Abstract: A desk apparatus is provided with a pair of leg members, each having two main leg member parts that are installed on a floor surface and extend in a vertical direction and that are connected to each other by means of a crosspiece portion at upper portions of the main leg member parts, and a pair of inner connecting rods and a pair of outer connecting rods that extend along a width direction and connect the upper portions of the pair of leg members. The inner connecting rods are connected together by bridge members so as to constitute connecting units. The connecting units are attachable to and detachable from a top plate support, and a first top plate unit is attachable to and detachable from the top plate support.

Abstract: A seat assembly for task-oriented seating comprises a seat support and a seat coupled to the seat support. The seat is movable under load, such as from the user's weight and movements, relative to the seat support. The seat has a cushion molded over a supporting armature with multiple bias elements. The seat and seat support are configured to deflect by predetermined amounts at defined locations over an extent of the seat assembly. In this way, the seat assembly provides for a range of comfortable and effective positions for users engaged in different active motions and having different preferences and sizes.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for a dentistry stool comprises a support member, a movable height adjusting assembly and a pushbutton actuator. The support member is coupleable to the stool adjacent a seat of the stool. The movable height adjusting assembly is selectively movable up and down relative to the support member. The pushbutton actuator is positionable on a side of the movable height adjusting assembly adjacent a seated user, and is manually actuatable by the seated user to release the movable height adjusting assembly from a locked position at a current height to allow the movable height adjusting assembly to be moved to a new height. The height adjusting mechanism can be implemented to provide a height-adjustable seat back and/or a height-adjustable torso bar.

Abstract: A chair comprising: a metal frame formed by a plurality of metal elements, including a seat portion having two seat support elements and a backrest portion having two backrest support elements extending upwardly from the seat portion, a flexible backrest panel and/or a flexible seat panel of plastic material having two lateral hollow portions into which respective support elements are inserted, wherein, in a rest condition, there is a transverse clearance between outer edges of said lateral hollow portions and the respective support elements and wherein, in a deformed condition of the flexible backrest panel and/or flexible seat panel said transverse clearance is reduced to zero.

Abstract: A cushion and method provide relief of pain or discomfort in the pelvic/genital/rectal region of a person. The person is supported on a resilient cushion construct which conforms to the person's posterior profile contour configuration, while locating a gap beneath the pelvic/genital/rectal region of the person. An airway is extended to the gap, through a basal construct located beneath the cushion construct and an air mover moves ambient air through the airway and into the gap to provide cooling to the pelvic/genital/rectal region of the person supported on the cushion construct.

Abstract: A folding stool comprises a seat portion, a backrest and a hinge device connecting the seat portion and the backrest. The hinge device comprises a first hinge and a second hinge rotatably connected. Two first hinges are respectively fixed to the backrest and the seat portion, the first hinge comprises two ear portions, the second hinge comprises four ear portions, and the four ear portions of the second hinge are respectively connected to four ear portions of the two first hinges by means of two rotary shafts. A position limiting board is fixed on the back surface of the second hinge, and the position limiting board comprises two oppositely provided position limiting surfaces.

Abstract: A knock down bed foundation includes a pair of side rails, a pair of end rails, a center rail and a set of slats. Each end rail extends perpendicularly between a corresponding ends of each side rails and the center rail extends perpendicularly between each end rail. The slats are spaced apart between the end rails and extend perpendicularly between each side rails over the center rail. Corner clips secure the abutting portions of the side rails and end rails together.

Abstract: A spring provides variable (non-linear) resistance as the spring is compressed. The spring comprises a plurality of spring elements that are stacked atop one another, each spring element comprising a upper member and a lower member connected to the upper member, each spring element defining an internal space between the upper member and the lower member, and each spring element configured to compress when a force is applied to the spring, such that the upper member moves toward the lower member. The spring further comprises one or more spring stops positioned in the internal space defined by on one or more of the plurality of spring elements, each spring stop being configured to prevent the respective spring element from compressing past a predetermined compression distance. A mattress is further provided and includes multiple such springs arranged in a matrix.

Abstract: Mattress constructions wherein the mattress construction has at least one breathable strip in the make-up thereof to allow air circulation to the core thereof and wherein the said strip may or may not be treated with an insecticide to deter insect infestation.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a body support during use includes a body support having an adjustable layer and a plurality of sensors, and a processing system in communication with the plurality of sensors and the adjustable layer. The processing system receives information from the plurality of sensors and then transmits instructions to the adjustable layer to adjust the layer. One or more cameras can also be used to gather data for receipt by the processing system in order to determine whether and how to adjust the layer.

Abstract: A bracing member for use with a body support unit, the bracing member defining a lower surface having a plurality of series of interconnected discrete voids extending substantially vertically from the lower surface into the body, each series of voids to retain a respective column of interconnected fluid-fillable cells, in use.

Abstract: A hip seat carrier set for use in holding an infant, comprising a carrier including a first supporting member capable of supporting an infant, and a shoulder band to be attached to the user's shoulders when the user puts on the carrier; hip seat separably coupled to the carrier, including a waist belt to be fastened around the user's waist, and for holding hips of the infant thereon; and a carrier blanket separably coupled to the carrier, and including a second supporting member capable of supporting the body of the infant, and a pelvis belt to be connected to a lower portion of the second supporting member and to be put on around the user's body to support the hips of the infant, wherein the hip seat or the carrier blanket is coupled to the carrier depending on a mode of usage, can be provided.

Abstract: A motorized transport unit is configured to temporarily attach to a mobile retail product display and a central computer system is configured to task that motorized transport unit to move such a mobile retail product display. This movement can be from a customer-inaccessible area to a customer-accessible area and/or vice versa. The mobile retail product displays can include refrigerated-product displays and heated-product displays. By one approach such tasking is based, at least in part, upon detecting one or more predetermined states such as a predetermined temporal state, a detected customer demographic, local weather conditions, and/or a societal observation.

Abstract: The disclosure includes in one aspect a mounting sticker comprising a non-adhesive front side defined by a planar sticker body and a rear side defined by the planar sticker body and including a planar magnetically receptive member disposed thereon with the magnetically receptive member completely peripherally surrounded by a portion of the sticker body, at least a portion of the sticker body defining the rear side comprising an adhesive. The sticker body can define a teardrop shape having a circular head portion with a peeling tip extending from the head portion and terminating at a point defined by an acute angle.

Abstract: Examples of a device for hanging multiple items on a structure are disclosed. The device comprises an elongated body with a planar configuration and a first opening in the body in proximity to one of its ends. The opening is shaped and sized so that it can fit over a hardware, such as a screw or nail, that penetrates into the structure. One or more additional markings are formed in the body at a pre-determined distance from the first opening. The hardware at the first opening holds the end of the device in place so that the body can be placed against the structure and extended in a desired direction to mark position of a next item by registering it with a position of the one of the additional markings.

Abstract: A multipurpose beverage lid includes a lid portion that is tethered to a drink cup, a first removable film attached to the lid and covering and sealing a drink aperture in the lid, a second removable film covering the remainder of the drink lid, with each removable film suitable for receiving printed information and/or prize type information.

Abstract: A lid assembly adapted to be removably secured to a container includes a base portion having a fluid aperture, and a ridge portion extends from a top surface of the base portion. A button member is coupled to the base portion, and depressing the button member from a closed position to an open position displaces a seal member of a seal assembly away from the fluid aperture so that fluids may pass from the interior of the container through the fluid aperture. A locking assembly includes a cover portion coupled to the base portion, and when the cover portion is in a locked position, an engagement portion engages a recess on the button member to prevent displacement out of the closed position. When the cover portion is rotated into an unlocked position, the engagement portion disengages the recess, thus allowing the button member to displace to the open position.

Abstract: A butter dish having a rotatable lid that opens to an obtuse angle to give wide access to butter stored on a base cover by the lid. The butter dish includes the base, a rear wall defining a rotational axis located above the base and toward the rear of the base and the lid is mounted to the rear wall and rotates between closed and opened positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to the protection of glasses and glassware in the hospitality and bar industry. Specifically, the device provides for a rubberized or plastic nesting device sized to fit on the outside of glassware, such as for example, a pint glass, whereby the plastic nesting device permits multiple glasses to nest and save space during cleaning and storage and preventing the direct contact of the sides of the glassware that might lead to breaking.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable floor covering, comprising a tufted textile substrate and a reinforcement layer wherein vacuum is used to move adhesive into stitch portions of the yarns and into the back side of the primary backing substrate to provide increased dimensional stability for the entire floor covering. Mixing of reinforcement fibers and adhesive takes place before in situ filtration of the adhesive and fibers. Further, compressed air is injected into the adhesive/fiber composition to provide spaces between the fibers before application of pressure to the composition. The vacuum, mixing, and injection of compressed air assist in preparing the adhesive and fiber composition to be in the preferred condition and position before the application of pressure to the composition.

Abstract: A moveable anti-fatigue mat that can be moved by a user's foot without the need for the user to bend over. In one embodiment, the anti-fatigue mat comprises a cushioned top layer affixed to a high friction bottom layer, wherein a low friction activation pad is positioned on or within the bottom layer. The activation pad can be attached so that a bottom surface protrudes below or is flush with the bottom surface of the bottom layer, and the activation pad is preferably located near the edge of the bottom layer. The anti-fatigue mat may be slid laterally on a floor or surface by a user's foot when a user places his foot on the mat directly above the activation pad and applies pressure downward and in the direction the user wishes the mat to move.

Abstract: A carpet stretcher, the tail assembly including a slider block, a first end and a second end attached to the slider block, wherein at least one of the first end and second end is moveable relative to the other of the ends on the slider block to define a gap having a selected width; and a locking assembly engagable with the at least one of the first end and second end to fix the selected width.

Abstract: Ornaments are disclosed that include an ornament body, paper within the ornament body and a support for holding a portion of the paper. The support and paper may be configured such that portions of the paper transition through a display position with certain versions of the ornament having the paper configured as a scroll. The ornament may also have a size and configuration allowing it to be hung from a tree such as a Christmas tree.

Abstract: Implementations of a rod with an integrated level are provided. In this way, the rod may be installed on a wall level without a separate level.

Abstract: A fastener-less bracket system for mounting a curtain rod. The fastener-less bracket system includes at least one end bracket having a wall holding portion that can be inserted between a molding member and a generally planar surface, such as a wall. Each end bracket further includes a curtain rod retaining portion extends outward from the wall holding portion and is integrally connected thereto, wherein the curtain rod retaining portion can support and removably secure to a curtain rod. In some embodiments, the fastener-less bracket system further includes at least one support mounting bracket having a wall holding portion that can be inserted between a molding member and a generally planar surface, and a curtain rod retaining portion that can receive a curtain rod therein. The support mounting brackets are positioned between a pair of end brackets in order to support the weight of a curtain rod attached therebetween.

Abstract: A food processing device includes a gear housing, a frame arm extending from the gear housing on a first lateral side thereof, and a drive screw operably coupled on respective ends thereof with the gear housing and a support end. The device further includes a retention hub operably coupled with the gear housing and extending generally parallel with and adjacent a portion of drive screw and an input hub extending from the gear housing opposite the drive screw and the retention hub and operably engaged with both the drive screw and the retention hub to drive synchronized rotational movement thereof with respect to the gear housing. A carrier is slidably coupled with the frame arm and is further operably engaged with the drive screw such that the rotational movement thereof drives corresponding linear movement of the carrier along the frame arm. The carrier defines at least one cutting implement thereon.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein relate to an easy assemble centrifugal juicer. The centrifugal juicer includes a top section having a juice spout and pulp spout, wherein the top section defines a cavity with a first mating surface and a second mating surface; a strainer section having a strainer, a drive member, and a projection, the projection structured to engage with the first mating surface to couple the strainer section to the top section; and a motor housing structured to house a motor, wherein the motor is operatively coupled to a motor adapter structured to engage with the drive member.

Abstract: A steamer container system is provided having a container body, a lid assembly and a steamer basket. The lid assembly is removably connected to the container body to close the opening to the cavity of the container body. The lid assembly includes a vent aperture and a vent tab having a protrusion extending therefrom that is adapted to engage and selectively close the vent aperture. The lid assembly may also have a viewing window to view the food being cooked in the container. The steamer basket is sized to fit within the cavity of the container body for cooking food thereon.

Abstract: An anthropomorphic figurine for holding filter cartridges, such as for a single cup coffee maker. The figurine has upper appendages that are curled to define a holding receptacle for a filter cartridge. The figurine may also include lower appendages that form a notch for holding a lid of a reusable filter cartridge. The head of the figurine is adapted to hold a scoop, which may be shaped as a ball cap.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus having a liquid container, comprising a fragile inner wall, a rugged outer wall and a cushioning structure placed between the fragile inner wall and the rugged outer wall, a lid that seals the liquid container, the lid including a magnet portion that faces an interior of the liquid container when the lid seals the liquid container and an infuser that is configured to float freely within the liquid container and releaseably attach to the magnet portion of the lid.

Abstract: Adapter for use in a coffee machine in combination with a pad, which pad comprises a covering of filtering sheet material enclosing a beverage preparation product. The coffee machine is equipped with a pad holder having a bowl-shaped interior for accommodating the adapter in combination with the pad, the coffee machine having a water inlet and is arranged for supplying a time controlled amount of water to the pad positioned in the pad holder, the pad holder having a beverage exit opening. The adapter comprises a rigid disc-shaped body having a beverage collecting structure on an upper surface and a perimeter arranged for sealing engagement with the pad holder of the beverage machine, and for positioning between the pad and the beverage exit opening, wherein the adapter has a restricted opening extending there through to reduce in volume a beverage leaving the pad and flowing to the beverage exit opening of the pad holder.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of beverages by means of a capsule comprising a side wall (5), an entry surface (6) for the entrance of water under pressure into the capsule (1), the side wall (5) and the entry surface (6) forming the containment volume (V) for containing the infusion or soluble product (P), and the entry surface (6) comprising one or more reduced thickness areas (3), wherein the method comprises the following steps: pushing the entry surface (6) of the capsule (1) using pushing means (S) and injecting a flux of water under pressure so as to open the one or more reduced thickness areas (3) of the entry surface (6) so as to allow the water under pressure to enter the capsule (1).

Abstract: A coffee press apparatus includes an outer container having a cavity with upper and lower portions. A handle assembly extends outwardly from on the outer container and includes a user interface. An inner vessel is disposed in the upper portion of the cavity of the outer container. A scale assembly is coupled to the inner vessel and disposed in the lower portion of the cavity of the outer container. The scale assembly is electrically coupled to the user interface in assembly and configured to weigh the contents of the inner vessel in use. A plunger assembly extends into a cavity of the inner vessel and is slideably received through a lid assembly. The plunger assembly includes a first filter assembly, and the lid assembly includes a second filter assembly.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine for producing a beverage from a capsule containing a product, includes an injecting arrangement arranged for piercing a covering element of the capsule and injecting into the latter a liquid interacting with the product to make a beverage, a housing element provided with a seat into which the capsule is insertable, a dispensing unit for dispensing said liquid into the capsule, said housing element rests on elastic elements and is slidable inside a chamber obtained in a box element that is insertable into a space of the dispensing unit, the chamber being provided with a fixed support intended for constituting a rest for a bottom of the capsule when the latter is inserted into the seat.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a beverage includes a plurality of replaceable reservoirs, each respectively configured to contain a respective liquid ingredient. A plurality of pumps are each operatively connected to a respective reservoir and configured to transfer the respective liquid ingredient from one or more of the reservoirs. A plurality of nozzles are operatively connected to the plurality of pumps and configured to receive a liquid ingredient from at least one of the plurality of pumps. A single use beverage cartridge includes a second liquid ingredient and is configured to receive the liquid ingredient dispensed from the at least one of the plurality of pumps to generate a mix of the liquid ingredient with the second ingredient.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage into a beverage container includes a base, a dispenser, and a platform for supporting the beverage container. The platform is positionable relative to the base between a first position and a second position, in the second position the platform is nearer to the dispenser than in the first position. The platform has a first orientation in the first position and a second orientation in the second position. The second orientation is inverted relative to the first orientation. The platform includes a peripheral sidewall and a central panel defining a first drip tray facing the dispenser in the first orientation of the platform and a second drip tray opposite the first drip tray and facing the dispenser in the second orientation of the platform. A support plate having a support surface is removably positionable on the first peripheral rim and second peripheral rim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking device, and more particularly to a cooking vessel with a protective rim. A cooking vessel is provided comprising a container portion and a protective rim component. The container portion has an interior side and an edge delimiting the container portion. The interior side comprises a non-stick cooking surface. A protective rim component is mounted along the edge of the container portion, for shielding the edge, in order to prevent disintegration of the non-stick property of the cooking surface and/or the warping of the cooking vessel.

Abstract: A see-through and stir-through lid is provided for cookware. The lid includes a transparent main body having an outer periphery. An access port extends through the main body with a splatter guard secured within the access port. The splatter guard has a self-regulating opening of variable size allowing passage of a working end of a cooking utensil through the opening in the splatter guard while minimizing size of the opening about a shaft of the cooking utensil. A support structure supports a cooking utensil atop the lid with the working end resting above the splatter guard so that liquid and/or food residue may drain through the opening in the splatter guard into the cookware.

Abstract: A stove-top barbecue includes a base supporting a grill and a cover. The base and grill include aligned central openings to permit heating by flames from a burner on a stove. The base further includes a concave tray surrounding the opening to retain fluids.

Abstract: A small cooking appliance comprises a bottom housing, a top housing, and a ring assembly. The bottom housing has a top surface that forms a bottom cooking surface of the appliance. The top housing has a bottom surface that forms a top cooking surface of the appliance. The top housing is movably attached to the bottom housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The ring assembly is positionable between the top and bottom cooking surfaces when the top housing is in its closed position. The ring assembly comprises a top ring, a bottom ring, and an optional center cooking plate. The center cooking plate is movable between (i) a closed position in which a space defined by the ring assembly is divided into top and bottom cooking cavities and (ii) an open position.

Abstract: A jack receiver for a kitchen cooking appliance includes a bracket mounted to the appliance. The bracket includes an aperture for receiving a thermometer therethrough. A jack socket for receiving and engaging a portion of the thermometer therein projects from the bracket aperture to an opposing side of the chamber's wall from the jack receiver, and is in operative communication with the appliance's controller. A cover is pivotably attached to the bracket and a biasing member exerts a biasing force onto the cover to bias the cover into a position covering the bracket aperture. The cover is pivotable against the biasing force of the biasing member, uncovering the bracket aperture, for insertion of the thermometer. Removal of the thermometer from the jack receiver permits automatic pivotable return of the cover to the covering position under the biasing force of the biasing member.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying gaseous fuel to a kamado-style grill is disclosed. The kamado-style grill includes a vessel and a fire bowl positioned within the vessel. The vessel and the fire bowl each have an opening. The apparatus includes a gas burner insertable through the opening of the vessel for positioning below the opening of the fire bowl, and a housing substantially covering the opening of the vessel and including one or more openings for allowing air to pass into or out of the kamado-style grill. Other example apparatuses and grill assemblies for receiving the apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooking grill includes a container defining a combustion area and a cooking surface over the combustion area. The grill features a pellet burner unit disposed within the container under the cooking surface and a pellet feeding device arranged to feed pellets into the burner unit. The burner unit comprises a trough into which the pellets are fed. The trough is mounted in a movable support which can be pulled out from within the container. The feeding device includes a removable cartridge for containing pellets and a receptacle for receiving the cartridge inserted thereon so that the cartridge supplies pellets for transfer to the pellet burner unit. In addition, a gas burner system is arranged in the container adjacent to the pellet burner unit so as to apply heat from the gas burner system to the cooking surface in addition to or as an alternative to the pellet burner unit.

Abstract: An insert for a food holding cabinet provides multiple, individual food holding compartments, which can be operated as encapsulated environments. The insert is made from an elongated tray formed to have at least one food product holding compartment, which is formed at one end of the elongated tray. A slid-able is configured to be able slide back and forth and formed to have at least one additional food product holding compartment. A slid-able cover is configured to be able to slide in the elongated tray, over the slide-able cover. Multiple individual food holding compartments can be uncovered, one-at-a-time as need for food product arises.

Abstract: A method for detecting a state of a coffee bean grinder includes providing a supply voltage to a motor of a grinding apparatus, and monitoring with a motor stall detection sensor at least one operating parameter of the motor. The method further includes determining whether a motor stall has been detected based on monitoring the at least one operating parameter. The method also includes measuring using a weight sensor a weight of coffee grounds that have been ground by the grinding apparatus, and determining that no beans are present in a hopper that feeds coffee beans to the grinding apparatus when no motor stall has been detected and no change in weight has been detected at the weight sensor for a predetermined amount of time. A coffee bean grinder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A base for a food processing system is provided including a housing configured to couple with a complementary container. The housing includes a bottom surface. At least one suction device is mounted to the bottom surface and is configured to adhere the base to an adjacent surface. At least one release mechanism is mounted to mounted generally flush with an outer surface of the housing. The at least one release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one suction device and is movable between a first position and a second position to release the at least one suction device from the adjacent surface.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a housing, a container seat disposed proximate an upper portion of the housing, and a container defining a processing chamber. The container has a base that matingly engages the container seat. A weight scale is disposed within the container seat, wherein engagement of the container with a portion of the container seat places the container in communication with the weight scale.

Abstract: A blending system is provided for identifying a blending container. The blending system may include an attachment member that attaches to a blending container. The attachment member may include an identification tag. A receiving system may communicate with the identification tag to identify the container. The receiving system may measure characteristics of the blending container. The characteristics can be compared to stored characteristics.

Abstract: A food mixing machine appliance is presented for mixing ingredients. The machine has a base unit that can rest on a horizontal surface, a motor positioned in the base unit, a bowl attached to the base unit, and a mixing tool positioned in the bowl. The bowl has a longitudinal axis that extends at an angle that is non-parallel relative to a gravitational direction while the base unit is resting on the horizontal surface, and the mixing tool is operably connected to the motor to receive a torque from the motor and to move within the bowl to mix contents of the bowl. The non-parallel longitudinal axis of the bowl may improve mixing quality and may allow the mixer to better mix small amounts of ingredients in the bowl.

Abstract: A variable-engagement planetary food mixing tool for attachment to a motorized food mixing apparatus is presented. The tool has a body that has a driveshaft engagement portion and a first longitudinal axis. The tool also has a sun gear concentric with the first longitudinal axis, wherein the sun gear has a first helical gear surface. A planet gear with a second longitudinal axis is also included, wherein the second longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The planet gear has a second helical gear surface extending around the second longitudinal axis. The planet gear is configured to engage the first helical gear surface of the sun gear in one or more positions along the second longitudinal axis. A mixing member is connected to the planet gear and moves around the first longitudinal axis while rotating around the second longitudinal axis as the planet gear traverses the sun gear.