Abstract: A sleep assist device for seated persons that when placed either on top of a seated person's lap, over a desk, on an airliner seat tray table or any equivalent base contiguous to said seated person provides him/her with an adequate raised support for his/hers head and also allows the seated person to embrace (to hug) a two-open-ends box-like structure 10 by positioning his/her arms and hands inside an open-throughout volumetric-space 12 preferably over-and-around a pair of inner panels 17-17 in a cozy and comfortable resting posture that, indeed, is conducive to relaxation and sleep. Meanwhile, a vertical panel 16 that is connected to the pair of inner panels 17-17 may contact said seated person's chest. The sleep assist device for seated persons when folded up for storage or to be carried is relatively small and lightweight, allowing a user to conveniently place it into: carry-on luggage, a ladies' handbag, a business briefcase or a suitcase.

Abstract: A system and method of changing a sheet for a mattress of a bed is provided. More specifically, a bedding system includes a retention element sized to be retained on the mattress. A first bedding element is selectively interconnected to the retention system. Optionally, a second bedding element may be interconnected to the first bedding element. In one embodiment, at least one two-part closure interconnects the first bedding element to the retention element. In another embodiment, buttons interconnect the second bedding element to the first bedding element. In yet another embodiment, at least one two-part closure interconnects the second bedding element to the first bedding element. The two-part closure may be a zipper, a plurality of snaps, and a hook and loop system. In one embodiment, the retention element is removably interconnected to the mattress by at least one fastener or closure.

Abstract: A mattress providing three or more different comfort levels is disclosed. In certain embodiments, a multilayer mattress is provided with two layers on opposite sides, one layer providing less firm support than the layer on the opposite side. A zippered attachable pillowtop may also be provided. The main portion of the mattress may be constructed as a sandwich of a first firm layer and a second layer having less firmness relative to the first firm layer. The main portion of the mattress may be constructed without an opening. Alternatively, a zipper or other resealable opening may be provided to allow access to the interior of the main portion and layers of the mattress. Such access may be useful, for instance, for cleaning or sanitizing, or for replacing interior layers of the mattress. Additionally, the pillowtop may be provided with a zippered opening or other resealable opening.

Abstract: A child seat includes a seat body, and a first and a second support respectively assembled with the seat body via a first and a second connection. The seat body has a seating surface and a bottom surface below the seating surface, and the first and second support are extendable below the bottom surface. The child seat has a first configuration in which the first support is configured as a leg resting board and the second support extends forward toward the first support, and a second configuration in which the first support is folded to a substantially horizontal position and the second support extends rearward so that the child seat is able to stand on the first and second supports.

Abstract: A diaper changing pad having a main body, wherein the main body includes a head end, a foot end, and marginal side edges. There is at least one light source coupled to the diaper changing pad. The light source can be integrated or detachably attached to the diaper changing pad. Optionally, the diaper changing pad can have toy mobile and an audio device to keep the baby entertained.

Abstract: A diaper changing system includes a cover to cover over any existing diaper changing pad. The system includes a light source that can be a standalone unit or it can be entirely integrated into the cover to provide lighting. An instruction is provided for a user to attach the standalone light source to either the existing diaper changing pad or to the cover.

Abstract: A twist-tie dispenser comprises a twist-tie cluster and a base. The base includes a top portion, a rear wall extending downward from the top portion, and an open front.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, is a pillow curler case, also called a pillow cover having a specialty panel that is used in conjunction with a traditional pillow. When the pillow is placed in the cover, an indentation is formed allowing the user to place their head in the indented region of the pillow while having their neck and shoulders supported by the edges of the pillow. This indentation provides for greater comfort when lying on the pillow, in particular when wearing hair or head devices or where there is a desire for separation between a user's face and their pillow. Other applications will be apparent to those of skill in the art for uses of the final rolled pillow which is formed.

Abstract: A baby blanket comprising a first layer of material having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first designed border, the second side having a second designed border, the first and second sides sharing a first perimeter surface; a second layer of material having a third side and a fourth side, the third side having a third designed border, the fourth side having a fourth designed border, the third and second sides sharing a second perimeter surface; the first layer of material stitched to the second layer of material at the first and second perimeter surfaces, the stitching located around the complete first and second perimeter surfaces except at a location on the top side of the first and second perimeter surfaces creating an opening extending a first length.

Abstract: A sand-anchored beach blanket including a base having two opposing sides separated by a length, a sand retaining frame extending away from the base and spanning the length of the base, the sand retaining frame including a sidewall at least partially defining a sand retaining channel, and at least one elastic member having a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end coupled to the sand retaining frame, the at least one elastic member defining a gap between the sidewall of the sand retaining frame and the at least one elastic member, the gap disposed within the sand retaining channel such that the at least one elastic member at least partially defines the sand retaining channel in addition to the sand retaining frame.

Abstract: A sleeping bag with variable magnetic closure positions includes an inner shell and an outer shell enclosing a filler material, forming a sleeping space. An opening for accessing the sleeping space is adjacent a first edge and a second edge. The first edge and the second edge are overlapping and having aligning magnetic bodies. The sleeping bag also has magnetic bodies arranged to attach to the first edge and to the second edge. When the first edge and the second edge are coupled together, an enlarged sleeping space is created. When the first edge and the second edge are overlapping so that magnetic bodies on the first edge and the second edge are coupled to magnetic bodies on the sleeping bag, a reduced sleeping space is created.

Abstract: The pillow system for good health and sleep is an apparatus that encourages proper sleeping positions. The apparatus directly supports the head, neck, shoulders, and arms of the user. The apparatus includes a main pillow, a first supplementary pillow, a second supplementary pillow, a first length-adjustable strap, a second length-adjustable strap, a first proximal fastener, and a second proximal fastener. The first length-adjustable strap and the second length-adjustable strap each includes a proximal end and a circumferential-adjustable looped end. The proximal ends of both the first length-adjustable strap and the second length-adjustable strap detachably attach to the main pillow. The circumferential-adjustable looped ends of both the first length-adjustable strap and the second length-adjustable strap couple to the first supplementary pillow and the second supplementary pillow, respectively.

Abstract: A cylindrical container for holding snack foods and other items that can be transformed into a serving bowl is provided. A container system comprising a cylindrical container and flexible panels that can be assembled into a serving bowl is also provided.

Abstract: Products and methods of increasing the Rigidity and Rim Stiffness of disposable containers are provided. The containers have an outer flange portion extending outwardly with a brim portion sloping downwardly defining a declivity angle ? with respect to a horizontal generally parallel to the bottom portion and generally include an outward turn at the periphery of the container. A preferred method of improving rigidity includes press-forming: (i) a brim transition portion adjoining the downwardly sloping brim portion of the container and (ii) an outwardly extending annular evert portion adjoining the brim transition portion extending outwardly at an eversion angle ? of at least about 25 degrees with respect to the downwardly sloping brim portion of the flange.

Abstract: A paperboard plate such as a paper plate includes a generally planar bottom portion, an upwardly and outwardly extending fluted sidewall, wherein the sidewall comprises a plurality of sidewall flutes substantially around the outer perimeter of the plate to define a fluted perimeter. The flutes are suitably present at fewer than 3.5 flutes per inch; the plate has a radial profile with a single transition; and the diameter/flute length ratio is greater than 6. The plates are formed in a punch-through die cutting and forming tool from a plurality of paperboard web layers at increased productivities as compared with conventional heated press-forming.

Abstract: This invention relates to anti-spill disposable and reusable drink-through lids for hot and cold disposable and reusable beverage cups. The present invention is directed to drink-through lids which may be placed over and attached to disposable and reusable beverage cups and which provides a drink-through opening near the perimeter of the lid's top surface for easy drinking. The drink-though lid can accommodate a consumer's lips or a beverage disposable or reusable straw. When used with a straw, the lid and straw combination creates a spill-proof seal.

Abstract: A stem pops for round or hexagonal stemware that can be attached and removed to the stem of the stemware for the purpose of decoration.

Abstract: A lid for a drinking cup for two having a generally circular panel of flexible material and having a circular retaining rim securing the lid to the circular rim of a drinking cup. The lid has a pair of orienting and access receptacles depending from the circular panel and having side walls sufficiently spaced to receive a drinking straw therebetween. The receptacles have drinking straw orienting walls for orientation of a pair of drinking straws within a cup. The receptacles each have a drinking straw entry wall oriented at an abrupt angle with the orienting wall and having a perforation permitting a drinking straw to be forced through the perforation and into a cup to which said lid is assembled.

Abstract: A cover device (2) for a drink container having an improved leak resistance comprises a basic assembly (9) which is provided with a drink opening (32) and a ring-shaped member (37), and a valve arrangement (20) for blocking or unblocking a passage to the drink opening (32) from a drink container side of the cover device (2). The valve arrangement (20) comprises a valve element (26) having a sleeve (60) with a slit (42), a circumference of the sleeve (60) being substantially similar to a circumference of the ring-shaped member (37). The leak resistance of the valve arrangement is further improved in that the sleeve (60) and the ring-shaped member (37) have a first diameter in the direction of the slit (42) and a second diameter perpendicular to the slit (42), wherein a ratio between the first and second diameters of the sleeve (60) is smaller than a ratio between the first and second diameters of the ring-shaped member (37).

Abstract: Drink containers with mouthpiece assemblies having a dispensing configuration and a stowed configuration. A mouthpiece assembly defines a liquid passage through which drink liquid may be dispensed when the mouthpiece assembly is in the dispensing configuration and includes means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some examples, the means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid include a tube that at least partially defines the liquid passage and which includes a crimping region. The crimping region may be constructed of a resiliently and reversibly deformable material that is adapted to restrict the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a means for automatically releasing the mouthpiece assembly from its stowed configuration to a dispensing configuration.

Abstract: A Self Balancing Spoon is an eating assistive utensil that has heavier scoop or bowl part lip area that counter-balances the lighter handle part such that during resting position, the entire handle is always lifted up and not touching the surface where it is placed.

Abstract: Devices for dipping or dunking snacks into beverages include elements for holding a snack in place for dipping or dunking and a structure for allowing the user to keep his hands out of the beverage while immersing the snack. One embodiment includes a handle, a tray and a pivoting holding arm which slides up and down the handle and pivots into place to hold the snack.

Abstract: A buoyant holder and buoyant holding system are disclosed. The buoyant holder includes an inner portion, a plurality of outer portions extending outward from the inner portion along a common plane, each of the plurality of outer portions comprising two contiguous surfaces forming an acute angle, an upper surface spanning the inner portion and the plurality of outer portions, a lower surface spanning the inner portion and the plurality of outer portions, at least one aperture disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface and configured to support an object.

Abstract: A drinking consumption inspection apparatus, including: a plurality of compartments; a plurality of cups, each being associated to a different and only to one person, and to a different and only one of the compartments, for inserting the cup thereinto; a weight for each of the compartments, for weighing the cup thereof, upon the insertion; and a controller, for accumulating decrease of sequential weights provided by said weights, for each cup separately, over time, thereby the drinking consumption inspection apparatus records drinking quantity of each of the cups, for inspecting that each person drinks sufficiently.

Abstract: There is provided a clothes-hanger comprising: a hanger body; and a beacon-signal transmitter attached to the body for transmitting a beacon signal to a wireless device, wherein when the wireless device comes within an effective communication range of the beacon signal from the beacon-signal transmitter, the beacon-signal transmitter transmits the beacon signal including a beacon identity to the wireless device, wherein the beacon identity is associated with the beacon-signal transmitter.

Abstract: A drapery track assembly is disclosed that performs an automatic and dynamic torque calibration to enable automatic detection of pulling of the drape as well as obstacles in order to minimize damage to the drapery track assembly and users. The drapery track assembly comprises a track, a drape attached to the track, a motor configured for moving the drape along the track, a sensor configured for sensing a position of the drape along the track, a current sensing circuit configured for detecting current levels, and a controller configured for controlling the motor and comprising at least one memory. The controller is configured for determining and storing a multi-point overcurrent threshold (OCTH) profile in each direction of travel comprising a plurality of overcurrent threshold (OCTH) values for each segment of travel along the track.

Abstract: A manually operated beverage maker and dispenser includes: a receptacle having an upper opening; a manually operable air pump separate from and attached to the receptacle; and an air passage from the air pump to the receptacle. The air passage is equipped with one-way valve for permitting air to pass from the air pump to the receptacle while preventing flow of fluids from the receptacle towards the air pump.

Abstract: A capsule for the preparation of a beverage can include a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein. The container can include at least one support having a section on which a plurality of sequences of symbols is represented; each symbol is sequentially readable, by a reading arrangement of an external device, while the capsule is rotated along an axis of rotation. Each sequence can code a set of information related to the capsule, and at least one of the sequences can include symbols defining a preamble sequence that allows determination of a position of the symbols in the associated sequence coding the set of information related to the capsule. The container can include a cup-shaped body having a flange-like rim and a lid connected to the body, the support can be on a bottom of the rim, and the bottom of the rim can be opposed to the lid.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a flow-through fluid heating unit includes an annular member, and a heating element deposited on an inner surface of the annular member, the heating element including three sub-heating elements, each sub-heating element being connected to a separate conduit for receiving a separate phase of a three phase electrical power source. The heating unit may include a baffle core including at least one channel providing a fluid flow path, the baffle core being disposed within the annular member and proximate to the heating element. First and second end fittings may be disposed at each end of the annular member, each end fitting including a fluid port for allowing the fluid to flow through the annular member. One of the end fittings may be releasably connected to the annular member to provide access for removal of the baffle core.

Abstract: The container for cooking food comprises a body (2) comprising a bottom wall (3) and at least one side wall (4) extending from the said bottom wall (3), at least one first non-stick coating (30) on at least part of the inside surface of the bottom wall (3), and at least one second non-stick coating (40) on at least part of the inside surface of the side wall (4); the first non-stick coating (30) differs from the second non-stick coating (40) and has greater resistance to scratching than the second non-stick coating (40).

Abstract: A shaft assembly is provided. The shaft assembly has a shaft, a sprocket, a spring and a shaft retainer. The shaft has a first and second end. A head is disposed on the first end of the shaft. The head is configured not to extend through a first aperture of the front side wall of a cooking device. The second end of the shaft extends through and is rotatably supported by the first aperture. The sprocket and spring are slidably and rotatably disposed on second end of shaft. The second end of the shaft receives a shaft retainer such that the spring is held compressed and self aligns the shaft assembly perpendicular and the sprocket parallel to a side wall and endless chain support members of the cooking device.

Abstract: A Bar B Q utensil and tool holder has a head member; a first and a second hollow horn member so fashioned so as to hold utensils; a spatula hooked onto a spatula hook located at the rear of the head member; push buttons releasably engaging holes so as to control the release of utensils; a scrubber brush inserted inside the head and behind a lid member; an adjustable clip member located at the rear of the head member so as to allow for the tool holder to be attached to a handle member used for lifting a hood member on bar B Q grill.

Abstract: Disclosed are assemblies, methods, and means for installing attachments in barbecue grills. A barbecue grill may include, in a cooking body of the barbecue grill, an opening and a plurality of holes configured to facilitate installation of an attachment for the barbecue grill. In some embodiments, an attachment comprises a smoke box and is configured to be installed in the opening and securely fastened to the barbecue grill by using fasteners receivably positioned in the plurality of holes. In some embodiments, an attachment comprises a cover plate and is configured to be installed in the opening and securely fastened to the barbecue grill by using fasteners receivably positioned in the plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the barbecue grill comprises a plurality of means for interfacing with attachments, and a means for substantially covering the opening including a plurality of means for interfacing with the cooking body.

Abstract: A grinder system facilitates transporting, dispensing, and storing ground herbs, spices, or tobacco after they have been ground.

Abstract: Coffee bean container, in particular a double bean container, for releasably fixing on a coffee grinder or a coffee machine with an integrated coffee grinder, with a first bean compartment (3) comprising a first bean outlet (6) and with at least one second bean compartment (4) comprising a second bean outlet (6), with closure means (12) assigned to the bean outlets (5, 6) for closing the bean outlets (5, 6), with locking means (13) for locking the bean container to the coffee grinder or to the coffee machine, and with an actuating element (8) actuatable by a user and moveable relative to the bean compartments (3, 4), wherein the actuating element (8) is designed and arranged for both opening all bean outlets (5, 6) and for locking the locking means (13), in particular with a single actuating movement, and/or both for closing all bean outlets (5, 6) and unlocking the locking means (12), in particular with a single actuating movement.

Abstract: A module includes a housing, a sealing feature, a locking feature, and an agitator. The housing has an opening separating inner and outer surfaces and a boss that extends through the housing such that part of the outer surface forms an inner bore of the boss having a terminus pointing toward the opening. The agitator has a base, a shaft, and a mixing element coupled to the base such that the base, in cooperation with the sealing feature, circumferentially seals the opening of the housing to form a cavity defined by the inner surface. The shaft passes through the inner bore. The locking feature when engaged permits independent or simultaneous translational and rotational movement of the shaft while an area between the terminus of the boss and the shaft remains mechanically sealed during the movement against liquid or powder encroachment into a clean area of the inner bore.

Abstract: A food processing tool is provided with a base forming an operative surface disposed above a work surface. A first blade is disposed adjacent and generally parallel to the operative surface. A main body has a sidewall forming a chamber with front and rear openings. A rotatable rod extends into the chamber, and an external handle rotates the rod. A pusher element is attached to the rod and includes a set of pins extending from its lower surface to engage a food item. A second blade ma be mounted in a slot adjacent the work surface and have a plurality of cutting points extending upwardly from a central spine, generally perpendicular to the first blade. A cover is removably attachable to the operative surface to cover the blades. A top face of the cover has a pin receiving structure to assist in removing the pusher from the rod.

Abstract: Filling tube for a food processing apparatus of the type comprising a cutting disc that cuts or chops the food present at the base of a filling tube, comprising a pushing piston that presses the food against the disc. The piston is connected to a lever through a crankshaft mechanism. The piston is guided by a series of semi-guides arranged along the stroke of the piston, there being at least one fixed semi-guide attached to the inner walls of the tube and one moving semi-guide that moves together with the piston.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided including a reservoir, a stem extending from the reservoir, a funnel within the reservoir having a funnel portion and a conduit, the conduit extending within the reservoir and along a major length of the reservoir, and a dispensing spout extending above the funnel, allowing the reservoir if filled from the funnel. A method of filling a fluid dispenser is provided and a method for operating power driven pump in a dispenser is provided.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing, a cartridge, and a pump assembly. The housing defines an internal volume. The cartridge is coupled with the housing. The pump assembly includes a tube that extends through the cartridge and into the internal volume of the housing. The tube includes a first inlet through which a first liquid is drawn into the tube from the internal volume when the pump assembly is actuated, and a second inlet through which a second liquid is drawn into the tube from the cartridge when the pump assembly is actuated.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing defining an internal volume. A cartridge is coupled with the housing. A tube extends into the internal volume of the housing. A first liquid is drawn from the internal volume into the tube through a first inlet in the tube when the pump assembly is actuated. A connecting member is positioned in the internal volume of the housing and coupled to the cartridge and the tube. A second liquid is drawn from the cartridge, through the connecting member, and into the tube through a second inlet in the tube when the pump assembly is actuated.

Abstract: An exemplary refill unit for a foam dispenser includes a container for holding a foamable liquid and a liquid pump connected to the container and an outlet nozzle. The liquid pump has a rigid back plate and a flexible membrane. The flexible membrane and the rigid back plate form an arcuate shaped liquid pump chamber. The rigid back plate has a liquid inlet located proximate a first end of the arcuate shaped pump chamber and a liquid outlet located proximate a second end of the arcuate shaped pump chamber. The liquid pump is actuated by progressive compression of the flexible membrane against the back plate.

Abstract: An extendable battery operated scrubber brush with interchangeable brush heads is provided. The scrubber brush includes a battery operated scrubber brush having an extendable handle and a plurality of interchangeable brush heads, each having different body cleaning materials thereon, and a battery charging docking station. The handle is extendable via an elongated member that is slidably disposed in an interior volume thereof. The handle includes a proximal end and a distal end that includes a drive shaft for removably receiving an interchangeable brush head thereon. The drive shaft is coupled to an electric motor disposed in the handle that rotates the drive shaft and drives an interchangeable brush head mounted thereon. The proximal end includes a port for receiving an electrical connector disposed in the docking stat on and one or more activation switches for activating the electric motor and driving the drive shaft.

Abstract: In one aspect there is provided a towel rack having a width and comprising a wall mounting bracket and a towel support frame. The wall mounting bracket is for fastening the towel rack to a wall. The towel support frame is supported by the wall mounting bracket and defines a perimeter thereabout and a plane therebetween. The length of the perimeter is longer than the width of the towel rack. The towel support frame may be secured in a drying configuration so as to orient said plane substantially perpendicular to the wall. When in the drying configuration, a towel may be positioned on the towel support frame substantially around said perimeter.

Abstract: Certain dual roll dispensers and methods of dispensing sheet product are provided. In one example, the method includes receiving, by the controller, a first trigger from at least one motion sensor. The method includes determining an active product being dispensed by the dispenser, and powering, in response to the first trigger, a measurement device configured to measure an amount of the active product dispensed by the dispenser. The method also includes receiving, from the measurement device, dispense event information associated with the measured amount of the active product dispensed by the dispenser during a dispense event, and storing the dispense event information.

Abstract: A method of reducing sheet product waste generated during use of a sheet product dispenser in a particular location and over a broad range of usage rates includes designing a dispenser. The design includes determining a desired housing size to obtain a top to bottom height for sheet product roll storage within the housing, dividing the height by two to obtain a maximum roll diameter, locating two roll holders in the housing so that each holder may accept a roll having the maximum roll diameter, positioning a first roll of the maximum roll diameter in a first one of the two roll holders, and positioning a second roll of the maximum roll diameter in a second one of the two roll holders so that two rolls of equivalent length are configured to be dispensed sequentially from the dispenser. The installation and use of two rolls of maximum roll diameter reduces waste. Dispensers formed according to this method are also described.

Abstract: A dual compartment mountable sanitation station for mounting in a public bathroom stall is shown as a wall mountable station housing with an upper compartment portion and a lower compartment portion, with the upper compartment portion and the lower compartment portion arranged in a stacked orientation, with each providing a discrete, lockable storage enclosure. In the preferred embodiment, the upper compartment portion includes a removable top and is used to house a canister of flushable disinfectant wipes, with the canister held so that wipes can be accessed and removed for use on surfaces in the public bathroom stall in which the dual compartment mountable sanitation station is mounted, while the lower compartment portion includes a hingedly attached front door and is used to house a bottom dispensing hand sanitizer dispenser.

Abstract: A sitting toilet is converted to a squat toilet. A seat having a bottom surface is formed with a channel. A support has a central hinged portion, a pair of leg portions that extend away from the hinged portion, and a footrest structure mounted on the leg portions. The hinged portion is mounted on a front of the bottom surface of the seat for movement between a stowed position in which the support is at least partly received in the channel, and a deployed position in which the support maintains a user seated on the seat in a squatting posture. The leg portions extend toward a floor on which the toilet is supported in the deployed position. The footrest structure is positioned forwardly of the seat to support a seated user's feet at a raised elevation above the floor in the deployed position.

Abstract: A hand carriable surface cleaning apparatus, such as a cyclonic hand vacuum cleaner, is provided wherein a pre-motor filter is positioned in a pre-motor filter housing.

Abstract: A track cleaner, consisting of a suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, the suction nozzle including: a body, including an inlet and an outlet; a hinge disposed inside the body between the inlet and the outlet; and a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the hinge, for being tangentially rotatable in relation to the body, thereby the plurality of cleaning elements receive air flowing vertically thereto from the inlet to the outlet, and function as tangential blades, thereby rotate about the hinge, thereby sweep.