Abstract: A folding lock assembly for use in a frame for a portable child enclosure that includes a body housing first and second hinges for connecting a pair of equal-length side frame members. The hinges are limited in the degree of pivotal movement permitted between a locked position in which the frame members are linearly aligned and a folded position in which the frame members are substantially parallel. The first hinge permits angular rotation less than 90 degrees while the second hinge permits angular rotation greater than 90 degrees. The differences in the range of hinge rotation offset the distal ends of the frame when the connected members are folded to eliminate a pinch point between frame end members.

Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure may include a nursing pillow system with a plurality of pillows. A first of the plurality of pillows may be configured to be positioned on a mother's lap while nursing an infant, the second of the plurality of pillows may be configured to be placed between the mother's legs while nursing the infant, and the first pillow may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the second pillow.

Abstract: An infant chair apparatus includes a support base, a seat frame, a support base and a motion driving module. The seat frame is pivotally supported on the support base by an upright column, the seat frame being rotatable relative to the support base about a pivot axis, and the upright column including a column portion affixed with an underside of the seat frame. The motion driving module is attached with the support base, and includes a driving part that is arranged below the seat frame at a location offset from the pivot axis, the motion driving module being operable to cause reciprocated rotation of the driving part that imparts a substantially horizontal oscillating motion to the column portion and the seat frame.

Abstract: A retail merchandise pusher tray is provided. The tray includes a base structure that includes at least one divider mounted to the base structure and extending upwardly from the base structure. A front stop is mounted at the front end of the base structure. At least one pusher is slidably mounted to the base structure. The pusher further includes a bottom wall and a pair of sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom wall in an opposed space relation. A front wall of the pusher extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The front wall includes a base portion and a projection portion. The projection portion extends upwardly and diagonally away from the base portion to an upper edge. The upper edge of the projection portion is forward of the base portion.

Abstract: Equipment for displaying information carriers, especially for advertising purposes, has a chamber accommodating an information carrying device and constructed to make it possible to look into the internal space of the chamber. The chamber is provided with at least one transparent plate transverse to the direction of viewing. The information carrying device is on this plate. At least a part of the chamber wall has strips parallel to a strip in contact with the transparent plate. The information carrying device is formed by at least two objects situated on opposite sides of the transparent plate.

Abstract: An adjustable device holder includes a holder base including a bottom panel, a cover panel covering the bottom panel, two parallel sliding grooves located on the bottom panel and a shaft column located at the bottom panel between the sliding grooves, and an adjustment module including two adjustment plates slidably coupled to the sliding grooves and having a respective integrated tooth rack, two clamping members respectively pivotally connected to the adjustment plates for holding a mobile electronic device therebetween and a rotating wheel coupled to the shaft column of the holder base and having an integrated external ring gear meshed between the tooth racks of the adjustment plates.

Abstract: Suspension apparatus (1) for a sales item (2), in particular for a drinking bottle (2?), having a suspension opening (4) for suspending the suspension apparatus (1), having a base part (5) which has a holding opening (6) for carrying the sales item (2), and having side parts (8) which, together with the base part (5), form a recess (11) for receiving a portion of the sales item (2), which portion projects through the holding opening (6), wherein an insert part (13) for displaying product and sales information is arranged in the recess (11) such that it can be exchanged.

Abstract: A holiday carousel for allowing the exhibiting and viewing of live Christmas trees, artificial Christmas trees, or other holiday decorations to be secured and rotated so as to be viewed from all angles. The holiday carousel comprises a stationary base having a rotating turntable having extendable arms and an electrical outlet disposed thereon, as well as a live Christmas tree attachment for selectively attaching to the rotating turntable. The body of the rotating turntable extends outward beyond circumference of the stationary base and downward beyond the exterior edge of the stationary base so as to prevent environmental conditions from interfering with the operation of the holiday carousel.

Abstract: A storage device for weave and extension hair may include a body having downwardly curved arm portions extending in opposite directions from a central portion and a hook shaped suspending member. The body may have a plurality of nook sections. A plurality of cords having a first end and a second end may be secured along the plurality of nook sections.

Abstract: A decorative compactable mirror frame is disclosed for use on pre-mounted mirrors with or without mirror clips. The frame members of the frame can be rolled up and/or segmented so as to be packageable within a convenient box, and then easily be taken home and installed by a consumer. Frame members can also be sold separately. Each frame member has an adhesive backing strip such that a portion of the back side of each frame member can be mounted upon the pre-mounted mirror. Each frame member can also have a cushioned channel for accommodating mirror clips, the cushion material substantially filling the channel so as to substantially exclude and/or inhibit insect and/or microbial activity. The compact mirror frame can be sold as a kit including at least four compacted frame members, along with at least a cutting tool, and/or a miter box, and/or four corner blocks.

Abstract: A thermally insulating stretchable down feather sheet and its method of manufacture is described. The core of the sheet is comprised of down feathers mixed with a binder which exhibits elastic properties. The core is sandwiched between a top and bottom stretchable elastomeric sheet having multi-directional stretchability. The core down feathers and the binder as well as the elastomeric sheet and bound together by heat treatment to provide a down feather insulating sheet which is stretchable in all directions without fractioning the sheet.

Abstract: Described is a dual-paneled bedding system that includes a fitted sheet, a bed sheet, and one or more pillowcases. The bed sheet is rectangular and includes a first panel attached to a second panel by means of a line of stitching. The first panel is composed of a first material, and the second panel is composed of a second material, wherein the first material is warmer or more insulating than the second material. The fitted sheet is similar in construction to the bed sheet but includes an elastic band around the perimeter thereof. A first pillowcase is be composed of the first material, while a second pillowcase is composed of the second material. The present invention allows two users to share a single sheet set wherein a first user can be covered by the warmer first panel and a second user can be covered by the lighter second panel.

Abstract: A mattress cover assembly, for use with a mattress supported upon an adjustable foundation having at least one movable frame portion, includes a cover in which the mattress is at least partially positionable. The cover has a head portion coinciding with a head of the mattress and a foot portion coinciding with a foot of the mattress. The mattress cover assembly also includes a pocket located at one of the head portion and the foot portion of the cover. A first movable frame portion of the adjustable foundation is at least partially receivable in the pocket for securing the one of the head portion and die foot portion of the cover to the first movable frame portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of multi-position valves, such as for drinking from a portable fluid container. Disclosed valves allow for manual actuation of the valve between three or more positions, including a closed position, a selectively open position where a user can obtain fluid through the valve by selectively actuating a bite valve, and a fully open position where the bite valve is disengaged to permit free flow of fluid through the valve.

Abstract: Hot consumable container lid constructions and damming insert constructions enable a user/drinker to selectively transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage so as to cool the beverage before it enters the user's/drinker's mouth, and/or prevent inadvertent spillage of the hot consumable so as to avoid scalding of the user. A consumable damming formation is formed in adjacency to the primary outlet for redirecting liquid movement(s) and/or preventing spillage of the liquid before it exits the primary outlet. Certain lid assembly methodologies are also described, which methodologies provide the reader will a more thorough understanding of how the invention functions to achieve the objectives here briefly described.

Abstract: A dinnerware with multifunctional configurations has a solid storage tube, designed into an extension tube made of stainless steel and a flexible cleaning brush set into the through hole of the solid storage tube in a retractable state. The flexible cleaning brush has a flexible long brush holder and a brushing portion mated at one end of said long brush holder. A dinnerware type connector is set at one end of the long brush holder opposite to the brushing portion. The service end contains either of a knife, fork, spoon or chopsticks head. The solid storage tube can be used separately as a common drinking pipette. When said solid cleaning brush is fully stretched into the through hole of the solid storage tube, the connector can be embedded into the end of said solid storage tube to form such dinnerware as knife, chopsticks, fork or soup spoon.

Abstract: A portable stand with a first board and a second board is provided. The first board includes a top surface, a bottom surface and an edge. The edge includes a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom. At least one notch is formed on the top, and a locking slot is formed on the first side. The second board includes a top surface, a bottom surface and an edge. The edge includes a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom. An opening is formed through the top surface and bottom surface in between the edge. The top surface includes a recess formed in between an inner edge, and a locking slot is formed on the second side. The locking slot of the first board and the locking slot of the second board interlock and support the first board in a substantially upright position when resting on a surface.

Abstract: Purse hooks are disclosed. Methods of making and using purse hooks are also disclosed.

Abstract: To enable more efficient cooking, draining and straining of cooking ingredients that are boiled or steamed, the invention adds structural features enabling a cooking strainer to fit in a cooking pot, specifically, pivot members on the cooking strainer, which fit in and are supported rotatably by receivers on the inner sidewalls of the cooking pot.

Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly cooking food includes a housing having a reservoir, a heating element, a binary distributor, and a container. In a method of using the apparatus for rapidly cooking food, food is placed into the container and water is poured into the reservoir. The heating element heats the water in the reservoir, and the resulting steam travels into the binary distributor. Pressurized steam then exits the binary distributor to uniformally cook the top of the food. Condensed steam gathers at the bottom of the container and is kept at a temperature capable of cooking the food. In such a way, food in the container is rapidly cooked. In one embodiment, the food to be cooked is a single serving of ramen brick style noodles.

Abstract: A food container includes a base having a bottom wall and defining a longitudinal axis. A cover covers the base above the bottom wall. At least two bun supports on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis are provided and define a space therebetween for receiving an elongated food item substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The bun supports can support a bun above the elongated food item.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprises a cooking chamber configured to hold a cooking medium therein, a lid configured to cover the cooking chamber, and a sealing member disposed between the lid and the cooking chamber to create a seal between the cooking chamber and the lid. The lid comprises a lid liner and a retaining member disposed on an inner surface of the lid, the retaining member configured to retain the sealing member adjacent to an edge of the lid. The sealing member comprises a lip portion comprising an upper leg and a lower leg, each disposed at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the sealing member to substantially form a V shape at one longitudinal end of the sealing member, and a ridge portion comprising an upper ridge and a lower ridge, each disposed at an opposite longitudinal end of the sealing member.

Abstract: This invention relates to cookware and storage solutions and more particularly to solutions providing multipart cookware supporting different cooking activities with integral storage solutions.

Abstract: A piston-type extraction apparatus and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cylindrical container with lid and pour spout, a container insert, and plunger element including piston, rod, handle, and filtration chamber. The container insert is designed to catch coffee grounds or other infusible material which may be easily removed from the container when the container is empty or when the extract fluid remains in the container. The filtration chamber is adapted for use with a paper filter. The plunger element may temporarily couple with the insert to allow the insert to be pulled up through the container with the grounds of other infusible material captured between the insert and the plunger element allowing for quick and easy cleanup. The extraction apparatus is adapted for a use in a variety of sizes and may be adapted for manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a capsule (1) for containing a food ingredient, suitable for being inserted in a food preparation machine (2), said capsule having a rigid body structure defining a closed compartment wherein said ingredient is mixed with a fluid introduced under pressure by said machine in order to produce a food product, said body walls defining an external volume Vcaps, and an internal compartment volume Vcomp, characterized in that said capsule body structure further comprises at least one portion (14) having a shape, dimensions and/or being made of a material such that it is elastically deformable and that Vcaps and Vcomp can be reversibly reduced by at least 3% by applying an elastic compression along at least one dimension of said capsule at the time said capsule is functionally inserted within said machine, said elastic body wall portion allowing the capsule to flex back to its initial volumes Vcaps and Vcomp after extraction, such that residual pressure within said capsule is redu

Abstract: A device associable with a steam dispensing nozzle of a coffee machine for the production of a milk-based beverage including a milk container fitted with a lid in which there is incorporated a mixing device having a mixing chamber a channel for the inflow of steam into the mixing chamber, a channel for the inflow of milk into the mixing chamber, a channel for the inflow of air into the mixing chamber, and a channel for dispensing the beverage produced in the mixing chamber. The air inflow channel, the milk inflow channel, the steam inflow channel and the dispensing channel can be made in one piece of elastically deformable rubber.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the safe use of a cooker uses a monitoring device in which set values for safety limits based on temperature and humidity or gas content measurements are set for sounding an alarm or cutting off the electricity or gas supply to the cooker. The temperature and humidity and/or gas content are measured above the cooker. The set safety limit values for the temperature and the humidity and/or gas content and/or their rates of change are set and the presence of the user is monitored on the basis of the use of the cooker and/or by a sensor which detects the presence of a person and/or by direct control feedback given by the user. The monitoring device is taught user-specific safety limit values automatically and intuitively on the basis of the use of the cooker, and are automatically changed or adjusted on the basis of the teaching.

Abstract: Device for cooking food includes a food securing element, such as a skewer, for securing food to be cooked. A conveying element is provided for moving the food securing element relative to a heating device, such as a gas or electric grill, the conveying element moving at a predetermined rate of speed. Heating device may be provided for heating and cooking food on the food securing element, and a turning device is provided for turning the food securing element once as food securing element moves relative to the heating device, such as a gas burner. The turning device may be a rotating device which automatically turns the food securing element once in the range of 150 to 210 degrees, and, indeed, exactly 180 degrees, depending on the intended use.

Abstract: An adjustable fire pit grill device that includes an elongated central post having a first end secured within the ground in a fire pit, and a second end that extends out of the fire pit such that the central post is in a vertical orientation. The central post includes one or more channels that extend along the length of the central post. A cooking grate is secured within each of the elongated channels, and the grates are shaped as triangles or sections of a circle such that the grates form a circle, rectangle, square, or other shape when arranged around the central post. Each cooking grate can be independently raised and lowered by means of a removable hand crank that turns a spool that holds a length of cable. In this way, users can simultaneously cook various foods at different temperatures by adjusting the height of each grate.

Abstract: Implementations of a food fryer are provided. In some implementations, the food fryer comprises a body portion, a stand, burners, and a drain. In some implementations, the body portion of the food fryer may be a curved hollow tube having an opening on each end. The body portion is configured to hold liquids therein for the purpose of frying or cooking food. In some implementations, the food fryer may include a storage container comprised of a body portion, a lid, and two extension members. In some implementations, the two extension members of the storage container may be configured to individually or collectively secure about the openings of the food fryers body portion such that the storage container is positioned above the food fryer. In some implementations, the storage container comprises openings from which the extension members extend.

Abstract: A knife guided cutting board comprised of a base of a cutting board and a knife guiding device. The half round shape of the knife guide device is the place where the end of the knife will be inserted, so the front side of the knife is firmly stationed when the cutting action is engaged. A knife guided cutting board can cut and slice thick and solid food such as fish, meat, and hard vegetables. The apparatus can work with any conventional knife. The knife guide device will guide the motion of the cutting in a confined downward arc movement due to the fact that the end of the knife is resided in the knife guide device, this ensures consistent and safe cutting is achieved because the force applied by the user is evenly distributed in a upward and downward motion guided by this invention.

Abstract: A cutting mat for dispersing cutting force has an entity which comprises of at least an elastic buffer substrate which tan disperse the cutting force, two anti-puncture layers at the top and bottom of the elastic buffer substrate respectively, and two cutting close binders at the top and bottom of two anti-puncture lavers respectively. The entity is a multi-layer structure of at least five layers, and the thickness of said elastic buffer substrate is greater than single anti-puncture layer and single cutting close binder. Therefore, the user uses a cutter for downward cutting on the surface of the cutting close binder, the down pressure force is dispersed and absorbed by the elastic buffer substrate. In long-term repeated cutting action, the cut object on the cutting close binder can be cut off easily without damaging the entity, so as to enhance the service life and convenience of products greatly.

Abstract: Spa side panels are trapezoidally-shaped and mounted in respective grooves defined by adjacent tapered corner pieces and their mounting brackets to accommodate differences in coefficients of expansion of the respective parts and prevent structural damage. Angled force transfer members are configured to mate with swept back side surfaces of a spa base pan to achieve a pedestal appearance, and the bottom surface of the base pan is constructed to reduce heat transfer to the spa support surface.

Abstract: Bath curtain rod assemblies are disclosed comprising axially movable tubes that may be locked into position in relation with each other. A contact end is extended from one of the tubes to engage and press against a bath support structure to firmly secure the assembly in place. The contact end includes at least one hole for receiving a mechanical fastener such as a screw, which allows the installer to choose whether or not to use mechanical fasteners when installing the rod assembly. The bath curtain rod assemblies may be installed quickly and easily in bath and shower stalls without the necessity of mechanical fasteners or adhesives, while allowing the installer to use mechanical fasteners if desired.

Abstract: The first embodiment is comprised of three components, a back plate component, a handle component and a cover component. The handle component is rotationally attachable to the back plate component. The cover component is removably attachable to the back plate component where it covers the handle component except that a portion of a panel on the handle component protrudes through an aperture in the cover component. When the handle component is attached to the back plate, and the cover component is attached to the back plate component, and a container containing a liquid is installed in a cavity behind the handle, then when the handle panel is pushed, a small amount of liquid is dispensed. Additional embodiments are presented. The embodiments are inexpensive to manufacture and easily maintained without tools.

Abstract: Exemplary pumps, refill units and dispensers having angled outlets are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill unit for dispensing fluid on a hand includes a container and a pump. The pump includes an angled outlet passage. Fluid flowing out of the angled outlet passage is directed toward the palm of a hand when fluid is dispensed.

Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure provide a wash cloth for cleaning all areas of a user or an individual's body. The wash cloth includes at least one finger cot. The at least one finger cot has a first side made of a soft absorbing material opposite a second side made of a microfiber material. The first side and second side are fastened together. The wash cloth includes a palm portion in communication with the first side of the at least one finger cot. The wash cloth further includes an elastomeric portion. The elastomeric portion may be in communication with and extends across the palm portion of the wash cloth. The elastomeric portion may be configured to fit over the user's hand and maintains the placement of the wash cloth over the user's hand.

Abstract: A stack of interfolded absorbent sheet products comprising a plurality of absorbent sheets and a method of folding and stacking the same. Each one of the absorbent sheets is folded twice about a first axis to define two inwardly folded inner panels and at least once about a second axis to define at least two outer panels sandwiching the inner panels therebetween. The second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, Each of the absorbent sheet products comprises at least one outer panel at least partially sandwiched between a pair of outer panels of an adjacent one of the absorbent sheet products of the stack. Each one of the absorbent sheet products is entirely detached from all other absorbent sheet products of the stack.

Abstract: A wet/dry sheet dispenser. The dispenser has an elongate refill which holds a liquid and fits into a complementary base. Liquid is selectively dispensed from the refill by longitudinal activation of a pump. The pump may be disposed on either the refill or base. Liquid flows from the refill, into the base and is ultimately dispensed onto a sheet. This arrangement allows for convenient and selective one hand pump operation, so the other hand is free to grasp the sheet. The sheet may be used wet or dry as desired at the point of use.

Abstract: A sheet product dispenser for dispensing sheet product from a roll of sheet product having a sealed tail is provided. The sheet product dispenser includes a roll interface configured to engage and at least partially support the roll of sheet product, the roll interface including a separating member configured to engage and unseal the sealed tail; a feed roller assembly configured to dispense sheet product from the roll of sheet product, the feed roller assembly including a feed roller configured to engage and at least partially support the roll of sheet product; and a controller operable to initiate driving of the feed roller and rotation of the roll of sheet product such that the sealed tail is unsealed by engaging the separating member. A related method of automatically loading a roll of sheet product having a sealed tail in a sheet product dispenser also is provided.

Abstract: Folded sheet product cartridges and dispensing assemblies, systems, and methods of dispense therefor are provided. A dispensing assembly includes a housing for vertically stacked cartridges. The housing defines a load opening in a side panel or top end and a dispensing slot in a side panel or bottom end. A sheet product cartridge includes a plurality of folded sheet products for dispense through a dispensing opening.

Abstract: Folded sheet product cartridges and dispensing assemblies, systems, and methods of dispense therefor are provided. A dispensing assembly includes a housing for vertically stacked cartridges. The housing defines a load opening in a side panel or top end and a dispensing slot in a side panel or bottom end. A sheet product cartridge includes a plurality of folded sheet products for dispense through a dispensing opening and a plurality of flexible material panels containing the sheet products. One of the material panels includes a detachable area that is detachable to form the dispensing opening.

Abstract: There is provided in a preferred embodiment a bathtub or shower stall enclosure partition assembly. The partition assembly has an enclosure panel which includes interior and exterior facing major surfaces. The partition assembly also includes a dryer manifold assembly having a manifold array with at least one air exhaust conduit provided with an air receiving end and an air dispensing outlet. The partition assembly further includes an air drive assembly comprising an air transfer duct extending from an air inlet to an air supply interface, and a heating element assembly selectively operable to provide a heated air flow. The supply interface is for fluid communication with the air receiving end whereby actuation of the heating element assembly provides the heated air flow through the air exhaust conduit and outwardly therefrom via the air dispensing outlet as the drying air flow.

Abstract: A chair assembly including a toilet seat, a chair seat lid and a backrest. The toilet seat, the lid and the backrest are connected relative to one another such that they are positionable in alternative chair and toilet-use modes. The lid is behind the generally upright backrest when the assembly is in the toilet-use mode and is on the toilet seat when the assembly is in the chair mode. The assembly can have self-supporting legs whereby it can form a standalone chair remote from the toilet. When in a male urination mode, the toilet seat is lifted and the backrest is in a lifted, generally horizontal position.

Abstract: A debris blower includes an engine mounted to an engine mount and connected to a turbine. The engine mount and housing of the turbine are respectively mounted between a second side of a frame and first and second longitudinal supports connected to and between first and second sides of the frame. A screen guard is secured utilizing bolts extending in a non-rotatable manner from a top plate connected between the second longitudinal support and the second side. Due to the frame and engine mount having a parallelism and flatness tolerance, the engine and turbine can be aligned without shimming. A sensor senses first and second trip devices positioned at circumferential locations on the exit nozzle to rotate the exit nozzle to preset angles. Remote and hard wire controls each include direction and speed switches. A resume switch throttles the engine between idle and operating speeds.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a base having an agitator housing including an air outlet. The base further includes a volute including a volute air inlet disposed substantially parallel to the agitator housing and a volute air outlet disposed substantially orthogonal to the agitator housing. An air duct connects the volute air inlet and the air outlet of the agitator housing and the air outlet of the agitator housing and the volute air outlet are substantially collinear.

Abstract: A grip for a backpack-type air blowing machine which performs a work by using air discharged from a distal end of an air blowing pipe that is coupled to a blower body driven by a power source while the air blowing pipe is manipulated by an operator with the power source and the blower body being carried on a back of the operator. The grip comprises a base section that constitutes an attachment section to the air blowing pipe, a vertical grip section that is provided with a proximal end portion provided continuously to the base section, and that extends in a direction away from the air blowing pipe, and a lateral grip section that extends backward along the air blowing pipe from a free end of the vertical grip section. The lateral grip section is located adjacent to a back of a hand of the operator holding the air blowing pipe.

Abstract: A mobile surface cleaner has a mobile body configured to travel to areas to be cleaned. A dispensing system attached to the mobile body dispenses liquid on a surface as dispensed liquid. A recovery system attached to the mobile body recovers dispensed liquid as recovered liquid. A regenerative media filter attached to the mobile body filters the recovered liquid to form filtered liquid that can be dispensed by the dispensing system.

Abstract: Embodiments include a mechanism for leveling or providing pad assistance to surface maintenance machines. The surface maintenance machine can include a frame, a plurality of wheels, a head assembly, and a head adjustment mechanism. The head adjustment mechanism can be positioned in line with and operatively coupled to a first portion of the head assembly, such that the first portion of the head assembly can be moved towards or away from the surface by adjusting the position of a fastener in a slot. Such embodiments are useful for leveling the head assembly to maintain an even degree of burnishing or providing pad assistance. Embodiments include methods of using such mechanisms for leveling or providing pad assist to surface maintenance machines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cleaning device having a first and second surface wherein the first surface is absorbent and the second surface is water repellant.