The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 09, 2002
Filed:
Dec. 29, 1998
John D. Brown, Rocky River, OH (US);
Other;
Abstract
Apparatus for retaining a plastic bag in an opened condition to facilitate cleaning in an automatic dish washer for bag re-use. The apparatus includes an open, segmented framework defining a form structure over which a soiled bag is positioned. First and second parallel frame sidewalls are laterally spaced apart and interconnected such that the form structure corresponds generally in size and shape to the interior of a plastic bag to be positioned thereover so that the form will maintain the bag in an open state. The framework includes a first or upper end and a second or lower end. The upper end is inserted into the open mouth of a soiled plastic bag. The upper end of the framework converges or tapers slightly to facilitate ease of insertion into the open mouth of a soiled plastic bag. The form is inserted into the bag until the mouth of the bag is seated around the second end of the framework. A plurality of bag retaining clips are located at the framework lower end to releasably receive and firmly retain peripheral portions of the bag at the mouth area during bag washing in a dish washer. The framework may optionally be constructed in a manner that allows for selective collapsing for storage purposes and expansion for washing use.