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.

Abstract: A container is constructed from a pouch having a front sheet, a rear sheet and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet of the pouch is folded along a midline thereof with flaps extending downward from the fold line. Each of the bottom edges of the flaps are welded to or integral with one bottom edge of either the front or the rear sheet. Lateral edges of the front and rear sheets are welded to one another with the bottom two portions of the welded edges sandwiching both lateral edges of the bottom folded sheet. To construct the container, a central portion of the bottom sheet is unfolded such that the unfolded portion has an essentially rectangular shape, thus forming said base, with central parts of the bottom edges of the bottom sheet forming the front and rear edges of the base and with peripheral portions of the bottom sheet forming two overlapping triangular portions with the bottom edges thereof defining the two side edges of the base.

Abstract: A laundry bag is provided that is comprised of an open end and a closed end. Two loops are attached to the laundry bag. The first loop is located adjacent to the closed end, and the second loop is located adjacent to the open end. The laundry bag further comprises a drawstring which is moveably coupled to the open end and contains a fastener. To assure that the proper amount of clothing is placed inside the bag, the laundry bag hangs from a support structure, by the provided loops, in a folded manner. The open end of the bag is exposed for inserting clothing therein. Hanging the laundry bag in this folded position forms a front compartment that has an available laundry receiving volume of about 15% to 45%. Leaving an excess of laundry bag volume allows for clothing expansion during the drying cycle.

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.

Abstract: A convertible package and bowl type container (10) has two overlaying sheets joined along their side edges by side seals (13) and folded to form container sides (19), container ends (20), a generally square bottom (14). The container has an elongated openable seal along the top of the two sides. The sides are of a height of between one to two times that of the major side dimension of the bottom. The container is reconfigurable between a closed configuration with the top seal closed and an open, self standing configuration with a squared off open top.

Abstract: A flexible storage bag comprising at least one sheet of flexible sheet material assembled to form a semi-enclosed container having an opening defined by a hinged peripheral flange. The hinged flange includes a closure means for sealing the opening to convert the semi-enclosed container to a closed container. The bag includes at least one pair of opposed gussets formed in the sheet material extending in a direction normal to the opening and a substantially planar bottom extending in a direction substantially parallel to the opening. When the bottom is placed on a horizontal surface the container is self-supporting and maintains the opening in an open condition. The present invention also provides a flexible storage bag having an opening and a closure means for sealing the opening to convert the semi-enclosed container to a closed container.

Abstract: A bag holder device facilitates the reuse of bags such as plastic grocery bags as waste collection bags. The device has a body formed with slots from which the bag can be suspended by means of its handles. An expander element is pivotally connected to the body and is movable between a storage state in which it is folded against the body and a usable state in which it engages the interior of the bag to retain the mouth of the bag open for receiving waste. The device may be removably or non-removably attachable to a support surface or may be free-standing. It is conveniently formed from a washable, lightweight material.

Abstract: A plastic grocery bag opening device including a back panel securable to an interior surface of a kitchen cabinet door. A pair of side panels are pivotally coupled with the back panel. The pair of side panels each have a generally rectangular configuration defined by a vertical edge, a horizontal edge, and a diagonal edge. The vertical edge and the horizontal edge are essentially planar. The diagonal edge is essentially arcuate. The vertical edge of each side panel is hingedly coupled with opposed side edges of the back panel. The horizontal edge of each side panel has a pair of small arcuate recesses formed therein in a spaced relationship.

Abstract: A portable lawn bag includes a bag and a pair of stakes. The bag is preferably rectangular in shape with an opening substantially perpendicular to the ground. Two holes are formed at a first end to receive a first stake. Two holes are formed at a second end to receive a second stake. Each stake includes a handle portion disposed at a first end, an upstanding pin, and an offset portion which is disposed at substantially the second end. During set-up, the bag is laid with either the top or bottom on the ground. The second end of each stake is inserted through a bottom hole at each end of the bag. The stakes are forced into the ground with a combination of hand pressure applied to the handle and foot pressure applied to the offset portions until the offset portions clamp the bag against the ground. A top hole at each end is placed over the upstanding pin of each stake. The upstanding pin holds the bag open such that lawn debris may be raked therein.

Abstract: A flexible bag comprising at least one sheet of flexible sheet material assembled to form a semi-enclosed container having an interior surface, an exterior surface, an opening having a peripheral edge, and a support-engagement feature located on the exterior surface at least partially surrounding the peripheral edge. The support-engagement feature comprises a strip of material having a first side facing outwardly from the exterior surface and a second side facing inwardly toward the interior surface. The first side exhibits an adhesion peel force after activation by a user which is greater than an adhesion peel force exhibited prior to activation by a user. The support-engagement feature preferably at least partially, and more preferably fully, circumferentially surrounds the peripheral edge.

Abstract: A disposable toilet receptacle includes a bag and a funnel made of a sheet-like liquid-impermeable material, such as plastic film. The plastic film of which the bag is made may be a vapor barrier film. The top edge of the bag has a closure. The tapering body of the funnel is connected to the interior of the bag along a line extending between the side edges of the bag that defines a boundary between an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The portion of the funnel having the wide opening or inlet is disposed in the upper chamber, and the portion of the funnel having the narrower opening or outlet is disposed in the lower chamber. The lower chamber may have in it a gellable hydrophilic material that absorbs liquid waste. The portion of the funnel disposed in the upper chamber is, when fully extended, longer than the upper chamber. The outlet end of the funnel may be a flutter valve that prevents backflow of waste. To use the bag, a user opens the closure and extends the funnel.

Abstract: A soft bag expander comprising a bottom panel having at least two bottom fold lines along opposite sides thereof; a first inner side panel and a second inner side panel affixed to said bottom panel along a first fold line and second fold line and each inner side panel being rotatable about the fold line to extend upwards from the bottom panel; a top panel having at least two top panel fold lines along opposite sides thereof; a first outer side panel and a second outer side panel, each outer side panel being disposed on a respective inner side panel, a respective middle fold line transversing each outer side panel formed parallel to the bottom fold line, each outer side panel extending from a respective top panel fold line to a position below each respective fold line; a resilient member resiliently joining a respective one of the outer side panels to a respective inner side panel to bias the respective side panels from a closed position into an open position, the inner side panels being positioned adjacent to

Abstract: A bag holding device for holding the mouth of a bag open and attaching to a belt of a user. The bag holding device includes a open ring with a plurality of spaced apart fastening holes therearound. Inserted into each fastening hole is a plug. An elongate handle outwardly extends from the outer perimeter of the ring. The handle has a resilient flexible portion at which the handle is bendable.

Abstract: A saddle bag insert 10 for use with a soft sided saddle bag 100 having front 101 and rear 102 end panels, a pair of side panels 103, 104 and a floor panel 105. The saddle bag insert 10 includes an insert member 20 fabricated from an elongated, thin, flat, contoured strip of rigid yet flexible material 21 having an intermediate segment 22 and a pair of end segments 23, 24 that are adapted to resiliently conform to the contours of the front and rear end panels 101, 102 and the floor panel 105 to provide rigidity to the soft sided saddle bag 100.

Abstract: A soft-sided fabric container, which in an open position is parallelepiped-shaped, has opposed side walls, opposed end walls mounted to the side walls at opposed longitudinal ends of the side walls, and a bottom wall opposite an open top of the container. The side wall edges, elongate rigid members mounted thereto. Handle apertures are formed in the side walls adjacent the rigid members. Resilient stiffeners are mounted along longitudinally opposite edges of the side walls from the bottom wall to the rigid members for resiliently urging the side walls each into a generally planar shape.

Abstract: A drawtape bag comprises a pair of pliable thermoplastic body panels joined to each other along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the opposing sides. The bag may be opened along the mouth end formed opposite the bottom. At least one of the body panels forms a hem along the mouth end of the bag, and the hem houses a pliable thermoplastic drawtape. One or more drawtape holes located within the hem expose the drawtape allowing it to be pulled through the holes to close the bag and to be used as a handle. The elastic top feature is provided by an elastomeric strip connected to a looped section of the drawtape housed within the hem. Specifically, the drawtape section is gathered into one or more loops defining a series of crests and troughs, and each trough is sealed to the elastomeric strip.

Abstract: A novel lobby dust pan for receipt of floor sweepings including a light-weight tube having a first downwardly directed portion for carrying by a handle located thereabove; a second portion, spaced-apart from the handle, bending away from the first portion; and, a third portion bending away from the second portion and terminating at near floor level, a frame, formed by interconnecting frame sides, located opposite the third tube portion, attached to the tube and defining an opening projecting forward and above floor level; and, a non-rigid container, having an opening attached about the frame and extending rearward to incase the second and the third tube portions therein, for receipt of dust and debris swept from the floor through the frame opening where the second and the third tube portions provide interior support for the container.

Abstract: Apparatus 100 for opening and supporting a collapsible container 101 having a wall and opening for receiving items to be disposed. Apparatus 100 comprises a sheet of high impact plastic having a thickness selected such that when the sheet is coiled to form a helical spring, and inserted into the opening of the container and released, the sheet rapidly uncoils thereby opening the container and applying a firm outward pressure to the container wall.

Abstract: A self-sealing disposable storage bag for storing perishable foods or biohazardous waste wherein the storage bag comprises a pouch having a self-sealing interlocking system extending longitudinally across, near an open top end, the open top end having a main opening contiguous with an evacuation opening, each opening having a separate and independent cooperative pairs of interlocking strips to make up the interlocking system. The interlocking system also includes a pliable gasket seal and a defined groove of predetermined interlocking strips for providing a true airtight seal when the main and evacuation openings are closed. A tapered barrier as defined above the evacuation opening for providing a corridor that receives a suction conduit having a corresponding tapered flange end which engages the tapered barrier and facilitates the evacuation of air from the storage bag when the main opening is closed.

Abstract: A gift package that comprises a bag having generally parallel front and rear walls, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two lateral edges, a pair of generally parallel side walls, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two lateral edges, wherein the lateral edges of the front and rear walls are joined to the lateral edges of the side panels, and a bottom panel having two pairs of generally parallel lateral edges, wherein the lateral edges of the bottom panel are joined to the bottom edges of the front, rear, and side walls to form a container having an opening defined by the top edges of the front, rear, and side walls, and wherein the bag has an expanded state and a collapsed state, where an area of the bag opening is larger when the bag is in its expanded state than when the bag is in its collapsed state.

Abstract: A bag for storing and dispensing electrical cord includes a sidewall formed from a pliable sheet of material. The sidewall defines an interior compartment having an open end, a closed end, and a central portion defined between the two ends. The central portion of the interior compartment is supported by 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. An electrical 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.

Abstract: A closure system for use in repetitively opening and closing an openable end of a pliable container includes first and second shape memory elements that are adapted to be attached to side walls of the pliable container adjacent the openable end thereof. Each of the first and second shape memory elements includes an elongated, generally concave surface portion and an opposing, generally convex surface portion. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the shape memory elements are provided on the container with the concave surface portions facing each other when the pliable container is in an open condition to maintain the opposing side walls in a spaced relationship in order to permit enhanced access to an interior of the container.

Abstract: A trash liner in combination with a trash container, and a method of using them to dispose of waste material. The trash liner is a bag having an opening and a body without perforations, with the opening of the bag having an edge within which is a tubular channel, and a flexible tying member passing through the tubular channel. Opposite ends of the tying member extend from openings in the tubular channel. The trash liner may be fastened on a trash container by inserting the body of the bag into the trash container, placing the edge of the opening of the bag over the rim of the trash container, and tying the opposite ends of the tying member together. Trash placed within the trash container may be safely removed by untying the ends of the tying member, removing the edge of the opening of the bag from the rim of the trash container, closing the opening of the bag, and again tying the ends of the tying member to secure closure of the bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trash bag which may be quickly and conveniently secured to a trash bag which further includes an integral disinfecting means therein. The device includes a bag member having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a closed end and an open end. Integral with the periphery of the open end is an elasotmeric band for selectively expanding the diameter or circumference thereof. Attached to the exterior surface of the bag member and overlaying the band is an annular retainer having a plurality of protrusions integral with its outer surface for frictionally engaging the exterior surface of a trash can. The open end of the bag member may be folded about a trash can whereby the integral elastomeric band will compress the retainer tightly against the exterior of the trash can. Attached to the interior surface of the bag member are a plurality of rupturable pods each having an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal or anti-mold substance therein.

Abstract: A flexible fabric container having stiffening webbing attached to the outside thereof. At least one bottom flap is releasably attached to the bottom and is attached to the container by a quick release buckle that has a free portion, not attached to the container, to allow free movement of the quick release buckle upon actuation to release the bottom flap and allow the container to discharge the contents thereof.

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.

Abstract: The combination briefcase and computer bag assembly includes a housing member having a bottom member, a plurality of side members, and a pair of pivotable top flap members. One of the side members includes a flexible floating compartment that is dimensionally configured to receive a portable computer. When the portable computer is held in the flexible floating compartment, it will substantially extend in the briefcase enclosure to protect the portable computer. Straps on the top flaps enable a top flap to be held in an open position when fastened about an extendable handle.

Abstract: A combination trolley and bag to receive and hold leaves and debris cleaned from a rain gutter (eavestrough). The trolley includes a pair of rolling sheaves that ride on the outside edge of the gutter to transport leaves and debris from the initial point to the next section to be cleaned or until the bag is full. Safety flaps attached to the same shaft as sheaves work as a stopper to keep the device in place in case the sheaves slide off the gutter edge. The safety flaps spin freely to by pass any obstacle in the gutter such as brackets, holding nails, or fastening devices which secure the gutter to the roof. Two support arms, which hold and secure the bag, hinge to an up position for flat and easy storage. When lifting one of the support arms and holding handle at the bottom of the bag, emptying becomes easy. Bag size is determinate by weight of leaves and debris, so when full, can be easily lifted off the gutter edge, brought down and emptied.

Abstract: A portable trash container comprising a handle having spaced-apart distal ends for carrying in one's hand at an angle to the ground where the rear distal end of the handle is carried above the front distal end; a closed loop depending from the handle; a support arm extending from and integral with the front distal end of the handle downward and rearwardly therefrom; and, a flexible bag comprising integral bag sides and an open bag top, the top peripherally mounted about the loop so that the bag extends rearward of the loop.

Abstract: A trash bag for theater seats includes a bag having front and rear panels connected along opposing side edges and the bottom, and a mouth formed by upper edges of the front and rear panels. A pair of cooperable fasteners are connected to the bag with first halves of the fasteners mounted on opposite ends of the mouth and second halves of the fasteners attached to a chair. Elastic strips are mounted along the upper edges of the bag to bias the bag to a closed position when removed from the fasteners on the chair.

Abstract: A new towel with protective cover assembly for keeping a towel dry and protected from the weather. The inventive device includes a protective sheath member having an inner surface defining a hollow interior with an opening into the hollow interior at its open end. A towel is disposed within the hollow interior. An attachment member is coupled to the towel and the closed end of the protective sheath member and is designed for attachment to an object such as a golf bag or a piece of luggage. A stiffening member having a central opening is disposed within an annular pocket formed at the open end of the protective sheath member for helping slide the open end over the towel to either cover it or expose it.

Abstract: A dust collection system is provided including a generally vertical recipient surface. A bag is provided with a coupling mechanism mounted thereto for releasably coupling with the recipient surface thereby catching dust from a hole being drilled thereabove.

Abstract: A bag, such as a refuse bag for trash and yard waste, has at least one adhesive patch proximate the mouth of the bag so that while the bottom of the bag is resting on the ground, the top of the bag is temporarily adhered to a surface such as a wall or a tree so that the mouth the bag droops open. The adhesive patch is preferably covered with a cover strip which is stripped from the adhesive patch to expose the adhesive patch when one is ready to use the bag. The strip may be used as a tie to loop around and hold closed the top of the bag. Preferably, the bag has two, spaced adhesive patches, so that the bag can be mounted in a container, such as a trash container, with the mouth folded over and adhered to the outside of the container and so that the bag may be detached from one location and adhered at another location.

Abstract: A recycling apparatus and system for plastic material and electronics parts. The completely assembled unit encompasses a support frame and a plurality of color coded transparent collection bags. The color scheme represents electronic resistors which coincide with the number codes of the Society of Plastic Industry. The recycling apparatus including an octagonal base member that has a base top and a base bottom. Included is a center post. The center post projects from the base top and has a lower end and an upper end. The upper end has a pair of upper diametric openings that extend through the pole. The upper end has a pair of lower diametric openings that extend through the pole. Four elongated dowel members are provided. Each dowel has three threaded recesses. A first dowel of the four dowels is positioned through one of the pair of upper diametric openings. A second dowel of the four dowels is positioned through another of the pair of upper diametric openings.

Abstract: A holding and raking apparatus designed to facilitate a one person operation for bagging leaves into a held open bag. The holding apparatus stores flat when not in use in order to minimize storage space. Rigid frame sides and conformable top and bottom frame rails allows the frame to be bowed temporarily into essentially a hollow semi-cylindrical shape which is held in that bowed condition by a retaining or securing strap. The lawn clipping and leaf system is further complemented by specially designed scissors-type rake. These raketongs are attached at a pivot point by a clamp or similar fastening apparatus. The raketongs pick leaves up and place them in a vertically positioned bag held in the frame by a natural spring tension at the open top of the frame. In a horizontal position on the ground the taut end of the open bag acts as a dust pan rail for easy collection of leaves and the like.

Abstract: A portable urinal device is provided including a flexible collapsible bag having a top face. At least one perforation is formed in the top face of the bag for allowing a user to urinate in the bag. Next provided is a pair of lips integrally coupled to side edges of the top face of the bag and extended upwardly therefrom. The lips have a coupling mechanism thereon for allowing a user to selectively preclude access to the top face and further prevent the leaking of urine from the slits.

Abstract: The combination briefcase and computer bag assembly includes a housing member having a bottom member, a plurality of side members, and a pair of pivotable top flap members. One of the side members includes a flexible floating compartment that is dimensionally configured to receive a portable computer. When the portable computer is held in the flexible floating compartment, it will substantially extend in the briefcase enclosure to protect the portable computer. Straps on the top flaps enable a top flap to be held in an open position when fastened about an extendable handle.

Abstract: A method and trash bag assembly for collecting fallen leaves, lawn clippings, and trash when doing yard work and filling a trash bag with such material.

Abstract: A container for holding elements to be sterilized prior to introduction into an isolation system having an isolated inner region. The container includes a flexible bag having a first end defining a first opening for removing the elements from the flexible bag. A transfer port is attached to the flexible bag proximate the first end. The transfer port is engageable with the isolation system for transferring the sterilized elements into the isolation system. The transfer port has an exterior surface, and a bore extends through the transfer port and the exterior surface. The exterior surface has a clamp receiving area and a groove located in proximity to a first end of the bore. The first end of the flexible bag is located in the groove. A clamp is located around the flexible bag proximate to the first end. A portion of the flexible bag is located between the clamp and the clamp receiving area on the transfer port to clamp the flexible bag to the transfer port.

Abstract: A flexible folding bag having a hold-open top to facilitate easy loading of the bag. The hold-open top is formed on the top edge of the bag from a plurality of top flaps connected to top edges of the bag sidewalls. The top flaps are adapted to be folded inwardly by a user to form one or more cuffs within said opening for maintaining the bag in a maximally open position. The cuffs hold the bag open by applying outward pressure on gusseted sidewalls of two opposing width panels and/or by applying outward pressure on the corners of the bag. In addition to holding the bag in an open position, the cuffs cause the top opening of the bag to be tear-resistant.

Abstract: A carrier for tennis balls includes a pocket with an open top, a retaining tab incorporating a plastic stiffening panel, and an inextensible but pliant connecting means for joining the retaining tab to the pocket near the top opening. The pocket is formed with a substantially flat back panel and a front section that tends to protrude outwardly from the back panel giving the top opening a D-shaped top edge sized to conveniently accommodate a single tennis ball. The pocket diverges in the direction away from the top opening, so that along its bottom the pocket can accommodate two tennis balls side by side. The pocket, connecting region and two cover layers of the retaining tab preferably are formed from a single piece of woven fabric. The material nap, and the plastic panel stiffness, cooperate to enhance frictional retention of the tab when the tab is inserted inside a garment, between the garment waistband and the body.

Abstract: A containment system is described which is useful for the containment of bodily fluids, such as emesis or urine. The fluid containment system is a flexible polymeric bag, preferably polyethylene, of unitary construction having a closed end and a large, normally open, reinforced, "fish mouth" open end through which fluid is introduced into the bag, the reinforced open end having a press and seal closure mechanism. In one embodiment, a strap secures the bag, which is normally in the open or receiving position, around the neck of a person. In another embodiment, straps secure the bag to a belt or belt loops for the collection of urine. In operation, the bag is affixed to the body with a strap which is attached to the (normally open) end of the bag. If the bag is to be used for the collection of emesis, the strap is hung around the neck and dimensioned to position the bag below the chin. The open end of the bag is normally open to receive fluids.

Abstract: A sailing boat storage bag with an opening sized to be suspending in depending relation within an inadvertently undersized opening of a porthole, the bag opening sizing being achieved using a bag-attached strip of a flexible rim with opposite ends configurated into a circle with the opposite ends bounding a clearance therebetween that reduces the oversize in the bag opening to match the undersized porthole opening, after which hook and loop patches hold the bag opening to the size-adjusted diameter which enables the bag to be suspended in the porthole.

Abstract: A framed duffel bag has a fabric shell having a box shape with four sides joined by a bottom and a zip-open top. Three framing members made from strips of resilient material hold the four sides erect. Each of the strips is formed with two bends that separate a base from two arms that extend perpendicular to the base. The strips are threaded into channels formed along the bottom and two sides. The two sides are foldable toward the bottom against resilient torques generated by the strips, and the bottom is foldable in half to further compact the bag.

Abstract: A chalk bag for climbers includes a flexible bag structure with an internal cavity for holding chalk and an upper opening providing a passage to the cavity when open. A closure device circumscribes the opening and when open configures the opening in substantially circular shape for receiving the hand of a climber for chalking. When closed, the closure device configures opposite walls of the bag structure in engagement with one another in a substantially half-circular arcuate configuration. The chalk bag is wedge shaped in side elevation view to dispose the shape-retaining opening in vertically open disposition when the climber is standing with the chalk bag secured at the waist in the small of the back. Consequently, the climber can access the chalk within the bag easily with either hand, and may open and close the bag with either hand and with only one hand.

Abstract: A flexible bag is loaded in at least two stages utilizing a loading ring of rigid plastic material having a height less than its diameter and having a height less than approximately one-half the height of the trash bag. The bag is inserted into the loading ring presenting an upper bag section surrounded by the ring section, and is filled with refuse, the lower section of the bag being in a collapsed condition beneath the ring. The ring an upper bag section are then manually shifted upwardly causing the refuse to drop by gravity into the bag lower section, after which the upper bag section is again filled with refuse material, and the loading ring is either removed depending on the bag size, or the loading ring together with the upper bag section is again shifted upwardly to present another unloaded upper bag section which is again filled with refuse. A two-stage or a three-stage loading operation is effected.

Abstract: A pastry bag supporting device for facilitating the filling, cleaning, drying or storing of pastry bags. Also, an assembly comprising the pastry bag supporting device, a pastry bag positioned therewith, and a support system; and methods for using the pastry bag supporting device or the assembly.

Abstract: A commercial laundry collection apparatus having a removable laundry bag maintained on a bag stand. The bag stand includes a bag supporting portion freely expandable to a predetermined extent. A bag body of the laundry bag has a larger bottom portion tapering to a smaller upper portion defining a bag mouth. The smaller upper portion is folded back upon the bag supporting portion of the bag stand such that the bag mouth will be open for receipt of soiled laundry. The upper portion of the bag body is dimensioned such that the bag supporting portion of the bag stand will be unable to completely expand to the predetermined extent. As a result, the bag supporting portion of the bag stand will impart an outward force tending to maintain the laundry bag thereon. The laundry bag further includes a pair of longitudinal tie members attached to the upper portion of the bag body at respective opposite locations across the bag mouth.

Abstract: A locking system for releasably holding open the opening of a plastic film bag, composed generally of a first locking element extending from the external surface of the plastic film bag adjacent the opening thereof and a second locking element extending from a shape defining structure. The first locking element lockably mates with the second locking element in a male-female fashion either by pressing them mutually together or by sliding one into the other. The shape defining structure may be a ring member of a sidewall of a trash receptacle or of a removable lid therefor, or some other structure, such as a free standing ring member which may or may not be of circular shape. The first and second locking elements may be configured in a number of different forms in order to accomplish the aforesaid mutual interlocking function.

Abstract: A flexible, thin wall, multi-layer plastic film pouch having an open end and possessing high strength resistance against being manually torn or stretched. A portion of the pouch, extending to the open end, projects upwardly through a substantially rigid annular flange. The end portion, being mechanically stretched outwardly and downwardly over the annular flange, fits tightly over, around and beneath the flange. The pouch is secured to the flange without further means of attachment. Thus, with the pouch being secured to the flange, the end portion provides the pouch with a substantially rigid brimmed annular opening that facilitates storage, aggressive handling and use of existing filling and closure equipment for filling and closure of the pouch.