Abstract: A vacuum food storage system includes a vacuum container having an air valve, and a cordless vacuum unit capable of being supported on top of the container for extracting air from the container through the air valve. To provide a more substantive visual indication of the presence of a vacuum in the container, a resilient seal between the vacuum unit and the container resiliently suspends the vacuum unit so that, as the vacuum increases, the entire vacuum unit is drawn down onto the container. A hands-free operation and more evocative audible indication of the presence of a vacuum is provided by employing a pressure-equalizing valve that abruptly opens to provide a channel between an interface chamber and ambient air when a vacuum sensor indicates a predefined vacuum level within the container.

Abstract: A vacuum food storage system includes a vacuum container having an air valve, and a cordless vacuum unit capable of being supported on top of the container for extracting air from the container through the air valve. To provide a more substantive visual indication of the presence of a vacuum in the container, a resilient seal between the vacuum unit and the container resiliently suspends the vacuum unit so that, as the vacuum increases, the entire vacuum unit is drawn down onto the container. A hands-free operation and more evocative audible indication of the presence of a vacuum is provided by employing a pressure-equalising valve that abruptly opens to provide a channel between an interface chamber and ambient air when a vacuum sensor indicates a predefined vacuum level within the container.

Abstract: A tea brewing apparatus includes a tea steeping assembly received in a vessel such as a kettle or tea pot, for raising and lowering tea leaves with respect to the brewing water without opening the lid. The tea steeping assembly includes an outer filter including a perforated container, and in which a tea strainer is slidingly received. A lid is mounted for rotation on the filter; and a telescopic coupling connects the lid and the tea strainer so they rotate together. A cam and a follower cooperate such that rotation of the lid engages the follower with the cam to raise and lower the strainer.

Abstract: A bathroom rail assembly includes a rail having opposed ends, each of which is attached to a respective suction fastening device by which the rail assembly can be attached to a fixed surface.

Abstract: A suction-adhesive device comprising a suction cup, a stem extending from the suction cup, and a body through which the stem extends. A spring interacts with the stem and the body for biasing the suction cup towards the body to apply suction. A coloured ring is fixed on the stem for indicating when the spring has drawn the suction cup towards the body.

Abstract: A bathroom rail assembly includes a rail having opposed ends, each of which is attached to a respective suction fastening device by which the rail assembly can be attached to a fixed surface.

Abstract: A suction-adhesive device comprising a suction cup, a stem extending from the suction cup, and a body through which the stem extends. A spring interacts with the stem and the body for biasing the suction cup towards the body to apply suction. A coloured ring is fixed on the stem for indicating when the spring has drawn the suction cup towards the body.