Convertible Patents (Class 383/4)
  • Patent number: 8439174
    Abstract: The combined suitcase and cushion apparatus provides a typical appearance for a portable suitcase, exteriorly. Within the top section provided by the first closure the second closure allows flap opening to reveal and release the mat. The mat is extendable from the top section to provide a cushioning material disposed above an inflatable chamber. Combining both forgiving resilient features provides a much more comfortable mat. Importantly, the first closure allows selective total separation of the top section. With this feature, the top section can be retained or separated for mat use. The apparatus provides all portability features to which users have become accustomed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Susan L. Miranda
  • Publication number: 20130114915
    Abstract: A foldable bag for insulating a bottle or other beverage container comprises means for attaching the bag in its folded state wherein the bag can serve as a label on the outside of the bottle, and means for attaching the bag to the bottle in its unfolded state wherein the bag envelops the bottle to provide thermal insulation. A method for attaching a folded label to a bottle comprises: attaching a first side of the label to the bottle using a glue; wrapping the label around the bottle; attaching a second side of the label to the surface of the label using glue, in such a way that the label becomes attached to the bottle and the second side covers the side opening at the first side of the label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Marom
  • Patent number: 8425995
    Abstract: A high strength disposable debris bundling device including a sheet-like main body having a plurality of drawstrings running generally parallel and in spaced relation through separate channels associated with the wrap. The drawstrings preferably comprise elongate flexible thin rope or cord-like structures that run through hem channels formed in the wrap and function to compact and secure the debris in bundle with the wrap disposed in surrounding relation therewith. Providing at least 4 drawstrings allows the wrap to be pulled tightly around the debris and secured in contoured surrounding relation therewith. The wrap preferably has a length of approximately 4.0 feet so as to conform to modern trash removal standards and regulations. Handles are provided to assist in handling the wrapped debris bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Stuart Shook
  • Publication number: 20130071046
    Abstract: Bags incorporating recycled sign material are described. The bags can comprise one or multiple layers, including an optional padding layer. The bags can comprise an advertisement of an entity associated with a manufacturer of the bags, thereby allowing entities to prolong the benefits associated with an advertisement. Contemplated bags can also have multiple functions, including for example, storage, transport, safe keeping, seat cushioning and drying mat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: RAREFORM LLC
    Inventor: Rareform LLC.
  • Publication number: 20130051705
    Abstract: A gift bag that is convertible to a gift box comprises a decorative bag that is foldable flat and openable to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an insert for the bag that also folds flat but opens to a generally open-ended box inserted into to the bag to reinforce and stiffen the bag. The bag has an integral top flap that opens to cooperate with the insert to form a closed box, and has carry handles connected to the interior of the bag that are either removable or can be located within the bag when it is converted into a box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Inga-Lill Amoroso
  • Publication number: 20130016922
    Abstract: A container device employs a sheet transformable into a container. The sheet may include a drawstring laced within pockets along a perimeter of the sheet. Exposed portions of the drawstring may be pulled to draw edges of the sheet together transforming the sheet into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: DAVID LEON
  • Patent number: 8287188
    Abstract: A bag includes a first portion. The first portion is attached to a second portion of the bag. The reusable bag also includes a mailing label having an addressee section preprinted with an address of a recycler. When the bag is in an unpacked state, the first portion is configured to carry items. When the bag is in a packed state, the first portion is secured in the packed state using the second portion such that the mailing label is visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hoyord, Angela L. Baer, Sohil Arora
  • Publication number: 20120237141
    Abstract: The Air Sport bag provides the user with a neat, convenient way to air out their sweaty sports gear. The Air Sport bag functions just like a regular sports bag in that it can be used to carry the equipment to games and home again. The new part about the Air Sport is that it can be zipped open. When zipped open the Air Sport can be propped up on a foldable, attachable plastic post or hung up by its hanger. Once this is done the gear, including helmet, shoulder pads, pants, kneepads and elbow pads may be hung on separate removable plastic hooks. Thus the Air Sport unfolds, hangs up the gear and allows it to air our more effectively and provides a convenient, organized means to do so.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Carson Wade Muir
  • Patent number: 8256045
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a child sleeping system comprising a blanket, a pillow, pillow band and a carrying pouch. The blanket has a generally rectangular configuration and a length and a width. The pillow has a generally rectangular configuration filled with a non-allergenic material, and has a length and width, at least one of the pillow length and width in a predetermined dimensional relationship with at least one of the blanket length and width. The carrying pouch has a generally rectangular configuration, defines an opening at the first edge and communicates with the blanket second edge; the carrying pouch has a length and width in a predetermined dimensional relationship with at least one of the pillow length and width. The carrying pouch is adapted to receive the blanket and pillow when the pillow is folded over and the blanket side edges are folded over the pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Ann Cruz
  • Patent number: 8235206
    Abstract: The present device is a reusable bag for laundry and laundry hangers. The reusable bag includes an enclosure made from a flexible web material having an open end and a closed end. The open end has a closure means, while the closed end includes an aperture adapted to receive a portion of each laundry hanger therethrough. With the open end of the enclosure facing upward in a hamper configuration, dirty laundry may be collected and, when the bag is full, the open end of the enclosure may be selectively closed with the closure means. The reusable bag may be transported to a laundry cleaning facility by carrying with a handle strap, and returned with clean laundry hanging on the laundry hangers inside the enclosure. The closed end of the enclosure may be facing upward in a garment bag configuration for protecting the clean laundry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Rick Siegel, Jennifer Nigrosh
  • Publication number: 20120189228
    Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel integrated packaging systems having a configuration readily convertible from a bag state to an envelope state and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: MEROPAK INC.
    Inventor: Eric Grossman
  • Patent number: 8225934
    Abstract: A container system foldable into a placemat includes a front panel, a back panel, a center panel, and a border panel. The front, back, and border panels each include an inner edge and an outer edge. The center panel includes three inner edges and an outer edge. The center panel is foldably connected to the front, back, and border panels, such that a first inner edge of the center panel is adjacent to an inner edge of the front panel, a second inner edge of the center panel is adjacent to an inner edge of the back panel, and a third inner edge of the center panel is adjacent to an inner edge of the border panel. An attachment mechanism extends along the outer edges of the center, front, back, and border panels. The attachment mechanism allows closure of the container system to define the substantially enclosed interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventors: Carter T. Malcolm, Jacqueline K. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 8215838
    Abstract: A shopping bag having walls formed on their inner surfaces with indicia defining templates corresponding with the size of selected books.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Colonna
  • Publication number: 20120128268
    Abstract: A convertible luggage device that opens to form a mat or work surface that has a raised lip or edge structure that contains items on the mat or work surface. The convertible luggage device closes from the mat configuration to create a sealed bag or sealed flexible container for holding the items inside, where the seal is formed by the lip or edge structure. In some embodiments, the convertible luggage device may include a cinch cord that can be used to change from the open mat configuration into the closed bag configuration. In such embodiments, the cinch cord may include a cord lock that may be adjustably deployed to clamp the cinch cord in a position that maintains the convertible luggage device in a closed bag configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Amy S. Fazackerley, Adam D. Fazackerley
  • Publication number: 20120128269
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting material is provided. The apparatus may include a flexible support structure having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface including a material collection area. The apparatus may further include a closure system including a first fastener member disposed on the first surface and a second fastener member disposed on the second surface. At least a portion of the closure system may be spaced from a peripheral edge of the support structure and/or may be configured to releaseably join the first surface and the second surface together. The support structure may include an open configuration and a rolled configuration, wherein in the rolled configuration the closure system may releaseably join the first surface and the second surface together and/or funnel shapes may be formed on either side of the material collection area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Mari Rittenour
  • Publication number: 20120121210
    Abstract: A bag includes an outer body portion or outer shell which encloses a storage compartment. The bag also includes a pocket non-removably attached to the bag which is accessible through the outer body portion or outer shell and is freely contained within the storage compartment. The pocket is configured to retain a cover, which is non-removably attached thereto. The cover is a flexible material that is water resistant or water repellant. The cover can be collapsed and stored within the pocket or can be withdrawn from the pocket and spread over the outer body portion or outer shell of the bag, thereby protecting it, for example, from inclement weather.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: UNDER ARMOUR, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Meyer, Edward G. Russell, Stephen Cleary
  • Publication number: 20120106871
    Abstract: A multi-purpose, two-ply plastic bag is proposed that may be converted from a shopping bag to a garbage bag. The production process is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Michelle Goodman
  • Patent number: 8157068
    Abstract: A luggage container comprising a foldable flat member. To the inner surface of the foldable flat member I releasable attached a number of pockets in which articles may be stored and/or displayed. A single, flat, foldable member can be folded into a generally rectangular shape or laid flat or hung vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Perfect World Luggage, Inc.
    Inventor: Rachel Theora Sapyta
  • Publication number: 20120076440
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for grasping an object using a re-closable bag with integrated finger sleeves. The re-closable bag includes a flexible side panel, an opening on a top end of the bag, and at least two flexible finger sleeves connected to the side panel. The opening includes a closure adapted, when closed, to seal the bag. The at least two flexible finger sleeves, when in a first position, are disposed between a first portion and a second portion of the side panel. Each finger sleeve in the two or more finger sleeves is adapted to accept at least a portion of a human finger. In some aspects, an object grasped using the finger sleeves can be retracted into the re-closable bag with integrated finger sleeves and stored within the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Gallagher
  • Patent number: 8141704
    Abstract: This invention is a convertible golf club carry bag/golf cart bench mat. The device is a single unit that is easily converted from a bag to a mat and vice versa. In a folded, zipped position it may be utilized as a golf club carry bag. In an unfolded, unzipped position it may be utilized as a mat to place on a golf cart bench seat for comfort. To add or remove clubs, the zippers are opened partially or fully to gain access to the clubs, according to the golfer's preference. The mat is held in place on a golf cart by unzipped side openings surrounding the cart railings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Carol H. Ruhle
  • Publication number: 20120063702
    Abstract: A baby rest area which includes a foldable area having a folded state and an unfolded state and includes a base having a perimeter and at least three walls. Each of the walls have a length dimension, a width dimension, first opposing ends along the length dimension, and second opposing ends along the width direction. Also included are at least three hinges and at least one of the hinges is disposed on at least one of the three walls. There is also a pad removably disposed on the base when the foldable area is in the unfolded state. The at least three walls are disposed around the perimeter to enclose the base. Further, the width dimension is large enough to prevent the baby from rolling out of the foldable area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: TRIBORO QUILT MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jonathan DAUGHERTY
  • Publication number: 20120057809
    Abstract: A foldable bag comprising a compartment for holding articles including first and second opposing body panels constructed of a foldable material and connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides to define an open mouth formed opposite the bottom. The sides and the bottom of the compartment are foldable to collapse the compartment, and the compartment is maintained in the collapsed configuration in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, fastening straps can be provided proximate the mouth and extend outward beyond the sides to releasably engage fastening members on the first panel proximate the bottom. Alternatively, a reclosable flap member can be coupled to a panel and include a strap defining a retention loop, wherein the compartment is maintained in the collapsed configuration when the sides are disposed within the retention loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Josh Buller, Paul Scicluna
  • Patent number: 8128287
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reclosable storage bag for packaging/containing and transporting objects, such as food. The reclosable storage bag may include a flexible inner liner contoured to the shape of a user's hand and have one or more closure members for sealing the ends of the bag. The user may store food in an interior storage area of the bag and may use the flexible inner liner to grab or hold onto the food so that the user will not have to directly touch the food while eating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: David Song, Huy John Ba Vu
  • Publication number: 20120051669
    Abstract: A system for gift presentation comprising a gift container capable of containing a gift having at least four interconnected side panels and a bottom panel, including at least two generally opposed main panels and at least two generally opposed side panels, the main panels and side panels each terminating at the bottom panel and each pair of the opposed main panels and the side panels terminating in a common plane for each of the pair of main panels and each of the pair of the side panels at an open end of the gift container; a cover operably connected to the open end of the gift container; and a functional element operably connected the gift container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Janet T. Keller
  • Patent number: 8117971
    Abstract: A table cloth and trash bag combination having a table cloth upper portion dimensioned to be laid on top of a picnic table or other types of outdoor and indoor tables and made of thin sheet paper, plastic and like material. The upper portion includes decorative designs of toys, animals, birthday cakes, logos, and like festive items for birthdays, anniversary, and other party events. On opposite corners of the upper portion is an outwardly extending first portion of pull strings. A second portion of the pull strings is received through seams disposed along sides of a length and a width of the table cloth upper portion. In the center of the table cloth upper portion and parallel to the length is an elongated opening having sides attached to a top of a folded trash bag lower portion. The opening provides access into the folded trash bag lower portion. The lower portion is made of thin sheet plastic for receiving trash items placed on top of the upper portion and picnic table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Yettie LaVonne Cotton, M. A. Yah Cotton
  • Bag
    Publication number: 20120029458
    Abstract: A bag has a first, water resistant configuration and a second, water permeable configuration. The bag may contain liquid and/or solid soils in the first configuration, and be permeable to wash liquor in the second configuration. The bag may be adapted to hold a clean article against the exterior of the bag. The bag may be rolled for storage. A method for using the bag to store and launder one or more articles and a kit comprising the bag and one or more reusable absorbent article components are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua James Norman, Jie Wei, Donald Carroll Roe
  • Publication number: 20120020586
    Abstract: A travel mat having a plurality of activities for young children attached to and distributed thereon is described. The travel mat comprises a fabric panel of an appropriate size to be received on an airplane tray table or on a travel tray intended for use in an automobile. Toys/activities are provided on both the front and back side of the tray wherein the tray can be flipped as desired to change the set of toys with which the child is playing. At least one pair of straps is provided to secure the mat to a desired tray. Because of the flexible nature of the mat, it can be easily folded and stowed for transport such as in a diaper bag or a purse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Jenny Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20120002904
    Abstract: A paint tray bag is provided. The paint tray bag comprises a bag comprising dimensions for containing a paint tray, and optionally painting tools, therein. The paint tray bag further comprises a sealing apparatus for releasably sealing the bag, the sealing apparatus around at least portion of a perimeter of the bag such that the bag comprises a closed position for containing the paint tray therein when the sealing apparatus is closed and an open position when the sealing apparatus is open, the bag enabled to lay flat in the open position to act as a drop sheet for the paint tray. The paint tray bag further comprises an extended drop sheet which unfolds from the bag to provide an extended area for the drop sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: KOVRD PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Vance MacDonald, Benjamin LEONARD
  • Patent number: 8079451
    Abstract: Apparatuses convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration. One apparatus includes a circular lid, a circular base, and at least one zipper pull that zips the lid and base to a wall. When zippered, the apparatus has a generally cylindrical shape. A carrying handle is provided on the lid. When unzippered, the apparatus becomes an activity mat and lies flat. Another apparatus includes two sides, a base, a flap, and at least one zipper pull that zips the sides to the flap. The sides resemble the outline of a car, such that the apparatus when zipped up resembles a car and when unzipped becomes an activity mat and lies flat. Backpack straps on the back allow the apparatus to be worn as a backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Wayne H. Rothschild, Kevin McComb
  • Patent number: 8075185
    Abstract: A Christmas tree transport system formed of a folding polyethylene plastic sheet tarpaulin apparatus which allows a user to easily enclose and transport a Christmas tree. The apparatus fastens with VELCRO brand hook and loop fasteners, and allows the user to place a natural Christmas tree within the apparatus without spilling the needles. The re-useable apparatus includes attached handles and wheels, allowing a user to quickly and easily enclose and move the Christmas tree. After use, the Christmas tree transport system folds compactly to store in a small space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: Steven F. Hecht, Kenneth C. Phalen
  • Patent number: 8061896
    Abstract: A combination meal bag and placemat has front and rear thermoplastic bag walls each having first and second side edges, a top edge and a bottom edge. The walls are integrally joined to a bottom gusset at the bottom edges and fastened together along the first and second side edges with first and second side seals that fasten first and second outer edges of the bottom gusset to the first and second side edges, respectively. First and second side perforations are spaced from the first and second side edges and extend from the top edge to the bottom edge. When the front wall is pulled away from the rear wall, the first and second side perforations will part, permitting the front and rear walls and bottom gusset to open into a flat placemat. First and second strap handles or die-cut handles are positioned adjacent the top edges of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Joe Delgado
  • Publication number: 20110274374
    Abstract: Gift bags with removable, configurable and wearable parts and components have multiple interconnected panels which include a bottom panel and multiple interconnected generally vertically oriented side panels which together form a bag or container with an interior volume which is accessible through an opening, for example between or within the side panels. Incorporated into or attached to one or more of the side panels or bottom panel are articles or components, structures or objects which fit with one or more of the side panels. The articles, components, structures or objects are detachable from the one or more side panels. Any of the side panels may be configured in a manner which is both structural and functional as part of the bag enclosure, and aesthetic, ornamental or decorative and multi-dimensionally and graphically. The removable components may form part or all of any of the aesthetic, ornamental or decorative features of any of the side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Karen Rednour, Dan Kopsak, Suzanne M. Lahr Yoder
  • Patent number: 8051510
    Abstract: A foldable diaper bag, changing surface and play pad assembly is disclosed. The foldable diaper bag, changing surface, and play pad assembly comprises a circular portion and a rectangular portion attached to and extending outwardly from said circular portion, wherein said circular portion in combination with said rectangular portion define a keyhole shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Sharon R. Soloway
  • Patent number: 8042688
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination drape and carrying bag unit including a singular sheet or plurality of joined sheet of pliable materials, both permeable and impermeable, of size to define a mat to accommodate a working medical procedural area thereon, upon which may be placed in single or combination, medical equipment and patient. The sheet has a drawstring casing extending about its periphery. The casing has openings therein on opposite sides of the mat and a drawstring is received in the drawstring casing and is of size to extend continuously about the periphery of the sheet when it defines a mat. The drawstring is slidably received in the drawstring casing so that when portions of the drawstring are pulled out of the drawstring casing through the openings, the periphery of the sheet forms gathers adjacent the casing to permit the periphery to reduce in size whereby the unit forms a carrying bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Endochoice, Inc.
    Inventors: William Parks, Louis Malice
  • Publication number: 20110249914
    Abstract: A pillow tote has an interior in which a pillow may be contained. In one embodiment, a pillow tote includes a body. The body has an exterior side, an interior, and an interior opening. The exterior side has an outer attachment region. The outer attachment region has an outer pocket and a sleeve. The interior has an interior side. In addition, the interior side has an inner attachment region. The pillow tote also has a closure means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Roxanne V. Boruff
  • Patent number: 8016484
    Abstract: A convertible sport and recreational accessory which is easily convertible for use either as a towel or as a tote bag. The planar towel configuration has an elongate, fabric body with a pair of side panels. Two opposed pairs of drawstrings are encased in seams arranged longitudinally and transversely which, when pulled, will form a pouch. The ends of the body and the side panels may be used as a cover or flap extending into the pouch opening or may be tucked into the pouch. Handles are provided for convenience when the combination towel/tote is in the tote mode or configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Beth Cross
  • Patent number: 8016090
    Abstract: An insulated container has a front, back, top and bottom. Pairs of mating members are located on the front and pairs of mating members are located on the back to maintain the container in a collapsed state. The mating members on the front are positioned such that the mating members form a connection when the top of the container is folded on top of the front of the container. The mating members on the back are position such that the mating members form a connection when the bottom of the container is fold on top of the back of the container. In some embodiments, the mating members are positioned on portions of handles attached to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan McCoy, Angela L. Baer
  • Publication number: 20110206299
    Abstract: The trash bag raincoat is a waterproof, biodegradable trash bag that has been adapted so as to convert between trash bag and rainwear. A conventional trash bag is altered by the addition of a hood, sleeves, and fasteners in such a manner as to ensure easy conversion from trash bag to rainwear and back to a trash bag. The invention addresses the age-old practice of tearing holes in trash bags so as to use as protection when caught in unexpected precipitation. This hole-tearing practice destroys the use of the trash bag for its intended purpose and makes for unsatisfactory protection as the head and arms remain exposed to the weather. The current invention addresses the issue of full protection for the head, arms, and torso and offers the ability to reuse the trash bag for its original design. This is accomplished by manipulating the hood, sleeves, and fasteners in a manner designed to fit the need at hand—use as trash bag or protection against the elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Gerald V. Carmody
  • Patent number: 7988681
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable waste containment device that is rapidly deployable. The waste containment device allows containment of liquid or semi-liquid waste until permanently disposed. The present invention also provides a portable waste containment system wherein the waste containment device is enclosed within a package for storage and when pulled from the package the waste containment device is ready for use. Still further, the present invention provides a method of using the portable waste containment device of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: Kermetta M McGarity, Howard C McGarity, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7980761
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport sleeve (1) or sack which is formed of a single fiber web or by sewing up or otherwise fastening two or more webs or sheets of fabric or fiber to form a protective cover (2,3,4) which can be wrapped around sheet material (13). The fabric or fiber cover can then be fastened in the form of a bag or sleeve to protect the sheet material. One variant of the present invention therefore relates to a sleeve in the shape of a bag which is either preformed by sewing up or otherwise fastening two or more fabric webs or sheets of synthetic material (2,3,4) together and folding them around a sheet of material (13) to be transported, or is obtained by folding over a single web of material around the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Storsack Dorton Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Fultcher, Timothy Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 7967508
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for collecting fallen leaves or other objects. According to various embodiments, the apparatus comprises a mesh, central collection section for lying flat on the ground such that objects may be accumulated onto an upper side of an interior portion of the central collection section. The apparatus also includes an enclosure system connected to the central collection section such that an operator can enclose a peripheral portion of the central collection section around the interior portion. In that way, the objects accumulated onto the central collection section can be easily transported and subsequently emptied. The apparatus may also comprise a plurality of stiffeners connected to a lower side of the peripheral portion of the central collection section. The stiffeners may extend inward from an outer edge of the central collection apparatus and may be made of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Steven D. Costello
  • Patent number: 7958920
    Abstract: A compact, user-friendly and reusable shopping bag assembly has a pocket with a cavity having a top opening accommodating a plurality of reusable auxiliary shopping bags. A primary shopping bag is hinged to the pocket for movement between a compact folded position adjacent a side of the pocket to an unfolded position for holding merchandise. A panel assembly having pockets for holding printed materials are attached to the front of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Tiffany E. Olsson
  • Patent number: 7954504
    Abstract: In its preferred embodiment, the fast-erecting portable structure principally comprises two or more flexible framing rods and a flexible skin. The flexible framing rods essentially form inverted u-shapes and the flexible skin hangs from the flexible framing rods in substantially a dome shape. More specifically, the flexible skin can be supported from the flexible framing rods by sleeves sewn into the flexible skin. The sleeves allow the flexible skin to slide along the length of the flexible framing rods. The flexible skin is also fixed (or non-removably) connected to the ends of the flexible framing rods. The fast-erecting portable structure can be stored by coiling the flexible framing rods into a storage bag. The fast-erecting portable structure allows the structure to be immediately erected from the coiled position in the storage bag into the structure without any intermediate steps or the addition or removal of any parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventors: R. Justin Price, Walter L. Price
  • Publication number: 20110013856
    Abstract: A travel mat having a plurality of activities for young children attached to and distributed thereon is described. The mat is typically configured in an activity configuration to slip and/or slide over and be secured to an airline seatback tray table in such a manner that provides various activities to be enjoyed by a child when the associated tray table is in both its deployed position or in its stowed upright and latched position. The travel mat is also convertible into a tote configuration that protects and stows the various activities as well as other optional material, such as paper, crayons or children's books therein, and is easily carried by either the parent or a child. The mat can be turned inside out to convert it from the tote configuration to an activity configuration. Advantageously, the various activities and toys with the mat are protected and safely stored during transport between airplanes or between destinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jenny Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20100314424
    Abstract: A multi-function bag is provided. The multi-function bag includes a first body, a second body, a zipper and a cover. Each body has a first surface, a second surface, two corresponding third surface and a space. Said space is enclosed by said first surface, said second surface and said third surface. Said zipper is connected to the edge of second surface and the edge of third surface of each body. Said cover has one end fixed at said first surface of said second body. Wherein said multi-function bag can be spread out to shelter furniture. Additionally, when the zipper is zipped up, said first body and said second body are combined and then the multi-function bag is bag-shaped so that the enclosed spaces are next to each other and then can be provided to contain objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Keysheen Industry (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu, Shopo Hsin-Tsu Liu, Fibro Tsu-Kun Liu
  • Patent number: 7785008
    Abstract: A BigFoot™ Bag material containment system which provides a material container (2) having a flexible layer (26) which can be established in a substantially planar configuration (3) on a support surface (4) for loading material (5) and which operably conforms by closure (15) to provide an enclosed space (20) to contain the loaded material (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: PortaQuip LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Arthur Schoenig, Jay Dean Dokter
  • Publication number: 20100209019
    Abstract: A convertible envelope is adapted to be used as a shipping container and then converted to a carrying bag. The envelope has a foldable bag with an open top, front and back panels and closed side and bottom edges. The bag is intended to be shipped in folded configuration and held therein by releasable securements. The open top is covered by a top flap which has one edge portion removably secured to either the front panel or the back panel and another edge portion which carries adhesive for sealing the envelope. The envelope can have a draw string and grommets for use as a back pack or handles for use as a tote bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Robert E. Confoy, Michael C. Geraghty
  • Publication number: 20100178837
    Abstract: A decorative plush item includes a decorative case, and a stuffing material disposed within the decorative case. The stuffing material includes a flexible bag attached to the decorative case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Kristen Doherty Daniels
  • Publication number: 20100158413
    Abstract: The tablecloth that is reversible to make clean-ups faster with the drawstring that keeps it from blowing away.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: John Alveraz
  • Patent number: 7721777
    Abstract: The invention relates to an article carrier and, more specifically, to a customizable and modifiable article carrier built from a plurality of zipper strips. Each strip includes two bands of flexible material adjoined along an adjacent edge. The opposing edges of the bands have a toothed edge operable to lock to a toothed edge on an adjoining strip via a zipping mechanism. A plurality of strips are combined to form an article carrier compartment with optional closures and carrying straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Bubbafus, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Costello