Abstract: A yard waste collection assembly includes a tarp that is positionable on a horizontal support surface such that debris cam be positioned on the tarp. The tarp is foldable onto itself to enclose the debris positioned on the tarp. A plurality of adhesive strips is each coupled to the tarp and each of the adhesive strips adheres to a respective one of the adhesive strips when the tarp is folded. In this way the adhesive strips can retain the debris in the tarp thereby facilitating the tarp to transport the debris for disposal. A plurality of stakes is provided and each of the stakes is extendable through a respective one of the stake holes and engage the horizontal support surface to inhibit the tarp from moving on the horizontal support surface.

Abstract: A tie-down strap system designed to be integrated with the plurality of tie-down straps that are currently on the market. A system for the protection of the tightening mechanism, the storage of excess strapping during use, a storage device when not used as a tie-down strap, a hanging system when not in used as a tie-down strap, and a termination feature that prevents the free end of the strap from sliding through the tightening mechanism.

Abstract: In a boots, wash bag and outer container combination, the boots have a lined interior of thin, waterproof nylon material, and are of a rollable, stretchable, waterproof, washable material, and have a waterproof zipper for slipping the boots on and off. The soles of the boots are honeycombed so they will not collect stones and dirt and add slip resistance. The wash bag is rectangular-shaped and is of rollable, waterproof, washable material, It has an upper zippered opening for receipt and holding a pair of boots, a plurality of outer snaps, and, a loop for hanging the bag. The outer container, also rectangular, is of rollable, waterproof, washable material. The container has an envelope-shaped closing flap for receipt and containment of the boots-containing bag, a strap, depending from the flap with a clip thereon, a strap depending from the container with a mating clip, internal snaps for mating with the bag snaps to hold the bag in place within the container, and, a loop for hanging the container.

Abstract: A dual function portable computer bag serves its conventional function as a carrying device for a portable computer and associated accessories and also serves an additional function as an ergonomically appropriate padded back support for a user thereby converting a conventional chair and table into an ergonomically appropriate and comfortable workstation for a portable computer user.

Abstract: A dual function portable computer bag serves its conventional function as a carrying device for a portable computer and associated accessories and also serves an additional function as an ergonomically appropriate padded back support for a user thereby converting a conventional chair and table into an ergonomically appropriate and comfortable workstation for a portable computer user.

Abstract: An expansible container is provided for use during the cooking of food in a radiant energy device such as a microwave oven, with the container being configured or otherwise designed to provide entertainment to onlookers as the container expands in size during the relative rapid cooking of food in the container and/or with the fully expanded container of cooked food providing an interesting article, character, figure or configuration that is of novel, interesting or entertaining appearance. The container is formed from relatively flexible materials that define a closed chamber which contains food to be cooked. In its deflated form, the container is collapsed to assume a relatively flat, thin configuration which, in most preferred practice, displays or is configured to provide an entertaining or amusing shape.

Abstract: A collapsible container for hauling certain bulk materials in freight vehicles. The container includes a generally flexible barrier that defines a collapsible cavity in which bulk materials may be controlled during transportation. The flexible barrier includes at least one port for passing material into and out of the cavity, as well as a cover for closing the port. To assist in the loading and unloading, the container includes a lifting member for engagement with a crane, a strap attached to the lifting member and the barrier, and a ring attached to the lower portion of the barrier. The strap provides support to the barrier as it is lifted and suspended during loading and unloading from a freight vehicle. The ring is provided to hold the container in place as it is inverted to discharge the materials from the cavity.

Abstract: A decorative, hypoallergenic fabric stethoscope cover is shaped like a stethoscope. The cover covers a central portion of the stethoscope and a conduit leading from the central portion of the stethoscope to a sound-input portion of the stethoscope. The cover has hook-and-loop or alternately snap fasteners for releasably closing the cover, in order to affix the cover to the stethoscope. The cover is useful for preventing allergic reactions, for increasing a stethoscope user's comfort, and for decorating a stethoscope.

Abstract: A container and method for transporting finely divided coal in rail cars or other cargo hauling vehicles, the container having a generally flexible and substantially oxygen impermeable barrier defining an encapsulated cavity. A port, including a coupling adapted to substantially prevent exposing the finely divided coal to oxygen, is positioned in the container for passing a flowable material through the barrier. The container also including a cap for sealing the port, a one-way pressure activated valve positioned in the barrier preventing gases in the cavity, and a harness for supporting the barrier and defining the shape of the cavity. The method generally having the initial steps of removing most of the oxygen from the cavity of the container, and adjusting the shape of the cavity to conform to the type of rail car that is being used to haul the finely divided coal.

Abstract: An animal sleeping bag well suited for small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets or the like, has a sleeping compartment and reinforced border attached to the opening end of the sleeping bag. The sleeping compartment is made of an opaque, air-permeable material, allowing the animal to safely burrow within. This lightweight, resilient material enables the animal to easily relocate its sleeping place and comfortably burrow during daylight hours within a cage.

Abstract: A combination bag and napkin suitable for carrying meals and food items and convertible to a napkin for use while eating. The invention includes a pressure sensitive non-drying adhesive section which allows the napkin to be temporarily attached to one's clothing or dining surface while eating. The invention also uses the pressure sensitive non-drying adhesive to maintain the bag configuration. The bag converts to a napkin without the need for perforations or tear lines by detaching the adhesive and unfolding the bag. A specific fold pattern allows the napkin to be formed into a bag without wasted material or tearing of the bag.

Abstract: A multi-mode playball whose components are a shaped casing of flexible material having an opening therein that is closable by a drawstring whose end portions, when the string is drawn, then extend from the closed opening, and a toy balloon, which in its uninflated state is insertable into the casing and when then inflated stretches to conform to the shape of the casing to create a pneumatic playball. The playball is operable in any one of three modes, the first being a ball mode in which the end portions of the drawn string are inserted into the casing before the balloon is inflated and the resultant pneumatic ball can then be thrown, kicked and bounced. In the second or bop mode, the pneumatic ball is tethered by the end portion of the drawstring whereby the ball can then be punched back and forth.

Abstract: The wet cover for wallpaper dispensers is a snug fitting cover that includes a moisture source that prevents drying of wallpaper paste when a wallpaper dispenser is covered with the invention.

Abstract: A horse grooming organizer includes a generally rectangular panel member having detachably secured thereto for selective removal therefrom a plurality of variably sized storage members such as pockets or pouches adapted to be detachably secured to an apron having cooperating attachment components. The panel organizer has eye hooks and a rigid stiffening bar and is secured to a vertical surface such as a wall or gate.

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

Abstract: A liquid-retaining railroad car liner for lining the interiors of railroad cars enabling the cars to transport liquids. The liner serves as a bladder which may be carried by an open-topped railroad car enabling the car to be filled with liquid. The bladder, when empty, can be flattened and used as a waterproof tarpaulin to cover cargo carried by a railroad car thus protecting the cargo from the elements and helping to prevent spillage on railways.

Abstract: A variable volume insulated container is manufactured from a flexible cover and a laminated insulator. The laminate is constructed of at least one layer of air bubbles encapsulated between sheets of heat reflecting thin flexible material. The bubble layers provide excellent insulative qualities. The insulated container is designed to fold inwardly accordion style along the side and bottom panels, thereby collapsing into an insulative and comfortable cushion. The flexability of the insulated container permits it to be partially collapsed along the side panels to efficiently insulate a partial cargo. The insulator is appropriately notched so that the insulator does not bunch in the corners when in the collapsed mode. The invention includes an insulated container having side and bottom walls which fold outwardly to collapse into a flat seat, and the insulator thereof is notched to prevent bunching when the seat is unfolded to the container mode.

Abstract: A waterproof equipment carrying bag consisting of an outer unit and an inner unit which when unfolded convert into mats. Additionally the mats can be secured to each other by means of Velcro strips to create a longer mat. Nylon webbing sewn to the covering of the outer unit comprise a carrying handle and provide structural support when in the carrying or bag mode.

Abstract: A bowling training aid and a method for using same to develop an improved arm swing, the aid comprising at least two intersecting loops of material with a closeable opening for inserting a bowling ball, a base for preventing the ball from rolling across a flat surface and a handle attached to the loops for holding the ball.

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