Abstract: The fryer (1) comprising a rotatable cooking basket (4) and an oil container (3) has air heating means (19) and forced circulation means (13) of the heated air through the basket for at least partially cooking the food product contained in the basket.

Abstract: A charcoal gas lighter includes a fire basket for containing briquettes of charcoal, a mesh plate and a gas burner. The fire basket has a charcoal container having an upper end and a lower end, and the upper end and lower end are open. The mesh plate that is attached near the lower end of the charcoal container, and is adapted to support the briquettes of charcoal. The gas burner supports the fire basket. Heat generated by the gas burner is guided into the fire basket whereby the briquettes of charcoal are lighted. The fire basket further includes handle, and a heat block plate that is provided between the charcoal container and the handle. The mesh plate is cone-shaped and includes a plurality of concentric rings, and a plurality of radial spokes that connect the concentric rings.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a grill; a stove assembly adapted to mount on the grill and including a top opening, a heating block, a frame on the opening, a pan on the frame, a rotation adjustment knob connected to the heating block for adjusting its heating direction, and an open space formed between the stove assembly and the grill; and a drive assembly including a motor, gear means driven by the motor, and a shaft extended from the gear means through the grill into a center of the grill such that the grill is adapted to rotate in response to activating the motor. In one embodiment in response to adjusting the heating direction of the heating block to a downward direction, placing meat on the grill, and activating both the drive assembly and the heating block, an effective heat is transferred from the heating block to the meat.

Abstract: A securing device, comprising a tap of a gas hob, intended to fix the tap both to a pipe feeding gas to the hob and to a usual portion of the hob in which a through hole is provided for receiving a shaft of the tap which co-operates with a corresponding knob, the device comprising a profiled one-piece body having a first portion presenting at a free end a seat for receiving a projecting element of the tap such as to define the position for its securing to the pipe, the tap being then fixed to this latter by a mechanical fixing member co-operating with a corresponding seat provided in a second portion of the profiled body, the seat of the second portion and the end of the first portion of the profiled body being disposed on opposite sides of the gas feed pipe, the body presenting at the free end of the second portion at least one seat for a corresponding mechanical fixing member for fixing the body to that portion of the hob provided with the through hole.

Abstract: An outer case 10 accommodating a gas combustion apparatus main body comprises a case main body 2 opening forward, and a front cover 3 closing a front end opening of the case main body 2. A waterproof packing material 17 is sandwiched between inner peripheral flanges 20 and 39 formed on inner peripheral edges of the front end opening of the case main body 2 and a rear end of the front cover 3. To deteriorate outward appearance and cleaning easiness of a connected portion between the front cover 3 and the case main body 2, and to stably secure waterproof of the connected portion for a long term, a protection plate covering a range extending along an upper edge of a front end opening of the case main body 2 of the packing material 17 is possessed to the front cover 3 or the case main body 2.

Abstract: A range hood cleaning assembly utilizes compressed air to drive accumulated grease on range hood surfaces towards drainage holes. A plurality of air dispensers, preferably air hoses and directional nozzles, through which compressed air from at least one source of compressed air is blown, direct compressed air against surfaces within a motor housing interior, on the fan(s) and within grease trays to drive accumulated grease towards drainage holes. The air dispensers may be attached to a plate mounted within the motor housing interior about a motor and above a fan, may be integral or releasably attachable to the motor housing or may be integral or releasably attachable to grease trays. The compressor may be set to activate automatically or may be activated manually.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to connect a nebulizer to a breathing air tube of a respirator. Said aim is achieved by a nebulizer-connecting device comprising a breathing air-directing unit that is provided with a first mechanism for connecting a duct supplying breathing air, a second mechanism for connecting a duct evacuating breathing air, and a third mechanism for connecting the nebulizer, and a sealing unit which is arranged on the third connecting mechanism and by means of which a flow path for an aerosol generated by the nebulizer can be unblocked when the nebulizer is connected while said flow path for an aerosol generated by the nebulizer can be sealed therewith when the nebulizer is removed. A sealing member is opened when the nebulizer is connected while being closed when the nebulizer is removed.

Abstract: A medication holder is disclosed comprising a housing (10) having an outer wall (12) and an inner wall (11) preferably in sleeved relationship to each other. The outer wall may be moved between a closed position in which the housing (10) is sealed for ingress of moisture or other contaminants and an open position providing access to the medication container discharge outlet. The second wall may (12) be slid longitudinally or rotated circumferentially to access the cavity and may, in the process, open an air pathway through the cavity. The medication container is preferably a pressurized canister (22). Alternatively, it may comprise a frangible vial (603) with a volatile liquid. In the latter case, an evaporation grid (563) may also be supplied to enhance absorption of the liquid which is preferably methoxyfluorane. Opening means (561) may be provided to open the frangible vial and discharge the contents onto the evaporation means (563) which is in fluid contact with the air pathway (806).

Abstract: A device for delivery of a substance to the olfactory region is described. The device includes a nosepiece and an elongate tubular member slidably disposed within the nosepiece for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The tubular member is in flow communication with a reservoir containing the substance to be delivered. During use, the tubular member extends from the device, to direct the substance toward the olfactory region.

Abstract: In filter and blower units for breathing masks or bonnets used in potentially explosive areas, the direct current motor comprises a fixed stator coil module (1) and a magnetic rotor that can be rotated around the perimeter of said module and forms the impeller at the same time. The coils (5), the terminals and electric connecting lines (7) as well as upstream motor control and voltage converter modules (8, 9) are embedded in a non-conductive casting compound (6). Power is supplied from an intrinsically safe accumulator or battery pack (15) at a voltage that is still considered intrinsically safe using a higher current value to match the required motor output. The filter and blower unit is intrinsically safe despite its high-performance rating and can be used in zone “0” potentially explosive atmospheres.

Abstract: A method of measuring blood circulation velocity by controlling a person's breath includes the steps of keeping the person in a first breathing status with a blood oxygen saturation analytical instrument; setting an initial time point and starting to record a blood oxygen saturation value per predict time interval; requesting the person to change into a second breathing status at a first time point; requesting the person to change into a third breathing status at a second time point; stopping recording the blood oxygen saturation value at a terminal time point; setting a reference time point according to the blood oxygen saturation value which has a variation according to the records; obtaining the person's blood circulation velocity, which is proportional to the reciprocal of the difference of the reference time point and the first time point.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly adapted to be connected to a gas supply pump to deliver pressurized breathable gas to the inlet of a patient's respiratory system includes a patient interface structured to provide a seal with the patient and at least one inlet tube provided to the patient interface. Each inlet tube includes a substantially flat lower side wall to face the patient and a substantially arcuate upper side wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carrying systems including packs and bags. One embodiment of the present invention is directed at a carrying system that includes a snow breathing apparatus. The system includes a carrying cavity, an attachment system, and a snow breathing apparatus. The carrying cavity is a partially enclosed region that is capable of storing items for transportation. The carrying cavity may further include a shell, a lid, a sealing system, a compression system, etc. The attachment system is coupled to an external surface of the carrying cavity to facilitate a removable coupling between the carrying cavity and a user. The attachment system may include two arm straps, a shoulder strap, a hip belt, a belt receiver, etc. The snow breathing apparatus is a device that enables breathing in a snow encapsulated breathing space in which breathing may otherwise be restricted.

Abstract: A method of supplying hypoxic gas includes supplying a hypoxic gas with a hypoxic gas supply at a continuous flow rate; and delivering the hypoxic gas intermittently with a conserving mechanism so that an effective hypoxic gas flow rate at least twice the flow rate from the hypoxic gas supply is realized.

Abstract: A breathing device 10 for purifying a user's breath includes a snorkel 12 and a canister 18 in fluid communication with the snorkel. A plurality of fiber layers 28 each treated with a breath deodorizer one or more canister discs 26 separating two of the fiber layers, and a discharge hole 42 in the canister generally opposite the canister input end.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. Each side frame member includes an integrally formed first connector portion. A headgear assembly is removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly has a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The second connector portion is manually movable to a releasing position to detach the headgear assembly from the frame. The headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A method of making a filtering face mask, which method comprises: (a) providing a mask body that is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person, the mask body comprising a filtration layer and having an opening through which exhaled air can pass without having to pass through the filtration layer, the opening being located directly in front of where the wearer's mouth would be when the face mask is being worn; and (b) attaching an exhalation valve to the mask body at the opening; wherein the attached exhalation valve comprises: (i) only one flexible flap that has only one stationary portion, only one free portion, a generally uniform thickness, and a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge having a stationary segment that is associated with the one stationary portion and a free segment that is associated with the one free portion; and (ii) a valve seat that has a flap-retaining surface, a seal surface, and an orifice that comprises a plurality of openings through which plurality of openings exhaled air ma

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a rigid airway tube, a mask portion, and one or more optical fibers. The airway tube extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The airway tube defines an internal passage and a first notch. The first notch extends along a length of the tube from a location on the tube towards the distal end of the tube. The mask portion is coupled to the distal end of the airway tube. The mask portion includes an inflatable cuff. The cuff defines a central opening at least when inflated. The mask portion is insertable through a mouth of a patient to an inserted location within the patient. The cuff surrounds a glottic opening of the patient when inflated and when the mask portion is at the inserted location. A sealed airway passage extends from the proximal end of the tube through the internal passage to the glottic opening when the cuff is inflated and when the mask portion is at the inserted location.

Abstract: An article may be isolated by advancing an isolation device disclosed herein to the article, such as a tissue, to be isolated, contacting a terminal edge of the device to a region bordering the article to be isolated, and so applying suction through suction conduits of the device as to seal the article against the terminal edge of the device, thereby isolating the article to be isolated.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting against subcutaneous bleeding and skin tears in persons taking medications for thinning their blood includes an inner sleeve portion extending from a wrist of a wearer for a length of at least a forearm of such wearer. An outer portion extending from behind such wearers knuckles to at least such forearm for providing protection against such subcutaneous bleeding and skin tears in persons taking medications for thinning their blood. A strap is attached to such outer leather portion and extends between a thumb and index finger of such wearer. A securing device engages the strap and an outer surface of such outer leather portion for securing the apparatus in place and for enabling a portion of the apparatus to be turned back so that such wearer can wash their hands without removing the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods selectively stabilize tissue in the oral cavity. The systems and methods implant a first implant element in a bone region within an oral cavity and implant a second implant element in a tongue region within the oral cavity. The systems and methods resist posterior movement of the tongue within the oral cavity by coupling the first implant element to the second implant element within the oral cavity. By coupling, the systems and methods apply force, e.g., tension, between the first and second implant elements.

Abstract: An earplug with a soft body and a stiffener in the body, the stiffener being tapered in diameter, with a rear end (34) of greatest diameter.

Abstract: Geometric shapes and techniques, along with the methodology behind them, invented to produce a qualitative energy balancing effect on biological systems, be it human beings or otherwise. This results in a positive effect on biological functions, either preventative or healing, and protection from environmental energy disturbances. The methodology introduced by the inventor is the discovery of the qualitative energy components of earth energy power-spots {specifically those components are qualitative higher harmonics of the frequencies of gold and ultra-violet, and a carrier wave in the negative green of the energy spectrum} and development of geometric shapes and techniques to reproduce and amplify that energy balancing quality. This methodology has been termed/copyrighted “BioGeometry” by the inventor.

Abstract: The invention is a cigarette casing, which is intended for independent making of a <<Russian>> cigarette (papirosy) by a smoker or for bulk production. The casing of the <<Russian>> cigarette has an empty mouthpiece (1) and a connected empty envelope (2) at least a part of the cavity (4) of which is intended for the allocation of the smoking material. It contains a separating partition being selectively penetrable for the smoke, installed so that at least a part of the cavity (3) of the mouthpiece (1) could be detached from at least a part of the cavity (4) of the envelope (2) and so that it is possible to overlap at least a part of the cross section of the cavity (3) of the mouthpiece (1).

Abstract: A filter-tipped cigarette comprises tobacco core 1 contained in casing 3, and filter 2, the filter having first filtering member 4 connected by its one end to tobacco core 1, and a second filtering member provided within first filtering member 4. The second filtering member comprises a distributed system of water-resistant casings having a liquid nucleus, the casings being in the form of tubular capsules 6 and/or ampoule-type capsules 7, which capsules 6, 7 are caused to rupture upon mechanical force is exerted externally thereon. The second filtering member has a volume within the range from 3 to 75 percent by volume of the volume of the first filtering member. The filter-tipped cigarette provides high-quality tobacco smoke cleaning along with enabling the smoker to vary the efficiency of tobacco smoke cleaning and simultaneously flavor tobacco smoke.

Abstract: A disposable wig comprises a base 1 formed of an extremely thin sheet, hair segments 3 implanted onto the base and an adhesive layer 7 formed on the underside of the base. The thickness of the base is of the order of microns(?). The adhesive layer is uniformly formed on the entire underside of the base with such a thickness that there is a little unevenness with projected portions 9 and remaining portions. The projected portions engaging the root portions 5 of the implanted hair segments protruding from the underside of the base, and are raised toward the surface side of the base when the wig is fitted onto a human skin. When the wig is fitted onto scalp 13, the unevenness at the underside of the base is depressed and raised by the surface of the scalp so that, at the base surface, the projected portions engaging the root portions of the implanted hair segments are raised when compared with the remaining portions.

Abstract: A textile, such as a hairpiece, includes a plurality of fiber single-ply threads. The plurality of fiber single-ply threads are grouped such that designs may be created on desired portions of the plurality of fiber single-ply threads, such as a decolorized portion. The textile includes a fixed part to hold the fiber single-ply threads. A variety of techniques may be used to create a design on the plurality of fiber single-ply threads with precision. For example, various dispersion dyes on transcription paper could be applied to a surface of the single-ply threads with a heat pressing process. The textile, exhibiting designs on a plurality of fiber single-ply threads, is also configured to be attached or adorned.

Abstract: An abrasion device for the reduction or removal of dry skin, bunions, calluses and the like from the bottom and/or sides of the feet and toes, but which, in operation, does not require the use of hands. A substantially planar base is provided having an abrasive upper surface and an anchoring means along its bottom surface. Tapered upright members are disposed along opposing sides of such base.

Abstract: Hair grooming devices designed specifically for back-combing hair in the style of dreadlocks are provided. The device includes two framing structures, having substantially curved inner combing edges, disposed on each side of a set of combing teeth that protrude from a comb body and extend beyond the free ends of the teeth. The device allows for improved guiding and shaping of hair. Preferred embodiments of the invention that include removable teeth bases having one or more sets of teeth with different thicknesses and or spacings, which may slide or rotate into combing position are described. In another preferred embodiment an adapter for a conventional comb is provided.

Abstract: A hair coloring kit, including a plurality of brush applicators, in which the brushes,are colored and numbered to correspond with the color and formulation of the hair color or bleach being applied to the hair during a hair coloring process. Said brush applicators vary in shape and size to allow for larger or smaller areas of hair to be covered with the hair color or bleach.

Abstract: A hair treatment kit has a hair foil, a hair holding appliance, and a tool for selecting hair to be treated. The hair foil may have a hook fastener anchoring strip aligned with the leading edge of the foil. The leading edge may be pinked to provide slots for picking and placing hair on the foil. The shoulders of the foil may be wider than the leading edge and may have a push flap for urging it forward. The retaining appliance has a base plate, the underside being partially configured with one component of a hook and loop fastener system, and a pinked edge to facilitate picking of hair from underneath. The selection tool has a rounded, pointed tip for picking hair, a flat, slightly curved, shaft, and a chemical applicator comb. The shaft may be rotated and inserted under the flap while the foil is being urged forward.

Abstract: A hair curler with an essentially cylindrically shaped roller includes a clamping part which is open at one end and can be clamped onto the roller. The clamping part surrounds the roller when clamped onto the roller. The clamping part further includes a comb structure protruding away from the surface area of the roller.

Abstract: Dental floss coated with a composition containing fractioned propolis wax isolated without the use of solvents. The dental floss coating composition contains about 24-50 mg/g of total polyphenols, about 11-18% resins, about 77-87% wax, about 2.4-5.0% polyphenols and about 0-5% other materials.

Abstract: A substrate held by a spin chuck is supplied with a chemical solution by a chemical solution nozzle and a processing of the substrate is performed. At this time, the chemical solution supplied to the substrate scatters around and adheres to members (processing cup and splash guard) residing near the substrate. In the process of the substrate, a first cleaning liquid having the same ingredients as those of the chemical solution is supplied to an outer wall face of the splash guard from the guard cleaning nozzles without being in contact with the substrate. Thus, the outer wall face of the splash guard and the inner wall face of the processing cup are cleaned by the clean first cleaning liquid. The chemical solution supplied to the substrate and the first cleaning liquid supplied to the outer wall face of the splash guard are reused.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for using high-frequency acoustic energy with a supercritical fluid to perform a semiconductor wafer (“wafer”) cleaning process. High-frequency acoustic energy is applied to the supercritical fluid to impart energy to particulate contamination present on the wafer surface. Energy imparted to particulate contamination via the high-frequency acoustic energy and supercritical fluid is used to dislodge and remove the particulate contamination from the wafer. Additionally, the wafer cleaning process benefits from the supercritical fluid properties of near zero surface tension, high diffusivity, high density, and chemical mixing capability.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a plurality of electrical wash system components connected to a control system constituted by a user interface controller and a main controller. The user interface controller includes a plurality of user input selectors for establishing model dependent operational parameters for a washing operation. The main controller broadcasts an information packet regarding a desired washing operation in the form of a first set of instructions associated the model dependent operational parameters and a second set of instructions associated with other dishwasher models. The dishwasher is then operated based upon the first set of instructions, while the second set of instructions are automatically filtered out.

Abstract: A rinse method for rinsing a substrate having an exposure pattern thereon developed includes presetting conditions for a rinse process according to surface states of the substrate, measuring a surface state of the substrate, selecting a corresponding condition for the rinse process based on the measured surface state of the substrate, and performing the rinse process under the selected condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a chemical solution includes a mother tank storing a chemical solution, an intermediate tank disposed in a higher position than the mother tank with a first height difference (h), and the intermediate tank is adapted to receive a fixed amount of chemical solution from the mother tank. The apparatus further includes a bubbling tank disposed in a higher position than the intermediate tank with a second height difference (h?) and the bubbling tank is adapted to receive the fixed amount of the chemical solution from the intermediate tank.

Abstract: A drying device enables the moist dishwashing items located in the washing container to be dried quickly in hygienic and economically viable conditions. The dishwasher has a washing container that is at least partially surrounded by a heat damping layer with variable heat conductivity that can be adjusted according to two different heat-conducting values. The variable heat damping layer can be adjusted during the dishwashing process in such a way that the heat conductivity thereof is only slight, whereby the heat energy building up on the washing container is maintained, for example, and the drying process can be adjusted, for example, in such a way that the heat conductivity thereof is high, whereby the heat energy is allowed to diffuse outwards from the washing container into the surrounding area.

Abstract: A drawer-type dishwasher includes a frame assembly, a wash tub slidably mounted in the frame assembly, and a lid member. The lid member can be lowered onto the wash tub when the wash tub is shifted into the frame assembly, and raised when the wash tub is shifted out of the frame assembly. The lid member includes a seal element that abuts the wash tub when the lid member is lowered. The seal element includes a base portion, an angled, deflecting finger portion and a flat pad portion which projects from the base portion. When the seal element is urged against the wash tub, a compressive force is applied to the flat pad portion causing the deflecting finger to seal against the wash tub in a manner that substantially shields the deflecting finger from excessive compressive forces.

Abstract: A drawer-type dishwasher includes a outer housing and an extensible wash chamber that in a first position resides completely within the outer housing and in a second position extends completely out from the outer housing. The wash chamber is connected to the outer housing through a utility link. In order to permit full travel of the wash chamber, the utility link is provided with multiple, flexible loops. The utility link can include a drain hose, an electrical cable or a combination of both. Regardless, the utility link is supported through a carrier that is connected at one end to the outer housing and at another end to the wash chamber.

Abstract: The control panel of a laundry processing machine according to the present invention making the light emitted from plural LEDs direct only to transparent protrusions by protrudingly forming the ribs in between plural transparent protrusions. Therefore user recognition effect may be increased.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a drawer which is slidably mounted in a frame and forms a washing chamber. A lid assembly is mounted to the frame for selectively sealing the washing chamber during a washing operation. A closing mechanism moves the lid assembly from a first or open position to a second or closed position that provides a water-tight seal during a washing operation. The dishwasher is further provided with a latching mechanism including a pivoting door front member, a locking member and a linking bar interconnecting the door front member with the locking member. Manipulation of the pivoting drawer front member causes the locking member to engage/disengage with the lid assembly. The latching mechanism further includes a locking bar and a micro-switch that combine to prevent operation of the dishwasher if the drawer is not properly positioned in the frame.

Abstract: A system for cleaning and drying semiconductor wafers improves device yield by providing more advanced control of the ratio of drying fluid to cleaning fluid, for example the ratio of N2 vapor to IPA vapor. In addition, a quick drain process is employed to improve process throughput, and to further improve particle and watermark removal during the cleaning and drying steps.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid dispenser to be used with a steam-cleaning device that enables a user to dispense a heated liquid, such as a cleaning fluid, soap or detergent while simultaneously steam-cleaning. This can be accomplished through the use of a main housing, a base, a housing connection aperture, and a sponge. The preferred embodiment features the main housing capable of easily being connected to the base in a bayonet type coupling for a quick, removable connection. The housing has a reservoir that can be filled with a liquid, such as a cleaning fluid, soap or detergent. The steam-cleaning device can be operated to send steam though the liquid dispenser. As the steam travels through the liquid dispenser, the steam heats up the liquid in the housing reservoir for a more effective cleaning. The liquid can flow to the sponge through a number of minute holes in the base to the surface of the object to be cleaned.

Abstract: A dish washer is disclosed which includes a disc type passage control valve formed to have a simple disc structure, thereby being capable of smoothly supplying wash water to a washing arm. The dish washer includes an upper washing arm, a lower washing arm, a sump for receiving wash water, a washing pump for pumping the wash water, and a passage control valve including a passage opening/closing plate having a plate or disc shape and functioning to open/close a passage guiding the wash water to the upper washing arm or to the lower washing arm.

Abstract: It is desirable to protect playground structures from direct exposure to sunlight. The present invention relates to a system and method for providing shade for playground structures to provide such protection. Playground structures include columns used to support the playground structure. A shade fixture can be made comprising shade material over supporting structural members, including at least one column. Such a shade fixture can be secured to a playground structure by attaching the column of the shade fixture to multiple columns of the playground structure. It may be desirable to have the length of a shade fixture column be variable to account for variable playground structure column heights. The one column creates a bridge between columns. The columns can be adjacent to each other or at a distance. The bridge creates a more rigid structure and supports the weight of the shade material.

Abstract: A portable decoy-shaped blind includes a frame for erecting and collapsing the blind and an enclosure having a left, right, front and rear side supported by the frame to define an enclosed area sized to accommodate an individual therein. The enclosure includes a graphical portion depicting a torso and legs of a real-life animal, wherein the graphical portion is contiguously defined along the left, right, front and rear sides. The enclosure also includes a head portion extending from the front side, wherein the head portion is representative of a head associated with the real-life animal. The blind is dimensioned to substantially correspond in size to the size of the real-life animal, such as a bovine creature. Also disclosed is a portable decoy-shaped tarp for use with an existing hunting blind. The tarp includes a depiction of a torso and legs of a real-life animal and a head portion attached thereto.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.

Abstract: A collapsible structure includes at least three panels, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a fabric covering portions of each frame member to form the panel for each frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The panels are connected to each other along their side edges to form a ring of panels that enclose a space. An image can be provided on the fabric of at least one of the panels, and a weight can be coupled to at least one of the panels.