Abstract: A chafing or warming dish construction typically used for buffet serving of comestibles having user sensing means which automatically opens and closes an overlying cover depending upon the presence of the user at a serving table. In a disclosed embodiment, the cover is arranged for pivotal rotation about a pair of aligned pintles. The cover is progressively counterbalanced to maintain it in any desired degree of rotation, usually ninety or one hundred eighty degrees. Also disclosed is a counter balance means which applies progressive counter balancing force as the cover is opened which force is canceled when the said cover reaches a completely opened position.

Abstract: A backpack assembly includes a back portion and a front portion. The front portion includes a strap member which includes umbrella supports for holding an umbrella in an opened and closed position in front of the wearer to protect the wearer from the elements. Optionally, a child carrier may also be attached to the front portion of the backpack assembly.

Abstract: A baking assembly bakes a food item prepared to be baked on a stick with a batter. The baking assembly includes a first heating element including a reservoir for receiving the batter and the food item therein. The reservoir defines a longitudinal axis. A second heating element includes a cavity that complements the reservoir. A hinge secures the first heating element to the second heating element allowing the second heating element to pivot over the first heating element such that the reservoir and the cavity create a heating hollow to bake the food item and the batter therein. A stick retainer receives and retains the stick in an orientation such that the food item is coaxial with the reservoir.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting a laptop computer or other tray-like product is provided. The inventive support assembly includes a series of supporting straps which depend from a harness unit. The harness unit includes a series of straps and is fitted securely and snugly to the user. The supporting straps which depend from the harness unit are selectively adjustable and include coupling members at the end of the straps for both engaging and supporting the base of the laptop computer.

Abstract: A backpack assembly includes a back portion and a front portion. The front portion includes a strap member which includes umbrella supports for holding an umbrella in an opened and closed position in front of the wearer to protect the wearer from the elements. Optionally, a child carrier may also be attached to the front portion of the backpack assembly.

Abstract: An insulated coffee urn having an outer shell element and an inner shell element forming a thermally-insulative chamber with said outer shell element, and an elongated electrical heating element positioned within said chamber. The heating element is variably electrically conductive depending upon the temperature within said chamber. The heating element is employed to preheat the interior of the urn to predetermined temperature prior to use, and is disconnected prior to filling the urn with brewed coffee.

Abstract: A chafing or warming dish construction typically used for buffet serving of comestibles having user sensing means which automatically opens and closes an overlying cover depending upon the presence of the user at a serving table. In a disclosed embodiment, the cover is arranged for pivotal rotation about a pair of aligned pintles. The cover is progressively counterbalanced to maintain it in any desired degree of rotation, usually ninety or one hundred eighty degrees. Also disclosed is a counter balance means which applies progressive counter balancing force as the cover is opened which force is canceled when the said cover reaches a completely opened position.

Abstract: A chafing or warming dish construction typically used for buffet serving of comestibles having user sensing means which automatically opens and closes an overlying cover depending upon the presence of the user at a serving table. In a disclosed embodiment, the cover is arranged for pivotal rotation about a pair of aligned pintles.

Abstract: An improved backpack assembly is provided. The backpack assembly includes a selectively accessible bag interior, and is defined by top, front, side, back and bottom panels, as is well known in the art. The backpack assembly also includes a pair of shoulder straps each having one end attached to the back panel of the bag at a location adjacent to the top panel, and a second end attached to the bag at a location adjacent to the bottom panel. The back panel of the bag includes a transparent plastic cover and inside wall for defining a pocket sized for receiving any of a plurality of distinct visual display inserts.

Abstract: An improved backpack assembly is provided. The backpack assembly includes a selectively accessible bag interior, and is defined by top, front, side, back and bottom panels, as is well known in the art. The backpack assembly also includes a pair of shoulder straps each having one end attached to the back panel of the bag at a location adjacent to the top panel, and a second end attached to the bag at a location adjacent to the bottom panel. A loop element is provided along each should strap for enabling said straps to be fixed in a doubled back folded over condition.

Abstract: A card assembly or system is provided. The card assembly includes a rectangularly shaped card member defined by first and third opposite edges and second and third opposite edges. The card member has an underside that is formed with an adhesive layer applied therealong. The inventive assembly also includes a rectangular backing sheet having a shape identical to that of the card member and also being adhesively secured to the adhesive layer disposed along the underside of the card member.

Abstract: A chafing or warming dish construction typically used for buffet serving of comestibles having user sensing means which automatically opens and closes an overlying cover depending upon the presence of the user at a serving table. In a disclosed embodiment, the cover is arranged for pivotal rotation about a pair of aligned pintles.

Abstract: A backpack assembly in which the straps are connected across the wearer's chest by a easy to connect and disconnect coupling member. Alternately, the snaps can be connected so that they extend vertically along the chest.

Abstract: A business card assembly suitable for use in application with a business catalog or brochure is provided. The card assembly includes a pair of business cards connected along a common edge which defines a perforated score-line. The underside of each of the cards is provided with an adhesive backing which may be selectively removed in order to expose an adhesive surface along the underside of the cards. As a result, each of the cards may be selectively adhered to a display surface, such as a catalog or brochure, or may be left intact with the backing to be used as a conventional business card.