Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for IP assessment based on a component business model (CBM). The method assesses components in the CBM via a component assessment module, which interrogates an entity (e.g., a user, a third party consultant, and an information database) with questions. Output (including answers to the questions) from the component assessment module is sent to a component detection module. Scores (e.g., numerical scores and/or low, medium, or high scores) are assigned to the components via the component detection module based on the output from the component assessment module. The output from the component assessment module and/or the scores are analyzed to determine whether a gap, a duplication, a conflict, and/or an over-investment exists in at least one of the components.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for IP assessment based on a component business model (CBM). The method assesses components in the CBM via a component assessment module, which interrogates an entity (e.g., a user, a third party consultant, and an information database) with questions. Output (including answers to the questions) from the component assessment module is sent to a component detection module. Scores (e.g., numerical scores and/or low, medium, or high scores) are assigned to the components via the component detection module based on the output from the component assessment module. The output from the component assessment module and/or the scores are analyzed to determine whether a gap, a duplication, a conflict, and/or an over-investment exists in at least one of the components.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a computerized system for providing an IP framework, including a storage component, a user interface, and a reporting module. The storage component includes a collection of database tables having a capability field and keyword field. The database tables include data from a strategic planning computer module, an invent computer module, an IP creation computer module, an IP administration computer module, a defend computer module, an influence computer module, and a capitalize computer module. The user interface receives as input, an invention disclosure and/or a configuration file for an IP capability. The reporting module processes the input in the storage component and produces the IP framework.

Abstract: A table includes a table top and a table frame. The table frame preferably includes one or more side rails, end rails, table legs, and support braces. The table also includes a mounting structure that is provided on the underside of the table top. At least a portion of a support assembly is connected to the mounting structure. Desirably, the mounting structure and the support assembly are disposed towards the center portion of the table, but the mounting structure and/or support assembly could be located in any desired portion of the table. Preferably, one end of the support braces is pivotally attached to the support assembly and the other end is pivotally attached to a table leg. Advantageously, the support assembly provides a “planar” support area to a portion of the table top.

Abstract: A foldable table may include a table top and legs that are movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The table top may be divided into a first section and a second section, and a hinge assembly may connect the first section of the table top to the second section of the table top to allow the table top to be selectively moved between a folded position and an unfolded position. The hinge assembly may include a locking member that may be sized and configured to lock the hinge assembly in a fixed position. In addition, the hinge assembly may include a lever that is sized and configured to move the locking member between a locked and unlocked position.

Abstract: An insulated container includes a body, a cover and an expandable beverage holder. The body includes outer walls and a base to define a storage space and to prevent heat transfer out of the storage space. The cover is configured to couple with the body and to prevent heat transfer out of the storage space. The expandable beverage holder is configured to couple to the cover and to hold a beverage container when expanded.

Abstract: A folding table is disclosed having a two-stage folding mechanism. The folding table includes a table top divided into a first planar portion and a second planar portion. A pair of side rails is connected to each planar portion. A foldable leg and support brace is connected to each planar portion. A hinge assembly is provided disposed between the first planar portion and the second planar portion. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin, a first hinge connector and a second hinge connector. The first hinge connector has a cam portion. A locking pin is disposed through a slot in the second hinge connector. A lock actuating mechanism may be used to move the locking pin in the slot between the locked and unlocked position. In one embodiment, the lock actuating mechanism includes a handle coupled to the locking pin and a spring biased against the locking pin.

Abstract: A collapsible gazebo frame includes a set of four corner support members and a set of four scissor assemblies, each being coupled to a different pair of the four corner support members. Each of four scissor assembly sliders is slidingly coupled to a different one of the four corner support members and serves to extend and retract the scissor assemblies coupled to the respective corner support member when slid along the corner support member. A canopy support frame includes four canopy support members, each being coupled to the top end of a different one of the four corner support members and having a canopy frame joint. The canopy support frame also includes four canopy support arms. Each canopy support arm is coupled to a different one of the four scissor assemblies and to a different canopy frame extender such that the canopy frame joints lock when gazebo frame is deployed.

Abstract: A table includes a table top that is preferably constructed from blow molded plastic. The table top includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a pair of spaced apart generally L-shaped brackets. The generally L-shaped brackets can be attached to or integrally formed with the bottom surface of the table top, and the generally L-shaped brackets are preferably sized and configured to attach a drawer to the table top. In greater detail, the generally L-shaped brackets may have a vertical portion and a bottom portion that is sized and configured to support the drawer. Additionally, generally L-shaped angle irons may be connected to the brackets to reinforce the brackets or the angle irons may be used to form the bottom portion of the L-shaped bracket.

Abstract: A collapsible gazebo frame includes a set of four corner support members and a set of four scissor assemblies, each being coupled to a different pair of the four corner support members. Each of four scissor assembly sliders is slidingly coupled to a different one of the four corner support members and serves to extend and retract the scissor assemblies coupled to the respective corner support member when slid along the corner support member. A canopy support frame includes four canopy support members, each being coupled to the top end of a different one of the four corner support members and having a canopy frame joint. The canopy support frame also includes four canopy support arms. Each canopy support arm is coupled to a different one of the four scissor assemblies and to a different canopy frame extender such that the canopy frame joints lock when gazebo frame is deployed.

Abstract: A collapsible gazebo frame includes a set of four corner support members and a set of four scissor assemblies, each being coupled to a different pair of the four corner support members. Each of four scissor assembly sliders is slidingly coupled to a different one of the four corner support members and serves to extend and retract the scissor assemblies coupled to the respective corner support member when slid along the corner support member. A canopy support frame includes four canopy support members, each being coupled to the top end of a different one of the four corner support members and having a canopy frame joint. The canopy support frame also includes four canopy frame sliders, where each canopy frame slider is slidingly coupled to a different one of the four corner support members. The canopy frame sliders serve to lock the canopy frame joints when slid along their corner support members.

Abstract: A folding picnic table includes a foldable table top and two or more seats. The foldable table top is preferably supported by a table top supporting assembly that is movable between an extended position and a collapsible position. Advantageously, the table top supporting assembly can be stored in the foldable table top when the picnic table is in the collapsed position. Desirably, each seat is supported by a seat supporting assembly that is movable between an extended position and a collapsible position. Preferably the seat supporting assembly is stored in a seat when the picnic table is in the collapsed position. The table top supporting assembly can further be folded into a fully folded position when the table top is folded to further reduce the size and dimensions of the picnic table when the picnic table is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A table includes a table top and a table frame. The table frame preferably includes one or more side rails, end rails, table legs, and support braces. The table also includes a mounting structure that is provided on the underside of the table top. At least a portion of a support assembly is connected to the mounting structure. Desirably, the mounting structure and the support assembly are disposed towards the center portion of the table, but the mounting structure and/or support assembly could be located in any desired portion of the table. Preferably, one end of the support braces is pivotally attached to the support assembly and the other end is pivotally attached to a table leg. Advantageously, the support assembly provides a “planar” support area to a portion of the table top.

Abstract: A sales tool for improving customer service comprises a computer system including a processor, program, and network communication interface, wherein the computer system is configured to receive a geographic identifier, and configured to retrieve content relevant to the geographic identifier and provide the content to an operator. In one embodiment, an identifier structure is capable of providing a geographic identifier to the computer system. In aspects of the invention, the geographic identifier is a zip code, a customer's telephone number where the geographic identifier is a geographic area corresponding to the telephone number, and a customer's internet address where the geographic identifier is a geographic area corresponding to the internet protocol address. In other aspects, the computer system is configured to retrieve content from internet databases relevant to the geographic identifier. Advantages of the invention include the ability to provide improved sales and customer service.

Abstract: A folding chair is provided having a first front leg, a second front leg, a first rear leg, a second rear leg, a first link, a second link, a chair seat, and a backrest. The chair seat includes a seat member, a first support bracket, a second support bracket, and a cross-bar connecting the first and second support brackets. The first front leg, the first rear leg, the first link, and the first support bracket form a first four-bar linkage. The second front leg, the second rear leg, the second like, and the second support bracket form a second four-bar linkage.

Abstract: A foldable table may include a table top and legs that are movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The table top may be divided into a first section and a second section, and a hinge assembly may connect the first section of the table top to the second section of the table top to allow the table top to be selectively moved between a folded position and an unfolded position. The hinge assembly may include a locking member that may be sized and configured to lock the hinge assembly in a fixed position. In addition, the hinge assembly may include a lever that is sized and configured to move the locking member between a locked and unlocked position.

Abstract: An advertising management structure for determining consumer interest a computer system including a processor, a program, a database and a network communication interface. The database is configured to store records including advertising campaigns and customer records. The program includes a comparison engine configured to access the database and to determine the success of an advertising campaign in a particular market segment. The processor is configured to execute the program and determine consumer interest for a particular campaign. In one aspect, the processor is configured to suggest improvements to the advertising campaign and future campaigns can incorporate the suggestions. In another aspect, the processor is configured to determine a return on investment for the campaign. Advantages of the invention include the ability to collect information regarding advertising campaigns and to use that information to develop a return on investment.

Abstract: A folding picnic table includes a foldable table top and two or more seats. The foldable table top is preferably supported by a table top supporting assembly that is movable between an extended position and a collapsible position. Advantageously, the table top supporting assembly can be stored in the foldable table top when the picnic table is in the collapsed position. Desirably, each seat is supported by a seat supporting assembly that is movable between an extended position and a collapsible position. Preferably the seat supporting assembly is stored in a seat when the picnic table is in the collapsed position. The table top supporting assembly can further be folded into a fully folded position when the table top is folded to further reduce the size and dimensions of the picnic table when the picnic table is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A folding picnic table includes a foldable table top and two or more seats. The foldable table top is preferably supported by a table top supporting assembly that is movable between an extended position and a collapsible position. Advantageously, the table top supporting assembly can be stored in the foldable table top when the picnic table is in the collapsed position. Desirably, each seat is supported by a seat supporting assembly that is movable between an extended position and a collapsible position. Preferably the seat supporting assembly is stored in a seat when the picnic table is in the collapsed position. The table top supporting assembly can further be folded into a fully folded position when the table top is folded to further reduce the size and dimensions of the picnic table when the picnic table is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: An insulated container includes a body, a cover and an expandable beverage holder. The body includes outer walls and a base to define a storage space and to prevent heat transfer out of the storage space. The cover is configured to couple with the body and to prevent heat transfer out of the storage space. The expandable beverage holder is configured to couple to the cover and to hold a beverage container when expanded.