Abstract: There is provided an ashtray including an ashtray body having upper and lower housings defining an ashtray enclosure. The ashtray body is sized and configured to be disposable within a cup holder. An extinguisher is connected to the upper housing, and includes an extinguisher wall and a cigarette contact surface which collectively define a recess sized to receive at least a portion of the cigarette. A cigarette holder is connected to the upper housing and includes an engagement wall which defines an opening in fluid communication with the ashtray enclosure. The cigarette engagement wall is sized to be frictionally engageable with the cigarette to substantially block the cigarette opening.

Abstract: A trash bag retainer for maintaining a trash bag within a receptacle having a wall which defines a top rim and inner and outer surfaces. The retainer comprises of an elongate band which defines an axis. Attached to the band is at least one engagement member which extends outwardly from the axis of the band. The engagement member defines at least one engagement surface, and is sized relative to the band such that a portion of the trash bag may be captured between the engagement surface and the outer surface of the wall when the band is extended about the receptacle, with a gap being defined between at least a portion of the band and the outer surface of the wall.

Abstract: A torquing device for assisting in the removal of a lid from a container. The device comprises a housing having a first engagement surface. Moveably mounted to the housing is an engagement member having a second engagement surface. The first and second engagement surfaces collectively define a slot which is sized and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the lid. Cooperatively engaged to the housing and to the engagement member is a biasing member for normally maintaining the engagement member in a release position. The engagement member is selectively moveable from the release position to a gripping position as a result of the rotation of the lid subsequent to the advancement thereof into the slot. The movement of the engagement member to the gripping position facilitates the rigid capture of the lid between the first and second engagement surfaces, thus allowing locking or unlocking torque to be applied thereto.

Abstract: A torquing device for assisting in the removal of a lid from a container. The device comprises a housing having a first engagement surface. Moveably mounted to the housing is an engagement member having a second engagement surface. The first and second engagement surfaces collectively define a slot which is sized and configured to accommodate at least a portion of the lid. Cooperatively engaged to the housing and to the engagement member is a biasing member for normally maintaining the engagement member in a release position. The engagement member is selectively moveable from the release position to a gripping position as a result of the rotation of the lid subsequent to the advancement thereof into the slot. The movement of the engagement member to the gripping position facilitates the rigid capture of the lid between the first and second engagement surfaces, thus allowing locking or unlocking torque to be applied thereto.

Abstract: A tree watering device suitable for indicating the level of water pooled near the trunk of the tree for hydrating purposes. In one embodiment, the device comprises a hollow conduit with a perforated end cap on one end and a funnel on the other. The device also comprises a float positioned within the conduit and a rod attached to the float. The float rises and falls within the conduit as the level of the water pooled near the trunk rises and falls. As a result of the float's movement, the rod rises and falls, thereby indicating the level of water hydrating the tree. Due to the length of the device, a user may fill it without excessive bending or reaching, and the funnel inhibits spillage of water when filling the device. Also, the end cap inhibits clogging of the device.

Abstract: A trash bag retainer for maintaining a trash bag within a receptacle having a wall which defines a top rim and inner and outer surfaces. The retainer comprises of an elongate band which defines an axis. Attached to the band is at least one engagement member which extends outwardly from the axis of the band. The engagement member defines at least one engagement surface, and is sized relative to the band such that a portion of the trash bag may be captured between the engagement surface and the outer surface of the wall when the band is extended about the receptacle, with a gap being defined between at least a portion of the band and the outer surface of the wall.

Abstract: A cover for use with a hose having a hose body which transitions into a distal end portion including external threads. The cover comprises an engagement portion which is releaseably attachable to the end portion of the hose. Extending from the engagement portion is a shroud portion which is moveable between a shielded position and an exposed position. In the shielded position, the shroud portion extends substantially over and about the threads of the end portion of the hose, thus protecting the threads from abrasion. When in the exposed position, the shroud portion extends over and about a portion of the hose body, thus uncovering or exposing the external threads on the end portion of the hose.