Abstract: A laundry appliance for treating a load of laundry according to a cycle of operation comprises a cabinet and a tub assembly housed within the cabinet and comprising a front tub section, a rear tub section and at least one middle tub section provided between the front and rear tub sections.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a bicycle to carry a number of items including sporting good items. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a receptacle suspended from a fixed rear support and a movable front support. The receptacle includes a panel having a rear end connected to the rear support and a front end connected to the front support to cause the receptacle to be suspended therefrom. The apparatus includes a resilient member connecting the front support to the rear support, wherein the front support is tetheringly movable toward and away from the rear support to vary the opening and closing of the receptacle to receive and thereafter secure therein a plurality of differently sized items.

Abstract: A disposable reusable bag closure element that provides for improved bag closing and ease of use. The closure comprises in its preferred form a flat synthetic resin tab having a bifurcated hinge co-planar body member with a bag insertion guide in communication with a retainment sealing portion. The bag closure can be formed in multiple linearly attached aligned progressive elements allowing for selective removal and independent use.

Abstract: An underwater oil well blowout spill containment system includes a folded curtain positioned in a magazine around a deep water well head and blowout preventer (BOP). The magazine is positioned around the well-head and BOP and leaves room for required construction and maintenance. In the event of a blowout, the curtain is drawn upward from the magazine and cinched to contain leaking oil. A hose is connected to a port on the magazine to draw the oil to a tanker on the surface.

Abstract: Presented is a hair restraint which is placed on a user's ponytail to assist in keeping the ponytail tangle free during sleep. The device includes a drawstring, a drawstring lock, and may be utilized with a headband which gathers the hair and holds it into a ponytail while the device is attached. The ponytail can be formed in the back of the users head or more towards the top of the user's head to provide less of an obstruction while the user is sleeping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable waste containment device that is rapidly deployable. The waste containment device allows containment of liquid or semi-liquid waste until permanently disposed. The present invention also provides a portable waste containment system wherein the waste containment device is enclosed within a package for storage and when pulled from the package the waste containment device is ready for use. Still further, the present invention provides a method of using the portable waste containment device of the present invention.

Abstract: A reusable and refoldable bag includes an integral locking mechanism that enables the bag to stay closed in a compact folded position (the folded position is about one-sixth to one-ninth of the original bag size compared to the bag when it is open and laid flat) when not in use and is easily opened when needed to carry contents. The integral locking mechanism includes a covering feature with a protected adhesive element and a flap with a mating adhesive element. In the folded position, the flap's adhesive element is placed under the covering feature and securely interlocks with the protected adhesive element. The locking mechanism can be disengaged and re-engaged for multiple reuses. The flap couples to a first side of the bag and extends outward from the bag. The covering feature couples to the first face adjacent to a top portion of the bag.

Abstract: A device is provided for securing against crime-of-opportunity theft at least one fishing rod and reel to be stored or transported in an outdoor, unsecured area or on an open, unsecured portion of a vehicle, such as an open bed of a pick-up truck, trailer, or boat.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for substantially containing an article, that includes a surrounding sidewall having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion forms a closure, with the sidewall defining an interior between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the interior is operational to selectively substantially contain the article. Further, the apparatus for substantially containing an article also includes an enclosure adjacent to the second end portion, wherein operationally the surrounding sidewall can be selectably disposed within the enclosure for stowage upon removal of the article from the interior.

Abstract: The bag for receiving refuse may include a bag body, the bag body including an inside surface, an outside surface, and a rim defining a mouth. The bag may also include a first strip of material disposed on the inside surface of the bag body proximate the rim. The strip may include an inside surface, an outside surface that faces the inside surface of the body, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The bag may also include a front wall, a back wall, and a hem, the hem including a drawstring. The strip may include a printed design. The design could be letters, numbers, pictures, writing, or any other design. When the bag is inserted into a trash receptacle such that the rim of the bag is folded over the rim of the receptacle, the printed design is visible from outside the receptacle.

Abstract: The invention comprises a garment bag, comprising: a) a bag, with a closed bottom, closed sides, and an open top; b) a drawstring surrounding the open top, operative to substantially close the top via pulling of the drawstring; and c) a set of fasteners, with a first fastening element disposed in the lower third of the bag, and a second fastening element disposed in the middle third region of the bag, operative to reduce the overall length of the bag when the fasteners are connected.

Abstract: A device is provided for securing against crime-of-opportunity theft at least one fishing rod and reel to be stored or transported in an outdoor, unsecured area or on an open, unsecured portion of a vehicle, such as an open bed of a pick-up truck, trailer, or boat.

Abstract: A flexible receptacle for liquid, comprising two walls (15,16) of a flexible material, the superimposed free borders of the said walls being joined by a peripheral weld seam (2) in order to define a sealed internal volume of the said receptacle, a self-sealing pouring nozzle (3) in a corner of said receptacle comprising a spout (4) located towards the outside of the said receptacle, an outlet channel (5) connecting the spout to the internal volume of the said receptacle, a self-closing valve comprising one or more obstacles (6) formed by welding of the two walls and arranged in the said internal volume essentially opposite and close to the channel leading to the spout so as to limit the cross-section of the flow-passage of the liquid between the internal volume and the outlet channel, leaving free at least one narrow channel, wherein the outlet channel is formed by a weld either side of the channel within the volume defined by the peripheral seam, said peripheral seam has a parallelogram shape having an acute

Abstract: Soiled garments are placed in a mesh laundry bag. Two holes in the bag are connected by a spindle sleeve and placed over a spindle of a washing machine so the spindle passes through the center of the bag to center the bag during washing. The bag allows delicate garments to be washed and held separate from other garments in the washing machine. The bag is releasably fastened to connectors on the washing machine's tub which contains the spindle. Releasable closures around the holes prevent garments from slipping out of the bag during washing. An internal stand can be placed in the spindle sleeve to hold the bag in position to receive laundry when the bag is outside the tub. An external frame can do the same.

Abstract: A small urn, referred to as a “pocket urn” is disclosed. The pocket urn serves as a keepsake for the survivors of a loved one. Ashes, or other material from the deceased, such as hair, are stored in the pocket urn. The pocket urn is then able to be carried in a purse, suitcase, or pocket, allowing a user to hold the pocket urn in their hand whenever they feel the need to. By holding the pocket urn, the user can make a psychological connection to their loved one which may provide comfort to the user while going through the grieving process.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a laundry retaining device comprising a strap and a bag. The strap is suitable for retaining larger articles of clothing that have openings to pass the strap through, such as shirts and shorts. The bag, preferably a mesh bag, retains smaller articles of clothing or articles that do not have openings to pass the strap through. The device allows for the washing and drying of a set or several sets of clothes at once without having to sort and recreate each set of laundered clothes.

Abstract: A collapsible container has two loops, a flexible wall web attached about and extending between the loops, and a bottom web. The loops are twistable into compact, layered array into collapsed and much smaller configuration for transport.

Abstract: An exercise mat ensemble for use in exercise disciplines such as yoga that involve floor exercises and positions. A vinyl padded sticky mat is covered with a sheet of washable absorbent fabric that overlays the sticky mat on all four sides. The fabric sheet may be extended at one transverse end with sufficient fabric that when folded over more than once it forms a cushion to aid in certain exercises and positions. When the fabric sheet is placed on top of the mat and the two are rolled together the fabric extension encloses the mat within the roll. The extension may also be stitched to form an envelope or stitched on each side to form channels into which drawstrings are placed, both capable of forming a case around the rolled mat and fabric sheet. A strap may be added to the ensemble to assist in certain exercises and positions and also to be incorporated into the rolled mat and fabric sheet for use as a carrying strap.

Abstract: A gaming machine coin carrying device and method, which permits a player to withdraw coins from the coin output area of a gaming machine in a hygienic and relatively secure manner. A bag-type structure is formed of a flexible material, preferably nylon. Handles are preferably positioned at each end of the bag-type structure. A lid formed of a flexible material is located at an upper portion of the bag-type structure, and is optionally closed or opened with a drawstring located at an upper portion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a device for holding an individual's garments that can be used to keep track of an individual's garments when multiple individuals' garments are being laundered together. The device provides privacy for personal garments, security of maintaining the garments together, and allows the garments to be effectively and efficiently washed and dried. The device includes a strap with a releasable fastener for fastening the ends of the strap to each other coupled to a mesh bag with an adjustable closing.

Abstract: A collapsible container has two loops, a flexible wall web attached about and extending between the loops, and a bottom web. The loops are twistable into compact, layered array into collapsed and much smaller configuration for transport.

Abstract: A protective cover adaptable to serve as a luggage accessory or be incorporated in a piece of luggage and designed to protect such luggage items, particularly net-type, weather sensitive, and degradable baggage, together with contents of the baggage from weather exposure. When the weather becomes unfavorable or when the situation to protect a luggage item arises, the protective cover is extended from the item and placed over the same. After the cover is positioned over such an item, the user may tighten the perimeter of the cover by pulling on strings that are incorporated within the cover. When the need for the protective cover is no longer needed, the user is able to fold the cover and insert the cover back into the backpack.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a laundry retaining device comprising a strap and a bag. The strap is suitable for retaining larger articles of clothing that have openings to pass the strap through, such as shirts and shorts. The bag, preferably a mesh bag, retains smaller articles of clothing or articles that do not have openings to pass the strap through. The device allows for the washing and drying of a set or several sets of clothes at once without having to sort and recreate each set of laundered clothes.

Abstract: A curling iron mitt which acts as a holder for a curling iron when it is hot or cold and which also provides a surface upon which to lay a hot curling iron so that it will not scorch the surface the mitt is laying upon. The mitt has a closure to keep the iron within its confines and a quilted outer layer.

Abstract: A laundry bag is provided that is comprised of an open end and a closed end having an excess of material therebetween. Also provided on the laundry bag are a loop and a drawstring. A sliding device is attached to the drawstring to allow opening and closing the bag. To assure that the proper amount of clothing is placed inside the bag, the laundry bag hangs from a support structure, by the provided loop and drawstring, 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 55%, and a rear compartment so that clothing can expand therein during the drying cycle.

Abstract: A draw cord system for opening and closing and opening in a top portion of a fabric carrier. The opening and closing system includes the top carrier with the top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion includes the opening for receiving articles inside the carrier. Edges in the top portion and around the opening are folder over and stitched for forming a casing. The casing includes a first opening and a second opening. The two openings are disposed next to each other and are used for receiving a portion of an elongated draw cord inside the casing. The draw cord includes a first end portion and a second end portion extending outwardly from the openings. Part of the first and second end portions of the draw cord is received through a slide opening in an anchor housing. Ends of the first and second end portions of the draw cord are attached to a draw cord handle to form a draw cord tail. A portion of an anchor cord is wrapped around the anchor housing for holding the anchor housing is place.

Abstract: An improved soap bag that secures a bar of soap in the palm of a user'hand during bathing. The soap bag (10) includes a body (12) and a band (14) formed from synthetic mesh material and contains a bar of soap therein. Body (12) is comprised of first panel (16) and second panel (18) and band (14) is comprised of third panel (32) and fourth panel (34). First panel (16) includes first wash surface (24), second panel (18) includes second wash surface (26), third panel (32) includes third wash surface (36), and fourth panel (34) includes fourth wash surface (38). The soap bag of the present invention is reversible between first and second positions, exposing first and third surfaces (24 & 36) in the first position, and second and fourth surfaces (26 & 38) in the second position. A closing means is attached to the body portion (12) and is comprised of a drawstring and cordstop.

Abstract: An improved soap bag that secures a bar of soap in the palm of a user's hand during bathing. The soap bag (10) includes a body (12) and a band (14) formed from synthetic mesh material and contains a bar of soap therein. Body (12) is comprised of first panel (16) and second panel (18) and band (14) is comprised of third panel (32) and fourth panel (34). First panel (16) includes first wash surface (24), second panel (18) includes second wash surface (26), third panel (32) includes third wash surface (36), and fourth panel (34) includes fourth wash surface (38). The soap bag of the present invention is reversible between first and second positions, exposing first and third surfaces (24 & 36) in the first position, and second and fourth surfaces (26 & 38) in the second position. A closing means is attached to the body portion (12) and is comprised of a drawstring and cordstop.

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 portable, foldable, leak-proof bowl is provided, suitable for use by hikers and campers to provide drinking water to dogs and other pets. The bowl comprises a flexible hoop capable of being twisted into at least two circles of smaller diameter, a foldable material attached to the hoop so as to define a circular bottom for the bowl, and a side also made of a foldable material, said side being preferably in the form of a cone section tapering toward the top. The bowl folds into a compact, aesthetically pleasing circular packet, and when fasteners holding it in the folded position are released, automatically opens to its ready-to-use bowl-shaped configuration.

Abstract: An emergency survival bag. The bag has front and rear walls joined at sides and at a bottom, but open at a mouth, to define a waterproof cavity therewithin, in which a victim may remain in the water and on land. A casing formed adjacent the mouth of the bag slidably receives a draw cord, a portion of which extends from an aperture in the casing and being accessible for use in opening and drawing closed the mouth of the bag. The walls of the bag are formed of laminated materials including insulative polymers and a metalized coating.

Abstract: A backpack for carrying foldable chairs and other accessories comprises an outer envelope open at one end into which a foldable chair is placed, a pair of spaced straps mounted at one end to the outer surface of the backpack and extending over the outwardly extending legs of the chair and being removably coupled to a mating strap attached to the mid point of the opposite outer surface of the backpack. The backpack further includes a first zippered compartment extending horizontally across the outer surface and including a mesh pocket mounted at an intermediate position thereon. A drawstring is mounted along each end of the envelope opening to secure the chair in place. The backpack also includes a reinforcing strap mounted horizontally to the surface at the upper end thereof and having one end of a pair of shoulder straps mounted thereto at an intermediate position and a handle mounted thereto at the upper portion of said reinforcing strap to be used with a second handle on the other side of the opening.

Abstract: A holding device includes a mesh container having a closed end and an opposite open end defining an interior. A tassel may hang from the container proximate the closed end. The mesh container may be formed by a plurality of strands braided and tied together in a series of knots such that a diamond-shape weave appears. A drawstring is inserted through the interstices of the mesh at the open end of the container. A cinching mechanism, such as a draw bead, slidably engages the drawstring for opening and closing the open end of the container. The drawstring may have a connecting ring for enhancing safety.

Abstract: A pre-sterilized battery boot functioning to cover a portable surgical tool battery of a portable surgical tool. the battery boot comprises a envelope, and at least one fastener circumferentially positioned around a top end of the envelope. the portable surgical tool battery is inserted within the envelope. the at least one fastener functions to functionally hold the envelope onto the portable surgical tool battery.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes fourteen playing pieces and a playing surface divided into sixteen squares. The players try to arrange their own pieces and two wild pieces into a winning configuration of four in a row, the four corner squares of the playing surface, or four adjacent squares which form a solid square. The playing surface may be formed into a pouch to contain the playing pieces.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes fourteen playing places and a playing surface divided into sixteen squares. The players try to arrange their own pieces and two wild pieces into a winning configuration of four in a row, the four corner squares of the playing surface, or four adjacent squares which form a solid square. The playing surface may be formed into a pouch to contain the playing pieces.

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: A convertible sack is provided which alternatively functions as a sack or tote for carrying objects and as a surface usable for a variety of functions. The sack is formed of a sheet of a flat, subtle material with a hollow circular section, access openings and a cord secured therein. The sack is converted from a flat surface into a sack by pulling the cord through the access openings. The convertible sack has various applications including use as a combination beach tote/blanket, combination diaper bag/changing pad, combination meal tote/seat and combination sack/tent. At least one surface of the sack may be water resistant.

Abstract: A surgical sponge carrier and counter formed from a pliable film. The carrier and counter includes a glove-like portion with a tubular sleeve extending therefrom. A closure is located in the sleeve, the closure comprising a drawtape disposed in a guide and secured at one location to the sleeve. A notch is located in the guide generally opposite the location at which the drawtape is secured to the sleeve, the drawtape extending into the notch and forming a loop which may be engaged for both removal of the sponge carrier and counter by turning it inside out about the glove-like portion, and also drawing the now-inside out carrier and counter closed about its contents.

Abstract: A bag mouth closure structure having a semirigid drawstring comprising a handle and a flexible cord. The semirigid drawstring assists in holding the mouth of a bag open so that articles can be easily deposited. The handle is a substantially rigid tube that allows a bag to simultaneously hang and perform as an open mouth receptacle. A shoulder strap passes through the hollow handle and is fastened into a closed loop. The shoulder strap and handle are provided for carrying as well as suspending a bag. Some ways of attaching the bag mouth structure to the upper portion of a bag are here briefly described. The flexible string and the hollow handle may be encased in a hem at the top of a bag wall or within the fold at the top of a double-wall bag. Or the flexible string along may be encased within a hem or fold at the top of a bag and captured within the handle.

Abstract: An open-mesh net bag is formed of a rectangular piece of open-mesh netting and a pair of elongated flexible cords. A central length portion of each cord is interlaced through the meshes of netting piece along a respective end edge region, a pair of loop-forming length portions are intertwined with each other to form a loop with the central length portion, a pair of intermediate length portions are interlaced through the meshes along about one-half the length of the side edge regions, whereupon terminal end portions of the respective cords are connected to each other. A method of forming the open-mesh bag is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal container for insertion into a backpack having separate attachment means for securing an integral flap and sealing means for further sealing an opening of said insert container. The container has an open position for receiving carried items and a closed position for sealing the carried items therein. The closure flap is integrally formed with a body of the container. Closure of the flap deforms the body along deformation lines, closing and opening. Selectively positionable stops drawn tightly against the closure flap seals the opening and the items carried therein. The container is insertable into any one of a number of backpacks, and the drawstring can be used as a carrying handle.

Abstract: A bag structure having a semirigid drawstring closure which passes through a hollow handle. The semirigid drawstring holds the mouth of the bag open so that articles can be easily deposited. A shoulder strap is attached to the handle. The shoulder strap and handle are provided for carrying as well as suspending the bag. A flexible tubular material partially inverted creates the double wall of the bag and a fold at the bag mouth. The fold contains the drawstring and the handle, and an additional seam is not required to encase the drawstring. The flexible tubular material is preferably a mesh. Mesh provides a strong bottom seam, which is preferably created by lacing a cord through the mesh openings in the four layers of material. Also, the transparency of the mesh enables an optional product tag to be trapped within the double wall of the bag and visible.

Abstract: A multiple use commuter case or bag which may be attached to a handle or the like of another bag, case, etc. This case accommodates articles that may not suitably fit in a primary carrier such as shoes, foods, supplies, bulky equipment, or personal articles. The case affixes to the primary carrier by a strap allowing both articles to be transported as one. When the case in not needed, it can be detached, collapsed, and rolled up. The strap then fastens around the case so that it remains rolled up.

Abstract: In the proximity of the mouth of the bag there is disposed a filiform closing member which is threaded through interstices of the net material and is provided with two ends extending laterally outwardly of the bag. The ends are attached together with a short tape fastener member wrapping a portion of each end and capable of sliding along the ends.

Abstract: A thermoplastic draw tape bag having a tacky surface on the inside lip of the mouth of the bag and extending around the inner periphery of the lip on the open mouth of the bag, the surface comprising a material having the characteristic of sticking to itself and being adapted to seal the open mouth and hold the bag closed after the draw tape is pulled tight. In one form of the invention, the tacky surface comprises a coating of glycerol mono-oleate. The surface may also comprise a layer of polyvinylidene chloride or a layer of polyisobutylene.

Abstract: A thermoplastic draw tape bag having a microencapsulated adhesive on the inside surface of each hem of the bag. The adhesive has the characteristic that when the draw tape is withdrawn from the hem thereby causing the hem to gather, the tape pulls easily until it is tight whereupon further pulling of the draw tape causes the adhesive capsules to be broken thereby gluing together the tape and the hem and holding the bag closed.

Abstract: A security bag comprising a pouch with an open mouth. A strap passes through a sleeve disposed around the mouth. One end of the strap is secured to the pouch so that pulling the opposing free end of the strap gathers together the mouth to close the pouch. A clamp arrangement locks the strap to maintain the pouch in the closed position. An anchor is provided on the free end of the strap for insertion into a mailbox to be locked within the mailbox with the strap passing through a slit along the side edge of the mailbox. The mailman can place mail and the like in the pouch, seal the pouch with the clamp arrangement and depend the pouch from the locked mailbox.

Abstract: A flexible sealed bag for storing a liquid comprises a triangle-shaped flexible bag body which is tapered narrower toward its distal end and stores a liquid therein, and a wire for releasably fastening a portion near the distal end of the body, so as to separate the body into a liquid storing portion in which the liquid is sealed and a distal end portion in which the liquid is absent. An opening is formed in the distal end portion. Thereafter, the wire is removed and the liquid in the bag is discharged through the opening.

Abstract: There is provided a storage container for paste-like substances, for example mayonnaise, in the shape of a bag with collapsible walls mounted within a pump-operated dispensing unit. The wall of the bag includes a segmentally crimped tube tightly sealed at one extremity with a clamp which is part of a double clamping device with an intermediate transverse separation band. The clamp segment which faces the bag cavity may be detachable from the crimped section.