Abstract: A dispensing container facilitates convenient chilling and dispensing of water, with a filtration arrangement provided to promote water purity. The system includes a generally cylindrical filter assembly positionable within a liquid container, so that the filter assembly is generally submerged in the water within the container. The filter assembly can be operably connected to a liquid spigot, so that when the spigot is opened, liquid within the container flows through the filter assembly and out of the container, through the opened liquid spigot. Convenient use by consumers is promoted by the provision of a filter protector, comprising a selectively removable, shrink-wrap sleeve surrounding the filter assembly. The shrink-wrap sleeve is positioned on the filter assembly to protect the assembly prior to removal of the shrink-wrap sleeve. A removable tape element is provided to temporarily connect the filter assembly to the spigot prior to use.

Abstract: A serving assembly comprises a plurality of serving bowls, and an associated bowl holder for releasably retaining the serving bowls, so that the serving bowls and bowl holder can be conveniently handled as an integrated unit. The bowl holder includes a central handle portion, and a plurality of support portions extending outwardly from the handle portion, with the support portions configured to respectively receive the plurality of serving bowls. The bowl holder is provided with a plurality of retention elements which respectively engage the serving bowls so that each bowl is securely, yet releasably, retained by the bowl holder. Convenient, simultaneous serving of different food items or the like is thus facilitated.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.

Abstract: In certain embodiments a soil aerator may include a hinged frame assembly that cooperates with one or more weight transferring systems adapted to permit an aeration subassembly to lift off the ground when an aeration tine impacts a hard obstacle such as a rock in the soil. The weight transferring systems may in the preferred embodiments be calibrated so that only minimal upward force, such as that caused by impact of an aeration tine with a rock, may cause the aeration subassembly to lift thereby significantly reducing or preventing damage to the aeration tines and drive assemblies and substantially prolonging the life of the aerator.

Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.