Abstract: A stand clamp including tightening apparatus to attach the clamp around a stand, pole, or similar structure. For example, the tightening apparatus may include first and second semicircular tapered threaded extensions extending from clamp portions, and a clamp knob threaded onto both tapered threaded extensions causing the first tapered threaded extension to move toward the second tapered threaded extension as the clamp knob is tightened. Alternatively, the tightening apparatus may include separate semicircular extensions with sloped walls received within corresponding sloped surfaces on the interior of a knob, causing the semicircular extensions to move toward each other as the knob is threaded into engagement with the semicircular extensions.

Abstract: A reconfigurable multiple-piece end panel and mounting system for a food shield and a food shield system and methods. In some embodiments, the food shield system includes a support stand, a customer-facing panel supported by the support stand, and an end panel having a rear portion and a physically separate front portion that is independently removable from the end panel without the use of tools. The end panel mounting system provides for the front portion of the end panel to be selectively mounted to the support stand in a forward configuration where the front portion fully covers the adjacent outside edge of the customer-facing panel, or mounted in a reversed configuration where the front portion does not fully cover the adjacent outside edge of the customer-facing panel.

Abstract: A modular heated display system with at least one heated display unit and at least one frame extension. The heated display unit will typically include a heating element supported by a frame. When the heated display unit is set upon a supporting surface, the heating element is raised some distance above the supporting surface by the frame. One or more frame extensions may be removably coupled to the frame opposite the heating element. Any coupled frame extension serves to elevate the heating element to a different height above the supporting surface. In some implementations, the heated display unit will include a light source within the frame, generally position underneath the heating element. Control electronics may be provided to cause the light source to project light downward, onto the supporting surface below the frame when the heating element is active or at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A gym chalk container including two chambers, a chalk chamber, and an accessory chamber. The chalk chamber includes a first open end and a first closed end, with a mesh screen positioned at the first open end. The chalk chamber further includes a first cap positioned to close the first open end. The accessory chamber includes a second open end and a second closed end. The accessory chamber further includes a second cap positioned to close the second open end.

Abstract: A food shield pivot connection providing for adjustment of the angular orientation of a support arm, and any attached panel, relative to a food shield stand. A representative pivot connection includes a threaded shaft extending from the stand clamp, an opening extending through the panel support arm defining a pivot axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the threaded shaft, and a plate positioned to selectively engage and disengage with the panel support arm. In this embodiment, a knob is threaded onto the threaded shaft, such that rotating the knob in a first direction drives the plate into engagement with the support arm, and rotating the pivot knob in the opposite direction allows a spring or similar mechanism positioned around the threaded shaft to bias the plate away from the support arm.

Abstract: A food shield pivot connection providing for adjustment of the angular orientation of a support arm, and any attached panel, relative to a food shield stand. A representative pivot connection includes a threaded shaft extending from the stand clamp, an opening extending through the panel support arm defining a pivot axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the threaded shaft, and a plate positioned to selectively engage and disengage with the panel support arm. In this embodiment, a knob is threaded onto the threaded shaft, such that rotating the knob in a first direction drives the plate into engagement with the support arm, and rotating the pivot knob in the opposite direction allows a spring or similar mechanism positioned around the threaded shaft to bias the plate away from the support arm.

Abstract: A food shield panel support providing for food shield panel position adjustment. The panel support includes a panel support arm connected to a panel support plate. The panel support plate defines a longitudinal slot. The system includes a tensioning apparatus extending through the longitudinal slot. The tensioning apparatus may be operated to permit the position of the panel support plate, and any attached panel, to be adjusted with respect to the panel support arm to any one of an infinite number of positions along the length of the slot. The tensioning apparatus may further be operated to secure the position of the panel support plate relative to the panel support arm.

Abstract: An extended span food shield system including a central beam having at least one hooking surface. The central beam is supported at opposing ends by two support legs. The food shield system further includes at least one clip having at least one hook element and a panel bonded to the clip such that the panel and clip assembly are supported by the central beam when the hook element is engaged with the central beam at the hooking surface. The clip may include a leg extending away from the hook element. Therefore, the leg rests against the central beam when the hook element of the clip is engaged with the central beam at the hooking surface. Thus, the panel and clip assembly may be securely supported by the central beam and held in place by gravitationally applied torque alone.

Abstract: A food shield panel support bracket or food shield system having a stand, the food shield panel support bracket and a food shield. The food shield panel support bracket includes a ball joint positioned between an attachment to the stand an attachment to the food shield panel. The ball joint includes at least one hemispherical surface providing for the adjustment of the angular orientation of any attached food shield panel relative to the stand. Methods of adjusting the position or orientation of a food shield panel are also disclosed.

Abstract: A food shield panel support providing for food shield panel position adjustment. The panel support includes a panel support arm connected to a panel support plate. The panel support plate defines a longitudinal slot. The system includes a tensioning apparatus extending through the longitudinal slot. The tensioning apparatus may be operated to permit the position of the panel support plate, and any attached panel, to be adjusted with respect to the panel support arm to any one of an infinite number of positions along the length of the slot. The tensioning apparatus may further be operated to secure the position of the panel support plate relative to the panel support arm.

Abstract: A mattress converts from a crib mattress with side walls and end walls surrounding an infant sleeping surface on a central mattress section therebetween to a twin mattress with a substantially planar sleeping surface to support a reclining child or adult. The end walls and side walls are tethered or hingedly connected to the central mattress section and are moveable from an upright position (crib mattress) to an open position (twin mattress). Sidewall extensions are hingedly connected to the side walls and are pivotably moveable from a first position above the side walls to a second position axially aligned with the side walls when the side walls are in the open position.

Abstract: A mattress converts from a crib mattress with side walls and end walls surrounding an infant sleeping surface on a central mattress section therebetween to a twin mattress with a substantially planar sleeping surface to support a reclining child or adult. The end walls and side walls are tethered or hingedly connected to the central mattress section and are moveable from an upright position (crib mattress) to an open position (twin mattress). Sidewall extensions are hingedly connected to the side walls and are pivotably moveable from a first position above the side walls to a second position axially aligned with the side walls when the side walls are in the open position.