Abstract: A support structure having a seat surface, particularly for pedal operated machines, such as bicycles, comprises a substantially rigid or semi-rigid frame, means for connecting the frame to the pedal operated machine, a yieldable padding secured to the top face of the frame, a covering layer superimposed to the yieldable pad, wherein the frame has one or more differential rigidity portions, preferably adapted to facilitate the pedaling motion. The differential rigidity portions are preferably situated at an outer peripheral edge of the frame, along which at least one recess is provided. Each differential rigidity portion comprises a plurality of outwardly extending projections.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides a novel whisking device having independent wire movement accomplished via a non-crossing wire pattern. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the whisk comprises a handle having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of whisk elements coupled to and extending outward from the second end of the handle. The plurality of whisk elements have a first region and a second region, wherein the plurality of whisk elements in the first region form a generally conical shape, and wherein the plurality of whisk elements in the second region are non-crossing and form a generally hemispherical shape. In one embodiment, the non-crossing whisk elements in the second region have a generally hemispherical shape whose terminus comprises a generally circular gap between the whisk elements.

Abstract: A set of kitchen shears are spring-assisted to provide efficient cutting action and, at the same time, to allow disassembly into two or more components to facilitate cleaning of the unit. The kitchen shears include: a first shears segment including a first handle rigidly coupled to a first blade, and a second shears segment including a second handle rigidly coupled to a second blade, wherein at least one edge of at least one of the first and second blades includes a sharpened edge; the first and second shears segments being removeably coupled about a pivot point such that the shears have an open state and a closed state, wherein the closed state corresponds to a user applying compressive force to the first and second handles, and wherein the open state corresponds to the absence of a compressive force to the first and second handles; and a spring apparatus mechanically coupled to the first and second handles to position said shears in said open state.

Abstract: A support structure having a seat surface (2), particularly for bicycles and other pedal operated machines, comprises a substantially rigid or semirigid frame (3), means for connecting the frame (3) to the bicycle or a pedal operated machine, a yieldable padding (7) secured to the top face of the frame (3), a covering layer (8) superimposed to the yieldable pad (7), characterized in that the frame (3) has one or more differential rigidity portions (11, 11?) adapted to facilitate the pedaling motion. The differential rigidity portions (11, 11?) are situated at an outer peripheral edge (13) of the frame (3), along which at least one recess (12) is provided. Each differential rigidity portion (11, 11?) comprises a plurality of projections (14) extending outwardly of recesses (12) formed in the frame (3).

Abstract: A ventilated support structure for a vehicle, such as a bicycle, comprises a seat surface supported on a rigid or semi-rigid frame. The seat surface having a slot extending along the top surface of the support structure. The slot has at least one opening disposed therein. The support structure further comprises an air intake component positioned at the anterior of the support structure. The air intake component may be oriented at least partly in a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. A channel communicates the air intake component with the at least one opening in the slot so that air enters through the slot via the air intake component.

Abstract: A food chopper includes a body part having a body tube, a cap assembly slidably attached to a first side of the body tube for sliding movement with respect to the body part, a shuttle slidably attached to a second side of the body tube for helical sliding movement with respect to the body part, a plunger rotably attached to the cap assembly and the shuttle for sliding movement with respect to the body part and rotational movement with respect to the cap assembly and the body part, and a blade attached to the plunger. Pushing the cap assembly down enables the blade to slide down with respect to the body part. Releasing the cap assembly enables the blade to slide up with respect to the body part and allows the blade to rotate with respect to the body part and the cap assembly.