Abstract: A corn popping apparatus comprising a box-like cabinet with a tiltable lid to which is attached a large metal popping kettle. When the lid is lowered the bottom of the kettle projects downwardly into the cabinet interior through a panel covering the top of the cabinet. In this lowered lid position, the kettle is heated to popping temperature by a fuel burner inside the cabinet. The opening in the panel through which the kettle projects is sealed by the bottom wall of the kettle to block undesirable venting of combustion products and heated air through the top of the cabinet. The lid and the subjacent cabinet top panel also coact to provide an air space therebetween which provides a thermal barrier. A popped corn holding vessel is detachably secured to a cabinet exterior wall to receive the kettle contents when the lid is tipped upwardly. A lid counterbalancing device is provided to reduce the time and effort required to raise the lid for kettle dumping.

Abstract: A portable stand for being emplaced on the floor and supporting musical instruments and the like characterized by a base, preferably that includes a plurality of foldable pieces that can be extended to define a peripheral support, with a planar top to avoid entangling with cords of musical instruments and that is pivotally movable into a folded position for carrying; an extensible main support member that includes a plurality of lineal members foldable into the folded position and slidable longitudinally with respect to each other and movable into a supporting position with a retainer for retaining a set support position. A brace and latch are provided for latching the main support member into a predetermined supporting position. Instrument supports are carried, respectively, by the base and the main support member and are movable to support instruments as small as a ukulele, yet accommodate the largest guitar. Also disclosed are specific structural details of the preferred embodiment.