Abstract: An improved bench system formed of a pair of side frames having a main body portion, a front leg portion, a rear leg potion and a back portion. The side frames having a plurality of openings therein the have a flange that extend into the openings, the openings sized and shaped to receive planks from a first side and end caps from a second side. The end caps include a step that is sized and shaped to receive the flanges in the openings thereby preventing the planks from being pulled through the openings unintentionally. The benches can be themed by making the side frames one color and the end caps another color and adding an emblem to a recessed panel in the side frames. As such an improved bench that is safe and easy to assemble is presented.

Abstract: An ottoman linkage is provided that moves a footrest from a closed position to an extended position. The ottoman linkage includes a front ottoman link coupled to a seat mounting plate, and an outside ottoman link pivotally coupled to the front ottoman link. A rear ottoman link is coupled to the seat mounting plate and the outside ottoman link. An inside ottoman link is pivotally coupled on a first end to the front ottoman link, and pivotally coupled on a second end to a footrest bracket, the inside ottoman link being generally in-line with the outside ottoman link when the mechanism is in an extended position, and the outside ottoman link having a width that obscures the inside ottoman link from view.

Abstract: The convertible sofa-bed includes a base, a sliding and pivoting seat, a fold-out extension pivotally connected to the seat, and a fold-down seat back pivotally mounted to the base. The seat is pivotally connected to a pair of slides that ride on side rails mounted to the base, which allow the seat to be manually shifted between a horizontal seat position over base and a horizontal bed position spaced from the base. The seat is also pivotally connected to the slide by a ball joint that allows the seat to pivot upward so that the extension can be unfolded from beneath the seat. The ball joint connection between the slides and seat frame prevents the seat from binding when shifted between the seat position and the bed position even if the seat is not perfectly square with respect to the side rails as it is manually lifted and moved.

Abstract: A connection system for use in joining structural members of a bed frame together. One of the structural members has a wedge and the other of the structural members has a cavity formed in a receiver. The wedge has a plurality of exterior surfaces that contact with a plurality of interior surfaces formed in the cavity. There may be four interior and exterior surfaces of the wedge and receiver and at least two of the surfaces taper inwardly in the downward direction. The interfitting of the wedge into the receiver make a solid connection that is enhanced by weight of the bedding positioned thereon. The connection resists twisting forces as well as lateral and fore and aft forces.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus to receive a person in repose is in the present application. The apparatus to receive a person in repose includes a base portion including a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces. Also, a first relief area and a second relief area each within a sub-portion of the top surface and extending from a side surface to toward a longitudinal axis are included. The first relief area and the second relief area each corresponds to a volume including an adjustable relief apparatus that is separately adjustable from the top surface not within the relief area to provide adjustable relief relative to the top surface that is not within the relief area.

Abstract: Efficient systems and methods for inflating, deflating, or simultaneously inflating and deflating air mattress chambers using various pump and pump housing configurations are provided. Examples of the various pump and pump housing configurations include: boundary-layer pumps having single disk array or multiple disk array layouts, different disk geometries, different pressure recovery chamber geometries, adjustable components for switching between filling and powered dumping operations, and reversible and non-reversible motors; and pump housings having one or more dump channels for manifold-driven powered dumping, multiple sides or stages for pressure and/or flow compounding, various manifold chamber configurations for robust connectivity with air mattresses having multiple chambers, and various valve configurations for flexible control over filling, powered dumping, and simultaneous filling and powered dumping operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion having embedded automatically-charging air tubes and a method for manufacturing same, and more specifically, to a cushion having embedded automatically-charging air tubes usable as cushioning material in bedding including beds and pillows, and various seats, and to a method for manufacturing the cushion having embedded automatically-charging air tubes. The present invention intends to provide the cushion having embedded automatically-charging air tubes and the method for manufacturing same, by arranging air tubes uniformly spaced apart inside a cavity of a mold for manufacturing a cushion, and foam-molding by injecting a cushion material inside the cavity in the mold, so that the cushion material surrounds the air tubes while integrally adhering to the outer surface of the air tubes.

Abstract: A frame height adjusting mechanism is adapted for a frame including an inner pipe and an outer pipe sheathing on the inner pipe. A fixing hole is formed on one of the inner pipe and the outer pipe. A plurality of positioning holes is formed on the other one of the inner pipe and the outer pipe. The frame height adjusting mechanism includes a driving member which is slidably disposed on the inner pipe or the outer pipe where the fixing hole is formed and includes at least one first inclined surface, and at least one engaging member which is slidably disposed on the driving member and passing through the fixing hole to insert into one of the plurality of positioning holes. The at least one first inclined surface pushes the at least one engaging member to disengage from the corresponded positioning hole when the driving member slides upwardly.

Abstract: A childcare device including a base in the shape of a closed loop; a cavity bounded and defined by the closed loop; and wherein the device is adapted to receive a part of a child's body through the cavity; and the base is independently usable as a baby sling, a walking aid or a seat safety strap.

Abstract: An improved baby carrier is disclosed that includes a monopod leg coupled to a sitting element for supporting the weight of a baby or toddler. In some implementations, the baby carrier includes a detachable sitting element coupled to the monopod leg to support the carrying load and an attachment harness to attach the sitting element and monopod leg to a carrying individual. The monopod leg can be telescopic and include controls for coarse and fine height adjustment of the sitting element, covering a range from, for example, below to above the waist level of the carrying individual. The attachment harness securely attaches the sitting element and monopod leg to a waistband worn by the carrying individual using an attachment cable. In some implementations, the attachment harness can include a baby waistband that attaches to the waistband and/or shoulder straps worn by the carrying individual using attachment cables and clips.

Abstract: A bodily support assembly for securely holding an infant in a play station includes the play station structured to contain the infant. A first support is structured to be positioned within the play station. A second support is structured to be positioned around the infant. The second support is positioned within the first support. The infant is securely held within the play station. A head rest is structured to prevent backwards tipping of the infant's head while the infant is positioned within the play station.

Abstract: A model and method for attaching an object to a railing is provided that serves to attach securely to a universal array of slats and spindles without causing damage thereto. The model and method has a clamp that is configured for attaching to the slats or spindles of a railing with jam plates that are covered by a non-abrasive material. A lightweight yet strong tubular body protrudes from the top of the clamp, and a strategically angled, lightweight and strong rod protrudes from the top of the tower. It is from the free end of the strategically angled rod that an object may be hung.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing damage to products in a display case is disclosed. The display case includes a normally black transparent liquid crystal display (LCD) which is positioned between a front and rear glass of the door. A controller is electrically connected to the LCD which drives the LCD according to transparency data. The transparency data comprises various transparency levels for the LCD depending on the time of day.

Abstract: A refrigerated sales furniture (2) comprises a base (4) provided at the bottom of the refrigerated sales furniture (2); a goods presentation space (10) comprising a front portion allowing access to the goods presentation space (10) and an opposing rear portion; wherein the goods presentation space (10) includes a bottom area (12) located next to the base (4); and a cold air channel (48) located next to the rear portion of the goods presentation space (10) comprising a lower portion (54) arranged next to the bottom area (12) of the goods presentation space (10) and having an opening (18) fluidly connecting the cold air channel (48) with the bottom area (12) of the goods presentation space (10) for allowing cold air to flow from the lower portion (54) of the cold air channel (48) into the bottom area (12) of the goods presentation space (10). The opening (18) is provided as a single opening (18) extending substantially over the whole height and width of the bottom area (12), respectively.

Abstract: A storage and display case comprising an at least partially transparent housing dimensioned to receive at least one article to be displayed; a door attached to the housing, the door configured to open and close; a channel configured to receive an air filter; one or more feet on a bottom of the housing; and one or more receiving members on a top of the housing, the one or more receiving members configured to accept one or more feet of another storage and display case allowing multiple storage and display cases to be stacked stably.

Abstract: A product display shelf including a product-supporting surface and at least one arm is disclosed. The at least one arm is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the product-supporting surface, and is movable from a first position where a securing surface of the at least one arm is facing proximally to a second position where the securing surface of the at least one arm is facing distally.

Abstract: A modular display unit can be configured as a counter top display unit or a floor stand display unit. The display unit includes a first tray and a second tray disposed over and spaced apart from the first tray. Vertical support members are disposed between the first and second trays and include side panels and rear panels hingedly coupled to the side panels. The vertical support members also include lower tabs engaging associated receiving slots of the first tray and upper tabs engaging associated receiving slots of the second tray.

Abstract: A product presentation display having at least one shelf configured to directly support at least one product and a control circuit configured to monitor at least one person's interaction with the at least one product.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. All of the embodiments relate to articles useful for bridal party members. The embodiments include a bride's flower holder with an integral storage compartment, a ring bearer's pillow with integral back pack and a flower girl's flower bouquet with an integral storage compartment.

Abstract: A positional pillow includes an elongate back support and an L-shaped pillow portion for supporting a side-sleeper in a comfortable lateral position. The elongate back support includes a resiliently flexible insert disposed within a cushioning wrap. The L-shaped pillow includes a head section extending from one end of the back support, and an elongate body section extending perpendicularly generally parallel to the elongate back support.

Abstract: A covering pad for tables, in particular for gaming tables, suitable to be associated to a table top, is shaped so as to substantially match the shape of the top and includes a surface cloth bonded to a cushioning mat. In particular, the pad also includes a semi-rigid support panel, bondable to the surface of the cushioning mat opposite to the one on which the surface cloth is bonded so that the cushioning mat and the surface cloth are maintained stretched when the pad is coupled to the table top.

Abstract: The present invention is a food plate that has weakening lines near the edge of the plate. The weakening lines define removable areas on the food plate. A person can use the present invention as a traditional food plate to hold a plate of food. He or she also can use the unique features of the present invention. By detaching the removable sections defined by the weakening lines, a user can create recesses on the food plate. The user can then put his or her index finger and thumb into the recesses to hold a drink on the top surface of the food plate, and use his or her other fingers to support the food plate from the bottom of the plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lid assembly for a drinking container, the lid assembly comprising a drinking orifice, a gas vent, and a mechanism to ensure that the drinking orifice can be opened only after the gas vent is opened. Furthermore, the present invention provides a lid assembly for a drinking container, which lid assembly allows for easy disassembling for purposes such as cleaning the inside of the lid assembly.

Abstract: A non-spill collar and valve assembly having a collar and a seal. The collar comprising an internal wall having a support surface and one or more passage therethrough. The internal wall having a frustoconical shape with an open upper end that extends downward and inwardly into a closed lower end with a projection extending outward therefrom and a fastener assembly provided opposite the internal wall. The internal wall further comprises a support surface provided along an inner surface of the open upper end having one or more protrusions disposed radially adjacent to the support surface defining one or more channels. One or more passages are disposed through the internal wall to channel a fluid at a desired flow rate. The seal has a first surface substantially similar to a shape of the internal wall is also provided. The seal has a blind bore recess on a lower surface for receiving and securing the projection therein.

Abstract: An aroma-enhanced eating system can include an absorbent pad, an aromatic liquid for being at least partially absorbed into the absorbent pad, and a utensil that has an aroma-diffusing section with a retention mechanism for removably retaining the absorbent pad. The aroma-diffusing section can be configured to engage the absorbent pad to provide an exposed surface area of the absorbent pad and a covered area of the absorbent pad, the exposed area of the absorbent pad being configured to enable a portion of the aromatic liquid to vaporize and diffuse in gaseous phase that is above a detection threshold to a user during use of the utensil for consumption of food. An aroma-enhanced utensil, a method of providing an aroma during consumption of food, and an aroma-enhancement kit are also described.

Abstract: A food utensil having a handle portion and a food engagement portion, the food engagement portion includes one or more member(s) disposed about the periphery of the food engagement portion, whereby the one or more member(s) define a food engagement region. The utensil is suitable for use by young children.

Abstract: A container holder includes: a case having a support opening and a pair of attachment walls arranged on both side portions of the support opening; a support member; and a spring member. Each attachment wall has a spring attachment portion protruding in a direction being away from the support opening, an upper stopper groove being located at a level higher than that of the spring attachment portion, and a lower stopper groove being located at a level lower than that of the spring attachment portion. The support member has an upper stopper protrusion detachably latched in the upper stopper groove, and a lower stopper protrusion detachably latched in the lower stopper groove. The spring member formed of a double torsion spring is pivotally supported by the spring attachment portion, and the support member is held between the attachment wall and the spring member.

Abstract: A liftable container holder of the present invention includes a case part that defines a receiving space therein and has an opening of the receiving space, an outer cylinder part that is disposed in the receiving space and reciprocatingly movable through the opening in an outward direction of the receiving space, an inner cylinder part that is disposed in the receiving space and reciprocatingly movable through the opening in an inward direction of the receiving space, and a lifting part that displaces the inner cylinder part and the outer cylinder part in directions different from each other. The lifting part has a link member including a one-end part connected to the outer cylinder part, an other-end part connected to the inner cylinder part, and a rotating support part rotatably supported in the case part between the one-end part and the other-end part.

Abstract: The Bottle Buddy is a new product to help keep bottled beverages cold while allowing them to stand firmly on a flat surface and also fit firmly in today's modern cup or drink holders. The Bottle Buddy is buoyant so if dropped in water it floats whether bottle is full of fluid or empty. The main improvement to current products on the market is the fact that the Bottle Buddy stands on the bottle's own firm base and also allows for a firm grasp inside a cup holder. It provides for a nice comfortable grip on the beverage and provides floatation if dropped into the water while a bottle is inside the Bottle Buddy.

Abstract: A transport box configured for being transformable into a lap tray, which includes a compartment defined by opposite side walls, a front wall opposite a rear wall, and a bottom, with the walls delimiting an opening opposite the bottom for accessing the compartment, the opening having a circumferential edge which is defined by opposite upper edges of the side walls, an upper edge of the rear wall and an upper edge of the front wall, and a lid for the opening comprising at least a first lid part extending from the circumferential edge of the opening. The bottom has a front wall edge and a rear wall edge, which rear wall edge is shorter than the front wall edge, and the first lid part is configured for being folded or pivoted away from the opening in a transformed state of the transport box to serve as a lap tray.

Abstract: A fashion accessory and a method of operating a zipper are provided. The fashion accessory includes a flexible elongated element, a hook, and an attachment point disposed on the flexible elongated element. The fashion accessory is convertable between a configuration for wearing and a configuration for operating the zipper. The method involves wearing the fashion accessory in a configuration and converting the fashion accessory to allow the fashion accessory to engage a zipper.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a surround is disclosed for obscuring a support base. The surround includes a first panel, and a discrete second panel selectively connectable to the first panel such that the surround is positionable in relation to the support base to obscure the support base. In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a surround is disclosed that includes a panel having opposed first and second ends, and a deformable material permitting the surround to be reconfigured between first and second configurations, as well as a discrete connector, e.g., an adhesive strip, that is selectively connectable to the panel to releasably fix the first and second ends of the panel in relation to each other to assist in maintaining the second configuration of the panel.

Abstract: A Magnetic Shower Drape and Liner comprising: a drape of fabric with the dimensions of a bathtub and/or shower stall, with a magnetized upper flap and or flaps, and left and right magnetized lower flaps. The magnets on the upper flap(s) of the drape form two parallel, aligned rows; a row on the outer border and a row on the inner border of the upper flap of the drape that fasten when the magnets of the outer border of the upper flap(s) of the drape fold(s) over a horizontal rod and aligns with the magnets on the inner border of the upper flap of the drape, holding the drape in position on a horizontal rod. The outer and inner borders of the right and left flaps are lined vertically with magnets that align and fasten, holding the drape open and or closed at the inner border of the right and left lower flaps, preventing the splashing of water from a bathtub and or shower stall while in use.

Abstract: A portable steam-producing apparatus is disclosed. Methods of making and using portable steam-producing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An egg cooking insert can be used with a cooking device having a lower cooking plate and an upper cooking plate connected to the lower plate with a floating hinge, with the egg cooking insert including a base portion having an upper surface defining a cooking surface. A wall extends upwardly about a periphery of the upper surface to define a cavity above the cooking surface. The base portion may have a thickness greater than a thickness of the wall. A bottom surface of the base portion may be angled with respect to the cooking surface. A plurality of grooves may be formed in the bottom surface of the base portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dosing powdered coffee into a coffee maker having a filter made of paper or synthetic fibre in the form of a truncated cone or with a flat bottom, characterised in that the graduations of the dosing level are projected onto the coffee filter by means of the illuminating light, and a graduated mask.

Abstract: A beverage making machine may employ a mixing chamber to mix a beverage medium with a precursor liquid, such as carbonated water. The mixing chamber may have a precursor liquid inlet coupled to a precursor liquid supply, a beverage medium chamber to receive a beverage medium into the beverage medium chamber, and a dispense outlet from which beverage medium and precursor liquid are dispensed, e.g., into a user's cup. The beverage medium chamber may include a chamber inlet coupled to the precursor liquid inlet, e.g., so precursor liquid can enter the chamber when a pressure is low in the beverage medium chamber, and a chamber outlet downstream of the chamber inlet that is coupled to the dispense outlet, e.g., so that beverage medium can exit the chamber.

Abstract: A beverage making machine may include a cartridge holder to hold a cartridge used to form a beverage. The cartridge holder may include a lower portion arranged to receive and hold the cartridge and a movable upper portion arranged to clamp the cartridge in place. The cartridge holder may be arranged to hold upper and lower compartments of the cartridge in spaces having a different pressure, e.g., an upper compartment of the cartridge may be held under relatively high pressure, and a lower compartment may be held in a space at ambient pressure. The cartridge holder may pierce upper and/or lower compartments of the cartridge to introduce activating fluid and/or receive carbonating gas from the upper compartment, and/or to introduced pressurized air into the lower compartment to force beverage medium to exit.

Abstract: The beverage producing system comprises a beverage producing machine (1) and a jug (3). The beverage producing machine (1) is provided with a steam nozzle (41) and the jug (3) is provided with a steam duct (25) having a steam inlet end (25A) designed and arranged for connection to the steam nozzle (41). The steam nozzle (41) is housed in a recess (11) having an entry aperture (35), a bottom wall (39) and an upper ceiling (38). The steam nozzle (41) is arranged at the bottom wall (39) of the recess (11) and is oriented towards the upper ceiling (45). The steam inlet end (25A) of the steam duct (25) projects from the jug (3), such that a connection between the steam nozzle (41) and the steam duct (25) is established by introducing the steam inlet end (25A) in the recess (11) and by lowering the jug (3) until a fluid connection is established between the steam nozzle (41) and the steam inlet end (25A) of the steam duct (25).

Abstract: A heating device with an alarm function includes an alarm unit, an input module, a heating unit, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The input module is used for setting a target temperature and an alarm activation time. The heating unit is used for heating a container. The temperature sensor is used for sensing a current temperature of the container. The controller controls the heating unit to heat the container when a current time reaches a predetermined time previous to the alarm activation time. The controller selectively controls the heating unit to stop heating the container or keep the current temperature at the target temperature when the current temperature reaches the target temperature or when the current time reaches the alarm activation time. The controller controls the alarm unit to output an alarm when the current time reaches the alarm activation time.

Abstract: A programmable controlled intelligent cooking machine comprises: a housing and a wok arranged inside of the housing, electromagnetic heating coils, a wok rotating device, a wok working position controlling device, a wok lid and a wok lid controlling device, an electromagnetic heating controlling device, an ingredient feeding device, an accessory ingredient adding device, a dish discharging device, a wok washing device and a control device, wherein the electromagnetic heating coils wind around the external wall of the wok and heat the wok under the control of the electromagnetic heating controlling device; the wok working position controlling device is used for driving the wok to rotate to respective working positions to perform respective operations; the electrical control device is used for receiving preset recipe commands and sending corresponding control commands; the other devices are connected with the control device respectively so as to receive control commands.

Abstract: A catalytic heating system for heating a beverage or food that comprises: a container for containing the beverage or food and a catalytic combustion assembly for heating the container, with the catalytic combustion assembly comprising a fuel supply assembly having a fuel canister for supplying a fuel gas having a stoichiometric ratio of about 15 to an air mixing injector for injecting the fuel gas into an elongate sidewall enclosure having curved shape and defining an enclosed catalytic combustion chamber where a catalytic combustion process is generated, causing the complete combustion of all of the fuel gas and heating the container containing the beverage or food.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modular grilling frame comprising in one example a thermally conductive frame having a longitudinal dimension, a transverse dimension, and a lowermost portion forming a perimeter foot. The modular grilling frame may also provide a transverse divider extending between opposing sides of the perimeter foot. The transverse divider in one example having: a first longitudinal side and a longitudinally opposing second longitudinal side. Also provided in one example is a thermally conductive grilling surface extending between the first longitudinal side of the transverse divider and the portion of the perimeter foot facing the first longitudinal side of the transverse divider. Generally, at least one area bounded by the perimeter foot vertically unobstructed bounded by a surface defining an insert shelf for fitting of a grilling surface such as a griddle panel, grilling panel, perforated plate or mesh panel.

Abstract: A portable grinder for herb or vegetative material comprises a top section having a motor and disc with a plurality of top grinding knives protruding downward, a middle section having a plurality of bottom grinding knives protruding upward and a plurality of apertures, and a bottom section. In one embodiment, ground material is discharged through apertures in the middle section, where the size is regulated by a screen, and/or is retained in the middle section until the top section is removed. In a further embodiment, the grinder may be operated electrically or manually.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen appliance (1), in particular a mixer, comprising a housing (2), a heat source (3), in particular a motor or a device electronics, and a cooling device (4).

Abstract: The invention initially relates to a method for preparing a food (4) by means of a kitchen appliance, which is driven by electric motor, wherein a food (4) contained in a mixing vessel (3) of the kitchen appliance is processed, in particular comminuted, by means of a mixer (2), which is preferably embodied as set of blades. For an advantageous improvement, in particular with regard to an improved processing success, it is proposed for the mixer (2), in a preparation phase, which precedes the processing of the food (4), to be moved into a second direction of rotation, which is opposite to a first direction of rotation (y) provided for processing the food (4), wherein the mixer (2) is subsequently moved into the first direction of rotation for processing the food (4) in a work phase.

Abstract: The disclosed technology comprises a single utensil used for cutting and serving food that has a common handle attached to a knife section and a separate spatula section. Levers and springs are used to separate these sections so that the utensil serves as tongs.

Abstract: A universal pot cover holder with spoon rest is an apparatus capable of placing hot dripping pot covers without having them on the counter top. A unit that sits the pot cover upright and also can accommodate up to two pot covers at same time and two stirring spoons. A unit that will bring organization around the stove, eliminate counter mess, accommodates any pot cover with any knob or handle. Unit is one continuous welded apparatus with the exception of a removable glass bowl.

Abstract: A safety pocket device for attaching and storing kitchen utensils, commercial and noncommercial, and a method of using the same are disclosed herein. It is an object of the invention to store kitchen utensils in a safe and sanitary manner to prevent dangerous conditions that result from dripping fluids and foods. In an embodiment, the safety pocket device generally is comprised of a main body portion having an opening for receiving kitchen utensils such as tongs and a fluid capture portion. The fluid capture portion may be permanently fixed to said main body portion, able to be opened, or may be detachable from said main body portion. In another embodiment, the safety pocket device is further comprised of an attachment portion. The attachment portion provides the means for attaching the safety pocket device to a user or other object such as a kitchen counter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bidet for infants and children, and more particularly relates to a bidet for infants and children which is adapted so as to maintain a clean state by ensuring that there is minimal sticking, to a bathing chair, of feces and urine sticking to the buttocks of the infant or child, and so as to allow the infant or child to be safely washed with two hands because not only the back and neck but also the buttocks of the infant or child are comfortably cradled such that the infant or child does not slip.