Abstract: A vacuum forming roll is assembled from a large plurality of radially extensive interlocking segments. Each segment forms a small angular part of a circumference about the roll, and has a relatively small thickness parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roll. The segments are preferably stacked together in an interlocking fashion to form a continuous roll consisting of a plurality of angularly offset circumferential rings. In a preferred embodiment, the segments are formed by manufacturing a small mold designed to form a single segment. This mold may, for exemplary purposes, be an injection mold. The roll mold segments may then be produced quickly and easily using an injection molding process, which, as aforementioned, is efficient for the production of a large number of identical components. The roll mold segments are then assembled to form the roll mold, which is in turn used to shape and perforate a plastic film and thereby manufacture an improved landscape fabric economically.

Abstract: A rolling swab applicator is disclosed which includes an elongated handle that can be grasped by a user. A rotatable applicator head is mounted to the handle member for rotation relative thereto. The applicator head includes a layer of absorbent material that may be pre-saturated with a disinfectant or irrigant to be applied to a wound or incision. Alternatively, a dry absorbent swab can be used for debris pickup and drying of a wound or application of ointments.

Abstract: An improved landscape fabric is disclosed consisting of a sheet of thermoplastic material in which a plurality of alternating hollow ridges and valleys are formed. Each of the ridges is defined by a pair of upright sidewalls and an interconnecting top. A plurality of spaced apertures are formed through each of the upright walls at its juncture with an adjacent valley, being disposed to permit the flow of water and air therethrough to the underside of the sheet while inhibiting the passage of light therethrough. The improved fabric has extensibility and flexibility during installation, permitting it to conform to the area to be covered without having to be fabric itself.

Abstract: Plastic extruded landscape edging is disclosed which consists of an elongated body member, a top rail member extending longitudinally along the top portion of the body member and an anchor member extending longitudinally along the bottom portion of the body member and projecting laterally outward from each side thereof. A tongue member is formed on one side of the anchor member and a groove sized to receive the tongue member is formed in the opposite side of the anchor member, both of which extend longitudinally over its length. The tongue member and groove are mutually engageable when adjacent portions of the edging are disposed in side by side relation, such as when a length of the edging is coiled for packaging purposes, thus retaining the edging in side by side relation.

Abstract: Landscape edging is disclosed having a body member of predetermined length, height and thickness, with a top tubular rail member extending longitudinally along the top portion of the body member and an anchor member extending longitudinally over the bottom portion of the body member. The anchor member takes the form of a triangle when viewed in transverse section, which is disposed in an inverted position with a point of the triangle directed downward for insertion into the ground, and with anchoring portions projecting laterally outward from opposite faces of the body member.

Abstract: Improved male/female hose couplings for opposite ends of a hose are disclosed. Each of the couplings is injection molded from a strong plastic material such as polyvinylchloride, and includes coupling member having internal projecting and external coupling portions. The internal projection portion is diametrically sized for insertion into the hose bore and is chemically bonded to the hose. The external coupling portion of the male coupler is externally threaded. The female portion is internally threaded and also includes radially extending tabs to facilitate rotation. A strain relief device in the form of an extruded coil spring extends from the coupling and encircles the hose end, protecting the hose from fracture by repeated bending. In an alternative embodiment, the strain relief device takes the form of a thickened sleeve of softer material such as a plasticized vinyl, and is formed with a plurality of radially extending disks that limit the degree of bending movement of the hose end.

Abstract: Landscape edging comprising longitudinally joined strips. Each strip comprises a body member, a top rail member on top of the body member and a plurality of first and second nesting regions. The first and second nesting regions of longitudinally adjacent strips are nested with each other to join the strips.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously filtering a flow of melted plastic which includes means for purging the filter without interrupting continuous operation. A filter assembly consists of a trap plate and breaker plate between which filters are disposed. The trap and breaker plates each defines triangularly shaped openings diposed in a circular array, each of which is subdivided into smaller passages for filtering larger contaminants. Individual filters also of triangular configuration are sandwiched between registering openings between the trap and breaker plates, each filter consisting of a fine and coarse screen. A collector head is rotatably disposed for selective registration with each of the openings of the trap plate, and an indexing mechanism is included for stepping the collector head for stationary registration with each opening. The collector head communicates with a contaminant discharge passage that is open and closed in timed sequence with movement of the collector head.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for continuously filtering a flow of melted plastic which includes a mechanism for purging the filter without interrupting continuous operation. A filter screen is disposed in a circular chamber within the filter housing. A collector plate including a plurality of radially oriented, triangularly shaped passages is disposed on the upstream side of the filter screen, defining triangular pockets for collecting contaminants that cannot pass through the filter screen. A collector head is rotatably disposed for selective registration with the collector pockets, and an indexing mechanism is included for sequentially stepping the collector head around the collector plate for momentary registration with each collector pocket. The collector head communicates with a contaminant discharge passage that is opened and closed in timed sequence with movement of the collector head.

Abstract: A landscaping bed divider is disclosed for forming a boundary between adjacent landscaping areas and for preventing grass or the like from rooting between adjacent areas. The divider is formed as an elongated structure having an enlarged upper section, and a flange section extending lengthwise along the upper section and depending downwardly therefrom for insertion in the ground whereby the upper section is located above the top surface of the ground and the flange section forms a barrier between adjacent landscaping areas. Upwardly and outwardly diverging lips are formed integrally with the flange section intermediate the ends thereof for securing the flange section in the ground. The flange section is corrugated above the securing lips and is a plane section below the securing lips. The corrugations define vertical reinforcing ribs on the flange section, and the plane section below the securing ribs defines a lead-in portion to facilitate locating and inserting the divider structure in the ground.

Abstract: A strip of heated thermoplastic material is extruded from a die past first and second stations while the strip is drawn down between the die and the first station. Initial cooling of the strip is performed at the first station and further drawing down of the strip is effected between the first and second stations. The strip is thereafter guided through a plurality of spaced convolutions about a journaled cylindrical member driven at a peripheral speed substantially equal to the linear speed of the strip as it enters the second station.

Abstract: A strip of heated thermoplastic material is extruded from a die past first and second stations while the strip is drawn down between the die and the first station. Initial cooling of the strip is performed at the first station and further drawing down of the strip is effected between the first and second stations. The strip is thereafter guided through a plurality of spaced convolutions about a journaled cylindrical member driven at a peripheral speed substantially equal to the linear speed of the strip as it enters the second station.