Abstract: Retractable beds exist and work on a myriad of coupling assembly, for example drawstrings and springs, for enabling the bed, or in some cases mattresses, to be retracted and deployed. However, structural deficiencies together with the weight of the mattress have contributed to deficiencies and damage to these retractable beds. An embodiment of the invention herein describes a coupling assembly comprising a first support structure, a platform structure adaptable for supporting a mattress and a coupling pin. The coupling pin comprises a cylindrical portion for locating a first receptacle of the first support structure with a second receptacle of the support structure. The coupling pin further comprises for coupling with the second receptacle. The cylindrical portion is receivable by the first receptacle for pivoting the platform structure with the first support structure between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: A bed includes: a foundation; a mattress assembly comprising a mattress and an underlying panel; and a lifting mechanism comprising a series of interconnected pivoting links. The foundation includes a head wall, a foot wall opposed to the head wall, opposed side walls between the head wall and the foot wall, and a floor, the head wall, the foot wall, the side walls and the floor forming at least one storage cavity. The lifting mechanism is mounted to the foundation and the mattress assembly and is configured to move the mattress assembly between a lowered position, in which the mattress assembly is positioned atop the foundation, and a raised position, in which the mattress assembly is positioned above and at least partially laterally of the foundation, such that the storage cavity is accessible.

Abstract: A mattress lifter includes an air bladder sized to fit between a mattress and a mattress foundation, so that when inflated the air bladder lifts the mattress from the mattress foundation sufficiently to allow removal and replacement of bed linens and easy tucking of bedding under the mattress. Height-limiting material within the air bladder limits a height of the air bladder when the air bladder is inflated. An air pump inflates the air bladder by pumping air through a connection hose. When the air pump is turned on, air moves from the air pump to the air bladder inflating the air bladder. When the air pump is turned off, air moves from the air bladder to the air pump so that the air bladder automatically deflates when the air pump is turned off.

Abstract: Resilient cores preferably for inflatable bodies having resilient slabs that define a plurality of generally columnar holes or resilient arrays of generally columnar solids, methods for making such slabs and arrays, and articles incorporating the same wherein the cores further includes thermal transmission mitigation means for improving a core's resistance to heat transfer beyond the core's innate insulative properties. Non-exclusive and non-exhaustive examples of such thermal transmission mitigation means in slab core embodiments include consideration to hole or bore geometric cross section, frequency, pattern and orientation, the introduction of a thermal barrier at or within at least some holes or bores, and/or slab material selection/treatment.

Abstract: An electric bed adapted to wirelessly recharge an electronic device includes a main body, a bed cover, a retainer and a wireless charger. The main body has a top surface, several side surfaces connecting to the top surface, and a cavity formed on one of the side surfaces. The bed cover covers the top surface and the side surfaces of the main body. The retainer is disposed on an outer surface of the bed cover, and the retainer is adapted to retain the electronic device at a position corresponding to the cavity. The wireless charger is disposed in the cavity and is covered by the bed cover. The wireless charger is adapted to wirelessly recharge the electronic device when the electronic device is retained by the retainer.

Abstract: A pocket coil spring assembly is provided that includes a coil spring having an upper portion and a lower portion collectively defining an interior cavity of the coil spring. The pocket coil spring assembly further includes a fabric pocket encasing the coil spring with a top area covering the upper portion of the coil spring and a bottom area covering the lower portion of the coil spring. An amount of flexible foam is positioned in the interior cavity of the coil spring such that a top surface of the flexible foam extends above the coil spring. A mattress assembly is further provided that includes a plurality of the pocket coil spring assemblies.

Abstract: The invention provides an anti-pinch device for an electric product. The electric product comprises a fixing seat, a moving part which is movable to or away from the fixing seat, and a driving mechanism for driving the movement of the moving part relative to the fixing seat. The anti-pinch device comprises a safety strip and a controller electrically connected to the safety strip for controlling the operating state of the driving mechanism. An anomaly monitoring circuit is disposed in the safety strip, and the anomaly monitoring circuit comprises a power supply, a resistance and a normally open switch connected in series, the normally open switch is closable when the safety strip is pressed. The controller is connected to the anomaly monitoring circuit by electrical signals. the safety strip is fixedly disposed on the moving part or fixing seat and located between them.

Abstract: A chair includes a chair component comprising a polymeric material and adapted to at least partially support a seated user, wherein the chair component includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and wherein the chair component further includes a plurality of apertures capable of being accessed from at least the second surface of the chair component. The chair further includes a cover that extends over at least a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface which includes the plurality of apertures, and at least one staple comprising a polymeric material, wherein each staple of the at least one staple includes a pair of prongs, and wherein at least one of the prongs extends through the cover extending over the portion of the second surface and is received and retained within one of the plurality of apertures, thereby securing the cover to the chair member.

Abstract: A children's sleeping apparatus includes a structural support frame and a child receiving receptacle supported by the structural support frame. The child receiving receptacle is preferably movably coupled to the structural support frame to provide pivotal motion of the child receiving receptacle relative to the structural support frame.

Abstract: A bassinet for infants and children includes a child receiving receptacle and a collapsible frame assembly attached to and supporting the child receiving receptacle. A lock is selectively operable for locking the collapsible frame assembly in its extended configuration and for unlocking the same to allow the collapsible frame assembly to be collapsed. The collapsible frame assembly comprising a first collapsible frame portion collapsible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration and vice-versa, the collapsible frame assembly further comprising a second collapsible frame portion collapsible between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration and vice-versa. The first and second collapsible frame portions are pivotally coupled to one another for movement between the frame assembly's extended configuration and its collapsed configuration, with each collapsible frame portion including a pair of generally U-shaped frame members pivotally connected to one another.

Abstract: A cradling bassinet to impart a rocking, swaying or gliding motion to soothe a child occupant includes a frame and an infant receiving receptacle. In example forms, the frame is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The infant receiving receptacle is pivotally mounted to the frame such that the infant receiving receptacle is capable of gliding or swaying relative to the frame. In some example forms, the infant receiving receptacle is removed from engagement with the frame and capable of rocking on a support surface.

Abstract: A child-supporting device including a child-seat assembly mounted to and supported by a rocker frame assembly. The seat assembly includes a backrest, a footrest, or both, pivotably adjustable between reclined and inclined positions. A recline adjustment mechanism is operable to selectively lock the seat in the reclined or inclined position for use, then release the seat for pivotal adjustment to the other position. In some embodiments, a linkage interconnects the backrest and the footrest so that pivoting one of them synchronously pivots the other one. And in some embodiments, the footrest is detachable and a quick connect/disconnect mechanism is provided that permits operation of the recline adjustment mechanism when the footrest is attached.

Abstract: A bedding assembly for use with a mattress, the assembly including a circumscribing padding sized and shaped to extend from or rest on top of a top perimeter surface of the mattress, the padding having one or more contiguous sections, each section having a vertical outer surface positioned adjacent to sidewalls of the mattress, a horizontal bottom surface adjacent the top surface of the mattress, and an angled surface extending from the outer surface to the bottom surface, and a cover sized and shaped to secure the padding sections together in a shape that circumscribes a central portion of the mattress, and a fitted sheet sized and shaped to hold the padding and cover on the mattress.

Abstract: A crib liner is constructed to include an integral skirt and is intended for use with a crib that includes a crib mattress that is disposed on a platform. The crib liner includes a liner portion that has a front surface and a rear surface. The liner portion includes a set of first fasteners formed along the front surface for attaching the liner portion to the crib. The crib liner further includes a skirt portion that is attached to a bottom edge of the liner portion and depends downwardly therefrom and is configured to extend below the platform on which the crib mattress is supported. At least one of the liner portion and skirt portion has on a rear surface thereof a set of second fasteners for attachment to the crib.

Abstract: An evaporative condensate dissipation system includes a receptacle configured to receive and accumulate a liquid condensate from a cooling element of a refrigeration system, a rotating element (e.g., an array of plates, a rotating drum, etc.) disposed at least partially within the receptacle such that a portion of the rotating element is submerged in the liquid condensate, and a motor configured to cause the rotating element to rotate such that a portion of the rotating element is periodically submerged in the liquid condensate and emerged from the liquid condensate. A fan may be used to provide an airflow across a surface of the rotating element to increase expedite evaporative dissipation. The fan and/or motor may be operably controlled by a switch or sensor responsive to a level of the liquid condensate accumulated in the receptacle.

Abstract: A magnetic mounting device secures a picture frame to a wall that allows adjustment up, down, left or right without removing the frame from the wall or using tools. The magnetic mounting device includes magnets to secure the picture frame to the mounting plate that is adhered to the wall. The picture frame may include one or more magnetic mounting device assemblies depending on the weight of the frame and the degree of desired wall adhesion.

Abstract: A block system includes a plurality of blocks connected side by side into a configuration, each block including a front, a rear, sides, lips, and fastener accommodating spaces; a plurality of adjacent fasteners connecting side by side blocks together. Each fastener disposed in the fastener accommodating spaces of side by side blocks without overlapping adjacent fasteners.

Abstract: A hanger, support and other component or system capable of supporting one or more objects is contemplated. The hanger may be configured to provide four-way adjustability sufficient to facilitate adjustably supporting objects after being affixed to a supporting surface and/or to facilitate adjustably supporting objects having a wire or other support member hidden from view or otherwise difficult to orientate relative to a support surface. The hanger may be configured to enable four-way re-positioning in an up, down, left or right direction, optionally while the one or more objects are supported thereon, without requiring removal or manipulation of fasteners anchoring it to a support.

Abstract: A wall-hanging object mounting assistance tool is disclosed. The apparatus employs a plurality of markers. Each of the markers of the plurality of markers is equipped with a pin configured to facilitate the imprint of a mark on a wall in a desired position. The plurality of markers of the apparatus are removably secured to a mounting bar, and are preferably slid into the desired position corresponding to the location of hanging hooks or holes conventionally disposed on or in the object to be hung on the wall. The plurality of markers may slide when needed along the mounting bar, ensuring that the apparatus may expedite and facilitate the mounting of a wide variety of sized items to a wall or similar vertical surface.

Abstract: A bed covering system for more than one user is capable of providing different warmth characteristics to each user. The bed covering system includes a first cover having an upper portion, a lower portion and an inner edge, the upper portion having a length in a range of about 70% to about 90% percent of the aggregate length of the upper and lower portions when positioned upon an upper surface of a matters, the first cover having a first thermal characteristic.

Abstract: A patient comfort pillow has an outer surface that carries an image that is meaningful to a patient, and has an interior space carrying an acoustic driver that acoustically outputs an audio recording associated with the image and to which the patient can listen in response to physical handling directed at the image by the patient. The patient comfort pillow may include a pouch made of transparent material on the outer surface to hold a photograph bearing the image for viewing through the transparent material. Alternatively, the image may be printed on or sewn into the outer surface. The patient comfort pillow may include a microphone carried within the interior space to record the audio recording. Other enhancements are disclosed, such as an antenna to wirelessly receive the audio recording from another device.

Abstract: A system providing of an inflatable pillow in conjunction with a planar substrate such as a book, a notebook, or a computing device. A cover member is adapted to be resiliently retained on the outer surface of the substrate. Entrained between the cover member and the substrate on one side of the substrate is a selectively inflatable air bladder. The air bladder can be integral to the respective substrate or fitted in or on a removable sleeve of the cover member. Selective inflatability enables the substrate-air bladder-cover system to be easily transported in an uninflated mode and to be a pleasant head rest in an inflated mode. The cover and air bladder may be adapted for being fitted to a user's existing substrate. Alternatively, the substrate, air bladder, and cover may be formed integrally and sold as a prefabricated unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a beverage while reducing neck strain wherein a beverage is retained in a container and the flow of the beverage is limited to a pour-point. A human nose is then allowed to encroach into the volume of the container while preventing the human nose from making contact with the beverage.

Abstract: A two-piece thermoformed, thermally insulated container such as a hot drink cup comprising a tapered cup body with vertical ribs on the outer body surface thereof and a sleeve attached to the cup on and overlying the top surfaces of the ribs. This forms a series of parallel air gaps between the sleeve and the cup over substantial portion of the length thereof. The sleeve may be printed with appropriate logos or other indicia. The cup and sleeve are both preferably made of polypropylene so that they may be recycled as a unit.

Abstract: An insulated drinking vessel, e.g., a wine glass, and a method of making the same is disclosed. The vessel basically comprises a pre-molded outer vessel formed of a plastic material having a sidewall, a pre-molded ring formed of a plastic material, and an inner vessel having a sidewall. The ring includes a bottom end at which the vestige of a molding gate may be located. The inner vessel is formed of a plastic material molded in-situ on the bottom end of the ring to cause portions of the ring's plastic to melt and intermingle with the plastic material of the inner vessel to form a subassembly including a non-superficial homogenous joint between the ring and the inner vessel. The sidewall of the inner vessel of the subassembly is disposed within the sidewall of the outer vessel and the ring is welded to a top portion of the outer vessel to form the rim or lip of the insulated drinking vessel.

Abstract: A beverage holder configured to accommodate drinking vessels of different sizes and that can be secured on a resting surface includes a hollow tubular body with an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, at least one projection along the inner surface of the hollow tubular body spaced from the closed end, and a removable insert configured to seat within the hollow tubular body against the at least one projection such that the removable insert is spaced from the closed end. The beverage holder may also include at least one suction cup extending from the exterior surface of the closed end.

Abstract: A hanger includes a grip arranged at a first end. The grip is configured to be mounted over a transverse elongate member thereby removably securing the hanger thereon. An intermediate body extends away from the grip; and a catch extends from the intermediate body, arranged at a second end opposite the first end. The catch being configured to receive an item to be hung therefrom; and the catch includes a narrowed portion.

Abstract: A tabletop stand for holding a palm branch in an upright orientation. The stand has a horizontal sleeve which is a receptacle for a bottom aspect of a palm branch. The sleeve is provided with a slot so that the stand may be used in combination with an elongated plastic bag which has a rod extending for a segment of the bag's length. A bottom segment of the rod and surrounding bag is inserted into the sleeve and a lateral part of the bag passes through the slot.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for sheet-like elements, such as drapes, curtains, roller blinds, shutters, video walls and the like in front of a wall opening, can be fitted without tools. The holding apparatus includes an elongate support, a first clamping part engages into a soffit and has a receiving region for receiving the support. A second clamping part engages into the soffit and has a second receiving region for the support. A first thread on a clamping part meshes with a second thread on the support. An elongated, horizontal holding region receives the sheet-like element. A screw-in depth is varied by a relative movement of the first and second threads, in order to clamp the apparatus in the soffit and/or to change the distance between the clamping projections. The holding region is arranged above and outside the wall opening and projects laterally beyond the wall opening.

Abstract: A cooking system comprises: a pan; a support having a neck and a ball attached through the neck to the pan, the ball having a protrusion and an elongate opening to receive a pin rod having inflated ends; a cover unit rotatably covering the ball and having a first and second cover, the first cover having an arc opening to receive and rotatably guide the protrusion in the arc opening; an elastic media provided between the first and second covers to elastically contain the rod in the elongate opening of the ball; and a handle extending from a selected one of the first and second covers, the rod ends being manually pulled out of the ball against elastic pushing of the elastic media.

Abstract: A food warming and cooking apparatus used over a burner of a range or similar heat source. The apparatus has a base section adapted to cover the heater and help contain heated air therein. A base unit having a plurality of spacedly arrayed louvers emit heated air into an intermediate assembly. A food holder is placed into the intermediate assembly during operation. One or more guides position the food holder for even cooking. Hot air is emitted in a manner that induces lateral and vertical motion to the air providing greater heat transfer at relatively lower temperatures than would be experienced by direct contact of a food holder or other cooking implement to reduce the risk of sticking and scorching.

Abstract: A sous-vide cooker for precision cooking. The sous-vide cooker tracks arrays of time, temperature, and events in the fluidic temperature control device for comparison with safety points and recommended temperature setting. The sous-vide cooker includes a processor, backup battery and temperature sensor so in case of power loss can still determine and compare actual temperature with safety limits and advise users on proper course of action.

Abstract: A method for translating cooking time and temperatures for prepackaged food products. The sous-vide program allows users to cook to a food manufacturer recommended doneness based on the size, shape and fat content of the food. The program also lets user adjust setting if the users modified the food product like cut it in half. The program can be located on the sous vide cooking device or on person computing device.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for translating cooking time and temperatures from arrays of pictures of foods cooked to different degrees of doneness or other type of result. The system enables users to select a desired doneness from pictures of food and optionally add additional modifiers it based on the size, weight, shape, and fat content of the meat with additional pictures indexed to different modification parameters. The system enables users to adjust a setting if the user has modified the food he or she intends to cook, such as by cutting in half, or if the food was frozen, allowing additional cook time and parameter modifications. A program of instructions pertaining to the system can be located on a sous vide cooking device or on a device external to the a sous vide device, such as on a personal computing device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ramen cooker having a container identification function. The ramen cooker includes: an operation initiating unit that generates a purchase initiation signal showing an initiation of a ramen purchase operation in response to an external operation initiating action; a container identification unit that identifies the ramen container; a water injecting unit that injects water having a predetermined temperature into the ramen container in cases where the ramen container is determined to be purchased by the container identification unit; and a container heating unit that boils the ramen by applying heat to the ramen container injected with the water for a predetermined period of time and boiling the water in cases where the ramen container is determined to be purchased by the container identification unit.

Abstract: A multifunction cooking range with sous-vides functionality. Cooking ranges are found in every home and in every restaurant; with the addition of a high precision temperature controller attached to the heating elements, a fluidic temperature control device, the range can also be configured to enable sous-vide cooking. By using a pot filled with fluid located on a burner, the user would immerse a fluidic temperature control device in the pot while using the burner with a heating element that is modulated by the controller and temperature sensor.

Abstract: A hot-water-actuated espresso coffee maker has a chamber receiving a quantity of hot water and a piston. An actuator forces the piston through at least part of the chamber so as to deliver hot water under pressure through ground coffee. The actuator includes a shape-memory element configured such that, when a temperature of the element is raised above a transition temperature, the shape-memory element undergoes a phase change so as to become biased towards a predefined spring configuration, thereby applying force to the piston. A flow-guide element helps define a flow path at least partially blocking an inflow of hot water from reaching the shape-memory element until at least a majority of the chamber has been filled. The inflow of hot water sequentially fills the chamber and then heats the shape-memory element above the transition temperature.

Abstract: An extraction unit (10) for extracting cartridges (1a; 1b) of two different heights (ha;hb) comprises a seat (11, 12, 13; 15) for receiving any of such cartridges (1a; 1b) for extraction thereof in the seat. The seat is delimited by a first part (11,12,13) and second part (15) that are relatively movable between a cartridge extraction position and a cartridge loading and/or ejection position. The first part (11,12,13) has a first portion (11,12) and a second portion (13) that are relatively movable to delimit a cavity (12?) having selectively: —a first depth (da) for receiving a cartridge (1a) of the first height (ha); and—a second depth (db) for receiving a cartridge (1b) of the second height (hb), the first part (11,12,13) has a lock (112?, 132, 132?, 142?) for locking the first and second portions (11,12,13) when the delimited cavity (12?) has the first depth (da) or the second depth (db).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for operating a beverage dispenser and programs regarding same. In an embodiment, at least one of a list of selectable coffee sensory parameters that relate to a coffee sensory property selected from the group consisting of foam or crema quality property, aroma, flavor and mouthfeel is presented. At least one input is received regarding at least one of the parameters. A beverage is dispensed from soluble coffee powder based at least in part on the selectable parameters by instructing at least one device selected from the group consisting of at least one dosing device, a pump and a whipping device.

Abstract: The automatic coffee machine (1) comprises a single infuser unit (2) for producing a coffee infusion, coffee infusion dispensing means (4) located in front of a front wall (5) of the machine (1) in a distanced position above a surface (6) for resting one or more cups (7, 8) for collecting the coffee infusion, a hydraulic circuit (9) for distributing the coffee infusion to the coffee infusion dispensing means (4), and valve interception means (10) present along said hydraulic circuit (9), the coffee infusion dispensing means (4) comprise a first coffee infusion dispensing unit (16) equipped with at least one coffee infusion dispensing nozzle (17, 18) and at least a second coffee infusion dispensing unit (19) equipped with at least one coffee infusion dispensing nozzle (20, 21), the hydraulic circuit (9) comprising a first supply pipe (34) for said first coffee infusion dispensing unit (16) and a second supply pipe (35) for said second coffee infusion dispensing unit (19), said valve means (10) comprising a fir

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a dispensing system and a sanitizing system. The apparatus has a dispensing mode and sanitizing mode. The dispensing system may comprise a first valve and at least one component, the at least one component having an inner surface. The first valve is opened to send a free-flowing material to the at least one component when the apparatus is in the dispensing mode. The first valve is closed when the apparatus is in the sanitizing mode. The sanitizing system comprises a processing unit having a discharge cell configured to initiate a cold plasma discharge in an air flow. A tank may be configured to receive the air flow from the discharge cell of the processing unit and expose water in the tank to the air flow for a time sufficient to provide dissolution of ozone from the air flow into the water and form ozone-containing water.

Abstract: A container for rapid hot-food catering comprising a base part (2) and a cover part (4) disposed thereon, wherein the said parts together form a medium-tight chamber (6) for a meal portion to be heated. The base part comprises a primary heat transfer element (8) protruding into the chamber and comprising a metal sleeve (10) which extends into the base part and is provided with an upper closure cap, which metal sleeve is connected to the base part in a medium-tight manner. An associated heating station has a rod-like heating element which can be moved out of a contact surface for the container.

Abstract: A drip tray, a grill having a drip tray, and a kit for retrofitting a grill are disclosed in which a heat source is disposed beneath a cooking grate on which food it to be cooked. A plurality of lava rocks are disposed above the heat source and are selectively moveable closer to, and further away from, the cooking grate. A drip tray may be disposed between the heat source and the lava rocks, with the drip tray having a plurality of openings through which heat from the heat source may pass to heat the lava rocks and having a plurality of grooves through which grease or other liquid which falls onto the drip plate is directed to a suitable collection point.

Abstract: An igniter for solid cooking fuels includes a heat chamber and a heat gun manifold. The heat gun manifold includes a manifold flange with a first hole, the manifold flange attached to a bottom of the heat chamber, and a manifold tube received within the first hole. A top of the manifold tube received at least partially within the heat chamber. A heat gun may be removably coupled to a bottom of the manifold tube with the heat gun in fluid communication with the heat chamber. An upper handle may be attached to an outer surface of the heat chamber with a heat shield between the upper handle and the heat chamber.

Abstract: A securable cart assembly for a gas grill that allows easy transport and installation, and which permits the cart and associated gas cylinder tank to cooperate with and be secured to a gas grill assembly.

Abstract: A food support rack, especially for use on a grill, the food support rack including removable and reversible food support members.

Abstract: A self-standing container for holding and pre-soaking a cooking plank in a soaking liquid includes flexible walls forming a bag-like container with a chamber to receive the plank and the liquid. The container includes a deployable standing structure to enable the container to be placed in an upright position to conserve counter space. The container with a plank and liquid may be packaged for retail sale and later reuse.

Abstract: A fitted grill handle cover to protect against burning your hands is disclosed. The handle cover is always on, and fits comfortably around the handle. This handle cover is machine washable, reversible and looks great.

Abstract: A domestic blender includes a receptacle and a tool located within the receptacle. The receptacle has a bottom wall, a side wall defining an opening through which foodstuff material is introduced to the receptacle, and a longitudinal axis about which the side wall extends. A wall surface of the bottom wall includes a curved segment having a shape with a vertex which is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. The tool includes a processing member located adjacent to the curved segment of the wall surface. The tool is rotatable about a rotational axis which passes through the vertex and is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

Abstract: A domestic blender includes a receptacle having a bottom wall, a side wall defining an opening through which foodstuff material is introduced to the receptacle, and a longitudinal axis about which the side wall is disposed. The bottom wall has a wall surface having a segment with one of a frustoconical shape, a faceted shape, a convex shape and a concave shape, the shape of the segment of the wall surface having an axis of symmetry which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle so that an end of the segment which adjoins the side wall has a substantially circular shape. The blender also includes a rotatable tool having a processing member for engaging foodstuff material, the processing member being located within the receptacle adjacent to the segment of the wall surface.