Abstract: A portable, collapsible radiant heater includes a base and a support mounted to the base. The support has a collapsed position wherein the base is configured to at least partially receive the support, and an extended position wherein the support extends upwardly from the base. A heater-head for generating radiant heat is connected to the support. A reflector is mounted to one of the heater-head and the support. The reflector at least partially surrounds the heater-head for downwardly reflecting radiant heat generated by the heater-head. The reflector and heater-head are reciprocally movable between the collapsed position wherein the reflector and heater-head are in close proximity to the base and the extended position wherein the reflector and heater-head are distant from the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable household food cooker capable of receiving a food mixture and producing food items in a continuous fashion. The continuous food cooker generally includes a housing and a hopper. The hopper is disposed above the housing for receiving the food mixture and for dispensing the food mixture into the cooker. The continuous food cooker also includes a hot roller assembly for forming and cooking the food mixture, a hot roller drive assembly operatively attached to at least one roller, and a cutter for cutting the produced food item at a desired length. The hot roller assembly includes at least one rotatable roller and at least one heating element for heating the at least one roller. The at least one roller and the at least one heating element are disposed internally to the housing.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator having an actuator near its top which can be easily used with one hand having an elastomeric top seal is described. The cosmetic applicator is provided with a seal opening sleeve which protects the body of cosmetic from the elastomeric seal during opening operations and closing operations.

Abstract: A polymeric cereal container includes a first wall, a cereal chamber at least partially formed by the first wall, and a container opening at least partially defined by the first wall. A first quantity of dry cereal can be received within the cereal chamber, and a second quantity of dry cereal can be provided separately. A method can include providing and filling a polymeric cereal container with a quantity of dry cereal. A system can operate to fill a polymeric cereal container with a quantity of dry cereal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its' periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.

Abstract: A kitchen blender provides improved efficiency of mixing and cleaning by positioning the motor and electrical components in an enclosed top component which mounts snuggly into a pitcher with a smooth, easily cleaned interior surface and an enlarged base.

Abstract: A household liquid dispensing apparatus includes a container for holding a household liquid and a pump for pumping the household liquid out of the container. The pump includes a pump chamber. A dip tube is adapted to be positioned in the container and communicates with the pump chamber. An exhaust tube communicates with the pump chamber and an outlet for the household liquid. A pump actuator mechanically drives the pump. A motor operatively engages the pump actuator. The motor is electrically connected to a power source. A switch is electrically connected to the motor and the power source. A trigger assembly is operatively connected to the switch to control power delivered to the motor. The trigger assembly is positioned under the outlet for the household liquid for easy actuation by an upturned hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic stirring system that is selectively mounted to a cooking vessel. The cooking vessel includes a handle, an opening for receiving food items, and a lid. The automatic stirring system includes a housing mounted to the handle, a ring gear rotatably mounted to the cooking vessel, a drive assembly for rotating the ring gear, and at least one stirring vane attached to the ring gear. In various other embodiments, the automatic stirring system includes at least one forward swept stirring vane, at least one aperture in the stirring vane, a variable speed control unit, and a component orientation that provides substantially unimpeded access to the opening of the cooking vessel.

Abstract: A lighter includes a butane fuel reservoir, a valve, a mixer with a choke, a movable combustion space and movable top door over the combustion space which interact to allow a wheel and flint igniter to initiate a post mix flame above the top of the combustion space followed by the opening of the top and migration of the flame into the combustion space to create a strong torch-like premixed flame thereafter.

Abstract: A household liquid dispensing apparatus includes a container for holding a household liquid and a pump for pumping the household liquid out of the container. The pump includes a pump chamber. A dip tube is adapted to be positioned in the container and communicates with the pump chamber. An exhaust tube communicates with the pump chamber and an outlet for the household liquid. A pump actuator mechanically drives the pump. A motor operatively engages the pump actuator. The motor is electrically connected to a power source. A switch is electrically connected to the motor and the power source. A trigger assembly is operatively connected to the switch to control power delivered to the motor. The trigger assembly is positioned under the outlet for the household liquid for easy actuation by an upturned hand.

Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable sprayer for applying a diluted product to a surface to be treated. The sprayer includes a housing including an inlet for supplying pressurized water to the sprayer, a first water only outlet, and a second diluted product only outlet. A mixing chamber is located within the housing. The mixing chamber is dimensioned to securely hold the product and is in fluid communication with the second outlet. A first flow passage extends through the housing. The first flow passage is in selective fluid communication with the inlet and the first outlet. A second flow passage extends through the housing. The second flow passage is in selective fluid communication with the first flow passage and the mixing chamber. A wall of the second flow passage is configured to direct the pressurized water flowing through the second flow passage into the mixing chamber to evenly dissolve the product and provide a generally consistent product to water ratio.

Abstract: A powered edging assembly for providing a voltage source at an edge of a garden or lawn having an edging extrusion configured for in-ground placement at the edge and including an above-ground upper portion having contained wires extending along a length of the extrusion; the wires being insulated by penetrable sheaths. An electrically powered device is selectively positionable and fastenable on the extrusion, whereby contacts for the device penetrate the sheaths for communicating electrical power from the wires to the device.

Abstract: A stackable cleaner or product applicator is described in which a rigid applicator body has a downwardly opening compartment surrounded by a skirt and an upper compartment surrounded by an upwardly extending wall, the upper compartment containing a foam body and fluid or gel and being closed by means of a removable top wall fixed to the top periphery of the upwardly extending wall. The removable top has a tab to aid opening. The downwardly extending skirt is sized to accept the upwardly extending wall of an identical unit whereby multiple units may be stacked in a nested configuration. A cap is provided to cover the top of the uppermost cleaner in a stack. The cap has an opening adapted to engage the removable top tab and act as a lever for easy opening.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator having an actuator near its top which can be easily used with one hand having an elastomeric top seal is described. The cosmetic applicator is provided with a seal opening sleeve which protects the body of cosmetic from the elastomeric seal during opening operations and closing operations.

Abstract: A trash container includes a base, a liner supported by the base to receive and store trash, a body, supported by the base, configured to house the liner, a lid hingedly mounted to the body and a pedal. A link assembly is operably connected to the pedal and the lid to translate an up-down pivot motion of the pedal to an up-down pivot motion for the lid. The link assembly includes a lift bar and at least one first arm. The link assembly provides a direct rigid connection between the pedal and the lid. At least one damper assembly is operably connected to the link assembly for dampening opening and closing motions of the lid. The at least one damper assembly includes a damper and a second arm moveably connected to the damper and the at least one first arm.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible radiant heater includes a base and a support mounted to the base. The support has a collapsed position wherein the base is configured to at least partially receive the support, and an extended position wherein the support extends upwardly from the base. A heater-head for generating radiant heat is connected to the support. A reflector is mounted to one of the heater-head and the support. The reflector at least partially surrounds the heater-head for downwardly reflecting radiant heat generated by the heater-head. The reflector and heater-head are reciprocally movable between the collapsed position wherein the reflector and heater-head are in close proximity to the base and the extended position wherein the reflector and heater-head are distant from the base.

Abstract: A step stool nestable for stacking is formed vertically tapered with the smaller end closed to form a horizontal stepping surface. The interior of the shell has attachment surfaces faces upon which the casters are attached for use. Initially the casters are mounted on the undersurface of the closed end to permit stacking of the stools for bulk transport or shipment in quantities. Upon separating the stools in the stack, the user removes the platform and casters from the undersurface of the closed end and attaches them to attachment surfaces in the shell. In the disclosed embodiment a platform member is attached to the shell and the casters mounted on the platform member. In the disclosed embodiment, the casters and platform member are enclosed in a container and releasably secured to the undersurface of the closed end of the shell for stacking.