Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a container with one or more secondary objects housed in the container and configured with indicia to communicate a message. One or more secondary objects in communication with a weight are housed in the container. A combination of the weight and buoyancy characteristics of the secondary object(s) supports floating of the secondary object in the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for delivering messages, such as advertising messages. Printed labels are provided on drinks container lids, such as takeaway coffee container lids. Providing printed labels has the advantage that the lid does not need to be changed to provide a different message. Only the printed label has to be changed. To facilitate placement of the printed labels on the lids, the present invention also provides a labelling machine which includes delivery apparatus for delivering lids to a labelling position. The delivery apparatus includes a picker arrangement arranged to pick individual lids from a magazine and place them on a conveyer for delivery to the labelling point. It also includes a stacker apparatus for stacking the lids into a magazine for ease of distribution.

Abstract: A method for identifying a work object from among a plurality of work objects, the method including the steps of applying indicators to the work object which are individually selectable; and activating the indicators so as to indicate the work object with an identifying code. An apparatus for practicing the method using a plurality of protrusions each bearing a symbol and which can individually selectively be inverted to display an identifying code.

Abstract: A bed pad and a method for constructing a bed pad are disclosed. The bed pad comprises a first mat and a second mat, wherein the first mat is constructed of randomly aligned synthetic fibers which are opened and blended, randomly aligned into a web by airflow, joined by water based phenolic or latex binding agents and heat cured to produce an air-permeable varying mesh, the first mat being of unitary sheet construction and having a first stiffness and the second mat, cooperative with the first mat, is constructed of randomly aligned synthetic fibers which are opened and blended, randomly aligned into a web by airflow, joined by water based phenolic or latex binding agents and heat cured to produce an air-permeable varying mesh, the second mat being of unitary sheet construction and having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A display fixture includes a shelf having a tester product receptacle, at least one first tester product assembly and an elongated channel. The at least one first tester product assembly has a base and a cover. The cover includes a hinge component. The base is located in the tester product receptacle of the shelf. The elongated channel is coupled to the shelf and is configured to receive and retain the hinge component of the cover such that the cover is rotatable about a back edge of the base of the at least one first tester product assembly.

Abstract: In order to better aid consumers of prescription medicine and the like in efficient and rapid identification of the correct pill to be taken from among multiple containers, a novel group of articles of manufacture adapted for use with end-use prescription medicine containers at least includes a plurality of predetermined medicine purpose types corresponding to different types of medical or vitality purposes that underlying medicines are targeted to treat or address. Each article of manufacture is adapted to be coupled to an end-use, target prescription medicine container by an end-user or pharmacy function, and each article of manufacture at least includes an ideogram adapted to encourage a psychological association with, and identification of, the medicine expected to be placed in the target prescription medicine container to which the article of manufacture is adapted, and each article of manufacture is associated with a particular medicine purpose type.

Abstract: A propelled lance provides a wounding non-lethal anti-insurgent action when stepped on by piercing an enemy insurgent's foot with a lance penetrator. The lance penetrator lodges in the foot and further penetration is impeded by a stop plate. The lance penetrator may insert an RFID or other identifiable device or other payload into the insurgent. The lance penetrator provides anti-personnel, anti-vehicle and anti-robot action.

Abstract: A support bracket for an upright tracer wire conduit proximate a pipeline riser with an above grade flange having bolt holes for receipt of mounting bolts. The bracket has a first hole sized to accommodate the mounting bolt shank diameter and a second hole spaced from the first hole and sized to accommodate a diameter of said upright tracer wire conduit. The bracket is thereby arranged for fastening to the above grade flange of the pipeline riser through alignment of the first hole of the bracket with one of the bolt holes of the above grade flange and fastening of the mounting bolt through said aligned holes in order to support the tracer wire conduit in an upright position extending through the second hole. A surface of the bracket facing away from the holes presents a label carrying area of the bracket for displaying identifying information concerning the pipeline or riser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying and selling products from different product segments within a planogram for products of only one product segment. A product display interrupter is provided in a product display of products from a single product segment to interrupt the display to draw the consumer's attention to another product not of that product segment. The product display interrupter may be in the form of a stand-alone display structure. Preferably, the products to be displayed are framed by and within the product display interrupter. Indicia, such as information on how the products are to be used in conjunction with one another, may be provided on the product display interrupter.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for personalizing items. The system includes a body. The system also includes a hole, wherein the hole passes completely through at least a portion of the body.

Abstract: A labeling device that can be affixed to articles of different shapes by more than one method and can provide information regarding the contents of the article.

Abstract: Bedding assemblies useful in the management of incontinence are provided herein. Preferred bedding assemblies include a top wicking layer, an electrical circuit configured to detect the presence of moisture, an absorbent layer, and a waterproof layer. Assemblies are configured to signal to a receiving device which in turn can communicate an alarm signal or be operably coupled with a notification device. Assemblies can include mattress overlays, mattress covers, and mattresses.

Abstract: An identification mat for identifying electrical components having a plurality of identification units, wherein an identification unit has a crossbar and a plurality of identification plates integrally moulded on the crossbar. The identification units are connected to one another by means of a frame, wherein the frame is provided with a guidance device for guiding the identification mat in a printer. The identification mat allows identification units to be provided which can be labelled or printed essentially using all commercially available printing methods, particularly using a thermal transfer printing method and/or an inkjet printing method. The identification mat is produced from an amorphous plastic.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for labeling products may be applied to vehicle labeling, where complying with legal requirements of one jurisdiction may otherwise violate legal requirements within a second jurisdiction. Label content, format, and placement on vehicles, as imposed by federal law, creates a visual obstruction in violation of state law when a prospective customer is driving the vehicle. A new product label configured as a panel, which may be the Monroney sticker for a vehicle, or which may contain the Monroney sticker information and extend beyond that label itself, acts as a one-way panel. The panel permits transmission of light inward toward the driver, thus appearing sufficiently transparent not to create a visual obstruction. The panel may be sized from the size of a conventional Monroney sticker, up to the size of the entire window, acting as a window shade and a window sticker.

Abstract: A label sheet construction including a liner sheet and a facestock sheet releasably adhered to the liner sheet. A plurality of labels and fold lines are die cut in the facestock sheet but not the liner sheet. The fold lines extend between the labels. After the sheet construction has been passed through a printer or copier and the desired indicia printed on the labels, the construction (an upper portion thereof) is bent back along one of the fold lines. This separates a(n) (upper) portion of the label from the underlying liner sheet. The user then easily grasps the upper portion and peels the label off of the liner sheet without tearing the label. When the label has a burst design, it is preferable to have a pair of fold lines for folding the liner sheet away from a portion of the label. The burst design preferably has alternating long and short points.

Abstract: Forms containing a removable hang tag are disclosed. An example form includes a substrate including a first line of weakness defining a central area and a perimeter area. The form includes a second line of weakness in the central area to divide the central area into a first side and a second side. The form includes a third line of weakness formed in the perimeter area to define a sleeve area. The form includes a fourth line of weakness formed in the sleeve area to divide the sleeve area into a first sleeve layer and a second sleeve layer.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing wardrobing is presented. An anti-wardrobing device for attachment to a merchandise item includes a ribbon, a branding plate and a lock. The ribbon has a first end and a second end adapted to be placed through the merchandise item. The branding plate is adapted to display information about the merchandise item, branding of merchandise item. The lock is located at one end of the branding plate. The lock is adapted to be locked to the ribbon so that the ribbon is looped through the merchandise item and then locked so that the ribbon cannot be removed from the merchandise item without cutting the ribbon.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing wardrobing is presented. A method loops the ribbon through a merchandise item. A branding tag is locked onto the ribbon so that the ribbon cannot be removed from the merchandise item without cutting the ribbon or breaking the branding tag. The branding tag contains branding information related to the merchandise item. When the item is returned, a determination is made if the ribbon and/or the branding tag have been tampered with. The method does not provide a refund when tampering has occurred.

Abstract: An exemplary line holder comprises a sheet having creases that extend between opposing sides and define a plurality of panels. The creases are foldable in alternating opposite directions such that the sheet is foldable along the creases between an open configuration and a pleated configuration. The line holder further comprises aligned groups of holes that are arranged along a direction substantially transverse to the creases, with each aligned group of holes comprising one hole in each of the panels. The line holder further comprises slots, each connecting a pair of the holes and intersecting one of the creases. When the sheet is in the pleated configuration, each aligned group of holes forms a corridor through the panels, and the slots are aligned to form pathways extending from the intersected creases to the corridors, such that medical lines can be inserted into the corridors.

Abstract: An identification device for a container such as a bottle, as well as a method for making the identification device, are disclosed that provide a convenient system for identification of a container. The identification device is generally cup shaped and includes a resilient inner lining that enables the device to be readily fixed releasably to the conventional container closure to cover over the container closure and to rotate with it. The identification device provides an identification function.

Abstract: A hollow multi-layered container comprises: an outer layer including a label and an inner layer, which is injection molded. The label has a barrier material that impedes one or more substances that emanate from a product from penetrating through the label, and the label displays information related to the product. The inner layer and the barrier material of the outer layer are substantially coextensive. For a container having a sidewall and an inclined shoulder extending inward from the sidewall, the label includes a primary segment covering the sidewall of the container and a plurality of shoulder pads covering the shoulder in at least approximately contiguous alignment with adjacent said shoulder pads.

Abstract: An apparatus, computer-implemented method for customizing an apparatus, and system for customizing an apparatus are disclosed. A user interface may allow a user to define content for customizing a selected apparatus. Based on the selected apparatus and the user-defined content, a label may be created that can be applied to the apparatus by a user. In this manner, an apparatus may be customized by applying and/or reapplying a label with user-defined content.

Abstract: A play toy has a body and at least one noise making device disposed in the body for producing an audible sound upon shaking or compression of the noise making device via the body. In one embodiment, the at least one sound producing device comprises two noise making devices for simultaneously producing two distinctly different audible sounds. In another embodiment, the body is a braided body formed of strands of materials braided together.

Abstract: A decorative, removable cover for banisters, railing, spindles, and the like is made of a resilient material and includes a longitudinally extending opening allowing manual placement of the cover in covering relation over a respective banister, railing, spindle or the like. A plurality of covers may be provided in a kit which optionally includes a stencil and/or stickers having various decorative and/or text thereon allowing the consumer to customize the covers following purchase if desired.

Abstract: A play toy has a series of play objects and a connecting member connecting the play objects together for undergoing translation and rotary movement relative to the connecting member and to one another.

Abstract: A disposable utensil rest that helps keeps eating utensils from direct contact with a table or counter top. The disposable utensil rest includes a unitary piece blank, at least one folding line pre-form on the unitary piece blank, a plurality of cutting lines pre-cut on the unitary piece blank, the folding lines and the cutting lines forming a pattern. The utensil rest is shaped by cutting the unitary piece blank by following the cutting lines and folding the unitary piece blank by following the folding lines, and the utensil rest is disposable.

Abstract: An adjustable skeg has a body formed by sidewalls including a closed bottom or base. The sidewalls converge to form a leading edge and a trailing end. The top is generally open and the top and sidewalls define a cavity for receiving a skeg or stub. The skeg may also be of unitary construction with the lower drive unit/gear case of a boat motor. The top and bottom portions of the trailing end project rearwardly to form extensions beyond a central portion of the trailing end. A torque vane is pivotally mounted between the top and bottom extensions. The vane is pivotable to subtend a preselected angle with a respective sidewall for eliminating steering torque. A plurality of receivers is positioned on either the top or bottom extension for locking the vane in place following adjustment. The receivers are identified by respective indicia for calibrating adjustment of the torque vane.

Abstract: A security system can include a tag unit adapted to be secured to an infant via band. The first tag unit can include a temperature sensor, and a capacitance sensor. A temperature alarm can be provided in response to a negative slope of a temperature curve associated with temperature data from the temperature sensor. A capacitance alarm can be provided in response to a comparison to capacitance data from the capacitance sensor to a baseline when the tag unit is not secured to the infant. A resistance alarm can be provided in response to resistance data indicating a spike in resistance followed by a relatively flat line response.

Abstract: Bedding systems comprising elements for creating sleeping nooks for individual sleepers and indicia for maintaining sanitary bedding conditions are provided.

Abstract: Described in some aspects of the present invention are methods and systems that can be used to track occurrences and/or non-occurrences of medical-related events, for example, to record whether one or more medical-related events have occurred at a particular time or during a particular time interval. Any suitable number of events may be tracked using such methods and systems, and the types and varieties of events that can be tracked are diverse. Examples include but are not limited to vaccine or other drug administrations, physical therapies, tests, diagnoses and surgeries. In some preferred embodiments, these and/or other medical-related occurrences or events will be tracked using an article that can be worn about the body of a patient although a variety of non-wearable articles can be utilized as well.

Abstract: Color coding tape having one or more RFID tags are attached to surgical instruments or other medical devices. Information relating to the medical devices can be written to and/or read from the RFID tags. The medical devices can be usually identified by the color coding tape.

Abstract: A configurable cushion device is provided that protects from injury or discomfort caused by items in contact with a person. In one embodiment, the device includes a cushioned pillow wrapped in a protective case that includes a plurality of fastener straps for attaching the device to an object such as a seat belt. The protective case may include an internal or external pocket and may be made of a frictional material or include one or more grippers that provide additional friction against the object to keep the cushion device in a desired location with respect to the object or the person. The cushion device may also include a strap with a connector to allow the device to be secured around a larger object such as the waist of a person. The device may also include a drape cloth that is secured to the interior of the protective case and can be taken out and draped around an object or a person.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides for a cap that slips on the toggle component of a switch comprising a hollow body with a first end and a second end; said first end comprising an opening to slip said cap onto said toggle component; said second end being closed; and glow in the dark pigmentation in said body and a method of extending the size and increasing the visibility of the toggle component of a switch.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for an indicator integrated into an item. The indicator integrated into the item may include at least two separation edges. The first separation edge may include a first termination point and a second termination point. The second separation edge may include a third termination point and a fourth termination point. The indicator integrated into the item may also include an aperture adjacent to the first and third termination points. Further, the indicator integrated into the item may include a score adjacent to the second and fourth termination points. In certain embodiments, the indicator is separated from the item along the first and second separation edges using the aperture and folded over the score to an open position such that at least a portion of the indicator extends beyond a perimeter of the item. Additionally, a void, contiguous with the aperture, exists between the first and second separation edges.

Abstract: A wireless electronic shelf label (100) having a layered structure includes a display layer (101) including display material, a backplane material structure with an antenna (202), and a circuit board arrangement with control electronics for controlling the operation of the label, such as the display and the radio communication, and a resilient layer having a space for a rigid component, such as a battery, wherein said resilient layer is arranged to provide a substantially even total thickness of said label (100), wherein the radio communication control further comprises a device for radio frequency communication via modulated backscatter with at least one detector diode (205), and, wherein the detector diode is connected to the antenna in at least one antenna connection point where the antenna signal has its maximum or at least near maximum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a jewelry holder for gemstones or jewels, such as of the type that could be mounted onto a jewel stud or stud-like pierced earrings. In a presently preferred embodiment, the jewelry holder is generally elongated and is made of a rigid, transparent material. The holder has a handle portion and a distal tip portion. The body of the holder has one hole, or preferably a plurality of one vertically aligned hole(s) or bore(s) and a jewel mounted in each hole(s). In use, jewels of different shapes, sizes, types, colors and/or cuts are placed in the holes within the body of the holder for display and trying on and/or purchasing. The holder can be held up against the user's body to see what that jewel would look like when inserted into, for example, an earlobe. The holder is made of a material that facilitates a clear and unobscured view of any one of the selected jewels mounted thereon, so that they can be individually displayed and compared with the other jewels mounted on the holder.

Abstract: Self-expiring labels and badges are made by a method of: (A) contacting a first component of a dye system with a second component of the dye system, the first component carried on a facial surface of a transfer ribbon and the second component carried on a facial surface of a media, the second component beneath and in contact with a timing layer, and (B) heating the contacted first component of the dye system and timing layer with a thermal print head such that (i) the first component of the dye system transfers to the timing layer, and (ii) the first component of the dye system begins to migrate through the timing layer to the second component of the dye system which, upon contact of the first and second components of the dye system, an image is formed.

Abstract: An embodiment is a display unit. The display unit includes a substrate layer, a layer of colored fluid on the substrate layer, and a transparent actuator element on the layer of the colored fluid. The layer of colored fluid has a thickness and a color. The transparent actuator element modulates the thickness of the colored fluid upon activated by a force such that the colored fluid is changed from a first state to a second state or vice versa. The modulated thickness provides a variable optical density of the colored fluid.

Abstract: A method of using color or color schemes to simplify the communication to consumers of complex information regarding the combinations and interactions of technically oriented performance attributes that describe the degree of comfort as found in mattresses, mattress foundations, upholstered furniture articles and other articles filled with cushioning materials. Additionally the selected method of using color as a communication tool may be of further benefit in the interaction with consumers by developing strong emotional ties to the consumers purchase decision.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, device and method. A described device includes a first material configured to reflect a substantial portion of a specified incident air blast wave energy. The first material has an acoustic impedance substantially mismatched to air's acoustic impedance. A second material is configured for wearing proximate to a human body. The second material includes attenuating-regions. A first attenuating-region is configured to attenuate a first range of overpressures utilizing a first inelastic response. A second attenuating-region is configured to attenuate a second range of overpressures utilizing a second inelastic response. At least a portion of the back surface of the layer of the first material is proximate to at least a portion of the front surface of the layer of the second material.

Abstract: A labeling device that can be attached to an article and subsequently modified by separating at least a portion of the device to be located within the article to provide information regarding the contents of an article.

Abstract: The invention discloses an image for representing a wine, which includes an image that includes at least one illustration of an item, and each item indicating at least one charactenstic of the wine. The image is adapted to be provided in printed, electronic and/for digital format. The characteristic is a member selected from the group consisting of the flavour of the wine, the body of the wine; and the acidity of the wine. The image assists persons who have not tasted the wine to imagine an interpretation of the flavour of the wine.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for fastening a flexible element to a rigid element is provided. The fastening arrangement comprising a first closure element and a second closure element, which each consist of a plug part, a housing part and a catch. Each closure element is closed in that the plug part is put together with the housing part in a closing direction until snapping into place in a closed position, so that the plug part and the housing part are held at each other against the closing direction. Each housing part is formed such that by means of a relative movement of the housing part relative to the plug part in an opening direction, which differs from the closing direction, the plug part is pushed out of the catch and the closure element hence can be opened.

Abstract: A sanitary dispensing device for dispensing and storing products is disclosed. The sanitary dispensing device comprises a product display area for displaying products or pictures of products, product selection switches for selecting a product for purchase, a payment exchange area for receiving payment, and a product retrieval area for retrieving purchased products. The sanitary dispensing device further comprises a removable display for displaying information such as product information, instructional information, or dynamic advertising. The sanitary dispensing device further comprises an ultraviolet light module for performing sterilization procedures on the products, product packages, and currency. The sanitary dispensing device further comprises a hands sterilization module for sterilizing a user's hands.

Abstract: A product biasing system including an elongated rail having a front end and a rear end, a moveable member slidably engaged with the rail, and a biasing element operatively connected to the moveable member to bias the moveable member toward the front end of the rail, the biasing element being marked with indicia indicative of the longitudinal displacement of the moveable member relative to the front end of the rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security label for identifying products comprising a layer comprising a shape memory polymer, wherein a surface profile comprising information for identifying the product is embossed in the layer and wherein the layer has a smooth surface in a first state and the layer has the embossed surface profile in a second state, wherein the security label is adapted such that the layer can be changed from the first or second state to the second or first state upon reading out the security label and to a connection means for connecting the layer to the product.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a molded plastic fastener shaped to define a filament, a paddle at one end of the filament, and a cross-bar at the other end of the filament. The fastener assembly additionally includes a printed label embedded in the paddle, the printed label including an electrically chargeable, stiffness enhancing laminate that is applied to a print receptive polymer substrate. An in-line system for manufacturing a continuously connected supply of the fastener assemblies includes a rotatable mold wheel, a feed mechanism for advancing a continuous, ionized, printed polymer web in a near tangential relationship relative to the mold wheel periphery, a cutting mechanism for transversely cutting through the web to form a plurality of rectangular printed labels that are magnetically drawn into corresponding cavities in the mold wheel, an extruder for applying molten plastic into the cavities and a knife for skiving excess hardened plastic from the mold wheel periphery.

Abstract: A ready-to-assemble space organizer kit is provided, the kit comprising a plurality of slats including at least a primary slat and at least a secondary slat adapted to intersect with the primary slat within a space defined at least by side walls and a bottom surface. Each slat includes opposite ends and one or more intermediate channels located between the opposite ends. The one or more intermediate channels are adapted to interlock with one another within the space, and at least one of the ends engages with one of the side walls.

Abstract: Luminous Envy Tanning Float is a device to promote even and accelerated tanning adapted for use in water preferably comprises the following components: a pair of angled, reflective, tan; a cushioned core-supported portion; a pillow; at least one cup holder; and at least one warning label to prevent sun-burning. A user-sunbather is comfortably supported via the inflatable flotation device for even and accelerated tanning during at least one sunbathing period on a body of water and/or land.

Abstract: An elastic band specially configured where the two (2) ends are joined together to form an aperture for inserting and securing a plastic extension tube to an aerosol spray can.