to the elastic bladder with the discharge nozzle being normally closed preventing flow of water therethrough by a discharge valve. The discharge valve is to be manually openable to cause the dispensing of the water in the form of a stream. The water is to be supplied into the elastic bladder until it expands to a certain degree prior to opening of the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir for a toy water gun is provided, the reservoir comprising: a housing having an internal chamber for containing a quantity of liquid; a fill opening situated on the housing leading to the internal chamber; and a valve plate situated adjacent to the fill opening, the valve plate being movable between a first position and a second position; in the first position, the valve plate covers the fill opening thereby preventing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber; in the second position, the valve is spaced apart from the fill opening thereby allowing flow of liquid into and out of the internal chamber.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser securable about a user's limb for storing and dispensing a liquid and a method for dispensing the liquid. The dispenser comprises a sized flexible strap adapted to engage an outer surface of the limb. A flexible pouch is joined with the strap and includes a liquid impervious liner. A chamber is housed within the pouch where the liquid impervious liner surrounds the chamber and liquid can be stored within the chamber. A dispensing nipple extends through the pouch and is in fluid flow communication with the chamber. The nipple is operable between a closed position whereby the liquid is sealed within the chamber and an open position whereby the liquid can be communicated to or from the chamber. The dispenser includes an elongation characteristic wherein the dispenser can stretch more in a first direction than a different second direction as defined over a given area of the dispenser.

Abstract: A liquid valve assembly for a toy water gun is provided, the assembly comprising: a conduit being designed to transport liquid therethrough from a liquid source, the conduit comprising an inlet and terminating in a tube, the tube having opposing ends, one of the ends forming a closed tip; and a movable sleeve, the tube being inserted within the sleeve, the sleeve having an outer end, the outer end having a central passage, the sleeve being movable relative to the tube from a first position to a second position, in the first position, the sleeve locates the closed tip and forms a fluid tight connection with the central passage thereby preventing flow of liquid through the central passage, in the second position, the sleeve locates the outer end spaced from the tube thereby permitting flow of liquid through the central passage.

Abstract: A portable, waterproof, and refillable storage and dispensing system for liquid toiletries comprises a multi-tube storing and dispensing portion and a carrying and hanging strap. The storage and dispensing system may be used for holding a customized arrangement of personal toiletries such as shampoo, hair conditioner, liquid soap, etc., for easily transporting the arrangement to remote locations, such as on vacation or to a health spa, and for easily refilling. The assembly is completely waterproof and designed such that when hanging, it will drip-dry quickly and will not be damaged or adversely affected by moisture.

Abstract: A portable gun for discharging highly pressurized fluid material such as tear gas or capsicum spray comprises an elongate refillable pressure vessel (8) for storing under pressure fluid material to be discharged. A discharge barrel (4) is coupled to the pressure vessel via a valve assembly (6) and through which the material is discharged when the valve assembly is opened by actuation of a trigger (38). The axis of the barrel is orientated in the same direction as the axis of the pressure vessel, and the gun is supported from the body of a user by a sling so that the gun can be supported with the axes of the pressure vessel and barrel generally horizontally directed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a liquid on the body of a person and discharging the liquid. The apparatus consists of a liquid container that is dimensioned so that a top portion thereof may be inserted between the buttocks of a user. The liquid container is connected to a hose, which is of sufficient length to pass between a user's legs. The hose is capped, so as to prevent accidental discharge of the contained liquid. In the preferred embodiment, the temperature of the contained liquid may be maintained by lining the base of the liquid container with an insulation material and, where necessary, positioning a heat packet within an opening in the insulation material.

Abstract: A hands-free personal hydration delivery system has a tubing assembly that has one end that detachably connects to a feed tube for a container of fluid worn on the back or torso of a user. The other end of the tubing assembly is coupled to a bite valve which is opened when manipulated by the user's mouth to allow fluid to be drawn by suction applied by the user, and is closed when not being manipulated so as to cut off fluid flow in an air-tight condition. An intermediate portion of the tubing assembly is mounted on the user's head or to the user's headgear at a position of higher elevation than the user's mouth. This allows fluid to be drawn to the elevated position and flow downward from there to the user's mouth by gravity feed. The fluid flow can then continue with little suction effort due to the gravity feed and siphoning effect of fluid from the container.

Abstract: A personal dispensing system allows various cleansing or sanitizing products to be carried on the body of a user. Often, the product to be dispensed will be a viscous liquid, such as soap, waterless hand cleaner, waterless hand sanitizer or skin lotion. A dispenser made according to the invention includes a product container having a mounting element, such as a mounting clip, located thereon. In many cases, the mounting element will be oriented such that the product container will be inverted when worn on the body of a user. In addition, the mounting element may be removable from the product container so that a new product container can be substituted when the contents of a prior product container are depleted. According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, multiple product containers of different types may be used with a common mounting element. Various interlocking arrangements are contemplated to effect the removable securement of the mounting element to the product container.

Abstract: A flexible member is fabricated with four side walls forming a chamber which is coupled to a fluid source or reservoir on one side and has a slit through the end wall on the other side. The end wall is generally flat on its interior surface. Deformation of the side walls of the flexible member as by biting causes the end wall with the slit to deform and open the slit which otherwise is retained closed by the walls of the flexible member. This action establishes fluid dispensing from the source through the slit. The thickness of at least two of the side walls with respect to the slit containing end wall is greater than the end wall so that the pivoting hinge lines are established. Alternatively or in addition to the foregoing, a cut or groove into the interior of the end wall establishes a hinge line with cuts on either side of the slit thus establishing dual hinge lines.

Abstract: A soft-sided container assembly is provided that includes a beverage container liner and an insulating cover for generally maintaining the temperature of the container contents during transport and/or short term storage. The container assembly is adapted to facilitate access to and/or removal of the container liner from the insulating cover. Thus, the top panel of the insulating cover is provided as a cover flap structure having a container overlying portion and a flap attachment portion that is detachably secured may be attached to the side wall. Because the top panel overlies substantially the entire exposed top wall of the container liner, detaching the top panel substantially fully opens the cover for removal of liner. In addition or in the alternative, one or more grip structures are provided adjacent the bottom of the insulating cover, for being manually grasped, to provide suitable resistance whereby the liner can be removed from the cover.

Abstract: A portable automatic misting device (20) uses a misting device assembly (38) to automatically disperses a mist (36). The misting assembly (38) includes a hollow cylinder (40) that forms a liquid reservoir (50) that is in fluid communication with a one-way valve (76,102) that permits liquid flow into the reservoir (50). The reservoir (50) has fluid communication with a misting nozzle (34) through a hollow plunger rod (28). A plunger (42), a spring (48) and a portion of the hollow plunger rod (28) are located inside the hollow cylinder (40). The spring (48) is biased to move the plunger (42) and the hollow plunger rod (28) to automatically shrink the liquid reservoir (50). In another embodiment, the plunger rod (28) is solid and the reservoir (50) has fluid communication with the misting nozzle (34) through a second one-way valve (106) that permits liquid flow out of the reservoir (50).