Abstract: A container for storing, dispensing and applying solid and semi-solid materials, and being fillable, optionally, from the top or from the bottom. The container assembly is characterized by improved seals between a product supporting and elevating platform and the circumscribing body of the container and by simple yet highly effective bottom closure interlocks, seals, and vents rendering feasible the filling of the container conveniently from the bottom as well as from the top.

Abstract: A brush arrangement, specifically a toothbrush, is provided with a reservoir of cleaning material in its handle. The handle is hollow and provided with an actuatable plunger arrangement which pressurizes the cleaning material so as to force it through a channel and to the brush head. The pressurized cleaning material opens a pressure valve arrangement which exposes a dispensing port through which the cleaning material is dispensed in the vicinity of a plurality of bristles. The dispensing port is opened by the application of a force from the pressurized cleaning material which exceeds a counterforce applied by a resilient device, such as a spring. When the pressure in the reservoir is relieved, such as by reversing the direction of travel of the plunger, the counterforce applied by the spring is sufficient to ensure that the pressure valve closes the dispensing port. In certain embodiments, the brush arrangement is provided with a replaceable brush head.

Abstract: The invention contemplates sealed lead-screw propulsion mechanism for the piston of a container for stick deodorant or the like substance, wherein the container must be filled by hot melted substance which becomes the stick after it has been allowed to cool. The seal is operative when the piston is in its lower-most position within the container, so that liquid (melted) substance cannot seep through the region of lead-screw engagement to the piston. Once the substance has solidified, there is no further need for the seal, beyond retention of aromatic ingredients, i.e., until the product has reached the ultimate consumer; and the seal is operable only upon first dispensing use of the container.

Abstract: A mastic applicator or "flat box" for use in application of mastic to tape drywall joints includes a container for storing and dispensing mastic. The container has a pressure plate which both supports the apparatus from a handle and applies pressure to force the mastic from an opening that extends across the direction of motion of the tool. To distribute and contour the mastic a flexible blade assembly extends along the rearmost edge of the opening and is positively driven through a range of infinitely adjustable positions by a means of a lever and camming linkage arrangement. The entire adjustment mechanism is itself adjustably mounted so as to selectively adjust the entire adjustment range.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectably buttering and salting an article of food such as an ear of corn or the like. A separate butter receptacle and salt receptacle are pivotably interconnected with each other so that the salt receptacle can fit into an opening of the butter receptacle, thereby urging a chunk of butter through a dispensing opening to be spread onto the corn. After the corn is buttered, the buttering and dispensing apparatus may be inverted in position to salt the corn.