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.

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.

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 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 diaphragm assembly for the ends of railroad passenger cars comprises a head section, a sill section, and a pair of spaced apart upright side sections which connect the ends of the head and sill sections together. Each section is made of a single cast of urethane and is a molded integral section. Each section includes a channel member which has a pair of legs separated at one end and connected together at the bottom of the legs by a base member having a face portion with a hard rubbing surface for rubbing against a similar rubbing surface of an abutting diaphragm assembly. Hard flanges are molded onto the separated ends of the legs for mounting the channel member onto the door frame of the railroad car, and, in the side and head sections, a series of spaced-apart posts extend inwardly from the base member between the legs for insertion into a guide channel on the door frame of the railroad car to prevent lateral movement of the channel member.

Abstract: A free drop container for liquids and especially potable liquids such as water. The container includes a molded impact resistant shell having a generally spherical shape. A port in the shell defines a hole through the shell wall, with the hole having a first diameter extending from the exterior partially through the shell wall and a second smaller diameter extending through the rest of the shell wall to the interior thereof such that the two diameters define a seat in the shell wall. A screw-in cap is removably fitted to close the first diameter hole preferably by cooperative threading with the circumferential surface of the first diameter hole. A pour spout is sized to slidably fit the second diameter hole, and can extend out from the shell for pouring when the cap is removed. A plug is removably fitted in the pour spout, and a resilient impact-resistant lining is provided that does not crack or break on impact and covers the interior of the shell for contact with potable liquids inside the shell.