Abstract: The invention provides a mulch protective composition, methods for reducing fading of mulch, and non-fading mulch. The mulch protective composition is provided by a mixture of water and at least one component selected from an antioxidant, an ultraviolet absorber, an aqueous polymer dispersion, and mixtures of two or more of the foregoing. The composition is effective to reduce fading of mulch over time.

Abstract: The invention provides a mulch film that may be sprayed over soil or existing mulch in a plant bed or in crop rows. The sprayed-on mixture hardens into a continuous barrier that passes water but blocks light to suppress weed growth. The components of the mixture are environmentally safe and will not harm desirable plants around which it is sprayed. A preferred embodiment of the mixture comprises a binding agent, a wetting agent, a dispersing agent, a stabilizing agent and a filler material, where total solids preferably comprise about 40-60 percent by weight of the mixture. In one embodiment, the binding agent comprises an emulsion polymer, the wetting agent comprises an alkyl ethoxylate, the dispersing agent comprises a polymer-based polycarboxylate, the thickening agent comprises a hydrophobic-modified carboxymethyl cellulose, and the filler comprises powdered clay.

Abstract: The invention provides a weed blocking film that may be sprayed over existing mulch in a plant bed. The sprayed-on mixture hardens into a continuous barrier that passes water but blocks light to suppress weed growth. The components of the mixture are environmentally safe and will not harm desirable plants around which it is sprayed. A preferred embodiment of the mixture comprises a binding agent, a wetting agent, a dispersing agent, a stabilizing agent and a filler material, where total solids preferably comprise about 40-60 percent by weight of the mixture. In one embodiment, the binding agent comprises an emulsion polymer, the wetting agent comprises an alkyl ethoxylate, the dispersing agent comprises a polymer-based polycarboxylate, the thickening agent comprises a hydrophobic-modified carboxymethyl cellulose, and the filler comprises powdered clay.

Abstract: A collapsible table includes an elongate table top having a substantially planar top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The bottom surface includes opposing elongate first and second side edges, an elongate first channel which is substantially parallel to the elongate first side edge, and an elongate second channel which is substantially parallel to the elongate second side edge. Projections, which are preferably integrally molded into the bottom surface, are disposed on opposing sides of each of the elongate first and second channels. A support frame is attached to the bottom surface of the table top which includes a first elongate tubular support member disposed in the elongate first channel, and a second elongate tubular support member disposed in the elongate second channel.

Abstract: A table assembly of the type including a table top having a lower surface with a recessed central tray region and tray sides extending between the tray region and surrounding portions of the lower surface; leg assemblies mountable adjacent the lower surface and within the central tray region, each of the leg assemblies including a bracket having a plurality of mounts and at least two extensions adjacent edges of the bracket and positioned adjacent a portion of one of the tray sides; a leg pivotally mounted to the mounts; a plurality of frame members positioned so that a portion of each of the frame members is positioned between one of the extensions of the one of the brackets, and a fastener extending through each of the extensions and a portion of the adjacent frame member and into a portion of the tray side for mounting of the frame members and the leg assemblies to the table top.

Abstract: A collapsible table has a table top, such as may be formed by blow molding, with a substantially planar top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. Formed into the bottom surface of the table top are opposing first and second channels. Disposed within the first channel is a first pivot bar, and disposed within the second channel is a second pivot bar. The table includes opposing first and second frame members secured to the bottom surface of the table top. Disposed between and pivotally attached to the first and second frame members are opposing first and second leg assemblies which are movable between a use position and a storage position. To maintain the first leg assembly in the use position, the table has a first support assembly including a first brace structure and a first support bar. The first brace structure has a first central pivotal attachment point, and one or more first distal pivotal attachment points attached to the first leg assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible table has a table top, such as may be formed by blow molding, with a substantially planar top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. Formed into the bottom surface of the table top are opposing first and second channels. Disposed within the first channel is a first pivot bar, and disposed within the second channel is a second pivot bar. The table includes opposing first and second frame members secured to the bottom surface of the table top. Disposed between and pivotally attached to the first and second frame members are opposing first and second leg assemblies which are movable between a use position and a storage position. To maintain the first leg assembly in the use position, the table has a first support assembly including a first brace structure and a first support bar. The first brace structure has a first central pivotal attachment point, and one or more first distal pivotal attachment points attached to the first leg assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method and apparatus for providing a portable and 100% preassembled grill. More particularly, the invention is drawn to providing a grill having two pairs of pivoting legs that collapse to have wheels at one end and handle means at the other for easy shipping and consumer handling, but which assembles without tools. In a collapsed state, all of the support legs extend toward the rear of the grill and, in an erected state, an upper part of one pair of support legs is pivoted to the front of the grill and pivotally connected to the other set of legs at a central part. An upper part of this other set of legs engages a catch at a rear of the grill without tools to form a rigid, raised support base for the grill.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the folding chair of the present invention, a seat back support integrally formed with the front legs of the folding chair is bent forward at a particular angle, at a particular height above the seating surface, to provide comfortable lower back support for a person sitting on the seat, while maintaining stability. According to another aspect of the invention, a cushion for use on the seat back of the chair is disclosed. The cushion has a particular shape with portions that are intended to interlock with a correspondingly shaped apertures in the seat back of the chair. The cushions may be removed for cleaning or replacement with little trouble. In another aspect, the seating surface of the folding chair is contoured with a gentle s-shape.

Abstract: A backrest for a chair comprising two parts constructed and arranged to interlock around chair back supports. Each part is preferably molded, and has a rib structure which provides positioning means for assembly on the supports. A hook and hook receiver arrangement provide a locking means for firm attachment of the parts to the supports. Decorative cushions can be applied to the parts before or after locking them to the supports. The invention is not limited to folding chairs.

Abstract: A substrate for chairs formed from a resilient material with molded locator pin(s) to facilitate assembly. The substrate comprises a friction seat and a curled back portion around its perimeter. The friction seat, in conjunction with the curled back surface, afford an improved surface for adhering padding and upholstery thereto. Integrally molded on the back surface of the substrate are locator pin(s) having bracing members molded throughout the circumference thereof. The locator pin(s) further comprise pre-drilled holes defined as conduits. Mounted on the front surface of the substrate are semi-spherical projections having pre-drilled holes. The pre-drilled holes of the semi-spherical projections and the conduits are axially aligned. Fastening means communicate within the conduits and the pre-drilled holes of the semi-spherical projections, thus mounting the substrate to a chair.

Abstract: A folding chair with increased stability having side legs comprising rear portions pivotably connected to lower portions of the rear legs and extending at an acute angle from the rear legs toward the curved portions, and forward portions extending at an acute angle from the curved portions. The seat rotates about a seat rod, and the side legs pivot about the rear legs at a point near the bottom of the rear legs, to provide a chair that in folded position is relatively flat for ease of storage and transportation, and that in unfolded position provides a more stable chair.

Abstract: A leg design for a folding table with rotationally attached leg segments. The folding table includes a table top with a pivoting leg, a pivoting top segment, at least one leg segment and a free standing leg. The number of pivoting legs and free standing legs can vary according to the table shape. The pivoting legs are connected to the table top by hinges. The free standing legs are connected to a leg segment by a crossbar and the leg segments rotationally interconnect with the pivoting top segment. The pivoting top segment and the leg segment or segments form a segmented leg when connected. The rotational connection allows for a free standing leg to rotate with respect to the segmented leg and the connection prevents the leg segments from separating. The free standing legs can be locked into a position that a fixed leg would normally be positioned. During disassembly, the pivoting legs are pivoted towards the table and the free standing legs are rotated towards the pivoting legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for a barbecue support and storage frame system that provides support, mobility, and storage for a barbecue grill. The apparatus includes two c-shaped elements that are equally spaced from one another. The c-shaped elements have upper legs and lower legs. Mounted to the upper supports is the barbecue grill. Attached to the lower legs are wheels and extensions. The wheels allow the user to easily maneuver the barbecue to any desired location whereas the extensions prevent the barbecue from moving when in use. Also attached to the lower legs are shelves. The lower legs are positioned so that they and the shelves do not interfere with the items--food and barbecue accessories--that are placed on the shelves. Shelves are also hinged to the upper legs of the c-shaped elements.