Abstract: A magnetic customizable picture frame for allowing a plurality of various frame designs to be selectively employed by a user includes a frame base having a rectangular shaped body with a perimeter groove and two receiving slots and an attachable cover having a rectangular body sized and shaped to fit over the frame base. Through its selective attachment to the frame base as well as its ability to removably receive one or more magnetic attachable embellishments, the attachable cover provides an interchangeable decorative surface for the magnetic customizable picture frame. Advantageously, the perimeter groove allows a plurality of frame bases to be selectively attached in series through the use of coupling members which include opposing tab members sized to engage the perimeter groove of adjacent frame bases.

Abstract: A flower pot cover for placement over a flower pot. The flower pot cover includes a circular band of material having an open top and an open bottom. The open top provides a first elastic band located around the perimeter thereof in order to readily adjust to the flower pot to which it is applied. The open bottom provides a second elastic band located around the perimeter thereof in order to readily adjust to the flower pot to which it is applied. An insulative liner is located on the interior side of the flower pot cover and the exterior material of the flower pot cover provides a variety of decorative patterns thereon. The insulative liner prevents the escape of moisture and water from the soil, leaves and the plant placed into the flower pot to which the flower pot cover is applied.

Abstract: Bedding material including a first fabric section manufactured from performance fabric and having a first and second side; and, a second fabric section attached to the first side of the first fabric section. Additionally, a third fabric section can be attached to the second side of the first fabric section. The first fabric section can be attached to the second fabric section through a flatlock stitch. The first fabric section can include a first zone and a second zone wherein the first zone contains different performance properties from the second zone and the first zone can have thermal or moisture wicking properties.

Abstract: A method of updating existing screen printing or other manufacturing processing in order to generate sheets and other bedding with marking indicators for proper alignment of the covering on a mattress, and the covering as produced. For a top sheet it would be marked along the top edge of the sheet as well as the body of the sheet which contacts the corners of the mattress at the foot of the bed, and for a fitted bottom sheet the markings would occur at each corner of the sheet which is associated with a corner of the mattress. Optional side indicators located between the corner indicators may also be included. The purpose is to provide a quick and easy identifier for locating the corners of the mattress with the sheet so that the sheet is quickly and easily placed symmetrically upon the mattress the first time.

Abstract: A pillow is provided that includes a latex foam to provide comfort and support to the body of a user. The pillow includes a latex foam layer connected to at least one additional foam component. An internal foam layer is also included in the pillow, with the latex foam layer and the additional foam component disposed about the internal foam layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus that facilitates self-feeding by, for example, a person having limited fine motor skills and methods related thereto. Specifically, the disclosed apparatus enables food to collect in a specific area and guides a utensil to this area. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A food and beverage tray that is particularly useful in consuming fast food or snack meals. The food and beverage tray is uniquely designed so that the entire fast-food or snack meal may be held with one hand, leaving the other hand free for eating.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a beverage mug which doubles as an upper extremity exercise apparatus. For all embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is comprised of a base connected to and closing off one end of a substantially cylindrical wall to form a beverage containing vessel. On the opposite or remaining open end of said vessel is the brim. A solid handle is connected to cylindrical wall. Said vessel and handle are made from non-toxic porcelain ceramic, glass, wire reinforced glass, or similar material with density that is greater than liquid water. Said cylindrical wall and base not in contact with the beverage are lined with one or more layers of material with modulus of elasticity and coefficient of friction properties substantially similar to neoprene. To maximize mass, said cylindrical wall and base are dimensioned so that said cylindrical wall and base weigh more than liquid water at the full capacity of said apparatus.

Abstract: A beverage holder cover with adjustable, separable, collapsible handles is provided. The beverage holder cover includes a body forming a cup holding cavity as well as a plurality of pairs of spaced-apart slots disposed along the body. The present invention includes a plurality of separable straps extending from a first mating fastener to a second mating fastener, whereby the mating fasteners can be attached to be positioned in a handle configuration or detached in the compact configuration. Each separable strap may snug slide through each pair of spaced-apart slots so as to be positioned in the handle configuration for grasping or securing to a separate object, or to be positioned in the compact configuration for storage or ease of transport.

Abstract: A personalized cooler (10) includes a hollow container body (12) in which a liquid is stored. A cap (14) is threadably screwed onto an open top of the container to prevent the liquid contents of the container from being spilled. A U-shaped handle (18) has ends received on bosses (16) formed on opposite sides of the container body in carrying the container. An artistic pattern such as dots is imparted onto an outer surface of the container body, for example, by heat transfer printing. The artistic pattern can include geometric patterns such as dots, squares, rectangles, hexagons, etc., as well as grids, zigzag lines, and other designs. The same or other patterns and artistic motifs can be imprinted on other components of the cooler.

Abstract: A drinking vessel that has the capability to be stackable and which, by using regular water ice or dry ice, has the ability to maintain a cold temperature for the beverages while not diluting the potency of the liquid or diminishing the quality of the taste. The stackable aspect of the design allows the containers to be nestled within each other allowing for greater quantities of the vessels to be shipped at a single time. A sealable, removable bottom allows for the ice to be secured with the hollow chilling chamber. A handle, which may be formed into the vessel at the time of casting or may be attached after shipping, along with the base that is larger in diameter than the top because to the stacking feature, create the appearance of a traditional beer stein.

Abstract: A drinking straw includes a generally elongate tube having a sidewall defining an internal bore, wherein one end of the straw is provided with a piercing projection formed from a portion of the sidewall and reinforced by a folded portion of the sidewall. The straw is manufactured from an elongate tube on which a piercing projection is formed at one end by folding a portion of the sidewall at that end to reinforce the projection.

Abstract: The title Bottle Neck Salter accurately describes the best use for this device. It can be used in the hospitality industry. The old process to salt a bottle neck by hand to serve a customer was messy, slow, and resulted in a clumpy mess. This device allows the server to coat a bottle evenly with salt or any garnish quickly, evenly, and with little to no overspill of the salt. This device stores the salt securely for health and sanitation. It can also be used to garnish any food product with any coating with a professional and quality result. This device is simple, compact, easy to maintain, and a new solution to a service industry functional problem.

Abstract: A non-inflatable floating beverage holder preferably consists of a ring of foam flotation material, with a mesh pouch affixed around its inner circumference and suspended downward. The beverage container is inserted downward through the ring and secured in the mesh pouch.

Abstract: A beverage container with an integral textured sidewall formed therein and methods of use, in general, a container having a sidewall, the sidewall formed having an integral small patterned texture formed thereon to prevent condensation slippage.

Abstract: A structure for enclosing a beverage can or bottle and ice for cooling the beverage made up of a flexible annulus, a tapering section connected to the flexible annulus and extending away from the flexible annulus, a stock connected to a wider end of the tapering section extending away from the tapering section, a connector section at the end of the stock furthest from the tapering section, an annular recess in the connector section, a circular base, an annular flange connected to the circular base, and an annular projection in the flange.

Abstract: An outfit hanger has a first hanger portion and a second hanger portion connected to the first hanger portion in a spaced-apart vertical relation by connector members extending between the hanger portions. Each hanger portion has a panel with a support member attached along the top portion. Clips are adjustably attached to the support member. A hanger hook is attached to and extends up from the first support member. A reinforcement strip is secured along the bottom portion of the first panel and defines openings through which the connector members are secured. The connector members have a length of material that extends to and connect through corresponding openings in the support member on the second hanger portion. The connector members, the first hanger portion, and the second hanger portion define and frame an open region.

Abstract: A collapsible hanger apparatus and methods using the collapsible hanger apparatus, having both a folded and unfolded configuration, comprising a central body having a suspension member, a first lower extending portion, a second lower extending portion, and a tongue adjacent to the suspension member, the first extending portion and the second extending portion. Said hanger apparatus further comprising a first shoulder pivotally attached to the first lower extending portion of the central body at a first end of the first shoulder, a second shoulder pivotally attached to the second lower extending portion of the central body at a first end of the second shoulder and a crossbar hinge formed by pivotally connecting the first shoulder at a second end to the second shoulder at a second end, wherein the crossbar hinge forms a groove configured to mate with the tongue of the central body.

Abstract: In one embodiment a hanger has two interlocking regions, each located at the lower corners of the hanger arms. The interlocking regions have a hole that extends at least part way through the body of the hanger and an extruded lip that extends beyond the body of the hanger at the interlocking region. In one embodiment the outer surface of the interlocking region is narrower than the upper hanging arms of the hanger and the outer edge of the extruded lip is substantially co-planar with the outer surface of the upper hanging arms. This allows the upper hanging arms to be in direct contact with each other when the two hangers are locked together, creating a smooth upper surface.

Abstract: A clothing management apparatus is provided. The clothing management apparatus may include a waistband and a plurality of garment straps extending from the waistband to at least one lower garment, thereby making the at least one lower garment retrievable even while in a seated position. Each garment strap may provide adjustable, removable garment fasteners dimensioned and adapted to adjust the overall length of each garment strap.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a collapsible tree system having limbs which automatically pivot from a low-profile position while the tree is in a collapsed state to an in-use position when the tree is in an extended state. In an illustrative example, the system may include limb supports movably disposed along a central support. Movement of the limb supports closer together and further apart may cause the limbs to pivot to and from positions. For example, due to limb contact with an adjacent limb support, the limbs may be caused to pivot to the low-profile position. When no forcible contact is present between an adjacent limb support and limb, gravitational forces may permit the limbs to freely pivot to the in-use position. In an illustrative example, each limb support may include a nesting cup for receiving a proximal end of the limbs while in the stowed position.

Abstract: A Christmas tree ornament consisting of a plastic foam shape to which is attached a photograph and decorations consisting of sequins and beads. The intent of the present art is to disclose how, by the application of photographs of an end user's family members, ancestors, etc. to the Photographic Ornament, the end user can transform his/her Christmas tree into a visual representation of his/her Family Tree. What is also disclosed herein is the method and materials used to hand manufacture a Photographic Ornament, and to show a sampling of the unlimited design variations that are possible.

Abstract: The invention is a swivel tree stand device having a vertical pole attached by a swivel mechanism to a base set on casters. The pole is designed to attach at multiple points to the tree trunk and to extend in a direction perpendicular, to the level ground which may be roughly parallel to the tree trunk. A water bucket, which may be removable, may be carried by the base for watering a live tree attached to the pole. The pole and an attached tree trunk may swivel about the base.

Abstract: A tree stand system is provided for facilitating installing, orienting, and securing a tree within a tree stand. The tree stand system may include a hub that is attachable to a tree trunk. The tree stand system may also include a hub receptacle for adjustably supporting the hub in the tree stand.

Abstract: A kitchen accessory for separating and draining grease from cooked ground meat, comprising a sieve bottomed container for receiving the cooked meat, a hinged lid and draining the grease into a disposable and lidded paper container.

Abstract: A cooking method is provided for cooking mature animal portions. The cooking method includes: (A) a pressure-cooking operation including cooking the mature animal portions under pressure; and (B) a fry-cooking operation including frying the mature animal portions that were pressure cooked, and the mature animal portions being cooked by the pressure-cooking operation and the fry-cooking operation are palatable for user consumption.

Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker for home sous-vide cooking. The sous-vide circulator cooker is particularly suited for use in home kitchens and on small countertops. The sous-vide circulator cooker includes a detachable stainless steel skirt which allows for cleaning the skirt itself and cleaning of a heater and pump covered by the skirt. The provision of a stainless steel skirt can also act to ensure that no plastic components are directly wetted during use of the cooker. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide circulator cooker's removable skirt also exposes the water pump impellers allow users to clean out food and debris.

Abstract: Cooktop appliances and methods of operation for intelligent response to cooktop audio are provided. One example cooktop appliance includes microphones for capturing an audio signal at the cooktop. A controller can compare the audio signal to a plurality of cooking event sounds representative of different cooking events. If the audio signal is matched to one of the cooking event sounds, operations responsive to the particular identified cooking event can be performed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method of multi-course infusion for brewing tea and other beverages are provided. In one aspect, a method of multi-course infusion for brewing tea and other beverages may receive, in an infusion chamber of an apparatus, an amount of beverage medium in dried state. The method may also provide steam into the infusion chamber to pre-condition the beverage medium. The method may further perform multi-course infusion of the beverage medium in hot water by repeating more than once a process that includes: showering hot water down onto the beverage medium in the infusion chamber, infusing the beverage medium in the hot water for some infusion time to form the beverage, providing steam into the infusion chamber while the beverage medium is infused in the hot water, drawing the beverage into one or more carafes after the infusion time has elapsed.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine cleaning system and method provides a range of human safe products that can easily be introduced into the machine and cycled through the equipment without the need to introduce product into the water reservoir or to disassemble the beverage preparation apparatus.

Abstract: A tank for a machine for the production of hot drinks comprises a vessel suitable for containing water to be supplied to the machine for the production of hot drinks, a connecting element which connects the vessel to a feed circuit of the machine and means for the removable housing of a cartridge filter. The tank further comprises positioning means for removably fixing a conveyor element to the vessel, the conveyor element being suitable for covering the filter at an inlet section for the water to enter the filter, leaving a passage for the water defined between the vessel and the conveyor element, a feed channel being further defined between the conveyor element and the filter so as to allow a flow of water from the vessel towards the inlet section.

Abstract: An adjustable pitch cooking grate includes generally parallel rods and means for changing the pitch of the rods by moving the rods between a closed configuration and a range of open configurations, with different width gaps therebetween. Scissors linkage at the rod ends can move the rods in unison between the open and close configurations. When the rods have flat upper surfaces the rods create a generally flat, smooth, continuous cooking surface when in the closed configuration and a plurality of generally flat coplanar cooking surfaces when in the different open configurations. The pitch changing means can include manual or motorized means for moving the rods between the open and close configurations. The spacing between the rods in a fully open configuration can be equal to about 1-3 times the lateral dimension of the rods. One or more cooking grates can be supported by the cooking grill frame.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a base including a lower heating plate, an upper heating unit including an upper heating plate and a mounting structure configured to support the upper heating unit, where the mounting structure includes a motor mounting part. The cooking apparatus includes two or more motors configured to control an angle of the upper heating plate with respect to at least two axes that cross each other by controlling a length of wire extending between the two or more motors and the upper heating plate. The cooking apparatus also includes at least one sensor configured to detect an angle of the upper heating plate and a controller configured to receive from the at least one sensor a signal corresponding to the angle of the upper heating plate and to automatically adjust the angle of the upper heating plate to correspond to a pre-defined plane.

Abstract: A vertical grating for cooking whole fish in an oven is disclosed herein that includes a base in isosceles trapezoid shaped form, which has columns set to hold the whole fish in such a way that it is suspended and allowing for the cooking of fish on both sides so that the skin is crisp, wherein the grating may be used to present the fish to the fish eater and facilitating their consumption.

Abstract: Cooking appliance comprising at least two removable panels. The invention relates to a cooking appliance (1) comprising a cooking pit defining a cooking enclosure (27) having an upper opening (5), the cooking appliance (1) also comprising a cooking grille (9) and/or plate (3) positioned facing the opening (5), and at least one burner (29) having at least one heating part arranged in the cooking enclosure (27). The cooking enclosure (27) comprises an inner side wall comprising at least two removable panels (65) for securing to a support provided in the appliance. A first removable panel (65) and an adjacent second removable panel (65) comprise a covering area (89, 91).

Abstract: A food and beverage warming device. The warming device comprises a housing that preferably resembles a thermos or a pot. The housing includes an interior volume defining a heating chamber in which food can be placed for heating. The housing includes a heating element operated via a control switch for electrically heating the food within the heating chamber. The control switch allows the user to adjust the temperature of the heating element. The housing further includes a lid having a hollow interior volume so that the lid can be used as a bowl or cup. Further, the housing may removably enclose a serving tray on which food can be heated and served. The warming device may include its own power source or may be powered via an electrical connection to a wall outlet or other conventional power source.

Abstract: An electric egg beater, comprising a housing, a motor, a circuit board and a holding device; wherein the holding device comprise one or more clamps for holding an egg with eggshell; wherein the holding device is configured to be connected to a motor; wherein the circuit board is configured to control the motor to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise; wherein the motor is configured to drive the holding device to rotate the egg held therein clockwise and counterclockwise in alternation. The electric egg beater enables the egg white and egg yolk to be mixed uniformly and rapidly without breaking the egg shell. No mixing vessel is involved in the mixing, thereby saving the labor for washing and preventing the egg liquid from exposing in the air. The uniformly mixed shell-intact egg can be boiled directly; the taste is soft and smooth, and the product is compact and golden yellow, which facilitates the dish carving and creation.

Abstract: The saver bottle is primarily intended to improve on existing bottle designs for storing and dispensing small quantities of fluid, such as liquid soap, shampoo, sunscreen, or similar fluids. The existing bottle designs used for these fluids are often unable to disgorge all of their liquid contents during normal use and leave some measure of their contents as a residue at the bottom of the bottle, which is wasteful and inefficient. The saver bottle is adapted to waste less of its liquid contents, and may include a sump, a sloped internal lower surface, a pumping mechanism accessible from the outside of the bottle, and a suction straw. The suction straw may terminate in a flared suction bell, and may extend into the sump. The sloped internal lower surface may be sized to maximize the internal volume of the bottle while still ensuring that any liquids the bottle is intended to house may freely drain into the sump at the bottom of the bottle.

Abstract: A package of web material for hygiene products, for use in a dispenser, including: a stack including web material being folded about transverse folding lines, thereby providing panels having a length along said folding lines, and a width perpendicular to said folding lines, said panels being piled on top of each other to form a height of said stack, such that said stack outlines a rectangular parallelepiped, and forming six outer surfaces, including the folded edges of the web material, and a wrapper extending at least over said height direction, so as to maintain the integrity of the stack during transport and storage thereof. The wrapper includes an opening feature for predetermined opening of the package, and said package is configured to be openable such that the wrapper is removable from the integrity of the stack while the stack is resting on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A wipe dispenser includes: a stack of wipes; a storage body provided with a take-out hole member that enables a wipe to be pulled out from a take-out hole; and a lid that can close and open the take-out hole from the outside. An orifice member, in which an orifice is formed for applying resistance to the wipe when the wipe is pulled out from the take-out hole, is provided between the take-out hole member and the stack of wipes; and the orifice of the orifice member is configured to move to a deeper side of the storage body according to an amount by which a bulk of the stack of wipes is reduced as a result of the wipes being pulled out from the take-out hole. The orifice member is supported by the take-out hole member and biased toward the deeper side of the storage body.

Abstract: A ridable toilet training device teaches young children to use a toilet. The device includes a frame having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of lateral walls. Each of the front and rear walls and the pair of lateral walls is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. An interior of the frame defines a receptacle. A plurality of wheels is rotatably coupled to the bottom wall. The plurality of wheels includes a front wheel assembly positioned near the front wall and a rear wheel assembly positioned near the rear wall. A hole is positioned in the top wall and extends around the receptacle. A bowl is positionable in the receptacle. The bowl has a lower wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the lower wall wherein the bowl receives waste products therein.

Abstract: A support device is disclosed that solves the problem of conventional toilet seats lacking proper back and neck support for individuals with back and neck ailments. The support device provides a portable and adjustable toilet seat back and neck support device comprising a lumbar support portion, an adjustment portion and a neck support portion. The lumbar support portion is designed relieve pressure on the lower back. The adjustment portion connects the lumbar support portion and the neck support portion and provides an adjustment means for proper alignment of the spine. When in use the device is affixed to a toilet seat lid cover via fastening-loop material disposed on the lumbar support portion. When not in use the device is designed to be collapsible for discreet storage.

Abstract: A portable surface cleaning apparatus, such as a hand vacuum cleaner, having a cyclone and a cleaner body, wherein a pre-motor filter is positioned in the air flow passage upstream from the suction motor and, when the cyclone and the cleaner body are separated, the pre-motor filter remains in position and access to the pre-motor filter is provided.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner with one or more features, such as a top opening rigid container, a headlight, a replaceable power cord a motor housing suspended within the vacuum to reduce noise and/or vibration a clutch assembly with a RPM sensor, and/or one or more filter plates to improve airflow.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt separating and collecting system. The dirt separating and collecting system can include an air-permeable filter material, and a helical inlet guide. Dirt entering the helical inlet guide within a working airstream is visible to the user through an at least partially transparent housing.

Abstract: An air shower system, as described herein, is for use with a dust collector having an intake vacuum. The system includes a chamber having at least one vacuum orifice and at least one air blade orifice. The intake vacuum is functionally connected to the vacuum orifice(s). At least one air blade is created when the intake vacuum draws air from the exterior of the chamber into the interior of the chamber through the air blade orifice(s). The air blade(s) may be used for dislodging contaminants from an occupant within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum cleaner filter bag comprising a first filter layer and a second filter layer, wherein the first filter layer is arranged upstream of the second filter layer in air flow direction, and wherein the first filter layer has at least 3 and at most 25 individual plies, especially at least 5 and at most 15 individual plies, wherein each individual ply is a dry-laid nonwoven having a basis weight of 5 g/m2 to 50 g/m2, especially having a basis weight of 8 g/m2 to 30 g/m2.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus, such as a vacuum cleaner, having a wireless communication and control system including two or more wireless radio frequency communication devices configured to transmit and receive control instructions and responses to control the operation of various electrical components disposed within or attached to the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A method of controlling a robot cleaner includes recognizing information on a monitoring standby position by a robot cleaner, moving to the monitoring standby position at a monitoring start time by the robot cleaner, acquiring an image, by an image acquisition unit of the robot cleaner, at the monitoring standby position, determining whether an event has occurred, by the robot cleaner, based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit, transmitting the image acquired by the image acquisition unit to an external remote terminal when it is determined that the event occurred.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot cleaner and a method for controlling the same, capable of controlling a travelling or cleaning pattern of a robot cleaner in accordance with extension and retraction operations of an auxiliary cleaning tool to perform an efficient cleaning operation. The robot cleaner includes a plurality of auxiliary cleaning units mounted to a bottom of the robot cleaner such that the auxiliary cleaning units are extendable and retractable, and a control unit to extend the auxiliary cleaning units while travelling in a wall tracing manner along the periphery of the cleaning region and/or when an obstacle is sensed, and to retract the auxiliary cleaning units while the robot cleaner travels in an inner portion of the cleaning region when traveling of the periphery of the cleaning region is finished.