Abstract: A device for giving proper shape to a bag (24) or the like for display purposes comprises an inflatable member (10) which is so designed and arranged to be placed inside the bag or the like to be displayed, and which when inside the bag is capable of then being inflated outwardly to cause the bag to move outwardly to its full and expanded size.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into and expansion of a soft bag or backpack has a relatively flat foldable member comprising three parallel fold lines forming four panels. A rubber band is connected across two of the panels so as to urge the member to fold along the fold lines therebetween. The bag is caused to be expanded by the apparatus when the rubber bands urge the member to fold into an expanded state when the bag is removed from its carton. One panel of the device is of the size and shape of a major face of the bag and is provided with a large hinged flap which, when in the expanded state is caused to form a structure having a triangular cross section.

Abstract: A duffel bag including an insert which comprises a rigid base upon which are pivotally supported a pair of struts which can be raised into generally vertical operative positions for supporting the side walls of the bag to prevent them from collapsing. Detents are provided for holding the struts in operative position. The struts are movable into generally horizontal, inoperative positions in which they have been folded down to positions adjacent the base.

Abstract: A carrying bag which is foldable into a compact configuration so that it can be stored in a pouch, wherein an upper edge of a pouch wall is attached to the bag at an edge defining the bag opening and wherein the pouch includes a flap which can be used to close the pouch when the bag is inside and to close the bag when the bag is in its unfolded condition.

Abstract: A luggage stuffer for soft-wall luggage comprises an air-tight bladder containing a gas supply mechanism which is activatable to inflate the bladder to fill a storage volume of the luggage. In this way, the luggage is inflated for display.

Abstract: A combination beach towel and tote bag comprising a towel made of fiber-reactive dyed velour on one side for a decorative pattern and a pair of rectangular panels attached to one corner of said beach towel, occupying approximately one-sixth the surface area of the beach towel, said panels being sized in shape and connected to form a tote bag when turned inside out for receiving the remainder of the towel and presenting decorative designs on the outside of said tote bag. The towel is easily deployed and easily folded neatly and inserted into the tote bag.

Abstract: A decorative bag and method of using are provided which includes an insert to be positioned within the bottom portion of a decorative bag having an open top. The insert includes a plurality of lengths of paper fan-folded thereon and each length of paper has a length enabling it to be extended outwardly from the open top of the bag. At least the upper portion of each length of paper is cut longitudinally to enable the length to be extended outwardly from the bag and individually separated so that they may be able to form a decorative surface for an item placed within the bag.

Abstract: A liquid container especially suited for use in the capture of liquid hazardous materials is disclosed, the container comprising a bottom, preferably circular, and a generally vertical wall, preferably annular or conical, attached to the perimeter of the bottom to form a container with a large open top. The bottom and wall are composed of a flexible, liquid impermeable material, preferably a material that is also chemical resistant and wear resistant. The container may further comprise a liner. The top edge of the wall incorporates a semi-rigid floating member which completely encircles the opening, the floating member being collapsible or foldable for storage purposes. The perimeter portion of the bottom incorporates a structural or frame member which is composed of a flexible, resilient material which provides rigidity to the perimeter and acts to spread the bottom to its maximum size. The frame member is collapsible on itself such that the device can be collapsed into a small size for storage.

Abstract: A bag is disclosed for carrying objects wherein the bag is constructed to be collapsed into a pouch for easy carrying. The bag is constructed from a flexible shell member having a bottom. A base support member is attached to the bottom of the bag for providing support to the bottom when the bag is in use. The bag is flexible so that it can be folded down to the base support member and the base support member folded and fastened with a zipper. In the folded and fastened configuration, the base support is constructed as a pouch. Another zipper is provided in the base support for closing an opening provided in the base support. When the bag is collapsed into the pouch, the second zipper cooperates with the bottom of the bag to define a pocket for storage of objects.

Abstract: An expanding device for a collapsible article, comprising engaging portions disposed, in use, at respective opposite locations adjacent or at joins of at least one wall of the article and resilient elements which, on release of forces holding the article in a collapsed state, acts on the engaging portions to cause the engaging portions to act on the joins or portions of the article adjacent thereto so as to expand the article for display purposes.

Abstract: A filler automatically expands a soft bag from a collapsed to an expanded condition. An elastic band urges a pair of panels apart. The band is mounted on a flap which is integrally hinged, and initially co-planar with, one of the panels.

Abstract: A reusable bag which is readily closable so that food stuffs such as sandwiches and the like can be transported in a sanitary condition. When the bag is emptied it can be quickly and easily folded into a small, integrally formed pouch for compact storage until the time of reuse. The device is well suited for use as a lunch bag and can be quickly and conveniently folded inwardly of itself into a pouch provided on the bottom of the bag which is so compact that in its folded configuration the device can easily be carried in a pants pocket or in a lady's handbag. When in its folded configuration, the closure itself also provides a convenient handle for carrying the bag.

Abstract: A self-expanding filler, preferably of cardboard, for use in stuffing soft items, such purses and backpacks for display purposes at the retail outlet after being shipped flat with the item, which includes two structural members, each of which includes several panels, adjacent panels being pivotally connected to each other about their common boundary. Each of the panels includes a slot set off from the common boundary and extending parallel to the common boundary from a point on the edge of the panel, so that corresponding panels of the two structural members can interlock. The filler further includes an elastic cord, such as a rubber band which is connected to interlocking panels of the two structural members which acts to urge the interlocking panels to orient themselves substantially perpendicular to each other when they not constrained to lie flat against each other, as during shipping.

Abstract: An expander, suitable for use in an expandable bag having a closure, includes a stuffer movable from a collapsed orientation wherein the stuffer is substantially flat to an expanded orientation wherein said stuffer is not substantially flat. The stuffer is biased for movement from the collapsed orientation to the expanded orientation. A tearable band disposed about the stuffer releasably maintains the stuffer in the collapsed orientation, and a tearing mechanism is provided for tearing the tearable band to enable the stuffer to move from the collapsed orientation to the expanded orientation, the tearing means being operable from outside the bag.The stuffer is disposed in the bag in the collapsed orientation with the closure closed, the tearable band being disposed in the bag and the tearing mechanism being disposed partially within the bag and partially without the bag.

Abstract: A convenient reusable utility bag system is disclosed having a multiple purpose reusable and collapsible utility or shopping bag releasably attached by a lanyard to a pocket-sized carrier into which the bag folds for storage when not in use. The bag is designed to fit the grocery assist devices usually used with plastic bags found in many supermarkets. On the exterior of the carrier is a clasp for holding keys, etc.

Abstract: A method of handling recyclable materials through the use of distinctive, and relatively rugged plastic bags is provided. Such bags are furnished to one or more communities as part of a recycling program. The bags preferably include source identification codes particular to each community. The bags are filled with recyclable materials, closed, and left at curb side or other location for pick up by collection equipment. The bags, which may be comingled with other, non-recyclable waste materials, are gathered and compacted in order to reduce the volume thereof. The rugged construction of the bags ensures that a relatively high percentage survive the compaction process without spilling the materials contained therein. Bags are then transported to a delivery point where they are separated from other comingled waste materials. Bags may then be emptied and the materials contained therein recycled.

Abstract: A bag for handling ore samples constructed from a flexible semipermeable sheet material folded to have a top opening, an obverse side, a reverse side, and at least one folded seam. The folded seam comprises an edge of the obverse side and an edge of the reverse side folded together and secured along a path adjacent to the fold. The bag may have a wrap around label disposed over and secured to the folded seam such that a front portion of the label is disposed adjacent the obverse side of the bag and a back portion of the label is disposed adjacent the reverse side of the bag. The label bears indicia on the front portion and on the back portion wherein the indicia on the front portion is machine readable bar code and human readable indicia and the indicia on the back portion is human readable and corresponds to the indicia on the front portion. One embodiment of the bag has a secured lock top which can be interchangeably opened and closed by manipulation of a configuration of the top portion of the bag.

Abstract: An expandable insert for soft luggage articles, such as backpacks includes a pair of opposing planar insert panels interconnected by two web members. The web members may either be partially integrally formed from the insert panels or they may be separately formed. The web members are themselves also planar and each includes a foldline disposed therein between the opposing insert panels. At least one elastic band engages the two web members and provides an expansion force for the insert which draws the web members from a folded position into a generally planar position wherein they are generally perpendicular to the insert panels. The web members may include gusset portions which interconnect the web members to the insert panels.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a flexible bag in which the back panel is defined by inner and outer overlapping sections that overlap to form a back seam. The outer section defines a removable section which has a first perforation generally parallel to the back seam and an edge that is generally parallel to the bag bottom and intersects the first perforation. Alternatively, a second perforation may be provided along the edge. The outer panel is about as wide as the bag and the removable section is less than one-half the width of the outer panel. The first perforation is positioned between the back seam and side edge of the removable section. The first perforation may be adjacent the back seam and the second perforation is adjacent the bag bottom.A blank for forming said bag from a web is also disclosed.

Abstract: An economical, disposable, container serving as an indoor toilet facility for household cats and formed of bio-degradable and/or recyclable components is disclosed. The foldable paper container has an internal, moisture impervious, coating and includes an open end, a closed end wall, a top and a bottom wall, and a pair of sidewalls connected to the top, bottom and closed end wall. A barrier wall, integral with the bottom wall, is spaced from the ends of the top and sidewalls and closes a fractional portion of the open end to form an open top compartment within the container. A quantity of granular, absorbent litter material is disposed within the open top compartment. When ready for use the container is unfolded or expanded with end portions of the top and sidewalls being folded back over themselves to assist in maintaining the container in the open position.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of collecting recyclable materials and separating recyclable materials from household and commercial refuse for recycling at a recyclable material recovery facility. The method comprises placing recyclable material into a flexible receptacle or container having a rugged construction sufficient to withstand forces experienced under compaction, transfer and dumping, during curbside pick-up, delivery along with mixed solid waste to a delivery point and transferral to a picking station of a solid waste facility. Each flexible receptacle has a predetermined color rendering the flexible receptacle highly visible against and distinguishable from other solid waste. The flexible receptacle is delivered to the delivery point for transferral to a picking station solid waste facility, for the purpose of recycling the recyclable material placed therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into and expansion of a soft bag or backpack, having a relatively flat foldable member, which is connected to a resilient member or an actuating means. The flat member is folded along at least one transverse axis into at least two sections. The resilient member is connected to the opposed ends of the flat member and urges the ends of the flat member inward from its flat position to a folded position. In the folded position, the flat member forms a gable and pushes the sides of the bag outward to expand the bag. In another form, a cord is used to pull the apparatus into its bag expanding position. Relatively flat inserts may be added to promote uniform expansion of the bag.

Abstract: Different embodiments of a respirometer are described which are used to determine the BOD of less dilute samples that can be permitted in the standard BOD test procedure. Different embodiments of the respirometer are formed of a chamber, walls of which are formed from a membrane permeable to oxygen to permit reoxygenation of the contained sample in the respirometer. In order to ensure reliability in the computed value of BOD, the chamber of the respirometer incorporates a framed structure.

Abstract: A shopping container device, including a first, storage bag-size, collapsible bag, having an open top and a closed bottom, a flexible, non-stretchable handle attached about the open top for carrying the bag when full, a second, smaller collapsible bag having a closed bottom and an openable top, with the top biased normally closed, a flexible tape joining the open top of the first bag to the inside of the second bag a short distance below its biased-closed top, the bottom of the second bag folded flat to form a short flap, the flap folded about one portion of a small ring and attached it itself to form a ring-holding closed loop and a normally closed, openable snap anchored to the ring for attachment to the user's vehicle ignition keys, the smaller second bag of an overall size sufficient to completely contain the first bag collapsed therein, and of a length sufficient to contain the ignition keys when the first bag is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A blood component separating device comprises a centrifuge bowl adapted for rotation about its axis in a centrifuge. The bowl defines an outer circumferential wall plus an inner circumferential wall, spaced from the outer wall, to define a circumferential slot adapted for receiving blood components. Access tubing is adapted for communication with the slot. Preferably, an elongated, flexible, collapsible inner liner is provided in the slot. Individual access tubing also may communicate with an elongated container interior between the ends of the elongated, collapsible container. Furthermore, a portion of the slot may define the shape of an outwardly extending spiral, to provide an increasing gravitational field upon fluids therein as the fluid moves along the slot.

Abstract: An expander for insertion into and expansion of a soft bag comprising a device which is folded or collapsed to a flat state or spread apart to an expanded state. The soft bag is collapsed to a compact form in the flat state for shipment. In the expanded position, the bag is expanded to give the appearance that it is filled. Some embodiments use a resilient member to automatically urge the device from a flat position to its expanded position when compressive forces are removed from the bag. Other forms use a cord for manually moving the expander device into its bag-expanding position. To provide for a greater extent of expansion in relation to the length of the device in the flat position, an expanding device having four sequentially arranged sections, each of which is articulatable with respect to each adjacent section is provided in some embodiments.

Abstract: A system for disabling and protecting a particulate detector (10) as necessitated by many building, construction, and maintenance projects is disclosed. The particulate detector (10) is typically mounted on a ceiling or vertical wall surface (12), and a jacket (22) is secured to a body portion (16) of the particulate detector (10). The jacket (22) includes a non-opaque plastic container (24) with an opening (34) on one end and being substantially sealed elsewhere. A flag (26) attaches to the container (24) and hangs downward when the jacket (22) is installed on the particulate detector (10). Moreover, an opening control device (28) couples to the container (24) near the opening (34) thereof to control the size of the opening (34) so that the particulate detector (10) may be substantially inserted into the jacket (22) and so that the jacket (22) may be secured to the particulate detector (10).

Abstract: An expander for insertion into and expansion of a soft bag or backpack comprising a device which is folded or collapsed to a flat state or spread apart to an expanded state. In the flat position, the soft bag is collapsed to a compact form for shipment. In the expanded position, the bag is expanded to give the appearance that it is filled. In one embodiment, a resilient member automatically urges the device from a flat position to its expanded position when compressive forces are removed from the bag. In another form, a cord is used for manually moving the expander device into its bag-expanded position.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into and expansion of a soft bag or backpack, having a relatively flat foldable member, which is connected to a resilient member or an actuating mechanism. The flat member is folded along at least one transverse axis into at least two sections. The resilient member is connected to the opposed ends of the flat member and urges the ends of the flat member inward from its flat position to a folded position. In the folded position, the flat member forms a gable and pushes the sides of the bag outward to expand the bag. In another form, a cord is used to pull the apparatus into its bag expanding position. Relatively flat inserts may be added to promote uniform expansion of the bag.

Abstract: A bag for the storage and carrying of food with an attached napkin. The bag and napkin are attached by virtue of a seam which is also intended by design to allow or indicate where separation of said bag and napkin is to occur by virtue of tearing, cutting or other manual action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination ladder bag and drop cloth. In its open position, the device comprises a drop cloth designed to be used to cover objects and surfaces which must be protected during painting. The device has a periphery including fastening means allowing it to be folded over a ladder with the fastening means engaged to completely enclose the ladder. In this position, pairs of slots are aligned together which allow the device to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle with brackets thereof extending through the aligned slots to allow fastening of the ladder as contained within the device on top of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bag 10 for containing liquids is formed by welding together two plastic sheets around their peripheries and includes a neck portion 11 for connection to an outlet. An outlet tube 13 is partially inserted into the neck portion leaving a part of the tube with an upstanding seal member 17 outside the neck portion. A sleeve 18 is passed over the neck portion and the sleeve is shrunk into place, urging the neck portion 11 into tight engagement with the outlet tube 13 and effecting a seal between the sleeve 18 and the seal member 17 on the outlet tube 13.

Abstract: A flexible film package for carry-out meal items is fabricated from a pair of telescoped sack members, the outer sack member being made longer than the inner sack member in order to define a spill-confinement pouch in its bottom and the inner sack member being fabricated from relatively stiffer film material than the outer sack member and with one or more beverage cup receiving apertures in its bottom for promoting a stable, upright positioning of the beverage cups during carrying of the filled package and upon placement of the filled package on a generally horizontal support surface.

Abstract: A respirometer for determining oxygen demand of respiring liquid is described. The respirometer has a chamber to be filled with the liquid. The chamber includes a base plate, a cover plate, a plurality of supports extending between the base plate and the cover plate, and a side wall made of an oxygen permeable membrane. The cover plate has an opening therein which is capable of supporting a dissolved oxygen probe. The opening also acts as an inlet and outlet to the chamber. A rotor is provided in the chamber for stirring the liquid.

Abstract: The container has an elongated port section formed of a flexible cylindrical wall. A first tube member is lodged within the wall at a location spaced from the end thereof. A second tube member is forceably inserted within the first tube member, engaging a section of the wall therebetween. The engaged wall section may include a double wall thickness. One of the tube members is composed of substantially non-elastic material and the other is composed of relatively elastic material. The elastic member will deform so as to tightly seal the wall section. A detent may be present on one of the tube members to cooperate with a detent receiving recess on the other to enhance the strength of the seal. Any conventional drain valve or tubing can be connected to the protruding end of the second tube member.

Abstract: Comestible cones with frozen edibles deposited thereon are safely and securely held and transported in a carrying bag. The carrying bag contains a handle portion which is positioned above the center of gravity of the cone-filled carrying bag and insures that said filled carrying bag is in stable equilibrium. The bag comprises two substantially planar sheets, one of which is juxtaposed behind and in registration with the other. Said two sheets are joined together along their bottoms, along a portion of their sides, and intermediate their sides along a plurality of spaced zones which taper diagonally downwardly toward one another to thus define a plurality of quasi-conical pockets. The non-joined portions of the sides of said sheets define upper panel segments. The cones are receivable in the pockets of the bag and are securely and safely held therein during transport of said cones from place to place.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement in flexible side-sealed taped bags having an extended lip rear panel. The external surface of the rear panel is releasably secured, at least at one point, to at least one tape (preferably two tapes) whereby a plurality of the bags may be advantageously presented in imbricated form. The improvement includes extension of the side seals of the front bag panel to the rear bag panel. The length of the extended side seals being such that their termination points are extended beyond the bag mouth so that the forces imposed on the bag mouth during loading of a product into the bag, while the bag is secured to the tape(s), act on the side seals below the side seal termination points. During product loading, the bag preferentially releases or separates from the tape(s) rather than tearing or delaminating at the side seal termination points.

Abstract: A paper bag for containing take-out food from a restaurant can be converted by the customer into a flat place mat. As supplied to the restaurant, the bag includes perforations which serve to mark and guide the direction of tearing. A first line of tearing perforations extends circumferentially around the bag near its closed end. A second line of tearing perforations extends from the open end of the bag to the first line of tearing perforations. In a first embodiment, the bag has a rectangular bottom, and in a second embodiment, the bottom of the bag is trough-shaped.

Abstract: A glueless paper bag is formed from a single sheet of paper or similar flexible sheet material which is first folded longitudinally upon itself and then transversely to provide an open mouth bag having a closed bottom, pleated, relatively expansible sides, a single ply front wall, a multiple ply rear wall and a locking section which is tucked into the open mouth of the bag in overlying relation to the multiple ply rear wall thereof. The bag may be readily unfolded to provide a rectangular doily or napkin-forming sheet.

Abstract: A leaf collecting and bagging assembly is made up of a plastic bag having an open end and sheet means of plastic material integral with the bag and attached thereto around its opening, the integral sheet means being capable of being spread out on the ground to serve as a leaf collecting surface.

Abstract: A pouch for protecting electrosensitive components contained therein from physical shock and electrostatic damage during handling and storage. In one embodiment, the pouch comprises two composite panels, each comprising a sheet of conductive material as the outside layer, a sheet of electrostatic-free material as the inside layer and a layer of open cell cushioning material sandwiched therebetween. Each panel is sealed to enclose the material therein and both panels are then sealed together on both sides and one end. The open end has an interlocking closure to allow components to be inserted into the pouch and for the pouch to be thereafter closed.In another embodiment, the pouch is formed of a pair of extruded, tubular members respectively constituting the conductive material layer and the electrostatic-free material layer with sheets of cushioning material sandwiched between them. The assembly is sealed at one end and provided with a releasable closure member at the other end.

Abstract: A multi-purpose holding device including a receptacle or pouch and a fastener particularly advantageous for use in moving vehicles. The surface of the pouch and one side of the fastener are constructed of complementary a hook and loop material which allows the pouch to be attached to and removed from the fastener. The other side of the fastener contains an adhesive for securing the fastener to an object base. The device is useful for holding many different objects. The holding device is also adapted to hold and insulate an open beverage container without spilling its contents. The pouch also preferably contains a second compartment and a slot between the surface of the pouch and a strip of light-reflecting material. As a result of the strip of light-reflecting material and the construction of the pouch and fastener the holding device is also adapted for use as a warning device.