With Means To Maintain The Bag Mouth In An Open Configuration Patents (Class 383/33)
  • Patent number: 6899460
    Abstract: A storage bag having a recloseable mouth, which is biased into an open configuration, is disclosed. The bag, typically manufactured from thermoplastic material such as low-density polyethylene, includes first and second adjacent layers joined or folded along bottom and side edges. The top edges are not folded or permanently joined, but are provided with closure members such as mating male and female zipper strips. The bag is further provided with structure to bias the top edges apart from one another thus biasing the mouth of the bag into an open configuration. The closure members are sufficiently strong to overcome the force of the biasing structure and thereby hold the bag closed when the closure members are engaged. However, upon disengagement of the closure members the biasing structure forces the bag top edges apart to thereby place the bag into an open mouth configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Michael J. Banco, James C. Pawloski, Kenneth A. Toney, John O. McCree
  • Patent number: 6874936
    Abstract: A strap-on waste container for receiving thrown up stomach contents includes an elongated moisture proof bag having an open end, a rigid ring connected to the bag open end, and an elongated neck strap connected on one end to the ring. The neck strap allows for hands free use of the container so that the user or an assistant need not hold the container. The neck strap further includes a fabricated stress riser that causes the neck strap to break through the application of a threshold force, allowing for easy removal of the neck strap and container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Tri-State Hospital Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Gillis, Donald J. Propp
  • Publication number: 20040258331
    Abstract: A rectangular parallelepiped carrying case is fabricated from a fabric or other flexible material and includes at least three wire rod reinforcement members extending between lateral sides of the carrying case generally adjacent at least two of the top peripheral edges forming the carrying case. The wire rods are retained by an extra layer of fabric which effectively encapsulates the wire rods or rigid members that extend between opposite lateral sides of the carrying case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Travel Caddy, Inc. d/b/a Travelon
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrezj M. Redzisz
  • Publication number: 20040258333
    Abstract: There are provided a flexible container capable of realizing facilitation of opening and uniformization of the shape of an opening that is obtained by opening, a method of forming the flexible container, a seal-breaking guide of the flexible container, a method of enclosing a liquid in the flexible container, and the liquid enclosed in the flexible container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Nokano
  • Patent number: 6827491
    Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag (10a, 10b) having a front wall (12) and a rear wall (14), opposed sides (16, 18) and an open top end (24) has a zipper (22) extending across the front and rear walls (12, 14) from side to side at the bag top. The zipper (22) includes first and second profiles (17, 19) having mating interlocking portions (26, 28). A camber inducing member (30, 32) is provided at the bag top on at least one of the profiles (17, 19) or the front and rear walls (12, 14) to urge the top end of the front wall (12) away from the top end of the rear wall (14) when the mating interlocking portions are disengaged from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Kohl, Edward Berich, Duane Piechocki
  • Publication number: 20040223664
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing nested disposable bag packs for selective use to increase user efficiency, to enhance health and sanitation, to provide a savings of time and money in using disposable bags, to selectively provide needed bag strength, and/or to facilitate use of the disposable bags. A nested disposable bag pack is used to allow a new bag or bag-set to be available upon extraction of a previous bag/bag-set. The nested bag pack is a pre-packaged, multi-inserted bag pack, wherein the bags have been inserted within one another during the manufacturing process. The bags comprise a disposable material, such as a polymer (e.g., polyethylene or another polymer material), paper, or another material. The nested bag pack has a variety of uses in a variety of industries, including household and commercial use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Mark T. Martin, Sheldon K. Berrett
  • Publication number: 20040184679
    Abstract: A bulk bag comprises a side wall formed from woven polypropylene fabric and comprising a cylindrical configuration. Long, narrow, strips of polypropylene fabric is sewn to the side wall panels at spaced apart locations to define pockets which receive a support members. Alternatively, the pockets may be formed by gathering the fabric of the side wall to define the pocket and securing the gathered material in place by sewing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Robert R. Williamson, Joe Ronald Richardson, Bradley Matthew Eisenbarth, Bobby Glenn Brown
  • Patent number: 6769807
    Abstract: An article shape maintenance system for maintaining the shape of a bag article during storage and non-use thereof. The article shape maintenance system includes a filler member, and a covering surrounding the filler member. The covering is comprised of a cloth material. The filler member is comprised of a resilient material such as foam rubber or polyester fiber. The filler member preferably includes a sachet containing a scented material. The filler member preferably includes silica gel or related material for absorbing moisture from within the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Madeline M. Bayard
  • Publication number: 20040141662
    Abstract: A strap-on waste container for receiving thrown up stomach contents includes an elongated moisture proof bag having an open end, a rigid ring connected to the bag open end, and an elongated neck strap connected on one end to the ring. The neck strap allows for hands free use of the container so that the user or an assistant need not hold the container. The neck strap further includes a fabricated stress riser that causes the neck strap to break through the application of a threshold force, allowing for easy removal of the neck strap and container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Tri-State Hospital Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Gillis, Donald J. Propp
  • Patent number: 6749808
    Abstract: A sterilizable container (20) is described which includes a flexible bag (23), the flexible bag (23) having a hole in a flat portion thereof and a hollow connector port (22) fixed thereto, the connector port (22) including a collar portion (22A) and a flange portion (24) defining an internal bore (26) of the connector port (22), the inside surface of the flexible bag (23) being sealed to an outside surface of the flange portion (24) and the collar portion (22A) extending through the hole in the flexible bag (23). Also disclosed is an adapter (10) having an internal bore (12), the connector port (22) and the adapter (10) being sealably connectable by a clamping and sealing device (11, 13) so that the internal bores (12, 16) of the connector port (22) and the adapter (10) are in open communication. Preferably, the adapter (10) has a removable door (16) sealed to the end of the adapter (10) remote from the sealable connection to the connector port (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Huynen, Stéphane Huynen, Steven Vanhamel
  • Publication number: 20040086205
    Abstract: A trash bag incorporating a mouth securing system for securing the bag to a receptacle. The invention utilizes elastic strands, or alternatively elastic bands, adhesively attached to a trash bag and extending along the mouth of the bag. The elastic strands are attached to the bag while the strands are stretched. When the strands are allowed to return to their unstretched state, the bag gathers along the strands thereby providing a stretchable region along the mouth of the bag. The bag is configured so that when the strands are unstretched, the bag mouth is smaller than the receptacle opening, but when the strands are stretched, the bag mouth is larger than the opening. The bag is placed in the receptacle, the mouth stretched and placed over the receptacle opening. The elastic strands then retract creating a restoring force that secures the bag to the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Raterman
  • Patent number: 6726076
    Abstract: A portable litter receptacle for allowing smokers to discard their litter in a litter receptacle rather than throwing their buds on the ground. The portable litter receptacle includes a pouch member being collapsible; and also includes a support assembly being securely attached to the.pouch member and being adapted to extend over an object to suspend the pouch member therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Eric C. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 6705575
    Abstract: A disposable bag including a stand, the bag including an opening with a plurality of resilient overlapping leaves through which disposable items are inserted. The outer periphery of the bag has a flange that rests on a corresponding support ring of the stand. The bag includes an attached lid with a peripheral lip that snaps onto the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Marian A. Hoy
  • Bag
    Publication number: 20040032992
    Abstract: A bag for use with at least one wicket pin of an automatic bag filling equipment. The bag has a first side wall of a film material with a wicket mounting part. The wicket mounting part has at least one hole for mounting the bag on at least one of the at least one wicket pins of the bag filling equipment. The bag has a second side wall with an open part of an open material. The second side wall is joined to the first side wall such that the bag has an inside and an opening. The second side wall has a film part of a film material for facilitating the automatic opening of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Moty Hershku
  • Patent number: 6678923
    Abstract: A bag closure system for automatically closing a bag with audible and tactile feedback to indicate proper closure of the bag. The bag closure system includes a bag device having an opening, a first band positioned within a first lip of the opening, and a second band positioned within a second lip of the opening. The first band and second band are comprised of a resilient elongate material that audibly and tactilely indicate when the opening is opened or closed. The first band and the second band further provide for automatic closure of the opening to prevent loss of items within the bag device. The first band and the second band are preferably comprised of a resilient material having an arcuate cross section providing rigidity to the bands when in a straight condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Bisadora, LLC.
    Inventors: Mark H. Goldberg, Robert L. Coker, Douglas P. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 6667081
    Abstract: A pouch of the present invention comprises a front and a rear walls and a narrow pouring portion, and at least one wall portion is partially protruded to an outward direction of the pouch to be provided with a bulge portion having a hollow structure at vicinity of the pouring portion. Alternatively, a cut line of the pouring portion is positioned based on a vertex of a vertical angle of an assumed right triangle which is drawn at the pouring portion by the predetermined regulations. A half-cut line as an opening aid may be provided to a position to be opened of the pouch, the half-cut line being formed so as to have a combination of a deep part and a shallow part and/or a combination of a wide part and a narrow part. The bulge portion may be formed by subjecting a preheated resin film to press molding with the use of a die comprising a cavity and a core, and then cooling the thus press-molded resin film while it is held in the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukitaka Aoki, Takashi Nakagome, Izumi Kojima, Seiichiro Komoda, Koji Otsuka, Koji Shimizu, Taeko Kanamori, Nana Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6659407
    Abstract: A collapsible trash bag stand having a sleeve-shaped body made from durable semi-rigid sheet material and having a plurality of punch-out, retainer tabs that snap into position to prevent the bag from slipping into the stand and to accommodate loading of multiple layers of trash bags at one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Vito Frank Asaro
  • Publication number: 20030215160
    Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag (10a, 10b) having a front wall (12) and a rear wall (14), opposed sides (16, 18) and an open top end (24) has a zipper (22) extending across the front and rear walls (12, 14) from side to side at the bag top. The zipper (22) includes first and second profiles (17, 19) having mating interlocking portions (26, 28). A camber inducing member (30, 32) is provided at the bag top on at least one of the profiles (17, 19) or the front and rear walls (12, 14) to urge the top end of the front wall (12) away from the top end of the rear wall (14) when the mating interlocking portions are disengaged from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: James G. Kohl, Edward Berich, Duane Piechocki
  • Patent number: 6641187
    Abstract: A self-closing bag holder for a flexible bag. The bag holder has a pair of resilient arms for supporting the bag and a pair of resilient handles. Each arm is joined with a handle by a rocker, which provides a fixed angle between the arm and the handle. The other ends of the arms are releasably hinged together. The other ends of the handles are joined together such that they bow away from each other because of the fixed angle rockers. The rockers are pivotally joined together, such that upon compressing the handles, the rockers will pivot to cause the arms to expand and bow away from each other, thus opening the flexible bag. Upon release of the handles, the arms will retract toward each other, thus closing the bag, while the handle will regain its originally bowed shape. The self-closing feature of the bag holder allows an operator to open and close the bag without having to touch the bag itself Also, when no pressure is exerted on the handles, the arms and thus the bag will remain closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Yungtai Hsu
  • Patent number: 6637938
    Abstract: A laundry apparatus that is mountable on a door, including a mountable rim and a laundry bag that may be attached to the rim or removed from the rim. The rim is held in a generally horizontal position in which the laundry bag is open, but may be lowered to take up less space. The rim of the laundry bag is mountable on a surface, such as a vertical surface of a door, using a mounting plate to which the rim is attached. The mounting plate is either affixed directly to the surface or suspended from above the surface, such as with an over-the-door bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Deborah H. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20030108254
    Abstract: A laundry apparatus that is mountable on a door, including a mountable rim and a laundry bag that may be attached to the rim or removed from the rim. The rim is held in a generally horizontal position in which the laundry bag is open, but may be lowered to take up less space. The rim of the laundry bag is mountable on a surface, such as a vertical surface of a door, using a mounting plate to which the rim is attached. The mounting plate is either affixed directly to the surface or suspended from above the surface, such as with an over-the-door bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Deborah H. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6575629
    Abstract: A collapsible bag comprising a flexible outer skin, defining an interior and a substantially unobstructed opening. Reinforcing material is provided around said opening to define a pocket containing a rigid support, which allows the bag to hydrostabilize when filled with a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Paper Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Perkins
  • Patent number: 6554810
    Abstract: A container for the collection and disposal of emesis comprises a rigid frame and a flexible bag. The frame and the bag are typically stored as separate parts prior to use and assembled just prior to or in anticipation of a use. Subsequent to use the bag is dissembled from the frame and sealed and disposed of, with the frame optionally reused or disposed of. Optionally the frame and bag are disposed of as a unit without subsequent disassembly. Frames, bags, and other ancillary parts of the unit are inexpensively manufactured of molded polymers or plastics, and are inexpensive enough for single use as warranted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Peter J. Wilk, Karen A. Cashel
  • Publication number: 20030077007
    Abstract: A storage bag having a recloseable mouth, which is biased into an open configuration, is disclosed. The bag, typically manufactured from thermoplastic material such as low-density polyethylene, includes first and second adjacent layers joined or folded along bottom and side edges. The top edges are not folded or permanently joined, but are provided with closure members such as mating male and female zipper strips. The bag is further provided with structure to bias the top edges apart from one another thus biasing the mouth of the bag into an open configuration. The closure members are sufficiently strong to overcome the force of the biasing structure and thereby hold the bag closed when the closure members are engaged. However, upon disengagement of the closure members the biasing structure forces the bag top edges apart to thereby place the bag into an open mouth configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Michael J. Banco, James C. Pawloski, Kenneth A. Toney, John O. McCree
  • Patent number: 6530690
    Abstract: A coin receiving and carrying container adapted for use with a slot machine. The coin container includes a frame having a bag supporting section and a handle section that may be formed of a continuous round rod. A flexible bag that may be formed of durable cloth is attached to the bag supporting section of the frame and depends downwardly therefrom. The bag supporting section of the frame and the attached bag are shaped to conform to the generally rectangularly shaped coin tray of a slot machine and may be easily and conveniently positioned in the coin tray below the coin discharge. Coins discharged into the bag may be easily carried to the casino cashier by grasping the handle with the frame in the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventors: Garry L. Smith, Pennie J. Nelva Smith
  • Patent number: 6517034
    Abstract: A bag opening and cleaning system which allows a garbage or leaf bag to be held open while filled with garbage or leaves. The system includes a pair of hoops including an inner hoop and an outer hoop. The inner hoop is positionable within the outer hoop. The pair of hoops have a plurality of circumferentially spaced pliable clamps holding the inner and outer hoops together. The pair of hoops receive an open upper end of a bag between the inner and outer hoops. A gripping member is coupled with the pair of hoops. A dust pan is hingedly coupled with the pair of hoops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Harriet Kinchen
  • Publication number: 20030016886
    Abstract: A carrier for a pneumatic delivery system includes a bag-shaped body that is fabricated from a flexible material. The carrier includes a sealing plate and a weight disposed at the front of the body and an alignment ring disposed toward the rear of the body. The carrier is adapter to be moved through the ducts of a pneumatic delivery system without becoming stuck in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: James F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6508587
    Abstract: A container for retaining articles includes a pliable sack and a closure attached to an opening of the sack. The closure includes a substantially flexible member having a pair of anchors and a substantially rigid member having a pair of pivotal seats. Each of the pivotal seats is adapted to receive a respective one of the anchors of the flexible member. The closure is positionable between a closed position in which the flexible member is substantially proximate to the rigid member and an opened position in which the flexible member is substantially separated from the rigid member. The closure may be configured to have a generally circular shape when in the opened position and a generally crescent shape when in the closed position. The seats may be configured to slidably receive the anchors to minimize complexity in the manufacturing process. Each of the rigid and flexible members preferably has a unitary construction to further reduce manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
  • Patent number: 6505967
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting cuttings, filings, and other particles by attaching a portable receptacle along an interior wall of a metal cabinet or container utilizing an array of magnets for temporary attachment to catch and retain the particles in a flexible receptacle or on a magnetic liner or a low density fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony E. Alfero-Kuronya
  • Patent number: 6494619
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for holding open the mouth of a bag. The device comprises a strip of light weight, generally stiff material having a predetermined length generally corresponding to the circumference of the mouth of the bag. The strip of material has a predetermined height and a predetermined thickness which is sufficient to provide vertical support. The strip of material is secured around a surface of the bag proximate to the mouth of the bag, such that when the bag is placed on a supporting surface, the strip of material supports and maintains the mouth of the bag in an open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Alfred Sulpizio
  • Patent number: 6494335
    Abstract: A collapsible structure having a plurality of side panels and a floor panel forming an enclosure having an open top. Each side panel comprises a web of material, and an edging material. The collapsible structure includes at least two flexible continuous loop frames which are substantially enveloped by the edging. The edging coupled to the periphery of the web. One or more handles may be attached to the structure or formed within one or more of the side panels. A method of making and collapsing the structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Bajer Design & Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Kellogg, Dean B. Krotts
  • Patent number: 6488146
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a disposable container 12 for holding suitable fluid 24 to be used for consuming a medicinal pill 28. In one embodiment, a disposable plastic package 60 is disclosed having a fluid chamber 62 and a pill chamber 64 having a divide therebetween. A tear-away strip 68 is disclosed for access into the fluid chamber 62 along with a thin wire frame 72 for adding support to the fluid container. In other embodiments, the container 12 also contains variously designed means 20, 36, 48 for housing the pills 28. The container 12 may have multiple compartments 42, 44, 46 for holding liquids 24. Also, the pills 28 may be housed in a handle cavity 20 or base cavity 36 enclosed by a seal 22, 38. Alternatively, a pill cup 48 is provided having a tear strip 54 thereon for being releasably attached to the base 30 of container 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Dotsikas
  • Publication number: 20020176639
    Abstract: A rigid mouth bag with a rigid mouth that places no stress on the bag and which leaves no entrapment areas between the bag and the rigid mouth for product inside the rigid mouth bag to egress into. The rigid mouth is formed as a “Y” joint and the bag inserted between the prongs of the joint. The joint is closed and sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: AMCAD Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Alan Mark Crawley
  • Patent number: 6478157
    Abstract: A bag for storing and dispensing cord includes a sidewall formed from a pliable sheet of material. The sidewall defines an interior compartment having a central portion defined between two ends. In one embodiment, a resilient ring having sufficient stiffness to maintain the interior compartment in an at least partially uncollapsed shape when the bag lays on its side supports the central portion of the interior compartment. A cord is stored within the interior compartment with one end of the cord protruding through an aperture in the closed end and the other end of the cord protruding from the open end of the compartment. In one embodiment, an end cover attached to the sidewall forms the closed end of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Liberty Tool, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome M. Witt, Benjamin R. Groeser, Morse L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6467663
    Abstract: A cargo supporting apparatus adapted to be used within a bed of a pickup truck. The apparatus includes a frame which is pivotally mounted to a longitudinal sidewall of the bed such that it can be moved between a stowed position and an operative position. In the operative position the frame extends generally horizontally from the sidewall of the bed. A pivot assembly is used to support the frame in its operative position. A locking assembly is operatively associated with the pivot assembly for holding the frame in its operative position. The locking assembly also includes a user actuatable lever. The actuatable lever can be used to unlock the locking mechanism such that the frame can be pivoted from its operative position into its stowed position. The frame includes a plurality of openings which each have a cargo carrying element such as a net or flexible bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kmita, Brett J. Borella, Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Publication number: 20020110289
    Abstract: A disposable lawn bag providing for easy pick-up and removal of leaves and lawn debris, thus eliminating the need for constant bending and handling of leaves and lawn debris. The bag is held open when the two ends of the enclosed stakes are pulled apart and pushed into the ground. This opens the bag and allows it to sit flush against the ground, so that leaves and debris can be directly raked into the open bag. No bending or handling of leaves and debris is necessary. Once the bag is filled, the ends of the stakes are removed from the ground. The bag may then be closed with any type of closure and then disposed of, using the takes as handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Steven J. Fishman, Robert Mittleman
  • Publication number: 20020110288
    Abstract: A coin receiving and carrying container adapted for use with a slot machine. The coin container includes a frame having a bag supporting section and a handle section that may be formed of a continuous round rod. A flexible bag that may be formed of durable cloth is attached to the bag supporting section of the frame and depends downwardly therefrom. The bag supporting section of the frame and the attached bag are shaped to conform to the generally rectangularly shaped coin tray of a slot machine and may be easily and conveniently positioned in the coin tray below the coin discharge. Coins discharged into the bag may be easily carried to the casino cashier by grasping the handle with the frame in the vertical position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Garry L. Smith, Pennie J. Nelva Smith
  • Patent number: 6415455
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for obtaining a stool specimen. The apparatus comprises a housing, a collection bag, a slider to close the collection bag and a draw string to move the slider. A user places the apparatus on a toilet, deposits a first stool into the collection bag, then pulls the draw string to move the slider to close the collection bag thereby allowing the user to urinate or further defecate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Exact Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Walker M. Slaon, III, Stanley N. Lapidus
  • Patent number: 6398411
    Abstract: A pleated neckdown bag for lining a receptacle is disclosed wherein the bag is made of a flexible plastic film. The disclosed bag has one or more pleat portions (18) fixed at points around the mouth portion (26) of the bag to reduce the circumference of the mouth portion relative to the circumference of the body portion (14). The reduced circumference mouth portion of the neckdown bag can be fitted over a supporting receptacle. The top portion (12) of the bag is thereby more securely held to the support, and the mouth portion is more securely held in an open state, since the narrowed mouth portion of the bag can better engage a support such as the rim of a waste bin. Bag embodiments having flat and flat rectangular constructions, convenient for manufacture, storage, shipping, and dispensing, are also disclosed. Also disclosed is a tabbed neckdown bag embodiment with a tab (52) modifying means to advantageously modify stress and strain at and near the conjunction of a seam and mouth portion of a neckdown bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Michael A. Metzger
  • Patent number: 6367747
    Abstract: A collapsible, yard bag insert is disclosed, designed to allow a user to easily empty lawn mower bag clippings into traditional paper yard refuse bags. The collapsible, yard bag insert comprises a sturdy open-top, open-bottom plastic insert, designed to be placed inside of the yard refuse bag. Hand holes are molded into it to allow one to carry it. The collapsible, yard bag insert is collapsible in design, so as to facilitate ease of insertion and removal from the refuse bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Bart Mulle
  • Patent number: 6363541
    Abstract: A container for collecting, absorbing and retaining human or animal waste material that can be used with one hand is disclosed. The container is formed as a portable and disposable bag defining an internal pocket having a mouth opening. A resiliently deformable collar member surrounds a periphery of the mouth opening and defines the mouth opening. A nonpermeable and flexible outer layer defines the internal pocket and encloses the collar member. A liquid absorbent inner layer is positioned in the internal pocket and is attached to the outer layer. The inner layer forms a surface of the internal pocket and is adapted to absorb liquid waste material. The container is further adapted to retain solid waste material deposited in the internal pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Patricia A. Tylka
  • Patent number: 6351857
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a stool specimen. The apparatus comprises a housing, a collection bag, a slider to close the collection bag and a draw string to move the slider. A user places the apparatus on a toilet, deposits a first stool into the collection bag, then pulls the draw string to move the slider to close the collection bag thereby allowing the user to urinate or further defecate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Exact Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Walker M. Slaon, III, Stanley N. Lapidus
  • Publication number: 20020025086
    Abstract: The invention provides a rigid mouth bag (2) with a rigid mouth (10) that places no stress on the bag and which leaves no entrapment areas between the bag and the rigid mouth for product inside the rigid mouth bag to egress into. The rigid mouth is formed as a “Y” joint and the bag inserted between the prongs of the joint. The joint is closed and sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: ALAN MARK CRAWLEY
  • Patent number: 6308875
    Abstract: A surgical instrument storage pack is provided to accommodate standard or videoscopic surgical instruments. The instrument pack is removably mounted adjacent a surgeon's or surgical assistant's abdominal or chest area and incorporates pockets that are adapted to securely and removably receive surgical instruments of different shapes and sizes. The pack may be mounted by a belt with straps or other mounting mechanism to encircle or embrace the surgeon's abdomen or chest. Alternatively the pack may be mounted by other affixing elements such as adhesive strips that directly affix the pack to the abdominal or chest region of a surgical garment. In this manner, the pack is secured at a frontal abdominal or chest position of the surgeon to provide ready access to instruments placed within the pouch and to secure the pack and instruments reliably within a sterile operating field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Kristi M Almo
  • Patent number: 6302583
    Abstract: A package for a trash bag rod which is flexible and resilient for opening a trash bag and for forming a hoop shape for holding the trash bag open while it is being filled with fallen leaves, lawn clippings, and other trash, comprises a trash bag rod which is normally straight but which is wound into a coil that springs back toward straight position when released from the coil, an enclosure holding the trash bag rod in coiled position with at least one end portion of the rod being held in straight position to form a straight end portion of the rod within the enclosure, whereby after the coiled rod is released from the enclosure the straight end portion is more easily threaded through a perimeter portion of the open end of a trash bag than a rod with a curved end portion. The method includes preforming a series of openings around the top perimeter portion of the trash bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Floyd Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 6290392
    Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag having first and second securement strips near the open top of the bag. A wire or other inelastically deformable member is extruded or otherwise placed adjacent the opening of the bag. Then when the bag is opened, the top can be bent into a desired shape so that the bag will stay open. This makes the filling, emptying or using of the contents much easier than the conventional plastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 6273156
    Abstract: A bag support assembly for facilitating sweeping objects into a bag through an opening. The bag support assembly includes a main member, a pair of side members each being removably couplable to the main member and designed for positioning a perimeter wall of a bag in a spaced relationship with the main member when the bag support assembly is inserted into an opening in the bag formed by the perimeter wall, and a strap member with opposite ends which are removably couplable to the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Juan A. Carrillo
  • Patent number: 6273608
    Abstract: A sterile collection bag and method of opening using wire mechanisms. The bag includes a body and an opening mechanism. The body is formed of opposed side walls and an upper body end. The interior of the body defines a sterile collection space for an object. The opening mechanism includes first and second flexible metal strips each having a first end, a second end, and a mid-section. The mid-section of each metal strip is attached to the center section of a side wall. The metal strips are longer than the width of the body so as to extend beyond the side wall edges. The ends of the metal strips are unattached to one another. In one embodiment, the upper end of the body includes an opening. In another embodiment, the body includes a lateral tear line located below the body upper end, with the opening mechanism located below the tear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: International BioProducts Incorporated
    Inventors: N. Robert Ward, Jr., Debra K. Cory, Geoffrey S. Bright
  • Patent number: 6267244
    Abstract: A bag for storing and dispensing cord includes a sidewall formed from a pliable sheet of material. The sidewall defines an interior compartment having a central portion defined between two ends. In one embodiment, a resilient ring having sufficient stiffness to maintain the interior compartment in an at least partially uncollapsed shape when the bag lies on its side supports the central portion of the interior compartment. A cord is stored within the interior compartment with one end of the cord protruding through an aperture in the closed end and the other end of the cord protruding from the open end of the compartment. In one embodiment, an end cover attached to the sidewall forms the closed end of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Liberty Tool, LLC
    Inventors: Jerome M. Witt, Benjamin R. Groeser, Morse L. Roberts
  • Patent number: RE37924
    Abstract: A collapsible container having a plurality of side panels and a floor panel forming an enclosure having an open top. Each side panel comprises a flexible continuous loop frame, a web of material, and an edging material. The edging envelops the frame and is coupled to the periphery of the web. One or more handles may be attached to the container or formed within one or more of the side panels. A method of making and collapsing the container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Bajer Design & Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Kellogg, Dean B. Krotts