Abstract: A collapsible storage apparatus is provided. Articles may be placed in the apparatus for draining, drying, washing, and the like. The apparatus may be opened for use, and may be collapsed for storage in place. The apparatus is joinable to a nearby surface, for instance, an interior surface of a sink, facilitating ready use and positioning.

Abstract: A collapsible colander having a back wall, a front wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls. The back wall is positioned adjacent to a sink wall and is configured to attach to the sink wall. The front wall opposes the back wall and is moveable between a first position that is parallel to the back wall and a second position. The bottom wall has a number of apertures formed therethrough and has at least a first position that is substantially perpendicular to the back wall. The pair of side walls each have a first edge connected to the front wall and a second edge connected to the back wall. Additionally, the pair of side walls each have two or more hinges operable to move the front wall between at least the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A collapsible storage apparatus is provided. Articles may be placed in the apparatus for draining, drying, washing, and the like. The apparatus may be opened for use, and may be collapsed for storage in place. The apparatus is joinable to a nearby surface, for instance, an interior surface of a sink, facilitating ready use and positioning.

Abstract: A collapsible colander having a back wall, a front wall, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls. The back wall is positioned adjacent to a sink wall and is configured to attach to the sink wall. The front wall opposes the back wall and is moveable between a first position that is parallel to the back wall and a second position. The bottom wall has a number of apertures formed therethrough and has at least a first position that is substantially perpendicular to the back wall. The pair of side walls each have a first edge connected to the front wall and a second edge connected to the back wall. Additionally, the pair of side walls each have two or more hinges operable to move the front wall between at least the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A bottle holder, comprising a sleeve configured to receive a bottle, the sleeve comprising a storage compartment accessible from an exterior area of the sleeve.

Abstract: A utensil supporting multiple cooking environments for preparing foods is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a cooking grill and a cover member selectively disposed in relation to a base unit comprising one or more cooking compartments. The cooking grill having a cooking surface and a collection reservoir disposed beneath at least a portion of the cooking surface. Formed in the upper cooking surface of the cooking grill are a plurality of openings. Collection channels may also be disposed along the upper cooking surface so as to provide device for feeding run-off liquids through the openings and into the underlying collection reservoir of the cooking grill. Having a dimensional size and shape substantially corresponding to the outer perimeter of the base unit, the cooking grill, when selectively disposed over the internal periphery of the base unit, facilitates a first cooking environment within the base unit.

Abstract: A programmable doorbell controller for the operation of a doorbell. In a preferred embodiment, an audible announcement is recorded and stored by a doorbell control module using speech controller integrated circuitry. A self-contained remote module may interface with the doorbell control module by means of a wireless intercom system. When the doorbell actuation means is actuated, the remote module transmits a tone or signal that is received and detected by the doorbell control module. In response, the doorbell control module activates an internal speech controller circuitry to generate a playback of a stored audible announcement. Similarly, a visitor can easily respond by actuating a recording actuation means to activate a microphone for generating a responsive audible message that can be transmitted to the control module for encoding and storage. In this manner, the visitor's audible message is encoded, recorded and stored by the speech controller integrated circuitry of the control module for playback.

Abstract: A programmable doorbell system includes a battery-powered doorbell control for connection in series with an existing doorbell pushbutton in a residential doorbell circuit. In a first embodiment, the doorbell control has a visual LCD display which can display one of a plurality of messages. A manual switching mechanism is provided for selecting one of the messages for display. By utilizing an internal time of day clock, the residence occupant can program the control for a time interval during which the normal doorbell is disconnected from the doorbell switch. During this time interval, the doorbell control sounds a tone alarm and displays the selected message if the doorbell switch is pressed by a visitor. A second embodiment is disclosed which utilizes a digital record/playback circuit to record an audible announcement by the occupant and store the recorded announcement as digital signals.

Abstract: A programmable doorbell system includes a solid state battery powered doorbell controller for connection to existing doorbell circuitry of a house, three segment display, doorbell control circuit, tone generator, control switches, and power source. The programmable controller includes a clock, memory, bell enable control circuit and display control circuit. The three segment LCD display includes a segment for continously displaying the name of the occupant, and two segments for displaying a selected doorbell answering type message. The doorbell control circuit connects the doorbell to the existing doorbell power circuit. The tone generator provides an audible sound as a message attention getter. The control switches include a manual on/off switch connected to the doorbell enable circuit for overriding the automatic mode of operation, and a mode and a change switch connected to the display control circuit for entering program parameters for the programmable controller. The clock provides the time of day.