Abstract: A female snap is provided with: a first member for at least partially establishing an opening into which a post is inserted; and a second member which is able to restrict expansion of the opening in order to either increase the force needed for engagement/disengagement, or prohibit engagement/disengagement, of the post with respect to the female snap. The extent of expansion of the opening that is permitted by the second member varies depending on the relative positions of a contracting part of the second member and a contacted part of the first member in a peripheral direction going around the direction of insertion of the post into the opening.

Abstract: A releasable fastening features a first fastening strip including an elongated, flexible base carrying an array of discrete fastener elements arranged in rows and columns, and a second fastening strip configured to releasably engage with the first fastening strip. The first fastening strip also includes a longitudinally continuous rib supported by the upper surface of the base of the first fastening strip, the rib extending sufficiently far from the base of the first fastening strip to engage a sealing portion of the second fastening strip, and of a bending strength sufficiently low that the rib is placed in an elastically bent state, when the first and second fastening strips are in the engaged state, thereby forming with the sealing portion of the second fastening strip a non-interlocking barrier to resist flow across the fastening with the first and second fastening strips in the engaged state.

Abstract: A male touch fastener strip includes an elongated base having a thickness and defining a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction across the base between longitudinal edges of the base, and a field of male fastener elements each having a stem extending from a broad face of the base and a head at an upper end of the stem and overhanging the base for engaging fibers. The fastener element stems and broad face of the base together form a unitary mass of resin. The male touch fastener strip also includes a pair of longitudinal barrier walls rising from the broad face of the base on either side of the field of male fastener elements, and a plurality of lateral barrier walls. Each of the lateral barrier walls extends between facing surfaces of the longitudinal barrier walls to define a longitudinal column of bounded fastening cells that each contain one or more male fastener elements.

Abstract: A foldable chair includes a stick shank, a collar sleeve movable between distal and proximate positions on the stick shank, a carrier sleeved on the stick shank, and a seat unit. The seat unit includes a middle portion pivotally connected to the collar sleeve, and left and right wing portions hinged to the middle portion. When the collar sleeve is displaced from the distal position to the proximate position, the seat unit is convertible from a use state, where middle portion is coplanar with the left and right wing portions, to a collapsed state, where the middle portion is at an included angle with each of the left and right wing portions.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a tilting mechanism for an umbrella. The tilting mechanism includes: a base, a body, a sliding rod, and a winding device. The base has base pin holes and the body has body pin holes. The base and the body are joined by a pin through the base and body pin holes to form a joint. When umbrella is in upright and closed position, a user turns the crank clockwise, the cord is pulled downwards, a runner of the umbrella is moved upwards to open the umbrella until the runner is stopped by a runner stopper. When the umbrella is in open position, the user continues to turn the crank clockwise, the cord is pulled further down, the sliding rod is moved downwards pushing the wheel to travel along a wheel moving surface, and wheel axle grooves push wheel axle to tilt body around the pin.

Abstract: This utility model involves a telescopic tube structure of an umbrella rib, comprising an outer tube and an inner tube of the long rib, and the left end of the inner tube of the long rib is flexibly seated inside the outer tube of the long rib, the inner tube of the long rib is connected to a locking pin, the outer tube of the long rib is equipped with corresponding grooves, and the inner tube of the long rib is fixed to the outer tube of the long rib when the locking pin is inserted into the groove; when the locking pin detaches from the groove, the inner tube of the long rib will move axially back and forth with respect to the outer tube of the long rib. The inner tube of the long rib is further provided with wedges, and the beveled side of the wedge matches the beveled side of the locking pin. The structure of a telescopic tube structure of an umbrella rib is adopted, which is structurally simple.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wearable adjustable support device for hands-free viewing of an object, such as a hand-held electronic device or book, comprising: an articulated bipod frame comprising a first support leg and a second support leg flexibly connected at the top; a support strap is connected to the lower portion of the first support leg, the lower portion of the second support leg, and the middle portion of the first support leg, wherein the support strap is adjustable in length; and a support configured to secure a viewable object to the upper portion of the first and second support legs.

Abstract: A hair styling device that has a rotating cylinder extending from a body that may be easily grasped by hand. The device allows the cylinder to rotate relative to the body, which remains stationary in the hand of a user. The cylinder has a clamp for clamping hair to the cylinder. The clamp rotates with the cylinder and is used to wind hair up the cylinder while the user holds the body of the device. The direction of rotation of the cylinder may be changed as desired by the user. The ability of a user to rotate the cylinder without rotating the entire device manually eliminates twisting the cord due to turning the entire device as is done with traditional curling irons. Buttons on the device select the direction of rotation of the cylinder.

Abstract: A hair styling device comprising two jaws, at least one jaw (1) of which having a resiliently mounted heating plate (16) that is allowed to move in such a way, that when the hair styling device is fully closed, both a first maximal gap at a proximal end of the heating plate (16) between the heating plate (16) and a mating element of the other jaw in the absence of a detachable holder (5) with a hair treatment agent, and a second maximal gap at the proximal end of the heating plate (16) between the detachable holder (5) and the mating element of the other jaw in the presence of the detachable holder (5), are within a range of about 1 mm-1.5 mm.

Abstract: A hygienic cosmetic applicator system comprising an instrument-like gripping body (2) that has a holder on at least one end to releasably grip single use applicator (12) tips. The gripping body (2) has a handle (4) for grasping with the fingers, a tapered shaft (6) emerging from at least one end, and a apertured holder that is terminally formed onto or into a shafts (6) tapered end. A holder may comprise a ringlet (8) with a centrally formed aperture (10) that is formed onto the shafts (6) tapered end, or alternatively, a suitably deep aperture (10) that is formed into the shafts (6) tapered end. By contrast, an applicator (12) has a shaft-like inserting member (14) to frictionally plug into an aperture (10) and furthermore, a terminally formed base (6) on its non-inserting end for holding an applicating member therein or thereon.

Abstract: An applicator (10) for a flowable application medium, in particular nail polish. The applicator comprises a reservoir (12) accommodating the application medium, said reservoir having, at its front end, a tip portion (14) with centrally arranged passage hole (16) for an application element (18) and, at its rear end, an actuating device for a piston rod (20), with the application element (18) being arranged at the front end of said piston rod and said rod serving to move the application element (18) out of the tip portion (14) and into an application medium discharge position, retain the application element (18) temporarily in the discharge position and, with the help of a spring element (48), retract the application element (18) into the tip portion (14). A closure cap (38) serves to close and seal off the tip portion (14). In the central section piston rod (20) is provided with flange (26). A sealing element (30) enables the piston rod (20) to be sealed off along its circumference.

Abstract: A tube-type cosmetic container has double discharge means, in which a lifting member coupled with a puff ascends or descends according to the rotation of a rotation body, wherein a nozzle is not exposed when the a lifting member ascends, and the nozzle is exposed when the lifting member descends, so that it is possible to easily apply the contents over a wide area or a localized area of a face by using the puff or the nozzle according to the selection of a user, thereby providing a user with convenience.

Abstract: In various embodiments, there are provided different methods of batch sizing. One method provides for the stylist having a matrix chart outlining as a percentage of or total amount of ingredients needed to create a mixture based on customer characteristics and/or service requested. In another method, batch sizing adjustment criteria includes a series of questions that provide user input. These methods enable the stylist to be capable of creating a more accurate batch sizing using the batch sizing adjustment criteria. The batch sizing of the formula may be performed by the stylist themselves or automatically done by a computer-driven system.

Abstract: A flexible load bearing system includes a plurality of vertebrae. Each vertebra has a first portion, a second portion, and a socket formed in it. A plurality of links each has a ball at a first end and at a second end. At least one of the plurality of balls is disposed in one of the plurality of sockets, thus forming a column. A tension mechanism is mated to the first portion and to the second portion and configured to pull or push the first portion and the second portion together or apart, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid reservoir shell that provides protection for the fluid reservoir of a personal hydration system. The fluid reservoir shell is rigid and does not collapse easily under external pressure. The fluid reservoir shell is sized to contain the fluid reservoir but still fits in a personal hydration system pack. The shell protects the fluid reservoir and prevents the fluid reservoir from leaking due to excessive external pressure. The fluid reservoir shell disclosed includes a shell top piece and a shell bottom piece, which couple together to enclose the bladder of the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir shell provides ready access to the fill port and the drink tube of the fluid reservoir when the fluid reservoir is contained in the fluid reservoir shell.

Abstract: A connector apparatus, system, and method of use comprising a reusable connector that when attached to gear may be used without tools to removably and adjustably attach the gear securely to a base unit such as belts having different widths or a MOLLE/PALS attaching system. Connectors may comprise disengageable uni-directional teeth on mating slide and engagement members. In various example embodiments each connector can simultaneously engage with multiple rows of straps in a MOLLE/PALS attaching system, the connectors can be used to mount gear alternatively either high or low, and multiple connectors can be used on a single piece of gear. A user can adjust the connection of gear while wearing the gear using certain example embodiments of the connector.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing a rolled support strap, including but not limited to hanger straps (sometimes referred to as “plumber's tape”) such as those sold under the trade name TAB TAPE®, as well as assemblies that include a dispenser and a rolled support strap therein, and associated methods. A holster for holding the dispenser, as well as a system including a holster and a dispenser, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hairbrush device (100) comprises a first plurality of brush filaments (112) and a second plurality of brush filaments (116). A property of the first plurality of brush filaments (112) and a respective property of the second plurality of brush filaments (116) are different from one another. In order to reversibly select a stiffness of the hairbrush device, the hairbrush device (100) comprises an actuation element (104) being in driving connection with the first and second plurality of brush filaments (11, 116) and configured for being actuatable for selecting the first plurality of brush filaments (112) or the second plurality of brush filaments (116) for a use.

Abstract: An oral hygiene implement includes a cleaning element carrier and a body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. The cleaning element carrier has a first area and a second area wherein the second area is disposed inboard of the first area. The first area is attached to the body while the second area is unattached to the body. A bending element is disposed between the first area and the second area, thereby allowing the second area to bend/flex while the first area stays fixed to the body.

Abstract: A cover for a dental appliance, such as a toothbrush, includes an exterior sleeve or sheath and an expansible foraminous interior cup. The head of a toothbrush is removably nested within the interior cup. The exterior sheath is formed from a pliable material which may be twisted around the head of a toothbrush to isolate it from the ambient. A disinfectant is disposed within the interior cup either by impregnation thereof or by an additional layer and which is in contact with the bristles of the toothbrush head. The disinfectant is water soluble and is activated by contact with water and/or saliva and absorbs the same when in contact therewith to minimize and/or reduce the redeposition of germs and bacteria when the brush is next used. A dispenser may be utilized therewith which removably stows both a toothbrush and a plurality of the covers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding table including two table tops, a first and second support components and four table legs. The two table tops are joined at a folding line with a middle point. The support components support the table tops, each of which has a border and two connecting arms. The border is connected to an outer edge of the table tops. One end of the connecting arm is connected to the border, and the other end of the connecting arm has a hinge part. The hinge part of the connecting arm of the first support component joins that of the respective connecting arm of the second support component. One end of the table leg is hinged to the border. The other ends of the table legs meet at the middle point in the folded state.

Abstract: An adjustable gas pressure spring includes a gas pressure spring portion, a gas reservoir and a connecting means fluidically connecting the gas reservoir and the gas pressure spring portion with each other. The spring force of the gas pressure spring portion is adjustable by means of pressure equalization with the gas reservoir and/or the ambient pressure. Such a gas spring is provided in an adjustable column, in particular an adjustable table column. The table column is in turn provided in a height-adjustable table.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a desktop assembly and height adjustment frame mechanism that facilitates height adjustment of a desktop. The desktop assembly and height frame adjustment mechanism includes a desktop assembly having upper and lower platform surfaces; and a frame adjustment mechanism for adjustably supporting the desktop assembly. The frame adjustment mechanism further includes: an upper support frame, including a left upper bracket and a right upper bracket; a base support frame, including a left lower bracket and a right lower bracket; an X-shaped support frame that pivotally connects the upper support frame and the base support frame, wherein the X-shaped support frame further includes a pair of left and right first pivot legs pivotally interconnected at the center to a pair of left and right second pivot legs; a pair of hydraulic cylinders which facilitate raising and lowering the upper and lower platform surfaces; and a pair of locking levers pivotally attached to the upper platform.

Abstract: A leg assembly for a table comprises an elongated body portion having a wireway extending along a length of the body portion and configured to receive electrical power and communication lines therein, one or more wire retaining assemblies located within the wireway of the body portion, each of the one or more wire retaining assemblies movable between a first position, wherein electrical power and communication lines are retained within the wireway, and a second position, wherein electrical power and communication lines may be readily removed from within the wireway, and a cover member releasably connected to the one or more wire retaining assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing utility receptacles on a work surface. The apparatus has a housing structure having a pair of sidewalls, a rear wall, a bottom section and a top section that is attached to the sidewalls. The top section includes a central section and at least one bendable tab extending from the central section to a distal end. The central section has at least one opening therein that is sized and shaped to receive a utility receptacle. The central section has a transverse slot along which the bendable tab can be bent with respect to the central section. The bendable tab can be bent 90° with respect to the central section. The bendable tab has at least one transverse slot along which a first portion of the bendable tab can be bent with respect to a second portion of the bendable tab.

Abstract: An adjustable storage rack configured to support a variety of devices, including valve regulated or flooded lead acid batteries. In one embodiment, the adjustable storage rack includes a series of stanchions, a series of side rails extending between at least two of the stanchions, and a series of end rails extending between two of the side rails. The adjustable storage rack may also include a stanchion adjustment assembly slidably coupling one of the stanchions to one of the side rails. The adjustable storage rack may also include first and second end rail adjustment assemblies. The first end rail adjustment assembly slidably couples a first end portion of one of the end rails to one of the side rails, and the second end rail adjustment assembly slidably couples a second end portion of the end rail to a second one of the side rails.

Abstract: A cabinet for the storage of files, books or papers comprising a floor panel, a vertically-arranged back panel fixed to the rear edge of said floor panel, vertically-arranged side panels fixed to the side edges of both said floor and back panels, a plurality of divider panels fixed to said floor and back panels and positioned parallel to and intermediate of said side panels, and a roof panel fixed to said side panels, said divider panels and said back panel; locating and releasable fixing means being provided along each panel edge abutting another panel; zones of said side and divider panels being provided with ribbing to stiffen them; the lower surfaces of said floor panel and upper surfaces of said roof panel being made with complementary shapings which cooperate to provide a locating function when multiple said cabinets are in stacked arrangement.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam that may define a cam glide.

Abstract: A storage rack with a spring device has a bracket constructed to be fixed to a vertical surface, and a frame oriented substantially parallel to the vertical surface which is pivotably connected to the bracket. The bracket and the frame have one or more attachment locations for pivotably connecting to opposite ends of the spring device. The frame has at least one mounting location for releasably attaching at least one object support. The spring device is constructed to generate a lift force to deploy the frame and an object supported by the at least one object support to a substantially horizontal storage position. The lift force may be tuned by adjusting the connection of the spring device between the pivotable connections with the bracket or the frame.

Abstract: A drawer slide structure to be mounted within storage cavity of a cabinet which utilizes a pair of opposing grid panels mounted on sidewalls of the storage cavity. Each grid panel includes a plurality of identical slots arranged in two spaced apart columns of vertically spaced apart slots. The structure also includes a pair of opposing drawer slide mechanisms. Each drawer slide mechanism has a cabinet member for affixation to a grid panel and a drawer member for supporting a drawer. In each drawer slide mechanism the drawer member is slideably longitudinally movable relative to the cabinet member. The drawer and drawer member utilize an interlocking arrangement for fixing the drawer to the drawer member. The cabinet member includes a pair of outwardly extending hanger tabs with each hanger tab to engage with a slot for supporting the drawer on the grid panel.

Abstract: A shelving assembly includes a support plate, left and right side supports, and a front anti-tip and retention feature. The side supports each include a front end located adjacent to a front edge of the support plate, and a rear end located adjacent to a rear edge of the support plate. A portion of the front anti-tip and retention feature is disposed above the support plate for preventing tipping and for retaining the support plate on the side supports. The front anti-tip and retention feature is configured such that a majority of the top surface of the support plate along opposite left and right side edges is freely exposed and unencumbered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat (1), in particular an office chair, comprising a seat support (3) for a seating surface (6) and comprising a backrest support (4) of a backrest (5), which is held on the seat support (3) so as to be able to move in a tiltable manner to the side, wherein the backrest support (4) comprises two support arms (4a, 4b) which are configured to be flexible and/or articulated laterally and spaced apart from one another. Preferably, the seating surface (6) and/or the backrest (5) comprises a curved seat shell and/or backrest shell (6a, 5a) provided with a cover (6b, 5b) with a number of flexible curved ribs (15, 16) on the edge of the shell, wherein the cover is stretched by the seat shell and/or backrest shell (6a, 5a) such that when the cover (6b, 5b) is loaded, the bending of the curved ribs (15, 16) is altered.

Abstract: A reclinable chair featuring a weight-sensitive recline mechanism is disclosed. The reclinable chair can comprise a base a support frame pivotally mounted to the base, and a support surface mounted to the support frame. The support frame can include a seat frame portion disposed between and pivotally connected to both a front frame portion and a back frame portion. The back frame portion of the support frame can also be pivotally attached to a rear end of the base, while the front frame portion can also be pivotally attached to a front end of the base. In this arrangement, the support frame and the base can cooperatively function as a linkage system capable of providing a weight-sensitive recline mechanism in a low-profile, stackable chair.

Abstract: A reclining chair having a seat, base frame, and a back rest movably connected to the base frame. The base frame includes at least a three prong base attached to caster wheels and a column, the seat is connected to the column of the base frame and includes a front end and back end. The back rest has top portion, intermediate portion, and bottom portion, the intermediate portion is hingedly connected to the back end of the seat and the bottom portion is movably connected to the base frame, using a lockable gas spring. The lockable gas spring has a first end connected to the bottom portion of the back rest and a second end connected to the base frame, whereby the movable distance between the first end and the second of the gas cylinder moves the back rest between an upright position and a reclined position.

Abstract: A chair has a seat portion having a front, a rear and sides. The chair also has a footrest adjustable between at least two positions: a retracted position and an extended position. The footrest is cantilevered from the seat portion in the extended position. The chair also has a plurality of members connected by a plurality of linkages permitting the members to pivot with respect to each other. The plurality of members is adapted to hold the footrest in the retracted position and to support the footrest in the extended position. The chair also has a cover for hiding the plurality of linkages when viewed from a lateral position when the footrest is in the extended position.

Abstract: A rocking chair has a seat, a back attached to the seat, a right rocker, at least one right leg connected to the seat and to the right rocker, a left rocker and at least one left leg connected to the seat and to the left rocker. The rockers each have a base having an inside edge and an outside edge the base having a slope such that when the rocking chair is placed on a flat surface a portion of the inside edge will be in contact with the flat surface and the outside edge will not be in contact will the flat surface. The rockers may alternatively or additionally each have an inwardly curving center portion. These features alone or in combination can prevent the rockers from splaying outward when a weight is dropped on the chair or while a person is rocking the chair.

Abstract: A chair includes a seat and a seat mechanism, the seat being coupled to the seat mechanism in such a manner that the seat is, in a front end region, pivotably supported about a first axis of rotation orientated parallel with the axis of a user's knees. In its front end region, the seat is also supported on the seat mechanism so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation orientated perpendicularly to the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A chair back according to embodiments of the present invention includes a rigid support member for reclinable attachment to a base, a flexible frame member having a flexible frame and a mesh, the mesh at least partially spanning the frame, and a seat attachment member moving in synchronization with the rigid support member at a different rate than the rigid support member during reclining of the rigid support member, wherein a first portion of the flexible frame member is affixed to the rigid support member, wherein a second portion of the flexible frame member flexes freely, wherein the seat attachment member contacts at least part of the second portion of the flexible frame member, wherein the first portion moves with the rigid support member and the second portion moves with the seat attachment member such that a curvature of the second portion increases as the rigid support member reclines.

Abstract: Mattress assemblies that provide increased user comfort and increased airflow. The mattress assemblies generally include a multilayered mattress core including at least one coil spring layer disposed on and in direct contact with a viscoelastic foam layer.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of providing a bed using a plurality of interchangeable adjustable firmness springs to provide localized comfort and support to the user of the bed. The plurality of interchangeable springs may have a plurality of different firmnesses to provide customizable local comfort to a user. The foam springs are color coded based on the firmness associated with the foam spring. The foam springs have markings and/or health devices attached to an end of the foam spring.

Abstract: A mattress pad for supporting a human body includes an upper layer, a lower layer, and a wadding layer therebetween. The wadding layer includes three distinct zones arranged along the length of the pad for varying support of the human body. The first zone is configured to support a head portion and a neck portion; the second zone is configured to support an upper body portion and a lumbar portion; and the third zone is configured to support a lower back portion and leg portion. Thickness and length in these zones varies for providing the varying support.

Abstract: A cushion system includes an interchangeable cushion cover having a top member and a band portion extending downwardly from the top member. The band portion includes a top edge portion attached to the top member and a bottom edge portion. A bottom member is attached to the bottom edge portion and an interior space is defined between the top member, the band portion, and the bottom member. A bottom opening is defined in the bottom member that is arranged for insertion of a conformable cushion insert into the interior space and draining of the cushion insert while the bottom member retains the cushion insert within the interior space. A releasable fastener system is located within the interior space on the bottom member such that it is concealed within the cushion cover and is selectively attachable to and detachable from a bottom face of the cushion insert.

Abstract: A sleep system includes a sleep surface with a customized profile. The profile of the sleep surface is particularly and specifically designed to maintain a proper sleeping position for an individual. The sleeping surface can include two or more portions that have configurations that ensure the straight alignment of the spine for a person sleeping on the sleep surface. This type of sleep system is customized to each person and, thus, provides a beneficial sleeping position that is individualized and provides the best support for the particular sleeper.

Abstract: A child carrier for carrying two children of the same or different sizes has a first and second child carrier portions including first and second carrier pouches, respectively, each pouch attached at its bottom to a waist support, and shoulder straps. The first and second child carrier portions are configured to be secured between the shoulder straps and directly opposite one another. At least one of the child carrier pouches is configured to extend behind the shoulder straps, such that a heavy weight in the opposite child carrier pouch that presses the shoulder straps tightly against a wearer does not compress a child therein against the wearer. Each of the child carrier pouches is curved towards a wearer to prevent a child inserted therein from facing away from the wearer and is configured to hold a child in a seated straddle position.

Abstract: A display case door for a product storage device includes a transparent unit through which products within the product storage device are visible. The transparent unit includes a transparent LCD panel configured to present visual media content. The display case door further includes an electrical hinge pin rotatably coupling the display case door to the product storage device and one or more electrical conductors extending through the electrical hinge pin. The electrical conductors deliver the visual media content to the transparent LCD panel from a remote data source.

Abstract: A hanger system may include a hanger bracket arm and a hanger bracket leg in fixed relationship. The hanger bracket arm and hanger bracket leg each include a front surface and a rear surface. The hanger bracket arm and the hanger bracket leg may be formed as a single unit. At least a portion of the rear surface of the hanger bracket arm may be coextensive with at least a portion of the rear surface of the hanger bracket leg. The hanger bracket arm upper edge may comprise a first stop at a distal end and a second stop at a proximal end. At least a portion of the front surface of the hanger bracket arm may be coextensive with at least a portion of the front surface of the hanger bracket leg.

Abstract: A food carrier configured for use in decorating, storing, serving and transporting food in a single device. The food carrier includes a turntable base having a body and a rotating member that rotates about a central axis relative to the body, a serving platter configured to removably secure to the turntable base; and a lid configured to engage the turntable base. The turntable base has a plurality of locking mechanisms to secure the rotating member relative to the body. The lid may be lockable to the turntable base by at least one locking mechanism.

Abstract: A convertible beverage container includes a pod configured to hold an otherwise separate container containing a beverage or ingredient for a beverage (such as a nip bottle of alcohol) in such a way that the pod with container can be distributed as a unit and is convertible to an article of stemware in which a top portion of the pod that secures the container becomes the foot of the stemware, the container becomes the stem of the stemware, and a bottom portion of the pod can be attached to the top of the container to become the bowl of the stemware.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a drinking cup includes an annular body, with a rim for drinking, mountable to a cup. A closure member, having apertures, is disposed within the body and extends across the cup. A sealing element, on an inner side of the closure member, and an actuator, on the opposite side of the closure member, are coupled to each other with the sealing element biased into a rest position in which it is urged against the inner side of the closure member to block the apertures and prevent liquid flow therethrough. The sealing element moves out of the rest position to allow liquid flow through the apertures when pressure sufficient to overcome the bias is applied to the actuator. The closure member includes a diaphragm that is integrally formed with a biasing member to bias the sealing element into the rest position.

Abstract: A method for operating a feeding device, the feeding device including a feed arm operative to transfer food from a food compartment to a feed position, typically adjacent an individual. The method includes operating the feeding device in a predetermined pattern or sequence to retrieve food from the food compartment. The method uses multiple utensil pathways whereby the feeding device includes an initial utensil pattern or sequence and a subsequent pattern or sequence.