Abstract: An inflatable pillow, a method and a device for inflating and deflating the same are disclosed. The inflatable pillow includes a pillow envelope and N airbags in the pillow envelop; an interior of the pillow envelope is partitioned into M chambers and there is provided at least one of the airbags in each of the chambers; each of the airbags has a hole which is configured for inflating and deflating the airbag; M and N are positive integers and M is not larger than N.

Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.

Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.

Abstract: A pillow is provided herein which includes a cover having opposing first and second panels. A gusset perimetrically bounds, and joins, the first and second panels. The gusset is formed of an open cell construction. Compliant fill material is disposed within the cover. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a pillow is provided allowing for lateral ventilation between opposing panels. This permits a cooling effect while a user is resting or sleeping.

Abstract: An airline tray sleeve includes a main body having a top surface, a bottom surface and a side surface that define an interior space. An opening having a retention device is positioned along a back end of the main body. One or more pockets are suspended from the main body, and the sleeve is constructed from a lightweight malleable material that transforms into a refuse bag after use.

Abstract: A drinking cup with interchangeable sleeves for preventing condensation contains a cup, an interchangeable sleeve, and a base portion. The cup is removably attached to the base portion allowing the user to insert or remove the interchangeable sleeve as preferred. A cup interlocking mechanism of the cup and a base interlocking mechanism of the base portion are used to attach the cup to the base portion. The interchangeable sleeve which provides the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the apparatus is pressed against a body portion of the cup. For the interchangeable sleeve to remain stationary for extended time periods, a first end of the interchangeable sleeve is positioned in between a neck portion of the cup and the body portion. Similarly, a second end of the interchangeable sleeve is positioned in between a top end of the base portion and the body portion.

Abstract: A lighted drinking container is disclosed. The lighted drinking container includes a container having an open top, a bottom, and a side; a cover; and at least one light emitting device positioned in the cover.

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 beverage container lid assembly and insert enable a user to selectively control contained beverage movements when outfitted upon a beverage container. The lid assemblies all include a primary lid form having a primary beverage outlet and a secondary lid attachment cooperably engaged with the primary lid form for providing certain beverage flow diversion structure. The secondary lid attachments may be attachable to select surfacing of the primary lid forms for forming a beverage-receiving compartment intermediate the primary lid form and the secondary lid attachment in which compartment heat transfer is effected by the structural characteristics of the defined space. The lid assembly may be attached to a beverage container such that the user may manually position the secondary lid attachment relative to the primary lid form for manually and selectively position beverage flow diversion structures relative to the primary beverage outlet.

Abstract: A fluid container has a housing with two discharge ends, one end being opened and having a removable cap threadably engaged with and covering that end and the second end having a bottom section which is removeably attached to the main body by a connector element. An ice containing member in the form of an ice tray is secured to the interior of the housing. The ice tray is filled with water and the fluid container itself is placed in a freezer, allowing the water in the ice tray to freeze. A drinkable fluid is poured into the container and, by means of the ice, kept cold. Alternatively, after ice is formed in the ice tray, the connector member is peeled off and the bottom section removed. The ice in the ice tray is then broken out of the tray and used for outside purposes.

Abstract: A three layer vessel has: a vessel body; a first liner connected to the vessel body and configured within the vessel body; an outside gap formed between the first liner in the vessel body, the outside gap is at least partially evacuated to a lower pressure than atmospheric air pressure; a second liner connected to the vessel body and configured within the first liner; an inside gap formed between the first liner in the second liner; a thermal conductive fluid held within the inside gap; a vessel body rim is formed on the vessel body with the vessel body connects to the first liner. The vessel body rim has a vessel body rim joint connecting a first liner to the vessel body neck; and a first vertical portion is formed on the second liner, when the first vertical portion flares outwardly to a horizontal portion.

Abstract: A disposable straw drinking system for use with a beverage dispenser is disclosed. The straw drinking system includes a straw dispenser for storing and dispensing of new straws to be used with the straw drinking system. Once retrieved from the straw dispenser, the new straw can be inserted into an opening of a beverage dispensing unit. The beverage dispensing unit is connected through a flexible tube to a beverage reservoir of the beverage dispenser to provide for easy flow of the beverage from the beverage dispenser to the straw inserted into the beverage dispensing unit. The pressure of the beverage being dispensed through the straw can be controlled by a control unit of the beverage dispensing unit. For example, applying more pressure on the control unit can result in beverage being dispensed with more pressure. Once the straw has been used once for a user, it can be inserted into a used straw unit to be discarded.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing one or more items of stemware includes a base plate, one or more posts, a retainer, and one or more feet. The feet and base plate cooperatively secure the base portion of the item of stemware, and the retainer includes arms defining a stem receiving space that secures the stem of the item of stemware. The feet are coupled to the arms. The arms are flexible so as to accommodate different sizes of stems and bases in stemware with a single rack.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises: a first sleeve body and a second sleeve body, wherein the first sleeve body comprises a first sleeve body outer wall and a first sleeve body opening, wherein the first sleeve body opening is configured to removably receive a cup, wherein the first sleeve body outer wall comprises a first sleeve body outer wall portion, wherein the second sleeve body comprises a second sleeve body inner wall, wherein the second sleeve body inner wall comprises a second sleeve body inner wall portion, and wherein the second sleeve body inner wall portion is coupled to the first sleeve body outer wall portion.

Abstract: Hanger for hanging garments, provided with a support part (2, 3) intended to support a garment, and a suspension part (5) for suspending the hanger from an external structure. Suspension part (5) comprises an attachment element (4) that consists of an adherent element that constitutes a flat surface for removably attaching said suspension part (5) to the external structure. Also, said suspension part (5) comprises a first portion (7), integral to support part (2, 3), and a second portion (8), which comprises at one free end said attachment element (4), and which at the other end is joined to said first portion (7) by articulation means (10) that allow rotation of said second portion (8) with respect to said first portion (7).

Abstract: A collapsible hanger includes a left arm, a right arm, and a hook. A hinge rotatably holds the left and right arms together. When in expanded state, the left and right arms extend opposite each other. When in collapsed state, the arms are rotated adjacent to each other. The hook is rotatably coupled to one of the arms in a ball and socket arrangement, and rotatable around the ball and socket arrangement between first and second positions. In the first position, the hook curved end is located above a top side of the respective arm. In the second position, the hook curved end is rotated into an opening and recess in the respective arm. A pin holding the hinge together includes a curved end portion overhanging an outer surface of the hinge to form a clasp to hold a collar of a garment.

Abstract: A collapsible hanger includes a left arm, a right arm, and a hook. A hinge rotatably holds the left and right arms together. When in expanded state, the left and right arms extend opposite each other. When in collapsed state, the arms are rotated adjacent to each other. The hook is rotatably coupled to one of the arms, and rotatable between first and second positions. In the first position, the hook curved end is located above a top side of the respective arm. In the second position, the hook curved end is located below the top side of the respective arm and rotated into an opening and recess in the respective arm. Magnets at hinged ends of the arms hold the arms in expanded state. Magnets at distal ends of the arms hold the arms in the collapsed state.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable garment hanger. The vertically adjustable garment hanger includes a supporting hook having a curved upper end and a lower end. The first end of a vertical suspending member is connected to the lower end of the supporting hook. An end stop is disposed on the second end of the vertical suspending member. A garment retaining body supports clothing thereon and includes an aperture. The vertical suspending member is inserted through the aperture in sliding engagement therewith. An adjustable support member is slidably disposed on the vertical suspending member. The adjustable support member allows the distance between the supporting hook and garment retaining to be changed so that users can hang clothing from a horizontal supporting rod at a desired height.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a protective mat and a method for protecting a floor from spillage, debris and/or scratches. The protective mat may also provide other advantages such as impact resistance and/or reduction of foot/leg fatigue. The protective mat includes a web of extruded polymer monofilaments. The protective mat may further include a membrane. The membrane may be made of a liquid impermeable material. The method includes overlaying a portion of a floor with the protective mat.

Abstract: There is provided a bracket and rod assembly system having improved strength and configured to allow complete access of a drapery supported by the rod assembly to an entire length of the rod assembly without interference from the bracket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method involves continuously conveying a plurality of solid food products to a plurality of loading stations where the solid food products can be loaded onto racks, each station including an apparatus for stacking a plurality of the loaded racks into a batch. The apparatus further includes a plurality of cookers capable of simultaneously cooking the solid food products provided on the loaded, stacked racks as a batch, and a batch conveyor for conveying the plurality of loaded, stacked racks as a batch to one of a plurality of cookers, where the solid food products in the batch are cooked under the same conditions. The apparatus also includes an unloading station to which a plurality of loaded, stacked racks are conveyed as a batch by the batch conveyor after the solid food products provided thereon have been cooked in one of the plurality of cookers.

Abstract: A cooking device includes food container having food and food spaces in food, and a bottom of food container is provided with openings. The cooking device includes steam generator in its body, and steam generated from steam generator is ejected from a plurality of steam outlet ports provided in steam supply. Steam is introduced into food container through openings of food container disposed opposite to steam outlet ports, and thus food is heated by steam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method (100) of controlling a cooking process of a food. The method comprises a step of detecting (S101) a weight change of a first vaporizable component in the food over a first period of time. The method also comprises a step of determining (S102) an initial status of the food at least partially based on the detected weight change of the first vaporizable component in the food. The method also comprises a step of controlling (S103) the cooking process at least partially based on the determined initial status of the food. The invention also relates to corresponding apparatus and computer program product.

Abstract: A coffee dripper includes a first, second and a third plate materials. Each of the first, second and third plate material is a generally triangle in shape and includes a convex engaging part and a concave engaging part. The convex engaging part of the first plate material engages the concave part of the second plate material, the convex engaging part of the second plate material engages the concave engaging part of the third material, the convex engaging part of the third plate material engages the concave engaging part of the first material thereby forming the pyramidally assembled coffee dripper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a drink or food item, in which a liquid flows through a capsule and a drink/food item substance is dissolved and/or extracted. The invention also relates to a capsule comprising a capsule body, the outer body and base thereof defining an inner chamber in which a beverage/food item substance is provided. Said beverage/food item substance is dissolved and/or extracted by a liquid which is guided through the capsule.

Abstract: Embodiments of an infusion extractor are provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that can have vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. In some implementations, the plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.

Abstract: A multi-purpose beverage pod holder for a beverage brewing apparatus is disclosed comprising a flange adapted to be received in a slot in the brewing apparatus, a screen disposed orthogonal with the flange for allowing fluid to pass therein through, a first cylindrical wall encircling the screen on a first surface of the pod holder, the first cylindrical wall having a first diameter and defining a first packet retainer, and a second cylindrical wall encircling the screen on an opposite surface of the pod holder, the second cylindrical wall having a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter and defining a second packet retainer. The pod holder can be used to brew both espresso and coffee in the same machine depending upon the orientation of the pod holder.

Abstract: An automatic machine for preparing coffee, comprising an infusion assembly, a water tank, a heat exchanger with associated pump, and a grinder for grinding coffee beans, the grinder being arranged in line with the infusion assembly and horizontally with respect to a resting surface of the machine, a container adapted to contain coffee beans being connected, in an upper region, to the grinder, the grinder being connected to a chamber adapted to contain a scraper, the ground coffee being adapted to pass horizontally from the grinder to the scraper, in order to accommodate within the scraper a preset dose of ground coffee.

Abstract: A Beverage press apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical container, a protruding element fixedly coupled to an external side of the container and a housing laterally enclosing the container, the housing having an aperture. The container may be inserted or removed from the housing when the protruding element is aligned with the aperture of the housing; and when the protruding element is not aligned with the aperture, axial movement of the container with respect to the housing is restricted and/or prevented.

Abstract: Collapsible combustion containers are disclosed and described. Such combustion containers generally include a plurality of vertically oriented panels joined by hinges. The hinges include hinge pins that can be configured to form at least part of a base that supports the container or at least part of a heating platform above the container or both. Further, the panels can contain one or more fuel openings which allow a user to control placement of fuel in the container inserted from each opening so as to select a point inside the container where the fuel will converge and combust.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a plasma non-stick pan and manufacturing method thereof. The plasma non-stick pan comprises a pan body and a non-stick layer applied to the pan body; a plasma layer is provided between the non-stick layer and the pan body, and the plasma layer comprises a MCrALY layer sprayed to the surface of the pan body and a mixture layer sprayed outside of the MCrALY layer, and the mixture layer is composed of MCrALY particles and metal oxide particles. The MCrALY layer has good toughness and strong adhesion, and it is easy to bind with the substrate with high fastness after binding, playing a buffering role and laying a foundation for the subsequent spraying of mixture layer.

Abstract: An improved detachable microwave baking pan, comprising an upper baking pan and a lower baking pan which are disposed separately, wherein the upper baking pan is provided with an upper baking pan cavity, and the lower baking pan is provided with a lower baking pan cavity; lower grips are disposed on the edge of two sides of the lower baking pan, and each lower grip is provided with an elastic fastener in an integrated extension manner; upper grips are disposed on the edges of two sides of the upper baking pan, and each upper grip is provided with a fastening protrusion which is in corresponding fastening fit with the elastic fastener; the elastic fasteners are matched with the fastening protrusions, such that the upper baking pan and the lower baking pan are combined into a whole; and the upper baking pan cavity and the lower baking pan cavity are communicated to jointly constitute a heating cavity suitable for baking food.

Abstract: Programmable Self-Cooker, would allow to cook customized recipe. The 4 Compartments would allow to store the ingredients which would be dropped into the Cooking Pan/Bottom at programmed intervals/time delays. The Compartment Opener would open based on the Spring action, which would be electronically controlled. The time delays or time intervals can be fed manually or be programmed through customized software recipe which could be downloaded. The Cooker would be fitted with a Camera option for Remote viewing/Cooking. The Heating of the Pan and also the control mechanism for the Compartments and the CAN's and the stirrer would be controlled through a Central Control Unit.

Abstract: A barbecue oven that enables operator control of the combustion process through selective control of gas flow through and/or around a hot, oxygenated bed of coals and further enables automatic control of oven temperature through thermostatic regulation of forced draft.

Abstract: A lid created with two opposing concave spaces so that one of them is used to cover food cooking on a griddle plate or in a cookware; the other concave space serves as liquid reservoir to store water; the water in the reservoir can drip to the griddle plate or the cookware to create steam for cooking food.

Abstract: A method of cooking utilizes a splatter shield to control grease splatter from food being cooked within a cooking vessel. The splatter shield includes a generally annular sidewall that slopes upwardly and radially inwardly from a lower rim to an upper rim. The upper rim of the splatter shield defines an upper opening in the splatter shield that is sufficiently large to permit the introduction of a cooking utensil therethrough, and the lower rim defines a lower opening in the splash shield. The upper opening in the splatter shield is smaller than the lower opening.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for making fryers and deep-fryers safer and/or more energy efficient are disclosed. Different embodiments generally comprise a cover, having a number of flaps, doors or plates that open upwardly or downwardly. Flaps/doors may be solid, perforated or the like. The cover can be maintained in a suitably rigid closed locked position, for example, by a locking mechanism, preventing the basket(s), body parts, or other items from unintentionally being placed in the fryer. In such embodiments, the cover also prevents the loss of heat from the oil. In various embodiments, the cover and/or the door may be maintained in a closed position, though not necessarily locked, preventing heat loss from the oil. In such embodiments, the cover may be vented. In various embodiments, the cover and/or the door may include an attachable or an integrated fire extinguishing mechanism.

Abstract: A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and at least one of a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base.

Abstract: A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and at least one of a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base.

Abstract: A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and at least one of a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base.

Abstract: A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and at least one of a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base.

Abstract: A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and at least one of a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blender heatable by the high frequency induction heating of a new structure which enables food ingredients in a container to be easily cooked by heating. According to the blender, when a user drives the power supply unit 14 by manipulating the input means 31, the heating plate 24 is heated at a high temperature, and the food ingredients 1 inserted in the container 20 is heated. In addition, there is an advantage that the use of the blender is very convenient since the food ingredients 1 may be cooked by heating the food ingredients 1 in the state of being in the container 20 after grinding the food ingredients 1 using the blender. In addition, since the heating plate 24 is heated by the magnetic force generated in the induction coil 13 provided in the main body 10, the heating plate 24 may be heated at a high temperature in short time, and also the temperature of the heating plate 24 may be finely controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strainer for a food container that comprises apertures suitable for allowing liquids to drain therethrough, which is provided with at least two holes through which two fingers of a user can be inserted to a level below the strainer's plane, said strainer being bendable by the action of forces applied by said fingers.

Abstract: A bathroom wall unit includes a molded wall panel formed of a polymer and defining a recessed pocket. A flexible substrate supporting mosaic tiles is illustratively coupled to a rear wall of the recessed pocket. Surface treatment is illustratively provided within linear indentations in the wall panel to simulate grout lines. A connecting bracket illustratively includes first and second pairs of arms supporting seals and defining first and second recesses for receiving mounting flanges of a pair of the wall panels.

Abstract: A bathroom wall unit includes a molded wall panel formed of a polymer and defining a recessed pocket. A flexible substrate supporting mosaic tiles is illustratively coupled to a rear wall of the recessed pocket. Surface treatment is illustratively provided within linear indentations in the wall panel to simulate grout lines. A corner bracket illustratively includes first and second trios of arms supporting seals and defining first, second, and third recesses for receiving mounting flanges of a pair of wall panels and a locking device of an inner sealing body to provide additional seals with the wall panels.

Abstract: A system to enable lateral shower curtain movement including: a first open channel frame, where the first open channel frame attaches to a first sidewall of a shower stall; a second open channel frame, where the second channel frame respectively attach to a second sidewall of the shower stall and said second sidewall opposes the first sidewall; openings in each open channel frame, where the openings enable the insertion of an end of a shower rod; and a means to adhere each channel frame to each side wall. The means to adhere may include at least one of a double-sided tape, glue or mounting brackets. Preferably, each channel frame extends the entire length of each respective sidewall.

Abstract: A system having a dispenser enabled to contain and dispense a liquid or semi-liquid material and located on a wall of a facility having a door, a user-operable triggering mechanism causing dispensing of a volume from the dispenser upon operation of the triggering mechanism, and a door latch mechanism incorporated at an opening edge of the door of the facility and coupled to the dispenser in a manner that operating the triggering mechanism to dispense the volume also unlatches the door latch mechanism, allowing the door to open.

Abstract: A hardwound paper towel dispenser cabinet includes a roll holder mounted inside the dispenser cabinet. The roll holder includes a male key stub on a face thereof. The face of the roll holder and the male key stub are open to the vertical axis of the dispenser cabinet. A rotating plug includes a bung collar and a disc rotatably connected to the bung collar. The rotating disc has a female key recess that mate with the male key stub portion of the roll holder. The bung collar is adapted to be fixed inside the end of a core of a roll of hardwound paper towel.

Abstract: A urine wipe system includes a urinal is mounted on a wall. A housing has a rear wall, a front wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends between the front and rear walls. The rear wall is mounted on the wall within 3.0 feet of the urinal. The housing has an opening therein. A roll of wiping material is positioned within the housing and is rotatably mounted on a spindle. The wiping material extends through the opening and is comprised of a paper material that is biodegradable in water. The paper material is formed into a strip has a diameter of less than 2.0 inches.