Inserted Or External Form Or Protector Patents (Class 141/390)
  • Patent number: 6698468
    Abstract: A fuel overflow catch for preventing spillage of gasoline on a motorcycle gas tank includes a bowl member having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The bottom wall has an opening extending therethrough. An exit conduit is fluidly attached to and extends through the bottom wall. The exit conduit is positioned generally adjacent to the peripheral wall. A hose has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the exit conduit. The second end of the hose is fluidly coupled to a housing for receiving overflowing gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Chadwick W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6692175
    Abstract: A thin, flat device (10) for inserting scrapbook page device (22) for quick application of article protectors (20). The device is made of a flexible material, with a spine (12) so it can be repeatedly folded, without fracturing, tearing or cracking. In addition it provides a fast, easy and hassles free approach to applying article protectors (20). Not only does it provide a quick method of inserting it also protects a scrapbook page (22) from being torn, folded, bent or torn during the application of article protectors (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Jenny Lee Trump
  • Patent number: 6536488
    Abstract: An insert for use in filling paper or plastic bags with yard waste materials. An elongate rectangular sleeve of corrugated paper board has an open top and open bottom. Weight retaining elements are formed near the bottom of opposing sidewalls of the insert. Tuck openings are formed along the length of the opposing sidewalls to receive gathered segments of the top edge of a plastic bag in which the insert is placed. Hand openings are formed near the upper ends of opposing sidewalls. The insert may be inverted while a yard waste bag is placed over it and then righted to rest in an upright position with the yard waste bag surrounding it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas E. Pochobradsky
  • Patent number: 6494619
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for holding open the mouth of a bag. The device comprises a strip of light weight, generally stiff material having a predetermined length generally corresponding to the circumference of the mouth of the bag. The strip of material has a predetermined height and a predetermined thickness which is sufficient to provide vertical support. The strip of material is secured around a surface of the bag proximate to the mouth of the bag, such that when the bag is placed on a supporting surface, the strip of material supports and maintains the mouth of the bag in an open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Alfred Sulpizio
  • Patent number: 6435233
    Abstract: An inlet filler pipe comprises a pipe main body having a fuel passage for fueling fuel through an inlet into a fuel tank, and a flange formed on the pipe main body, for attachment to an outer wheel housing. A reinforcing element comprising a plurality of first ribs and second ribs arranged so as to surround the pipe main body is formed on the flange. The portion along the outer periphery of the pipe main body between first ribs and second ribs serves as a fragile portion, ensuring breaks at a load over a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Natsushi Miura, Hisatsugu Goto, Tomokazu Hori
  • Publication number: 20020033201
    Abstract: An inlet filler pipe comprises a pipe main body 41 having a fuel passage 40b for fueling fuel through an inlet 40a into a fuel tank, and a flange 42 formed on the pipe main body 41, for attachment to an outer wheel housing 30. A reinforcing element 70 comprising a plurality of first ribs 72a and second ribs 74a arranged so as to surround the pipe main body 41 is formed on the flange 42. The portion along the outer periphery of the pipe main body 41 between first ribs 72a and second ribs 74a serves as a fragile portion 76, ensuring breaks at a load over a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Natsushi Miura, Hisatsugu Goto, Tomokazu Hori
  • Publication number: 20020020465
    Abstract: A device for preventing the introduction of a fuel nozzle for unleaded fuel into the filler neck of a fuel tank of a motor vehicle fitted with a diesel internal combustion engine includes at least one opening element and at least one blocking element for blocking the filler neck are arranged in the filler neck. The blocking element in its rest position blocks the filler neck, and, when a fuel nozzle for diesel fuel is introduced into the filler neck, the at least one opening element produces a signal for opening the blocking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Herbert Gzik
  • Patent number: 6296027
    Abstract: A fueling assembly for a fuel tank of an engine driven welder. The engine driven welder has a housing having a top portion, a side portion and a fueling cavity. The fueling cavity is formed in the top portion and the side portion of the engine welder housing. An engine and a fuel tank are located within the housing. The fueling assembly includes a filler tube, a fuel gauge and a grommet to seal the filler tube and fuel gauge in the fueling cavity. The fuel gauge has a fuel level indicator and a fuel level sensor that extends through the filler tube and into the fuel tank. The fuel level indicator registers a plurality of fuel levels in the fuel tank. The grommet is a one piece structure having a lower intermediate section which includes an opening to provide access to the filler tube opening and the fuel level indicator. The side section of the grommet has flanges to connect the grommet to the engine welder housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bender, Donald R. Parmelee
  • Patent number: 6289946
    Abstract: A fuel filling point arrangement is provided which is particularly suitable for marine vessels. The arrangement has a fuelling aperture connected via a fuelling conduit to a fuel tank of a marine craft, with an overflow pocket provided below the aperture so as to collect fuel overflow. A draining aperture is provided at the bottom of the overflow pocket for draining accumulated fuel to the outside of the craft or to an overflow tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Avon Inflatables Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Davies
  • Patent number: 6237655
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a flat bag made of a gas-tight flexible material, to be filled with a fluid has an apparatus hollow space that is limited by a concavely cylindrically curved fixed side wall surface for a flat application of the flat bag, and two fixed front wall surfaces that face one another and are each convexly curved, for an inward bending of edge sides, positioned opposite one another, of the bag lying flat against the side wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Walter Gumbrecht
  • Patent number: 6202709
    Abstract: The present invention is a bag holder for plastic bags for use in lawns, gardens and the Like. A method and trash bag assembly for collecting lawn clippings, fallen leaves, and Trash when doing yard work and filling trash bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: William J. Wymer
  • Patent number: 6189841
    Abstract: An insert apparatus is disclosed which is used to insert items into pouches. The insert apparatus comprises a bending region designed to bend along a length of the apparatus; a non-bending region coupled to the bending region, having a gripping space positioned along a length thereof; a first and second insert foot located on either side of the gripping space; and a transition zone, located between the bending and non-bending regions, where the bend in the bending region gradually flattens out to the non-bending region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Lynette M. LaPoint, Lyle J. Martinsen
  • Patent number: 6085647
    Abstract: A packer as provided for lawn waste disposal for compacting and channeling it into a throwaway bag. The disposer includes an upper portion with converging walls and a lower portion with parallel walls forming a chute into a bag. The entire structure is made of sheet polyethylene and it is entirely rectangular in outline. The upper portion, the converger, is only one-half the height of the lower portion, the chute, to prevent overbalancing. The chute is polyethylene, of which the disposer is made, is reinforced at discrete locations, the converging edges and the bottom edge, of plastic of the same type from which the disposer is made to keep the disposer light in weight, yet strong. A folding metal frame supports the disposer at bag height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Paul D. Burow
  • Patent number: 6045263
    Abstract: A gift package that comprises a bag having generally parallel front and rear walls, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two lateral edges, a pair of generally parallel side walls, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two lateral edges, wherein the lateral edges of the front and rear walls are joined to the lateral edges of the side panels, and a bottom panel having two pairs of generally parallel lateral edges, wherein the lateral edges of the bottom panel are joined to the bottom edges of the front, rear, and side walls to form a container having an opening defined by the top edges of the front, rear, and side walls, and wherein the bag has an expanded state and a collapsed state, where an area of the bag opening is larger when the bag is in its expanded state than when the bag is in its collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Janet T. Keller, Perry S. Dotterman, Karen F. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6044877
    Abstract: Apparatus 100 for opening and supporting a collapsible container 101 having a wall and opening for receiving items to be disposed. Apparatus 100 comprises a sheet of high impact plastic having a thickness selected such that when the sheet is coiled to form a helical spring, and inserted into the opening of the container and released, the sheet rapidly uncoils thereby opening the container and applying a firm outward pressure to the container wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Roger Bennet
  • Patent number: 6041835
    Abstract: Structure for shielding the upper surface of rim flanges of containers positioned for filling with material from a filling head of a container filling device includes a mounting base for attaching to the container filling device, and a shield formed with a pair of arms projecting from the mounting base in a generally parallel, spaced apart relationship to overlie or cover respective opposing side rim flanges of the container, while allowing material to be dispensed from the filling head between the arms to the container. A plate extends between the arms at one end thereof to cover the rim flange of the container that extends between the opposing side rim flanges, so that the combination of the two arms and plate serves to cover and shield the upper surface of the rim flanges from material being deposited into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Muiti-Fill, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard T. Price
  • Patent number: 6007030
    Abstract: A trash bag holder and expanding form is made from a sheet of stiff material that has at least three panels to hold a bag in an erect condition and to expand the opening of the bag into a shape that will allow the user to fill the bag with leaves or trash without having to hold the bag. The panels are separated by parallel, vertically disposed score lines that act as fold lines or hinges between the panels of the holder. The holder can be formed from high density corrugated polyurethylene (HDPE) board, recycled plastic corrugated board that may have a lap joint sealed by a sonic weld. The panels are proportioned so that the sheet material can be folded flat with the panels lying against one another. When the invention is folded into its operational configuration, the score lines act as corners such that the form is tubular or U-shaped with open ends and braces may hold panels in extended opposing relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: John A. Judge
  • Patent number: 5897084
    Abstract: A trash bag holder and expanding form is made from a sheet of stiff material that has at least three panels to hold a bag in an erect condition and to expand the opening of the bag into a shape that will allow the user to fill the bag with leaves or trash without having to hold the bag. The panels are separated by parallel, vertically disposed score lines that act as fold lines or hinges between the panels of the holder. The panels are stiff in character, because the invention is intended to hold the bag upright. The holder is formed from high density corrugated polyurethylene (HDPE) board, recycled plastic corrugated board or corrugated boxboard. The panels are proportioned so that the sheet material can be folded flat with the panels lying against one another. When the invention is folded into its operational configuration, the score lines act as corners such that the form takes a tubular shape with open ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: John A. Judge
  • Patent number: 5879039
    Abstract: A new bag filling device for easily scooping ballast material, such as sand or dirt, into a flexible bag. The inventive device includes an elongate tubular body member formed by a perimeter wall having inner and outer surfaces with the inner surface defining a body member hollow interior. At the top end of the body member is a top edge defining an upper opening into the body member hollow interior. The top edge also includes a scooping portion which is positioned towards the back of the body member. The scooping portion is designed for permitting the scooping of material, such as sand, dirt, and gravel, through the upper opening into the body member hollow interior. The bottom end of the body member has a bottom edge which defines a lower opening into the body member hollow interior. The bottom end of the body member is designed for insertion through the opening and into the interior of a flexible bag to permit passage of material through the body member hollow interior into the interior of a flexible bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Charles A. Baker, Sandra Baker
  • Patent number: 5871037
    Abstract: A bag filler which is particularly suited for filling of yard waste bags. The bag filler has a top funnel with a descending collapsible loading nozzle. The loading nozzle is inserted within a waste bag and waste is loaded into the funnel to channel it into the bag. The wide inlet of the funnel increases the effective mouth area of the bag, making the bag easier to fill. The loading nozzle is preferably configured to allow it to be selectively locked into various lengths between fully extended and fully collapsed lengths. The length of the loading nozzle can thus be configured to fit bags of varying depths. Bag-retaining structure may be provided on the funnel and/or loading nozzle to allow attachment of a bag rim about the bag filler so that a bag is held in an open state with the nozzle resting therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Richard W. Feldt
  • Patent number: 5848625
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling flexible bags with a fluent material that includes a receiving bay, a curvilinear cylinder and a support frame. The receiving bay has an open top for receiving fluent material and funnels down to a discharge opening. The curvilinear cylinder has a top input opening attached to the discharge opening, a bottom output opening, and a curvilinear sidewall therebetween. The curvilinear sidewall has a front wall with an outwardly and downwardly projecting portion that has a predetermined length and extends away from an opposing rear wall of the curvilinear sidewall at a predetermined angle of inclination relative to the vertical direction. The support frame is attached to and supports the receiving bay or the curvilinear cylinder such that the bottom output opening of the curvilinear cylinder is suspended at a predetermined clearance height above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Michael A. Ebert
  • Patent number: 5806416
    Abstract: A device designed to compress yard debris such as leaves, bush trimmings, and grass clippings inside a plastic trash bag without damaging the structural integrity of the plastic bag during the loading or filling process and during the compression cycle. This invention consist of four individual component parts; a hollow, smooth cylinder opened at both ends with a pair of handles at one end; a durable attachable bottom which caps one end of the cylinder; a plastic trash bag; and a flat, sturdy and durable piston which will fit inside the cylinder and which is used to compress loaded yard debris. The invention is assembled by placing the ridged, hollow cylinder inside a plastic trash bag and securing this elongated bag to the upper end of the cylinder with an elastic bungee cord of specific dimension and tension. The bottom is secured to cap off one end of the cylinder by use of two elastic bungee cords which are attached to the two handles of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: James A. Cerniglia, Mary A. Cerniglia-Mosher
  • Patent number: 5765613
    Abstract: For use with a waste bin containing at least one bag for receiving a particular type of waste material, a bag engagement system for opening and closing the bag which includes an axially rotatable elongated gripper element for releasably gripping an edge portion of the bag, the bag being opened and closed by moving the gripper element back and forth over the opening of the bin, the gripper element capable of being locked to prevent its rotation so that the weight of the bag contents increases the grip of the gripper element on the bag edge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Schrager
  • Patent number: 5765614
    Abstract: A hopper insert for refuse bags which internally supports the sidewalls of a refuse bag so that it is able to maintain an open shape, while also providing protection of the sidewall of the refuse bag from expansion damage due to efforts by a user to compress the refuse contained therein. The hopper insert is composed generally of a preferably rectilinearly shaped hopper having an open top, an open bottom, and is dimensioned for loosely being inserted inside a refuse bag. A funnel is provided at the top of the hopper which flairs outwardly and upwardly therefrom. When the hopper is inserted into a refuse bag, the funnel is located above the mouth of the refuse bag and provides a sturdy and conveniently larger opening for accepting refuse into the hopper, and thereby, into the refuse bag. Preferably, the corners of the hopper are gently rounded so as to protect the refuse bag from tearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignees: Wallace J. Kardosh, Thomas J. Schomberger, Mitchell L. Dictor, William Kopanakis, Dino R. Muzzin
    Inventor: Wallace J. Kardosh
  • Patent number: 5687781
    Abstract: A sandbag filling device utilizing a scoop possessing first and second end portions. A channel is formed intermediate the first and second end portions and is sized to allow a bag to fit over the scoop. A support is also employed and includes a first portion pivotally engaging the scoop. The support also possesses a second portion which includes a flange that extends transversely from the support. The flange may sere as a stop for the closed portion of the bag that fits over the scoop when the bag is being filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Anthony J. Grizz
  • Patent number: 5655739
    Abstract: A bag holder comprises a scoop and a locking ring for engaging the scoop and maintaining a bag in position on the scoop. The scoop is a hollow device with a mouth and a base. A channel extends inwardly from the mouth of the scoop towards the base. In use, a bag is retained in an open position between the ring and the base of the scoop, and a user funnels debris into the mouth, through the scoop, and into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Paul Edward Teh-Wah Goo
  • Patent number: 5597022
    Abstract: A flexible bag is loaded in at least two stages utilizing a loading ring of rigid plastic material having a height less than its diameter and having a height less than approximately one-half the height of the trash bag. The bag is inserted into the loading ring presenting an upper bag section surrounded by the ring section, and is filled with refuse, the lower section of the bag being in a collapsed condition beneath the ring. The ring an upper bag section are then manually shifted upwardly causing the refuse to drop by gravity into the bag lower section, after which the upper bag section is again filled with refuse material, and the loading ring is either removed depending on the bag size, or the loading ring together with the upper bag section is again shifted upwardly to present another unloaded upper bag section which is again filled with refuse. A two-stage or a three-stage loading operation is effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Richard F. Reifers
  • Patent number: 5592699
    Abstract: A mouth piece (2) for a urinal (1) comprises a round part (6) to sealingly contact the mouth (3) of the urinal. Furthermore, the mouth piece comprises a liquid barrier or bridge (14) across the round part, said bridge separating the opening into two areas, the bottom one being closed off by a floor are (9) with a valve (10, 11) only permitting the flow of urine into the urinal.The resulting urinal for bedridden patients can be used by men and women alike and is provided such that urine cannot run out of the urinal during and after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Niels Jensen
  • Patent number: 5571249
    Abstract: A fluid sleeve for channeling fluid spilled during the servicing of a motorized vehicle includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and an enclosed body portion extending between the top portion and the bottom portion. The body portion defines a first opening operable to engage a fluid inlet of the motorized vehicle and a second opening operable to engage a fluid outlet of a fluid container received therethrough to be disposed in the fluid inlet. In use, when fluid is discharged or otherwise spilled from the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet during servicing, the fluid is retained within the body portion and channeled toward the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel B. Boylen
  • Patent number: 5523519
    Abstract: A sealed system for facilitating the safe transfer of hazardous material through a port in the floor of a containment enclosure to an open topped storage container positionable in precise axial alignment below the port and supported on a lift cart for vertical movement toward and away from the port. The port is defined by a vertically depending flange or enclosure ring in the floor of the containment enclosure and is closeable by a seal cover within said containment enclosure positionable for sealing engagement with the periphery of the port. The port is also closed alternately by a sturdy plastic bag supported from a seal ring engageable in leak-proof sealed relation with the port and partially contained within the storage container supported on the lift cart. A succession of bags are positioned under the port, elevated into sealed relation with the port, filled, sealed shut, severed from the sealed port and lowered and removed for permanent storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Weber, Carleton E. Jennrich, Rudolph O. Marohl
  • Patent number: 5390818
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and holding a flexible and collapsible trash liner comprises a rigid upright trash receptacle having a main body with a generally closed bottom and an open top. The bottom has a periphery about which the bottom is affixed to the main body, and this periphery has at least one cavity formed therealong. The cavity effectively forms a foothold for a user in removing the trash liner from the receptacle as well as a handhold for a user in transporting the trash receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Michele LaBuda
  • Patent number: 5361692
    Abstract: A system for compacting material within a drum which includes a substantially tubular chamber, for placing a standard 55-gallon drum within, of the type having roll rings spaced along its annular wall; the chamber including a pair of swing away doors, for allowing access for the drum, and for closing around the wall of the drum, defining a portion of the inner wall of the chamber; a ram, configured in a dimension to fit within the drum opening for compacting material contained within the drum, and a series of thick, metal bands along the interior wall of the chamber, spaced apart so that one of the metal bands fills each space between the wall of the drum between the roll ring and the chamber wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: John Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5323819
    Abstract: An overhead vacuum assembly for recovering, storing and dispensing flowable packaging material including a flexible storage bag having an open upper end for receiving flowable packaging material, a dispensing valve mounted at the lower end of the bag, a liner or frame for maintaining the perimeter shape of the flexible bag, a cover mounted at the open upper end of the flexible bag, a fan motor assembly, including a filter, mounted to the cover for creating a vacuum in the bag and a hose mounted to the cover. The filter acts as a deflector to evenly distribute the loose fill throughout the bag during the recovery process. The cover may have a pyramidal shape and tear-away panels for ease of maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Charles L. Shade
  • Patent number: 5316060
    Abstract: A refuse collector for introducing solid refuse into commercial plastic trash bags is disclosed. One embodiment of the collector includes an open, peripheral frame having a collection tray hinged thereto, and a pair of bag expanders that are hinged thereto and extend rearwardly from the frame and into a plastic trash bag to hold the bag open. In a second embodiment the collector includes three inexpensive, interlocking disposable components. The collector is particularly adapted to collection of hazardous solid waste such as metal chips or refuse contaminated with hazardous, toxic or infectious materials. The collector may be used in a horizontal or vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventors: Marion Y. Hodgdon, Henn Oona
  • Patent number: 5289858
    Abstract: A protection system is provided for the transfer of toxic liquid from a bulk container through a first conduit to a connector for a delivery device such as a dosage syringe. A second conduit connects the connector to a waste receptacle. The first and second conduits penetrate the closed end of a flexible barrier bag. The bag is initially retracted from the bulk container to allow manipulation of the bulk container. The bag is subsequently extended over and sealed around the bulk container and waste receptacle to protect the health care provider during liquid transfer to the deliver device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Richard W. Grabenkort
  • Patent number: 5285988
    Abstract: A bag holder having substantially rigid sides defining, at one end, an open mouth, wherein the inner circumference of the bag holder is substantially equal to the circumference of a bag to be inserted therein. Generally, the bag holder is formed of two clam-shell sections hingedly connected to one another. The sections hingedly move between a first position in which the bag holder is closed and a second position in which the holder is open. In the closed position, the lawn holder has a mouth opening located longitudinally opposite the hinged edge of the two clam-shell sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: TFB Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Bogren
  • Patent number: 5226554
    Abstract: A protective liner for removable insertion into a trash bag or other container comprises an essentially rectangular sheet of strong, flexible material The dimensions of the liner are tailored to the dimensions of the bag or container into which it is to be placed. The preferred embodiment is provided with locking means at one corner, a rounded adjacent corner and is made of one millimeter thick polyethylene. The preferred embodiment is particularly adapted to be suitable for use with the broad category of trash bags known as 30-gallon trash bags.In use, the liner is rolled along its longer axis into a cylinder with an effective diameter smaller than that of the associated container, the overlapping material is pinched together, the cylinder is inserted into the container, and compression is released (allowing the liner to expand to fill the container). Optionally, the liner is locked in place. The container may then be filled with little danger of puncturing the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Richard J. Dauphinais
  • Patent number: 5222536
    Abstract: A refuse collector for introducing solid refuse into commercial plastic trash bags is disclosed. The collector includes a open, peripheral frame having a collection tray hinged thereto, and a pair of expander arms that extend rearwardly from the frame and into a plastic trash bag to hold the bag open. The collector is particularly adapted to collection of hazardous solid waste such as metal chips or refuse contaminated toxic or infectious materials. The collector may be used in a horizontal or vertical position, and folds into a compact configuration for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventors: Marion Y. Hodgdon, Henn Oona
  • Patent number: 5212931
    Abstract: In a method or filling paste tubes and apparatus therefor, the ointment is filled into a plastic skirt designed for once-only use and then introduced into the tube by means of this plastic skirt. During the filling of the ointment into the tube, a part of the plastic skirt not moistened by the ointment is made to cover the inner parts of the bottom end of the tube, so that these parts are protected against being moistened by the ointment. The method and apparatus may be used for the manual filling of tubes with a pasty mass, especially when making up prescriptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Heinz Hartmann
  • Patent number: 5213145
    Abstract: A semi-automatic T-shirt bag bagging rack and bags for use therewith. The bagging rack has a stationary rear wall with two spaced apart hooks and a tab receiving member. A support base is attached to the stationary rear wall. A movable front frame member moves between a first position distant from the stationary wall and a second position adjacent thereto. The movable front frame member has an upper planar member which is substantially parallel to the stationary rear wall and has a tacky rubber sheet member affixed thereto facing the stationary rear wall. A stack of T-shirt bags having a central tab with a central tab slit and a tab tearing slit cut therethrough and "C"-shaped cuts located near the inside edges of the handles are first loaded on the bagging rack by slipping the central tab slit of the stack of bags over the tab engaging member and by looping the "C"-shaped cuts on the handles onto the hooks on the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Durabag Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. J. Huang, Daniel C. Huang
  • Patent number: 5205107
    Abstract: Loading apparatus (10, 110) for collecting particulate matter and directing it into a bag (B), including a generally planar base (11, 111) having a pair of spaced lateral edges (14, 15) and a pair of spaced ends (12, 13) joining the edges, a pair of side plates (20, 21; 120, 121) pivotally attached to said spaced lateral edges and movable between a storage position substantially parallel to said base and an operating position substantially perpendicular to said base, and means (60, 60) for temporarily positioning and retaining the bag when said side plates are in said operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Sheridan Lee Combs
    Inventor: Albert R. Herink
  • Patent number: 5183339
    Abstract: A frame is disclosed herein for maintaining the entrance leading into the interior of a bag fully open which has an elongated linear base with a curved member carried between its opposite ends. The ends of both the base and member are joined by an elbow fitting while the member is divided into two portions selectively joined at opposing ends by a friction clamp or the like. The frame is inserted into the mouth of a trash bag and the curved member secured to provide a rigid frame separating the edge marginal region of the bag wall defining the entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Willard J. Williams
  • Patent number: 5121779
    Abstract: A funnel comprises a flat sheet of resilient flexible material and has interengaging formations on opposite sides of the sheet whereby the sheet may be rolled to funnel configuration and the interengaging portions detachably interengaged with each other to hold the sheet in funnel configuration. The interengaging portions are stamped from the material of the sheet, and can comprise a slot on one side of the sheet and a tongue on the other side of the sheet, the tongue being detachably receivable in said slot, or they can comprise slits cut in marginal portions of the sheet and extending in opposite directions from each other, the slits being engageable one within the other thereby releasably to retain the sheet in funnel configuration. The interengaging portions have substantially point contact with each other, whereby the sheet may be formed by manual pressure selectively into a funnel of variable conicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: John Green
  • Patent number: 5065965
    Abstract: The trash bag holder disclosed herein comprises a collapsible frame which is inserted preferably in its collapsed condition into the trash bag and is then opened to provide supports for the sides of the bag while trash is swept into the bag while it is laid horizontally on the ground. This holder has a flap at the front of the frame which facilitates the sweeping of trash into the bag. Where desired an additional support may be provided to hold the top side of the bag when it is laid on the ground. When the bag is filled, the frame is easily withdrawn from the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: R. Michael Aulabaugh
  • Patent number: 5056679
    Abstract: A refuse container assembly that includes an erectable, open-ended cylinder formed from a rectangular board of flexible, synthetic plastic material that is rollable into a cylindrical form and is provided with detachable locking means to maintain this form. Lining the cylinder and enclosing its bottom end is a collapsible plastic trash bag whose length is somewhat greater than that of the cylinder to define an upper margin that is folded over the rim of the cylinder to form a holding collar to maintain the bag in place. The outer surface of the cylinder is colored or otherwise adorned to blend the assembly in with the existing decor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: John Lonczak
  • Patent number: 5046776
    Abstract: An assembly for a motor vehicle has an opening granting access to a fuel tank filler. A fascia is mounted to the motor vehicle and has a slot grant access to the opening and the fuel tank filler. The assembly has a rear fuel tank door with a pair of mounting brackets for pivotably mounting the rear fuel tank door to the motor vehicle. The rear fuel tank door has a pair of upper turned lips and a pair of square apertures. A pair of expandable plastic nuts are received by the square apertures of the rear fuel tank door. A license plate is received by the upper turned lips of the rear fuel tank door and secured to the expandable plastic nuts. A flexible splash shield is sandwiched between the license plate and the rear fuel tank door and has a pair of slits for receiving the upper turned lips and a pair of square holes that aligns and register with the square apertures and receiving the expandable plastic nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn E. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5022767
    Abstract: The product of the present invention is a flexible plastic trash bag which includes as an integral part a paper or plastic wrapped thin metal wire support formed into two attached hoops. The oblong metal hoops are attached to the bag on each vertical side and to each other for 1/3 of their vertical length. The encased wire is thin enough so as not to interfere with the folding or rolling of the bag; but strong enough to support the weight of the empty bag. The present invention comprises of forming a plastic bags, in various sizes, out of sheet plastic and attaching metal wire hoops to its vertical seems so that when the two hoops are separated at the top and bottom the bag is self-supporting and maintained in an open position so that matter may be easily deposited. Since the bag requires no receptacle the bag may be made from plastic of colorful patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Richard Cardulla
  • Patent number: 4979547
    Abstract: An elongated sleeve made of a plurality of substantially rigid panels interconnected with one another in folding relationship. When in the stored condition, the sleeve is folded flat. When in condition to be used for its intended purpose, the sleeve is unfolded to form an open ended sleeve closed on the sides. The sleeve is adapted to positively retain and support a collapsible bag at the top while the bag is being filled by filling the interior of the sleeve. Handles are provided in the top edges of the sleeve to facilitate removal of the sleeve from the full bag. The panels are internally laminated with a water repellant adhesive while the inside of the sleeve is coated with a moisture resistant compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: L. Jeanne Hoerner
  • Patent number: 4951831
    Abstract: An improved plastic trash receptacle to support a plastic trash bag, expanding to admit approximately a maximum capacity of trash. A plurality of slots (10), are molded into the lower circumference of a receptacle (28), resulting in an equal number of flexible side panels (12), incorporating a reinforcement bead (34), along the edge of each side, and ends of slots. The panels bulge outwardly as trash is compacted into the plastic trash bag (22), figure (8). The bulging panels result from expanding slots (36). After a filled bag is securely closed, it may be lifted from the receptacle. If the receptacle lifts with the bag, the user places his toes over the hand toe grips (14), to keep the receptacle on the supporting surface while lifting the bag therefrom. If the filled bag is excessively heavy, the user tips the receptacle upside down, containing the securely closed bag. Again, utilizing the hand toe grips (14), the user lifts the lightweight receptacle from the filled bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventors: James F. Roesch, Charleen B. Roesch
  • Patent number: 4930554
    Abstract: A sanitary cover for a liquid dispenser, such as a typical soft drink dispenser is provided. A typical soft drink dispenser includes a nozzle assembly and an adjacent actuator where a diluent such as carbonated water is mixed with a beverage concentrate or syrup to produce a soft drink. The present invention provides a cover for the dispensing area of a conventional beverage dispenser which allows a user or consumer to manipulate, through a hand slot, a cup behind the cover in order to fill the cup at the beverage dispenser. The sanitary cover includes a cup inlet which discourages the insertion of a full or partially full cup. The outlet of the cover allows a full cup to be removed from the casing but discourages insertion of a full or partially full cup. The cover, thus, prevents a soiled cup from contacting the beverage dispensing nozzle or actuator assembly. The cover also provides shielding of the actuator and dispensing nozzle area of a beverage dispenser for sanitary reasons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Alley