Abstract: A padded support for workmen, sportsmen, hobbyists and the like who perform activities in a seated and/or kneeling position for a sustained period of time. The support includes a combined seat and knee board mountable to a container, such as a utility bucket. A recessed groove on the bottom of the support is concentric with the container and mounts to an end of the container.

Abstract: A seat storage assembly includes a seating unit to support a user. The seat storage assembly includes a storage unit including a storage space, and a rail system that mounts to the storage unit. The rail system includes a first rail having a first sliding slot, and a second rail having a second sliding slot and extending in parallel with the first rail.

Abstract: A backpack assembly that includes a backpack adapted to carry sports equipment with a foldable seat and roller segment secured thereto. The backpack has an internal bag frame to support the sports equipment. The backpack also has a sports-ball-securing segment and an insulated pouch for food and beverages. The foldable seat is secured to the bag frame to provide a seat that can fold out for the participant or spectator to sit upon. The roller segment automatically engages such that the bag can be tipped and rolled by the participant or spectator when the foldable seat is stored. When the foldable seat is deployed, the roller segment automatically disengages to provide a stable platform for the seat.

Abstract: A kneeling pad is provided. The kneeling pad comprises a flexible pad a having an upper surface, a first end, a second end, and a thickness. The first end comprises a raised hump that extends laterally and across the pad, whereby the raised hump forms a raised radius to support the feet and lower legs of a kneeling user. The raised hump has a convex upper surface that is adapted to press against the lower leg and foot upper of a kneeling user's feet, thereby placing the user's feet in a plantar flexion position and raising the toes of a user above the ground. Overall, the device provides cushion and supports a user's feet in such a way to reduce pressure on the toes of a kneeling user.

Abstract: Seating furniture includes seating units arranged next to each other. A first seating unit comprises a first seating unit seat part and a first seating unit back part. The second seating unit comprises a second seating unit seat part, a second seating unit back part which is adjustable relative to the second seating unit seat part between a sitting position and a storage position, and an adjusting mechanism. The second seating unit back part comprises a rear side which forms a storage surface, a first storage plate, and a second storage plate. The first storage plate and the second storage plate together form the storage surface in the storage position. The adjusting mechanism moves the first storage plate and the second storage plate relative to each other between the sitting position and the storage position. The adjusting mechanism is active when the second seating unit back part is adjusted.

Abstract: A convertible furniture piece is disclosed, having a bed configuration, desk configuration, and couch configuration. The furniture includes an outer frame that houses a bed frame and desk, along with the mechanism for raising and lowering the bed frame and desk. The outer frame, bed frame, and desk are interconnected such that the bed frame and desk transition together between a bed configuration, where the desk sits directly below the bed frame, and desk configuration, where the bed frame is stored vertically, while keeping the desk level with the floor. The furniture may be converted to a couch by repositioning a foldable mattress topper as a backrest against the outer frame while the bed frame is horizontal. The furniture may further comprise a bed frame extension, allowing the foldable mattress topper to be repositioned as a second mattress alongside a first mattress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fittings and an interior conduit to providing a continuous air flow path from a vertical wall of the box spring to a horizontal surface of the box spring to selectively supply to an inflatable volume integrated into a top surface of the box spring. Fittings are provided on a vertical wall for connection to an external source of air. Another set of fittings are provided on a top surface of the box spring for connection to an inflatable bladder. A conduit inside the box spring is connected to an interior nozzle on each of the fittings to provide a continuous flow path from the fittings on the vertical to the fittings on the horizontal surface. The side wall fittings allow an external source of air to be supported or alternatively provide a stable connection for a conduit. With such a configuration, a mattress being supported by a box spring can be maneuvered under the influence of the inflatable bladder without affecting the external source of air.

Abstract: A leg assembly includes a first leg member and second leg member each having side-to-side width that is greater at the top end than the bottom end and a tapered outer surface. The second leg member has top-to-bottom length different than the top-to-bottom length of the first leg member. The leg members are adapted to connect individually or in combination to a support system such that at least three leg heights are selectably provided. The side-to-side width of the top end of the second leg member is approximately equal to the side-to-side width of the bottom end of the first leg member such that when the top end of the second leg members is connected to the bottom end of the first leg member, the combined leg members have a generally continuously tapered outer surface.

Abstract: A cover sheet for covering a mattress includes a body having a pair of opposite side edge portions; and an elongate receptacle located along each of the opposite side edge portions for holding a respective elongate positioning member. Each of the elongate receptacles includes an opening dimensioned for insertion of the elongate positioning member through the opening and into the receptacle. A cover sheet positioning system includes at least two elongate positioning members for use on opposite side edge portions of a cover sheet, and that are subjected to a downward force to maintain a cover sheet flat on a mattress protected by the cover sheet.

Abstract: An item of seating furniture includes a basic frame comprising a rear wall, at least one seat part arranged on the basic frame, at least one back part connected to the rear wall of the basic frame, and a plug receptacle integrated in the rear wall or in the at least one back part. The at least one back part is configured to be adjusted between a seated position in which the at least one back part is upright, and a folded-forward position in which the at least one back part is folded-forward. The plug receptacle is arranged to be concealed in the seated position and to be accessible in the folded-forward position.

Abstract: An airbed system includes: an air mattress comprising one or more air chambers; an adjustable base comprising one or more articulation points; and a pump connected to the one or more air chambers of the air mattress; and a control system, wherein the control system is configured to: control the adjustable base to perform an articulation operation; and while the articulation operation is ongoing, control the pump to inflate or deflate the one or more air chambers of the air mattress based on the articulation operation being performed.

Abstract: A mattress can include one or more layers of foam material, an adjustable air layer including an air bladder, and a valve. The valve can be fluidically connected to the air bladder and configured to regulate pressure of the air bladder in response to actuation. Some embodiments can include a foam material positioned inside the air bladder.

Abstract: An enclosure for enclosing an area including a frame and a canopy assembly. The frame includes an upper laterally-extending support, a first upstanding support coupled to a first end of the upper support, and a second upstanding support coupled to a second end of the upper support. The upper support is length-adjustable. The canopy assembly is connectable to the frame for defining an enclosed area, and includes a plurality of collars removably connectable to the frame, and at least one panel holdable in a plane defined by the supports of the frame. The circumference of at least one such collar is adjustable so that when the length of the upper support is adjusted, the collar circumference can be adjusted to accommodate the change in length.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portably suspended retractable shelf for storing bedside items and which includes a horizontal platform having an inner portion and an outer portion. In various embodiments, the inner portion is adapted to be slidably captured between a mattress and a mattress supporting structure. At least one of the following upward-facing compartments is disposed on the outer portion of the horizontal platform and is accessible to a user on the mattress: a collapsible basin, a hanging flexible pocket, a foldable box. The compartments are collapsible for allowing the horizontal platform to be slidably retracted under the mattress. A cutout hole is configured to hold a cup or other object in a suspended configuration through the shelf. A downward-facing sliding drawer compartment of various sizes is mounted and/or supported underneath the outer portion of the shelf. A storage container extends from a leading surface of the portable suspended retractable shelf. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A restaurant and public eating area high chair is a high chair intended for use by infants and small children in restaurants and public eating areas. A restaurant and public eating area high chair consists of two front legs, two back legs, a seat, a backrest, a front bar, and side rails that are high enough to keep the child from falling off of the seat. The collapsible restaurant and public eating area high chair is comprised of the same parts as prior art restaurant and public eating area high chairs, but is built in such a way so that it can fold flat. Folding flat makes the restaurant and public eating area high chair easy to carry, easy to store, and safer to use than prior art restaurant and public eating area high chairs.

Abstract: A children's play yard including a structural support frame and a liner for attachment to the structural support frame. The structural support frame includes corner posts and cross-members extending between the corner posts to define a periphery of the frame. The liner includes wall panels extending between corner posts of the frame on an interior side of the periphery of the frame, and at least one attachment flap for attachment around a corner post on an exterior side of the periphery of the frame.

Abstract: A bed tent kit to provide a removable enclosure over a bed mattress includes a foundation sheet having a first edge region and adapted for placement between the bed mattress and a supporting structure beneath the bed mattress. The foundation sheet includes a plurality of first attachment mechanisms spaced apart along the first edge region of the foundation sheet. A set of support poles has free pole ends each adapted for attachment to the foundation sheet by a respective one of the first attachment mechanisms. The set of support poles presents a framework above the mattress when the free pole ends are attached to the foundation sheet. A canopy sheet has a second edge region and a plurality of second attachment mechanisms spaced apart along the second edge region. The canopy sheet is adapted to rest over the framework when the set of support poles are attached to the foundation sheet.

Abstract: The present invention includes an adjustable pocket that stretches to accommodate many types of seats. The invention is sized to fit over seats associated with infant swings, bouncers, carriers, strollers and the like. The adjustable pocket includes a mechanism for securely holding an infant in the seat and eliminates the inconvenience of various seat straps.

Abstract: A hygienic automatic electric utensil dispenser for use in eating establishments such as hospitals, schools, or other areas where large number of people are eating food in a central area. The dispenser can be refilled using prepackaged stacked plastic utensil in a self-sealing plastic bags without the user ever touching the utensil during the refilling process. The dispenser delivers the utensil in a sanitary method using a plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A glycol pan chiller is configured in a unique cylinder form factor that achieves new efficiencies in power savings and cooling. A new cylindrical cooling assembly comprises three concentrically disposed cylinders attached together at their respective top ends to create an upper lip area 219 or shelf area that provides top end insulation and a useful shelf area. The concentrically disposed cylinders define an outward void for insulation, a middle void for refrigerant tubing and retained refrigerant or cooling fluid such as glycol and an inner void 224 for food storage and food cooling. Food cooled within the inner void is not dried out as heat transfer occurs without blowing air within the inner void.

Abstract: An insulated glass enclosure for a refrigerated display case includes a glass top panel, a glass front panel, and two glass side panels. The front panel and the side panels each include spaced inner and outer glass panes. The upper edges of the front panel and the side panels are bonded to the top panel; and the front edges of the side panels are bonded to the front panel. A spacer is bonded between the free edges of the inner and outer glass panes of the front panel and the side panels to complete the insulated glass panels.

Abstract: A showcase includes: a case main body; and article mounting shelves that mount articles as objects to be stored. The showcase causes the articles to be visually recognized through a customer serving face. Each of the article mounting shelves includes: a pair of brackets supported by a pair of shelf columns; and a shelf board. Each of the brackets includes locking pieces that are provided with respective notches at lower ends of predetermined areas. The showcase is supported by each of the shelf columns by causing the locking pieces to be inserted into corresponding inner face locking holes formed on an inner face of each of the shelf columns and causing lower edges of the inner face locking holes to relatively enter the notches, to cause the locking pieces to be locked to the inner face locking holes.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a shelf management device that may be used to organize and secure merchandise on a retail shelf. The device can function as either a shelf divider or a fence and is reusable. The device may have a unitary structure preferably fabricated from plastic and requires no hardware or adhesive for installation. It has a unique arrangement of clips or anchors that engage the perforations formed in a shelf. The anchors may include rounded catches that fit into the perforations and engage the underside of the shelf to keep the device in place. The device can engage various shapes of perforations, including round, square, rectangular or diamond.

Abstract: A merchandising assembly includes a latch configured to attach a cooperating member to a rail supported on an associated shelf. The rail is adapted to be mounted to the associated shelf and the elongated cooperating member is configured to engage the rail. The latch includes a first end and an opposite second end, such that the first end is adapted to be attached to the cooperating member and the second end is configured to be selectively attached to the rail. The latch includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm being spaced from the second arm such that the first arm can be resiliently biased relative to the second arm. An attachment member extends from the first arm and is configured to selectively connect to the rail.

Abstract: A display hanger releasably fastenable to a tubular handle of an article of merchandise includes a display member and a hollowed sleeve fastener. The display member has a top end and a bottom end, the top end associates with a hanging member being removably supported by a stationary support member. The hollowed sleeve fastener being releaseably fastenable to the tubular handle of the article of merchandise. The sleeve fastener includes a first end coupling to the bottom end of the display member, a second end having an opening removably receiving the tubular handle, and a radial wall defining an outer diameter of a hollowed region. The radial wall being releasably fastenable to the circumferential surface of the tubular handle when the tubular handle is inserted into the hollowed region through the opening of the sleeve fastener.

Abstract: A food services accessories and consumable user products dispensing system that includes a number of interchangeable modules that selectively cooperate with interchangeable and connectable mount devices. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the material containers and/or mounting structures include an aesthetic overlay for manipulating the appearance of the dispensing system and/or configuring the dispensing system to better correlate to the aesthetic appearance of the environment.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies are provided for displaying a plurality of images, which can be mirror images of each other. The method includes providing a first display object having a first image on it and providing a second display object having a second image on it. The first and second images are mirror images of each other. The first and second display objects are positioned such that the images are displayed in a first mirrored registration. After doing so, the first and second display objects are repositioned such that the first and second images are displayed in a second mirrored registration. Assemblies can include at least one mount, a first display object having a first image disposed thereon, and a second display object having a second image disposed thereon, the images being mirror images of each other. The first and second display objects are movably attached to the mount.

Abstract: A hanger attachable to an artwork frame includes a base having an open interior and openings at each end, rim and engagement member spanning the interior of the base. A method of mounting a canvas to an artwork frame includes attaching frame members with mating beveled ends to the back of the canvas, trimming margins of the canvas, rotating the frame members and canvas margins 90 degrees such that the frame ends matingly engage one another, and securing the frame ends to one another. Loose margins of the canvas may be folded and secured to the frame and a backing member attached thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating floral arrangements by having a structure where the structure has specific locations such as openings in the structure with an insert having indicia including numbers on the insert with a respective number aligned with and visible through an aligned opening in the structure and the number corresponding with a flower and stem cut from a living plant so that the stem of the flower is inserted with the corresponding number visible through an opening in the structure so that different flowers and other floral items taken from living plants can be placed in the structure to provide a decorative floral arrangement.

Abstract: A fabric arrangement is designed to prevent skin lines, wrinkle formation, or other skin damage while improving sleep using combinations of fabrics, cooling technologies and scents. The fabric arrangement is designed with a specific fabric and material combination that create a surface in which the shear stresses causing skin lines, wrinkles, and other skin damage are eliminated. Multiple layers making up the fabric arrangement include a top layer comprising a stretchable material and a second layer comprising a low friction material relative to the top layer. Supporting the first two layer is a support layer such as foam. Lower layers may comprise a cooling material, an antimicrobial or anti-allergenic material and a scent layer.

Abstract: A vessel includes a first side and a second side, wherein at least a portion of the vessel is at least partially transparent. A plurality of brackets is coupled to the second side of the vessel. The plurality of brackets is configured to detachably retain a support base to the vessel. The support base is configured to retain an image between the support base and the second side of the vessel for allowing the image to be viewed though the portion of the vessel that is at least partially transparent. Each of the plurality of brackets has a lip portion made of a flexible material and configured to removeably retain the support base.

Abstract: An assembly includes a plate having a peripheral edge, a lower surface, and a plurality of downwardly-extending feet formed integrally to the lower surface. The assembly further includes a paddle having a handle and a blade extending from the handle. The paddle has a free position, in which the paddle is away from the plate. The paddle also has a seated position, in which the paddle is received along the lower surface of the plate and between the plurality of feet on the plate.

Abstract: A drinking vessel having a bowl. The shape of the periphery of the bowl, in a horizontal cross-section, is not circular. The drinking vessel also has an axis of symmetry and a device for rotating the bowl about the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A utensil that includes a handle portion coupled with an end piece or gripping element, wherein the end piece or gripping element includes a concave gripping surface, either curved and/or V-shaped, including a plurality of serrations for gripping and immobilizing a rib or other bone with meat on it. The end piece or gripping element may be attached to or include a plurality of tines, or it may be attached to or include other features, such as a knife feature a spoon feature or a spork feature (e.g., a spoon with smaller tines).

Abstract: A handheld hanger spacing device for separating garment hangers suspended from a supporting rod.

Abstract: An improved, simpler, and more cost effective method for hanging multiple layers of curtaining with reduced damage to the casement of a window or of the walls around a window. An e-shaped hook (1) wraps around an existing bracket (3) utilized to hang a primary curtain rod. The hook (1) then extends down from the bracket (3) ending in a lateral prong at a right angle to the bracket (3) and perpendicular to the original curtain rod, pointing toward the center of the window. This prong is then inserted into the aperture of a telescoping rod with an internal spring adjustment referred to as a spring tension rod (2). The spring tension rod (2), due to its internal spring, allows for the rod to be inserted onto the hook (1) and be released from the hook (1) without the removal of the hook (1) from the bracket (3).

Abstract: A fruit squeezer for squeezing juice picks up, squeezes and discards the squeezed fruit with use of a single hand. The squeezer has a first handle and a second handle that are rotatably connected to each other. Each handle has a top portion and a bottom portion. A biasing spring biases the top and bottom portions apart. A U-shaped jaw is fixed to the bottom end of the second handle. A pressing plate jaw is pivotally mounted to the bottom end of the first handle. Squeezing the top ends of the handles toward each other against the force of a spring moves the jaws for squeezing the fruit. A screen operatively connected to the handles simultaneously rotates at a second pivot axis from a rest position to a screening position below the fruit for screening solids from the squeezed juice.

Abstract: A hot pot has a body with an open top and an outward rim around a periphery adjacent to a bottom of the body. A heating element support supports a heating element and extends across the bottom of the body to define a liquid-receiving volume for the hot pot. The hot pot has a base with a side wall and a bottom panel extending across the sidewall. The side wall and bottom panel define a hollow interior for the base. The side wall has an outward lip extending around the side wall opposite the bottom panel. The side wall lip abuts the body outwardly extending rim. The hot pot further has a security ring extending around the side wall lip and the body outward rim. The security ring is fixed to the hot pot in such a way as to destroy structural integrity of the hot pot upon its removal.

Abstract: A multi-mode coffee maker facilitates switching between a carafe mode and a single cup mode. The coffee maker includes switches for selecting the amount of coffee brewed, a drip valve normally closed to prevent dripping and opened by insertion of a carafe or a single cup adapter into the coffee maker, and a hot plate for maintaining the temperature of coffee in the carafe, the hot plate independent switchable on and off. A single cup adapter includes a swing-out platform which cooperates with a multi-mode coffee maker to allow switching from a small amount to a large amount of brewed drink when the platform is moved to provide space for a large cup. A slide may also be provided to select the mode.

Abstract: A portafilter apparatus for an espresso machine, the apparatus comprising: a metal head that is attachable to a group head of the espresso machine, the head defines a coffee grounds compartment for containing a quantity of ground coffee; and a perforated movable floor within the head; the floor forms a filter and defines the base of the coffee grounds compartment, the floor is vertically movable with respect to the head to adjust a volume of the coffee grounds compartment.

Abstract: A brewing module for an extraction appliance has a first brewing-module part and a second brewing-module part, which can be moved relative to the first. The first and second brewing-module parts form a discharging device for discharging an extraction product out of a capsule, containing extraction substance for the preparation of brewed beverages, and an injector for introducing an extraction liquid into the capsule. The first brewing-module part has a head with a lateral guide, which defines first and second tracks for a capsule collar. The first brewing-module part also forms a rest delimiting movement of the capsule in the downward direction when the capsule collar is located on the first track. The lateral guide is connected rigidly to the head, and the second brewing-module part has a restoring device, which acts on the capsule collar and moves the collar into the second track when the brewing chamber is opened.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing a beverage, said beverage comprising at least one milk beverage component, wherein the beverage is prepared by means of a beverage dispenser, said beverage dispenser comprising: —at least two milk ingredient containers (1b, 1a) storing different milk ingredients, said milk ingredients differing by their fat contents, —dosing devices (2a, 2b) cooperating with the milk ingredient containers (1a, 1b) for dosing doses of milk ingredients from each milk ingredient container, and wherein the process comprises the steps of: —introducing doses of different milk ingredients simultaneously in a beverage reconstitution place (3, 8), —mixing said doses of different milk ingredients together with a diluent in order to produce the milk beverage component.

Abstract: Devices and methods for infusing liquids and/or brewing beverages are described. The present invention relates to an apparatus for brewing beverages comprising a vessel, said vessel comprising a sealable chamber for holding a brewing material and a liquid, and a filter assembly connected to the sealable chamber; a liquid supply and conduit for introducing at least a portion of said liquid supply into said sealable chamber; and a vacuum source and conduit for reducing pressure in said sealable chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for preparing a beverage, comprising a portion capsule which is filled with a raw beverage material, and a brewing device which comprises a brewing chamber for receiving the portion capsule and for extracting the beverage from the portion capsule by means of an extraction liquid. Said portion capsule comprises a product identifier and said brewing device comprises an identifier detector for identifying the identification of the portion capsule.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for making a beverage or providing a liquid. First and second liquids may be mixed to form a mixed liquid. The mixed liquid may be passed through a frothing head and/or may be combined with a coffee product and optionally dispensed into a cup. Examples of first and second liquids can include, but are not limited to various dairy products, enzymes and flavoring liquids. According to one example implementation, a first liquid is a reduced fat milk, such as skim milk, and a second liquid is whole milk, thereby enabling the creation of dairy product varieties including one percent and two percent milk to be created by the appropriate mixture combination of the skim milk and whole milk.

Abstract: An apparatus for adapting the reservoir of a counter top beverage maker to a water line, comprises a mounting plate for engaging an outer wall of a reservoir, a connector extending from an inside wall of the reservoir, through the reservoir wall, and connecting to the mounting plate, a valve retained on the mounting plate, and a fluid passageway for communicating fluid from the outlet of the valve, through the connector, and into the reservoir. The valve includes an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid passageway allowing for the control of water into the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing water levels in a boiler, in particular a boiler of a coffee machine, in which the boiler (12) comprises, connected to a control circuit (14): a first probe (21) arranged, in use, to measure a first water level; at least a second probe (22, 23) arranged to measure a second water level, or working level of the apparatus, higher than the first level, in which it is provided that the apparatus is arranged to supply steam or hot water through respective ducts (26, 27) connected to the boiler (12) and controlled by respective valves (36, 37). The first probe (21) is configured for measuring a draining level of the boiler on the basis of draining commands generated by the control circuit and for automatically enabling water replacement in the boiler.

Abstract: An actively heated or cooled portable container is provided. The container has a portable body with a receiving portion defined by an inner wall that receives a liquid. A heating and cooling system housed in the portable body has a cooling element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner wall to remove heat from the liquid. The heating and cooling system also has a heating element in thermal communication with at least a portion of the inner wall, control circuitry to control the operation of the heating element and one or more power storage elements to provide electrical energy to the heating element and/or control circuitry. The control circuitry controls the heating element to add heat to the liquid in the receiving portion to maintain the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined temperature or increase the temperature of the liquid above said predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A coffee densifier is disclosed. The coffee densifier comprises an elongated chamber, a densifier motor, a shaft, a plurality of densifier members, a discharge door actuator, a densifier motor load sensor, and a controller. The plurality of densifier members are fixed to the shaft and configured to polish a plurality of coffee particles of the ground coffee within the elongated chamber when the plurality of densifier members are rotated by the shaft through the ground coffee within the mixing chamber. The controller configured to signal the discharge door actuator to move the discharge door to increase or decrease a density of the ground coffee exiting the chamber through the discharge opening when the densifier motor load is outside a predefined densifier motor load operating range.

Abstract: An ice-crushing attachment for a stand mixer presenting a rotary drive outlet (11) in addition to a planetary drive outlet (15); the attachment comprising a generally tubular body (21) for attachment to the stand mixer; a rotatable scroll-type extruding tool (22) capable of rotating within the tubular body and provided with means to couple with said rotary drive outlet when the tubular body is attached to the stand mixer; means (24) permitting ice to be introduced into the tubular body and into engagement with the extruding tool for crushing and transport towards an outlet port of the attachment; and a die member (23), selected from a plurality of die members, fitted to said outlet port and configured to influence the size and/or consistency of said crushed ice as it emerges from said port.