Abstract: A vacuum canister includes a storage space and a removable lid. The lid includes a pump housing that defines a pumping chamber within which a sliding piston is disposed. The piston is connected to a handle via a piston rod and features a skirt-like piston valve that seals against the side wall of the pump housing when the piston travels downward but permits air to pass when the piston travels upward. Air is pumped from the canister storage space via the pump. A vacuum indicator and release valve are also positioned in the lid. A bellows communicates with the canister storage space and contracts when a vacuum is present. The bellows is connected to a lever which pivots to extend a button indicating the presence of the vacuum. Pushing the button causes the lever to engage a vacuum release valve.

Abstract: A beverage container has a thermally insulated base defining a reservoir and a cover assembly removably mountable on the base for closing the reservoir. The cover assembly includes a cap defining a recess open to ambient and defines a baffled passage between the recess and the reservoir closeable by a valve assembly including a toggle mechanism actuatable by a push button disposed centrally of the cap and spaced from the recess, for alternately latching the valve in closed and open conditions relative to the passage. The valve assembly includes a gasketed movable valve member engageable with a rigid sharp edge on a valve seat in the closed condition so that the gasket yieldably deforms around the sharp edge to provide a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: A fluid-dispensing kitchen apparatus has a body including a fluid reservoir and a handle, the reservoir being closed by an end plate which is welded to the body and is, in turn, latched to a cleaning medium block. An embodiment has a resilient tab on the block engaging an edge of the housing plate. Aligned holes through the plate and the block which provide communication between the reservoir and the plate is openable and closeable by a valve actuated by an increase in pressure provided by depressing a resilient button. In an embodiment, the resilient button includes a bias member to return the button to its rest position.

Abstract: The present invention in an embodiment provides a rack including fingers which are pivotally mounted so that when an actuator is moved to an extended condition the fingers will simultaneously move to an extended position approximately perpendicular to the upper surface of the rack so that items may be placed thereon for uses such as drying. The fingers are pivotally attached to the actuator so that, upon movement to a retracted position, the fingers will pivot downward and to a retracted position below the upper surface providing a flat rack that is easily stored. The rack also includes a liquid indicator for identifying whether liquid is present within a base of the rack.