Abstract: A bag has a first compartment for receiving a food item, a second compartment for receiving a beverage container, the second compartment having an open end for receiving the beverage container and a closed end opposite the open end. The closed end has a rounded profile when the bag is in a flattened condition, and is radially expandable to allow the bag to stand upright.

Abstract: An encapsulating bag for contamination control on gas cylinders employs a main body of fabric such as polyester or flouropolymer having a weave sufficiently tight to preclude contaminant transmission. A bottom boot engages a lower portion of the main body to cover the bottom of the cylinder. A separation closure means such as a non-metal zipper is incorporated into the main body for opening the main body for insertion of the cylinder. A cuff is attached to a top circumference of the bag main body for close engagement of a top boss of the cylinder to preclude contaminant escape. An ESD button is incorporated in the body of the bag for attachment of a conducting lead for grounding connection.

Abstract: A device in which a garment with a crinkled appearance may be stored or laundered is taught comprising a washable bag with sufficient elasticity to retain the garment in a predetermined position so that the appearance of the garment remains crinkled. So that the washable bag can be dried as well as washed, the bag is preferably made from fabric that resists melting at temperatures conventionally experienced during the clothes drying process. The bag further has snag-free surface and at least one opening to receive the garment. Means for hanging may be provided so that the device can be easily stored.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing items comprises a generally cylindrical mesh housing; a first wall and a second wall, said first wall and said second wall being positioned within said housing so as to define first, second and third compartments in said housing; an opening in each of said compartments through which an item to be washed can be placed in or removed from a respective compartment; and a closure device for closing said compartments to retain said items in said compartments when said items are being washed. The first wall and said second wall may each comprise an endless pocket and a stiffener disposed within said pocket. A polymer loop may be used to stiffen said first wall and said second wall. A method of using the apparatus to wash various items, including those of delicate fabrics.

Abstract: A travel bag includes two major components; specifically, a bag member and a base member. These components are formed to matingly fit together and to be permanently attached to one another via rivets. The bag member incorporates additional features including a reinforcement system of webbing with longitudinal and circumferal portions. Also, the bag includes accessory pockets, a taper and padding, zippered opening, ‘D’-ring, among others. The base member features include wheels, reinforcement ribbing, seamless and cornerless joints, surface relief indicia among others. In addition, the travel bag as a whole enjoys a new arrangement of all parts and systems which provides for an extremely durable and rugged device.

Abstract: A folding bag has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with rigid lateral front and backsides and a flexible bottom panel with a diagonal slit that enables folding of the bag into a compact flat configuration. A rigid folding panel is provided on the inside of the bag to enable maintenance of the bottom side in a generally fixed configuration and to maintain the shape of the bag.

Abstract: An openable closure assembly including: a) a base having two end edges, a front longitudinal side and a back longitudinal side, a top surface and a bottom surface; b) an opening mechanism mounted on the top surface of the base adjacent to and spaced from both of the longitudinal side edges; c) at least one gripping aid joined to an end edge of the opening mechanism. Also disclosed are packages comprising the closure assembly. Additionally disclosed are securement loops which can be attached to the package bottom panel and into which the gripping aids can be inserted.

Abstract: A slide fastener and related pull are disclosed. The pull is formed of an elongate strip of material defining a handle portion between a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the pull is attached to the article bearing an elongate set of engaging structures for the slide fastener. A slide for operably engaging the set of engaging structures is attached to the pull toward the opposite second end. Accordingly, the handle portion forms an easily graspable quasi-pull chord for opening and closing the pull fastener. In a preferred embodiment, a tab portion of the pull extends from the slide attachment point on the pull to the second end of the pull, and it is detachably secured to the article when the slide fastener is in its closed position. Accordingly, the pull itself can be used as a storage device to hang objects such as a towel, a pair of shoes or the like therefrom. The pull can also serve as a protective cover for the pull fastener and have surface ornamentation thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microstructured optical fiber including a photonic band gap-guided core; and at least one index-guided core. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a microstructured optical fiber including a set of main cores; a microstructured region surrounding the set of main cores; and at least alignment core, the alignment cores having substantially different optical propagation properties than the main cores. The present invention also includes methods for coupling, monitoring, and locating discontinuities in the fibers of the present invention.

Abstract: A wash bag assembly for washing delicate wash items having a container which defines an interior chamber. The container is constructed of a water-permeable material. A separator wall extends through the interior chamber and divides the interior chamber into a first and second subchamber. A first closure selectively provides access to the first subchamber for the insertion and removal of at least one wash item while, similarly, a second closure selectively provides access into the second subchamber for the insertion and removal of at least one wash item.

Abstract: A popcorn heating device includes a bag member, a receptacle removably connectable therewith and having a top portion including inner and outer layers and a medially disposed heat-retaining layer. The device further includes a mechanism for electrically heating the receptacle and the bag member. The heating mechanism includes a base member having at least one electrical conductor including a plurality of conducting posts. The base member further includes a first switch for toggling at least one electrical conductor between on and off positions and a second switch for controlling the temperature of at least one electrical conductor. A plurality of heating elements are electrically coupled to the plurality of conducting posts and a plug provided for electrically coupling the base member to a power source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable bag which can be heat-sealed at low temperature, does not develop corrugation, has transparency, and has degradability in the natural environment. Laminates including a biaxially oriented film of which the major component is a polylactic acid-family polymer, and a film of which the major component is an aliphatic polyester having a predetermined structure are heat-sealed so that the biaxially oriented film of which the major component is the polylactic acid-family polymer will be an outer layer.

Abstract: Groceries ordered over the Internet by a particular time in the early evening may be delivered by the next morning to a location within a 5-6 hour delivery radius of a warehouse. The grocery order is filled at the warehouse, where the groceries are placed in a tote for delivery. If perishable groceries are to be delivered, a frozen insert is placed in the tote to maintain the groceries at a desired temperature. The filled tote is placed on a rack, which is removable with the tote on it. The racks have shelves that are pitched such that when a first tote is removed a second tote behind the first tote falls into the space previously occupied by the first tote. In the early evening, after the cutoff time for placing orders, the rack and totes on the rack are transferred to a first vehicle, typically a large trailer, that transports the rack and totes to a transfer point where the rack and the accompanying bill of lading are transferred to a second smaller vehicle, such as a van.

Abstract: Groceries ordered over the Internet by a particular time in the early evening may be delivered by the next morning to a location within a 5-6 hour delivery radius of a warehouse. The grocery order is filled at the warehouse, where the groceries are placed in a tote for delivery. If perishable groceries are to be delivered, a frozen insert is placed in the tote to maintain the groceries at a desired temperature. The filled tote is placed on a rack, which is removable with the tote on it. The racks have shelves that are pitched such that when a first tote is removed a second tote behind the first tote falls into the space previously occupied by the first tote. In the early evening, after the cutoff time for placing orders, the rack and totes on the rack are transferred to a first vehicle, typically a large trailer, that transports the rack and totes to a transfer point where the rack and the accompanying bill of lading are transferred to a second smaller vehicle, such as a van.

Abstract: Methods for forming a thermoplastic film with an attached closure strip are disclosed. The film can be used to produce zippered reclosable plastic bags. The methods include providing a thermoplastic film web having a sealing surface and a closure strip having a binding surface, both being in a non-melted condition. The film web and the closure strip are aligned in non-overlapping relationship and a heated thermoplastic binder layer is positioned on the film web sealing surface and on the closure strip binding surface quickly after extrusion. The hot binder layer transfers enough heat to the closure strip and to the film web to melt the closure strip binding surface and the film web sealing surface. Pressure is applied to seal the closure strip to the film web. An apparatus for practicing the method and a reclosable bag formed from the thermoplastic film with attached closure strips are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laundry device for protecting underwire brassieres includes a water permeable enclosure having a rigid frame for restricting torsional movement of the enclosure and the clothing contained therein during laundering.

Abstract: A reclosable bag having a top flap with holes configured to allow a stack of such bags to be mounted on a wicket or a pair of dispensing posts, and having a slider-actuated zipper (e.g., a string zipper) installed in a mouth at the top of the bag. The wicket flap is suspended between two zones of attachment generally located at opposite ends of the mouth of the bag. In one embodiment, the flap is attached to the slider end stops stomped in opposing ends of the zipper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing resealable closing means for flexible package, that may be applied to the package after the forming of the package by way of attaching the closing means on the outer face of the package.

Abstract: The application describes a container, bag, pouch or reusable envelope which is closed by one part (2) locating over a second part (1), the second part(1) having an opening (7) for receiving the head (14) of a breakable seal (13) which locks into the opening in such a manner that it cannot be removed without breaking, the seal (13) in its inserted position locking the first part (2) in place over the second part (1) in a tamper evident fashion. The second part (1) has a shoulder (17) at either side of the opening (7) and the seal (13) has on its underside recesses (19) for registration with the shoulders (17). Typically said one part (2) is the fastener tab of the zipped opening of a reusable envelope and the second part (1) is the enclosure or chamber of a lock unit mounted on the envelope, adjacent one end of the zipped opening.

Abstract: An end termination for use with a reclosable polymeric bag comprises providing a mixture comprising from about 70 to about 95 wt. % of a polyolefin, from about 5 to about 25 wt. % hydrocarbon, from about 0.01 to about 2 wt. % mold release agent, from about 0.1 to about 1 wt. % primary antioxidant, and at least about 0.06 wt. % secondary antioxidant.

Abstract: A packaging bag having a body portion with opposed sides, a bottom and a top formed of a pair of synthetic sheets. The sides of the bag are formed by securing the overlying edges of the synthetic sheets together by stitching. The bottom is formed by securing bottom edges of the synthetic sheets together with a heat sealed seam and the top is formed to include a panel of a re-sealable member secured with the top edge of each of the synthetic sheets. The opposed edges of the panels are releasable engagable providing a bag which is selectively opened and closed.

Abstract: A multipurpose carrying bag folds in different formats for holding different size and shapes of objects, and includes a variety of pockets and fasteners for holding various things, primarily related to golfing or sporting equipment. The bag can be used as an open top golf bag, or it can be folded longitudinally with closed ends for use as a carry-on or support bag.

Abstract: A ventilated sport bag having a permeable inner layer and a detachable impermeable outer layer is disclosed. The permeable inner layer allows moisture to evaporate so that the sport item will not become mildewed, discolored, or rust. When a wet sport item is placed in the bag, the impermeable outer layer is detached so that the item can dry. The inner layer is comprised of two portions of material that are formed in the shape of the bag. The outer layer is comprised of two cover portions that cover the two inner layer portions. The outer cover portions are attached to the inner layer portions by an attachment device such as a zipper. When the outer cover wears out it can be replaced without having to purchase an entire new bag. A handle and a detachable shoulder strap are also provided.

Abstract: An anti-fomitic device in the form of a bag or envelope forms a cover for an object for preventing cross-infection by bacteria and other pathogens that may reside on the object. The anti-fomitic device is a flat, flexible bag or envelope with a closure means at one or both ends of the bag or envelope, having a sterile interior that is sealed during manufacture to maintain sterility. Therefore, no outer wrapping for the anti-fomitic device is required. The anti-fomitic device is inverted when used to cover the object and results in an ultimate outer surface that is initially sterile. Materials for the coverings/bags are impervious to the transmission of pathogens. A laundered covering such as a sheet, pillowcase, etc., can then be slipped over the object that is covered with the anti-fomitic device to enhance comfort, yet maintain protection against pathogens on the object being covered.

Abstract: A valve assembly mounted in a resealable/reclosable storage bag. The valve assembly includes a base and a valve element. The valve element includes a stem with a convex cap attached at one end and a valve gate attached at the opposite end. The stem extends into a hole in the base. The resilient quality of the cap, acting against the top of the base, holds the gate against the bottom of the base, thereby forming a seal between the gate and the base that is strong enough to preserve the vacuum inside the bag. A cavity extends into the stem from the cap end. A hole in the stem runs from the cavity to outside the stem. When the stem is pressed down, a vacuum source may draw air between the gate and the base, through the hole in the stem, into the cavity, and subsequently outside the bag.

Abstract: An openable closure assembly including: a) a base having two end edges, a front longitudinal side and a back longitudinal side, a top surface and a bottom surface; b) an opening mechanism mounted on the top surface of the base adjacent to and spaced from both of the longitudinal side edges; c) at least one gripping aid joined to an end edge of the opening mechanism. Also disclosed are packages comprising the closure assembly. Additionally disclosed are securement loops which can be attached to the package bottom panel and into which the gripping aids can be inserted.

Abstract: A surface-forming sheet (1) suitable for play that can be converted through two or more sewn-on zip fasteners (7) into a bag, closed at the top, which can receive, for example, building blocks or other equipment lying on the sheet (1).

Abstract: A storage pouch has a pouch body and a cord. The pouch body encloses an interior cavity and has an opening in communication with the interior cavity. The cord is attached to the pouch body and has variable-size first and second loops located outside the pouch body, wherein increasing the size of the first loop decreases the size of the second loop, and wherein increasing the size of the second loop decreases the size of the first loop. The loops are made of substantially equal size to attach the storage pouch by the loops to the rings of a loose-leaf ring binder, and the size of one loop is enlarged to hang the storage pouch by the one loop on a larger hook.

Abstract: A wash aid for washing and drying long bandages and wrapping materials, such as those used to wrap the legs of horses, made out of a mesh material having openings sized to allow water or warm air to flow through the wash aid and retain the bandages and wraps therein. The wash aid is configured into multiple compartments by one or more dividers disposed between the sides of the wash aid. An opening on the front of the wash aid allows access into the cavity within the compartments. Alternatively, each compartment has its own opening. One or more closure mechanisms close the opening or openings to retain the bandages inside the wash aid during the washing and drying so as to reduce the likelihood of the bandages tangling or being damaged by contact with each other or the washing/drying machines.

Abstract: A biohazard-isolating bag is positioned in the interior space of a public mailbox. The biohazard-isolating bag receives mail that is deposited in the mailbox. A postal worker, upon retrieving mail from the mailbox, closes the biohazard-isolating bag. Contaminants that may be carried by letters or mailpieces are thereby contained within the bag and isolated from the environment exterior of the bag. The contents of the biohazard-isolating bag may be safely transported for further decontamination or processing.

Abstract: An expandable carrier or pouch includes a front and back panel connected by a double tab zipper with an expandable gusset joined between the panels.

Abstract: Methods for forming a thermoplastic film with an attached closure strip are disclosed. The thermoplastic film can then be used to produce zippered reclosable plastic bags. The methods include providing a thermoplastic film web having a sealing surface and providing a closure strip having a binding surface, both being maintained in a non-melted condition at room temperature. A heated thermoplastic binder layer is then extruded and positioned between the sealing surface of the film web and the binding surface of the closure strip very quickly after extrusion. The hot freshly extruded binder layer transfers enough heat to the closure strip and to the film web to melt the binding surface of the closure strip and sealing surface of the film web. Pressure is then applied to the film web and the closure strip to seal the closure strip to the film web. An apparatus for practicing the method at high speed is also disclosed.

Abstract: A garment bag for controlling the odors incident upon hunters' clothing stored prior to hunting, the bag having an integrated vapor barrier and serially operated zippers separated by a foldable zipper separator.

Abstract: A novel organizer for remote control units is provided. The organizer is made up of a series of segments which have pockets for storage of the remote control units. Each pocket is created through coupling of the support member with a cover member. In a preferred embodiment, the cover member is transparent and flexible thus allowing a user to operated the remote control units while they are stored within the organizer. The organizer also has a capability to be stacked-up or rolled-up in a convenient and space saving configuration suitable for storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging bag. The packaging bag includes a bag body member. The bag body member has a double-layered structure which is formed by an inner sheet and an outer sheet, whereby toughness of the packaging bag is improved. A carrying handle member is attached to an upper end of the bag body member to enable easy carrying and handling of the packaging bag. A zipper or zippers are installed on an upper end and/or a lower end of the packaging bag, whereby the packaging bag can be rapidly and easily opened and closed.

Abstract: An anti-fomitic device in the form of a bag or envelope which forms a cover for an object for preventing cross-infection by bacteria and other pathogens that may reside on the object being covered. The anti-fomitic device is a flat, flexible bag or envelope with a closure means at one end of the bag or envelope, having a sterile interior which is sealed during manufacture to maintain sterility. Therefore, no outer wrapping for the anti-fomitic device is required. Alternatively, the anti-fomitic device is a flat, flexible, internally sterile bag with two releasably closed ends, where one end is tucked inward so that the sterile interiors of the two releasably closed ends touch.

Abstract: A pouch for receiving loose items comprising a body having an outer surface and an inner cavity and a cord located on the outer surface for trapping loose items between the cord and the outer surface. The pouch further includes a stiffening element extending substantially about the perimeter of the body.

Abstract: An openable closure assembly including: a) a base having two end edges, a front longitudinal side and a back longitudinal side, a top surface and a bottom surface; b) an opening mechanism mounted on the top surface of the base adjacent to and spaced from both of the longitudinal side edges; c) at least one gripping aid joined to an end edge of the opening mechanism. Also disclosed are packages comprising the closure assembly. Additionally disclosed are securement loops which can be attached to the package bottom panel and into which the gripping aids can be inserted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to process and apparatus for forming a dual compartment package. The process includes forming an elongated rectangular U-shaped package having an inside and outside wall configured to form an open top end, and an inside and outside wall configured to form an open bottom end. The U-shaped package is filled with product. A zipper assembly having inter-locking members is separated into a first zipper component and a second zipper component. The first zipper component is attached to the inner side of the open top end walls thereby sealing the top end to the first zipper component. The open bottom end walls are placed adjacent the first zipper component, and the second zipper component is reattached to the first zipper component thereby locking the open bottom end walls between the inter-locking members of the zipper assembly.

Abstract: A tool storage bag is provided for storing tools and accessories at a work site. The tool storage bag has straps that allow for even distribution of the load during transit. The bag also includes a wear-resistant pocket design and a reinforced bottom construction.

Abstract: A boil-in-bag sachet is provided comprising top and bottom transverse seals, wherein the bottom transverse seal extends obliquely downwardly from at least one edge of the sachet that intersects an edge of the sachet at an angle of less than 90°, and preferably defining a bag-like or funnel-like bottom to the sachet, thereby improving drainage of water from within the sachet.

Abstract: A storage bag for use to conceal items within the passenger or back floor areas of a vehicle. The storage pack includes four fabric pack side surfaces, a fabric pack bottom surface and a fabric pack top surface. The pack top surface has a straight zipper provided for access into a compartment. Each of the four fabric pack side surfaces includes two according fold collapsible vertical side edges, a curved zipper for access into the compartment, and two fabric handles each having a D-shaped portion defining a hand receiving opening. Each of the zippers includes a locking fixture that is lockable to the zipper tab with a luggage lock of the like.

Abstract: A bag constituted by a laminar outer part which is completely transparent and portions having overlapped inner laminar opaque portions, including inner pockets wherein planar plates containing graphic advertising are housed. Said inner pockets have zip fasteners as well as the bag mouth. The sliding tab of the zip fastener includes an inviolable lock. At least a portion of the bag side wall is completely transparent, thus allowing visualization of the objects contained therein from outside with the bag closed. The bag of the invention may also have a smaller outer pocket.

Abstract: A container having dual openings for facilitating rapid access to the interior of the container to remove articles from the container which includes two ends, two sides and a base. A side closure flap is attached to one of the two sides and forms a top when the flap is in a closed position for covering the top opening of the container. The side closure flap can be opened by flipping over the flap to gain access to the interior of the container. The top of the container has a full length double zipper which facilitates access to the interior of the container from the top instead of flipping over the side closure flap.

Abstract: A flexible shipping container (100), particularly for bulk material, is disclosed. The container consists of a cylindrical or cube-shaped carrying bag (2) made of a fabric of synthetic fiber or synthetic thread. On one upper side panel edge (4), the carrying sack is provided with a lid section (5), where the lid section (5) is connected to the carrying sack (2) with a zipper (7) at least around a portion of its circumference. In this manner, it is possible to open or remove entirely the lid section simply by pulling open the zipper. The interior of the carrying sack is then freely accessible for cleaning or repair work, or to insert an inner sack made of synthetic foil. After the work is finished, the lid section is reconnected to the carrying sack using the zipper and the container is ready for renewed use.

Abstract: An inflatable diver marker and collection bag is disclosed which can be utilized by a diver for collecting lobster, conch, etc., as well as providing for a diver location marker to boats and other water vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the diver. The dive marker/collection bag also provides for an individual ascent line for the diver. The inflatable dive marker/collection bag allows the diver to send the collected items to the surface without the diver having to surface. In one embodiment, the shape of at least the bottom half of the collection bag is “bell” shaped to help prevent the collected items from escaping when additional items to the collection bag.

Abstract: This invention relates to dry-cleaning systems which include anhydrous dry-cleaning compositions which contain polysulfonic acid, and a bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles. In a first embodiment, the dry-cleaning compositions includes organic solvents, polysulfonic acid, and not more than about 10 wt % water. In a second embodiment, the dry-cleaning compositions includes organic solvents and polysulfonic acid, and not more than 1 about wt % water. The invention also relates to methods of using the dry-cleaning system and dry-cleaning composition.

Abstract: A storage unit or bag with a lockable closure mechanism is provided. The storage unit includes a container formed with an opening to provide access thereinto, and a cover sized for selective placement and covering over the opening of the container in order to prevent access. A mechanism such as a zipper system is provided for selectively closing the cover over the opening of the container. The zipper mechanism includes a first locking member, and the bag itself has a second locking member attached thereto by a fabric, string or other element. The two locking members are designed to interlock with one another in order to prevent the zipper system from operating. Accordingly, in order to gain access into the bag, it is necessary to cut the fabric or string extending from the second locking member.

Abstract: A boil-in-bag package for the storage and cooking of food items includes an elongated rectangular shaped bag having an inside and an outside wall, a closed top end and an open bottom end. A handle section is adjacent the top end of the bag section, with the handle section having an upper and a lower portion and a first and second side. The upper portion of the handle section includes an opening sized and shaped for receiving a lifting utensil. A sealing/release mechanism is positioned on the handle section and is configured to releaseably close the open bottom end of the elongated bag section contiguous with the handle section thereby forming a U-shaped package configured to allow a through-flow of fluid between the inside walls of the U-shaped package. The sealing/release mechanism is further configured to allow for the release of the open bottom end from the handle section without contacting the elongated bag section.

Abstract: A bag for the cleaning and containment of soiled fabric articles is provided which comprises a fastening system that, when fastened provides a vapor impermeable container and an interior surface releasably impregnated with an effective amount of a gelled liquid dry-cleaning composition.