Abstract: An absorbent wrap for placement on a neck of a bottle containing a beverage includes a flexible, absorbent sheet having a slit therethrough and having at least three sides defining two opposing corner portions. A first of the opposing corner portions is located proximate to the slit and includes a first edge. A second of the opposing corner portions is located distal from the slit, includes a second edge, and is tapered toward the second edge. The slit has a length sufficient to allow the second corner portion to be inserted therethrough and tied to the first corner portion. This configuration permits the absorbent wrap to be wrapped around the neck of the bottle and then to be secured to the bottle by inserting the second corner portion through the slit and pulling it snug. The wrap is thereby positioned to absorb drips and spillage of the beverage running down the neck of the bottle. An appropriately sized wrap functions without substantially covering a label portion of the bottle.

Abstract: A protective covering system for protecting the exterior of a vehicle including the paint surfaces and glass surface of the vehicle from damage from rocks, insects, road tar, and other debris while driving. The protective covering system includes a set of protective sheets with each protective sheet having front and back surfaces, and an outer perimeter. Each protective sheet is generally transparent to permit the passage of light therethrough between the front and back surfaces of the protective sheet. The back surface of each of the protective sheet is designed for attachment to an exterior surface of a vehicle.

Abstract: A desk chairmat includes a semi-rigid substantially planar member having four side edges, an upper side of the chairmat having a substantially smooth surface and at least one hang tab attached to the chairmat along one or more of the side edges. The chairmat may also have integral handles and an integral hinge to facilitate folding of the mat.

Abstract: A desk chairmat includes a semi-rigid and substantially planar member of solid plastic material, the chairmat having four side edges with a lip portion extending from one of the side edges, an upper side of the chairmat having a substantially smooth upper surface. At least a first handle attached to or formed integrally with the chairmat along one of the side edges of the chairmat.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method for a user of smokeless tobacco to reduce the deleterious effects to oral tissues from the chemicals generated from using smokeless tobacco. A protective shield encloses a quantity of tobacco while resting in a mouth of a user, generally between the cheek and gum surfaces. The protective shield may be impermeable, sanitary, and disposable or biodegradable. It may assist in reducing leukoplakia and other oral diseases related to the use of smokeless tobacco. It attempts to allow the normal use of smokeless tobacco without interfering with speech, drinking, and other activities while providing some protection from the chemicals. The present invention involves a system and includes a container for holding the shields, having an opening for removing the shields for convenience and to encourage use, typically in the vicinity to a quantity of smokeless tobacco for easy access.

Abstract: A height-compensating construction shim has a one-piece plate having opposite parallel upper and lower faces and is formed with a wedge-shaped end having angled surfaces, a longitudinal slot subdividing the plate at the end into a pair of longitudinally extending arms, and rows of transverse elastic retaining tabs projecting toward each other in the slot from inner edges of the arms. An outwardly open bevel is formed on each arm inner edge at an outer end of each arm and longitudinal guide ridges are provided on the angled web surfaces. Interfitting and complementary longitudinally extending guide formations on the upper and lower faces are constructed such that the guide formations of an upper face of one such shim can fit with and slide in the guide formations of a lower face of another such shim. Outwardly open recesses in the upper and lower faces are each formed with a longitudinally extending web.

Abstract: A porous spacer incorporates a vaporizable corrosion inhibitor. The spacer is designed to be placed on a leader pin between the members of a mold or die set. The spacer is compressed between the members when the latter are stored. The spacer releases the inhibitor, which prevents corrosion during the storage period. The spacer serves to maintain a vapor flow space between the members.

Abstract: A corner reinforcement structure for reinforcing the corner of a cloth article is provided. The reinforcement structure has a body that includes a first plate and a second plate that are secured together. Each plate has an outer edge at which the first plate and second plate are connected, an inner edge, and at least two openings for receiving a cord. The inner edge of each plate defines a slit for allowing a cloth article to be inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A shim for improving plasma arc weld quality has ends tapered at about 25.degree. and notches at each end roughly centered over the corner between the tapered ends and main body of the shim. The improved shim allows lower starting plasma arc heat input and reduces the occurrence of sagging, or overpenetration, of the weld.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lipstick blotter having sheet-like main body of generally circular shape and a thickness of from about one to about three millimeters, the periphery of said body having a plurality of generally arced cutouts spaced about the periphery to allow the user to position lips around the cutouts to blot freshly applied lipstick, the blotter having at least one handle member extending from said main body, the blotter being of a soft absorbent polyether polyurethane material.

Abstract: A floating segmented conglomerate backing screen for use in underwater composite photography. A plurality of buoyant pads of an essentially hexagonal shape have surfaces exhibiting specific chrominance and luminance properties as required for a traveling matte process. The individual segments are deployed onto a liquid surface of a finite area in a quantity sufficient to substantially cover the liquid surface in its entirety, in an edge-to-edge, floating, conglomerate relationship. The floating raft created by the segments permits egress and ingress for people and equipment directly through the raft and likewise permits the escape of air rising from below the surface. When appropriately illuminated from either below or above the surface, or both, the chrominance and luminance of the raft is such that an essentially monochromatic backing field is provided for traveling matte processes.

Abstract: A corner reinforcement for tarpaulins has an upper and lower plate connected by two enclosed edges forming a right angle. The reinforcement structure has an open edge that arcs back towards the corner defined by the enclosed edges and has rivet holes fixed along an arc concentric thereto. A rib positioned on the inside surface of the top plate runs along the arc defined by the rivet holes on the upper plate, while a mateable groove positioned on the inside surface of the bottom plate runs along the arc defined by the rivet holes on the bottom plate. A grommet is also provided for securing a rope to the corner of the tarpaulin. The corner of a tarpaulin is inserted through the open edge and its shape is accommodated by the right angle formed by the enclosed edges. The rivets are then fixed in place causing the rib and groove to mate, providing reinforcement to the corner.

Abstract: A shock resistant dielectric material comprising TiO.sub.2 particles disped in a matrix material which is (1) the polyurea reaction product of a poly(tetramethylene ether)glycol-di-p-aminobenzoate prepolymer and an aromatic diisocyanate or (2) a blend of the polyurea reaction product and a cyanate ester homopolymer of bis(4-cyanatophenyl)-1,1-ethane.

Abstract: A continuous strip of generally rectangular body portion which is foam filled can be serpentinely wrapped around the handle or steering wheel of a tool or vehicle to isolate the transmission of high frequency vibrations from the user's hands. This will significantly reduce the incidence of occupational disabilities associated with the use of these tools and hand steered vehicles.

Abstract: This has a plurality of nubs which incorporate preset multicolored decorative designs in their bodies, created by a machine able to apply this manufacturing process, on a multilayered monobloc composed of a base, support and seating layer and another or other upper ones, some of which are on the same level and in which cavities are formed, giving rise to the nubs which define images that change according to their three dimensional structure and different locations, alignments and possible quincunx formation, as well as the different perspective of observers and the variations in the distance of the latter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting removable markings on an optical lens during grinding thereof to a desired prescription. A mask is placed over the markings prior to application of an adhesive tape, to which a low temperature alloy block is bonded for holding of the lens during grinding. The mask preferably covers only the markings, and is transparent to allow alignment thereof. Preferably the mask is held in place on the lens surface without the use of an adhesive, although a low tack adhesive may be used which does not remove the markings when the mask is peeled away from the lens. A preferred material for the mask is a static cling vinyl.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a flat plastic piece shaped such that, on being folded, it forms a right-angled corner piece, with one end of the corner piece having a triangular-shaped lid formed from two overlapping triangular sub-sections or flaps. An adhesive strip having a removable backing is provided on one side of the plastic piece, whereby, on removal of the backing, the assembled right-angled corner piece can be permanently adhered to a corner of a box or carton.

Abstract: An adhesive device, featuring a target element, absorptive of electromagnetic waves, contiguous with a heat-activatable adhesive material, shaped into an article having a mathematically smooth perimeter, will facilitate a quick, neat, easy and secure assembly of associated component pieces or manufactured articles. Exposing the device to electromagnetic waves will produce heat energy which will activate the adhesive material and result in the bonding of the associated component pieces. This adhesive device is particularly beneficial when used within or between pieces to be assembled that are substantially transparent to electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A cellular panel defines a plurality of adjoining longitudinally extending cells and is formed of sheets of textile material adhesively secured together along spaced adhesive lines. The textile material is coated with a fabric treatment composition coating on discrete areas. The textile material has a stiffness in its lengthwise direction significantly greater than its stiffness in its widthwise direction.

Abstract: A liner made of water sealing material is formed with a plurality of pockets. Each pocket is cut, and then the liner disposed next to the door with a respective pocket positioned over a component of a vehicle door to be sealed, e.g., a lock shaft. The pocket is collapsed around the component such that the excess material established by the now-collapsed pocket overlaps around the component, thereby establishing a water seal around the component.

Abstract: An inflatable, self-standing, transparent insulating jacket for a hot water tank is disclosed. The jacket is comprised of an inflatable hood, a platform and an attachment means. The hood surrounds, but is spaced outwardly from, the hot water tank. The hood comprises transparent inner and outer members each defining a cylindrical chamber and having an open end and a peripheral edge surround the open end. The inner and outer member edges are bonded together at or near their respective peripheral edges so as to form an impermeable fluid tight inflatable pocket between the members. A valve is provided on the outer member to inflate and deflate the inflatable pocket. The platform, having an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the hood, is disposed beneath the hot water tank. The attachment means, preferably a zipper type fastener, secures the hood to the platform.

Abstract: A shim includes a generally u-shaped member having a pair of parallel legs interconnected by a base and at least one retainer finger extending from one of the legs generally toward the other leg in a manner to define a self-retaining surface area between the finger, the legs and the base.

Abstract: A buffet platter with a plastic frame for maintaining the space between buffet platters stacked on each other has a smooth-surfaced, preferably mirrored, food-carrying plate at the upper side is surrounded by the plastic frame, which is profiled at the outer edge to engage with a buffet platter of the same design stacked thereon, in order to prevent sideways slipping. The plastic frame is formed in one piece and the food-carrying plate is supported on a base surface of the plastic frame that is formed in one piece with the plastics frame.

Abstract: A wipe for wetting and subsequently drying portions of the human body. The inventive device includes a wetting pad for applying a topical cleansing solution to a body part. An absorbing pad is coupled to the wetting pad for drying the cleansed body part subsequent to cleaning thereof.

Abstract: An oil collecting mat for collecting oil drippings from a motor vehicle. The mat has a bottom with upstanding side walls coated with an oil and water proofing agent, and a plurality of sheets of corrugated cardboard stacked on end to absorb oil. In one embodiment the sheets of corrugated cardboard are rolled into cylinders and glued to the bottom portion. In another embodiment the sheets of corrugated cardboard alternate with sheets of foam sponge, which includes plastic foam or rubber foam.

Abstract: Single-member sets of zoomorphic tiles, in which any single tile, if duplicated, can tile the plane in periodic ways, or, with duplicates of its mirror image, in either periodic or non periodic ways, and which can also form tilings of the plane in conjunction with duplicates of any other appropriately sized but differently shaped embodiment or embodiments of the invention. The diverse and variable arrangements show vertices at which 3, 4, 5, and 6 tiles meet. These tiles, tilings, patches and rosettes of tiles may be used in puzzles, games and other recreations, for teaching certain aspects of geometry, for various purposes in conjunction with computers, for the decoration of fabrics or other surfaces, for the shape of food items such as cookies, or for other uses to which tiles or tilings may be put.

Abstract: A covered article such as an automotive trim panel comprises a substrate having a front surface to be covered, a back surface and a plurality of holes extending through it for vacuum drawing a trim cover stock against the front surface. The substrate has sets of parallel saw-tooth holder grooves in a peripheral margin of the back surface adjacent to an edge of the substrate for mechanically interlocking with marginal portions of trim cover stock and transverse manifold grooves that communicate with the holder grooves. An adhesive is applied to the front surface and the peripheral margin and the substrate is supported on a vacuum buck so that the peripheral margin overhangs the buck and the manifold grooves communicate with a vacuum source of the buck.

Abstract: Palettes are made from a sheet of translucent tempered glass and, except for table-top palettes (although optionally there also), provided with a textured surface or a sheet of white vinyl laminated on the backside of the sheet. A thumb hole is provided on hand-held palettes of quasi-elliptical shape for securing the palette on an arm of the artist, and a hand-hold opening is optionally provided on table-top palettes of rectangular shape. All of the palettes disclosed may have a color mixing guide or chart printed on one surface or the other at the interface of the sheet of tempered glass and the white vinyl, or optionally on the surface of the backside of the tempered glass when made without a textured surface for a table-top palette. The table top provides the diffused light illumination of paint on the palette from the backside. A palette of classic shape is shown to illustrate the invention which may be practiced with other unique shapes illustrated.

Abstract: An improved article of manufacture and method thereof utilizing a fibrous structure of initially discrete layers, each having first and second sides. At least one side of each layer is rough and the structure has a shrinkage of no more than about 2 percent. The structure is impregnated with a thermoplastic-type polymeric material, and in the final structure there is no visible layer separation.

Abstract: A vehicle door construction having an outer door panel and an inner door panel with a trim panel joined to the inner door panel by attachment hooks extending from the trim panel into hook openings in the inner door panel. A plastic water deflector sheet is positioned between the trim panel and the inner door panel. The deflector sheet has through apertures corresponding to the locations of the hook openings in the inner door panel. The sheet also has a portion adjacent each through aperture that is laterally deformed to extend through the associated hook opening and form an awning-like hood over the corresponding hook.

Abstract: A molding having a relatively simple structure, but which provides a pleasing appearance which is adaptable to a variety of ornamental and artistic applications. The molding includes an ornamental core which varies in width along the longitudinal direction of the molding, with a trimming attached to the sides of the ornamental core. The overall width of the molding (including the ornamental core and trimming) varies along the longitudinal direction of the molding corresponding to the varying width of the ornamental core. In addition, merging portions or sections are provided at which the trimming merges together, with the ornamental core not visible or not present at such portions.

Abstract: A note pad of repositionable adhesive sheets in whcih one edge has an irregular design to facilitate removal of individual sheets from the pad.

Abstract: A laminate repair sheet is useful for altering the appearance of the visible face of a nozzle. The sheet comprises a plastic upper layer, a middle layer of tacky, water-resistant adhesive, and a bottom layer of a release material. Annular rings comprising the upper layer and the middle layer can be peeled from the bottom release layer for application to nozzles of varying diameter.

Abstract: A shrinkable composite section is formed from a shrinkable composite foil composed of at least two shrinkable planar foils adhering firmly to one another. Each of the two shrinkable foils has a shrink direction proceeding at a suitable offset angle relative to the shrink direction of the other individual planar foil so that the resulting overall shrink direction occurring for the composite foil extends between the shrink directions of the two individual foils. The tendency toward tearing or, respectively, continued tearing of the shrinkable composite foil section is, thus, diminished.

Abstract: A reinforced corner structure for cloth, especially a tent, capable of enabling the cloth corner to endure the dragging force coming from a cord installed therein and tied at a support and thus prolonging the life of the cloth. This reinforced corner structure comprises upper and lower plates For covering the upper and lower surfaces of the corner and reinforcing this corner. These upper and lower plates are integrally formed by a single injection molding of plastic material each other and each of them is an equilateral trapezoid in figure. This trapezoidal structure is opened at two sides but closed at the two other sides thereof, thereby allowing a cloth corner to be adjusted therein and preventing the corner of cloth from jutting out of the structure after the corner structure is fixed to the corner of cloth.

Abstract: A cup blank including opposed arced longitudinal outer and inner edges formed on common radii. The outer edge, at opposed ends thereof, includes linear extents. Linear extents may also be provided at the opposed end portions of the inner longitudinal edge. The common radii and linear edge extents enable a cut line layout of multiple blanks wherein transversely adjacent rows of blanks are defined by a common longitudinal cut line therebetween.

Abstract: The game box protector and repair device is used to reinforce the corners of paper and plastic boxes such as those used by toy manufacturers. It has two parts, a flexible sheet of filament impregnated tape having an adhesive coating on its bottom surface and a flexible sheet of backing release paper that is lightly adhered to the bottom surface of the sheet of filament impregnated tape. The sheet of filament impregnated tape has a substantially rectangular main body portion having a left finger tab and a right finger tab that are laterally spaced from each other a predetermined distance and which extend from the top edge of the main body portion. When applied to the game box, the main body portion is adhered to the outside surface of the walls forming the corner and the finger tabs are folded over the top edge of the side walls so that they adhere to the inside surface of the walls forming the corner.

Abstract: A thermal device (10) for maintaining the temperature of the contents of a bottle has been disclosed. The device (10) includes a wrapper (12) having a pouch (18) for receiving an insulative member (14) and a strap (30) attached to spaced-apart locations along a bottom edge (20) to form a stop across one end of cylindrical shape of the wrapper (12) when rolled up. The wrapper (12) further includes mating gripping material (24,26) on both surfaces to hold the wrapper (12) in a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent pads, sanitary napkins and the like that have multiple layer absorbent cores that are suitable for acquiring and containing liquids in an especially effective and efficient manner.

Abstract: A one piece layer is provided for protecting the flat surface of a cross-country or telemark ski binding. The layer is a single die-cut self-adherent film to precisely fit the binding plate. The layer is made of a non-stick material such as teflon or polyethylene with one side of the layer made of a high-tack silicone or arcylic adhesive to attach the layer to the binding. The exterior non-stick surface of the layer provides a most effective means for preventing snow and ice buildup on the binding plate and includes a means of covering the heads of the ski binding mounting screws.

Abstract: A protector sheet article and method intended for application to the door trim panel of a vehicle door to prevent soiling or damage to the trim panel during vehicle assembly and shipping. The article comprises a sheet of thin flexible plastic film with an outer periphery which generally corresponds to the size and shape of the trim panel. The sheet is provided with a plurality of adhesive coated tab members for engagement with closure areas of the vehicle door to hold the sheet in position on the trim panel.

Abstract: An absorbent protective shield to be placed at the rear of the bowl of a toilet and extend outwardly to either side of the toilet to shield adjacent wall surface from liquid splashes. The shield is free standing, with a central cut-out to allow the shield to be placed over a toilet at the rear of the bowl, and is adjustable so that it may be configured around the toilet as desired.

Abstract: A disposable table cloth includes a face having several extensions integrally extended therefrom with a VELCRO type hook and loop type fastener tape set one the front side or the back side of each extension, and having several elastic bands made on the corners of the face. When the table cloth is covered over a table, the extensions are turned into the bottom surface of the table face to let each pair of adjacent extensions be firmly attached by means of the hook and loop fastener tapes. The extensions of the face may be designed to have a forked end while a plurality of elastic bands are properly made on the face at a certain interval, so that the table cloth becomes practical for use to cover on a round, oval or any nonsquare table.

Abstract: A semi-rigid, heat-sealable laminate with permanent antistatic characteristics comprising a semi-rigid packaging material having a coating of heat-sealable antistatic plastic. The antistatic plastic is a film of a modified acid copolymer. The modified acid copolymer is selected from (I) a mixture of (A) a polymer containing carboxylic acid moieties and (B) an antistatically effective amount of a quaternary amine, or (II) the acid/base reaction product of (A) a polymer containing carboxylic acid moieties and (C) an antistatically effective amount of an organic or inorganic base.

Abstract: The clothing shield is intended to protect clothing against body stains, such as underarm stains, and generally comprises a liquid-pervious bodyside liner, a liquid-impervious outer cover, and an absorbent medium between the liner and outer cover. The exposed side of the outer cover has a masking surface thereon that visually masks the clothing shield through the article of clothing. A method is also provided for making the shield.

Abstract: A thin, flat, polymer, scratch resistant, user applied disc protector with self-adhesive backing which affixes to the top of a compact disc to help eliminate possible damage from impact which would render the disc in a semi-unplayable or unplayable condition. This extra layer of user applied protection is prefabricated to proper size to adhesively secure to various optical mediums with a self-adhesive layer by an application method of installation on the top, protective side of the disc. Adhesive allows for permanent placement on the disc for convenience without hindering operation of the disc and without hindering readability of the context of the information lettering. This disc protector can include a removable peel-away backing.

Abstract: A resilient gasket seals a connection between a wallplate rim and a wall, and is formed in situ by locating an insert on the backside of the wallplate inside of the rim and then introducing a flowable gasket material therebetween. The insert serves as a temporary dam during the in situ formation of the resilient gasket and is adapted to be removed from the wallplate prior to mounting to the wall. The insert extends above the wallplate rim, thereby protecting the resilient gasket during shipping, and also enabling vertical stacking of the wallplates prior to curing of the flowable gasket material. Use of this insert reduces the manufacturing time and labor costs in forming such wallplates.

Abstract: The vertical height requirement of a cooling tower is reduced by utilizing trapezoidal shaped fill sheets which are suspended generally in line with the entering air stream so as to form a wedge shaped plenum space beneath the lower sloped edges of the fill sheets.

Abstract: A water deflector or shield device particularly suited for use on the inner panel of a vehicle door comprises a water impervious thin, flexible plastic sheet having a peripheral configuration matching the peripheral configuration of a portion of the panel. The sheet is provided with a sealing arrangement to permit electrical wires or the like to pass through the sheet in sealed relationship thereto. The sealing arrangement includes a laterally extending pocket in the sheet at a predetermined point corresponding to the point through which it is desired to extend the wire. A hole is formed at the bottom of the pocket and the interior of the pocket has an adhesive therin. After the wire is passed through the hole, the interior of the pocket is sealingly adhered to the wire.

Abstract: A foldable structure having an ornamental design resembling a spaceship is folded from a single blank and is large enough to permit a child to play inside. The single blank has numerous cutouts at specific angles, and has score and reverse lines at specific angles, to enhance the strength of the overall structure after it is completely folded into its spaceship configuration.