Abstract: Display stand devices and display assemblies can be used to display and dispense a variety of consumer goods, such as substantially circular pillows. The components of the display devices and display assemblies are designed to be lightweight and disassembled for ease of transport. The disassembled components of the display devices and display assemblies can also be oriented to be substantially flat, thereby minimizing packaging material and space required during transport.

Abstract: Described is a device for holding portable computing devices at a register of a retail store. The device for holding portable computing devices includes an elongate member with a first end and a second end. The first end has a coupler that couples to a pole. The second end is coupled to a register. In some embodiments, the elongate member includes a rod portion and a flat bar portion. The coupler couples the rod portion to the pole. The flat bar portion is coupled to the register. The rod portion is sized to conveniently receive portable computing device couplers so that the portable computing devices can be repeatably and removeably hung from the rod portion. Customers who have used the store's scanners while shopping can hang their borrowed scanner on the device when they are done using the scanner.

Abstract: A mattress topper for fitting to a mattress may include a lower layer, a side layer configured to extend down along a side of the mattress, and an upper layer overlaying the lower layer and at least partially disposed between the lower layer and the side layer. The mattress topper may also include a seam including threads and extending along peripheral edges of the lower layer and the upper layer and extending through the lower layer, upper layer, and side layer, the lower layer and side layer bearing the threads of the seam. An air table may include a top panel including a plurality of vents extending through the top panel. A method of making a mattress topper with an air table may include lifting the mattress topper with the air table while performing sewing procedures on the mattress topper.

Abstract: A fitted sheet. A fitted sheet includes a generally rectangular sheet having a drawstring disposed throughout a length of a channel positioned along a perimeter of the sheet. The drawstring has a first end and a second end that exits from an opening of the channel. A pocket also extends from the sheet such that the pocket is dimensioned to receive the drawstring. A fastener disposed along the drawstring allows for sliding adjustment along the drawstring, so as to adjust the size of a loop formed by the drawstring and fastener.

Abstract: A duvet cover comprised of a pouch which is dimensioned to receive therein a flat down insulating sheet. The pouch has an opening for the insertion and removal of the down insulating sheet whenever the pouch needs to be cleaned. Accordingly, the down insulating sheet is not subjected to washing or dry tumbling which is damaging to the down insulating sheet. Attachments are secured inside the pouch and along peripheral edges of the down insulating sheet whereby the down insulating sheet is secured in position inside the pouch and does not shift, although it is in close fit therein. Such duvet cover has a uniform flat appearance and has a prolonged life.

Abstract: An articulating pillow is provided which is configured to allow a user to articulate and set the curvature and shape of the pillow which is held until reconfigured. An articulating member running axially through the body of the pillow may be adjusted for resistance to bending to increase or decrease the force needed to reconfigure the pillow shape.

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 multi-purpose napkin and bib device is disclosed. The device can convert from a napkin configuration to a bib configuration by pulling one or more drawstrings and from a bib configuration back to a napkin configuration by stretching out the bib body by grasping a portion of the bib body near the drawstrings and pulling so that one or more of the drawstrings is drawn back into a bib housing. The device can be worn and secured to a user using the drawstrings. The device can include an integral pouch, a crumb catcher, can be converted into a flag, or can be assembled using other specialized features or materials as discussed herein.

Abstract: The embodiments provide a secure-grip disposable dish for food. A food surface and a raised rim together give the dish to some extent a concave shape. The dish includes a void for receiving a user's thumb. In a first embodiment the void for receiving a user's thumb is configured as a slot. In a second embodiment the void for receiving a user's thumb is configured as an aperture. An elevated shelf proximal to the void for receiving a user's thumb can be included to provide a spot for the tip of a user's thumb to rest on when the dish is in use. In an alternative embodiment, a void for receiving one or more fingers of a user is substituted for the void for receiving a user's thumb.

Abstract: A system and method transporting fluids with a pitcher. The pitcher includes one or more pitcher walls disposed about a void having a floor at a base region and an open top at a rim. The pitcher has a handle mounted on the wall or one of the walls. The pitcher also has a hollow shoe set into the base region which includes a sole plate at a base. It further includes one or more spaced-apart shoe walls an open rim, the sole plate disposed at an angle to drain water it a shoe drain which is configured to extend through one of the shoe walls.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a flowable food product from a reservoir is provided. The system includes a fitment coupled to the reservoir and a piercing tool having a handle, a neck, and a piercing section, wherein the neck interconnects the handle with the piercing section. The piercing section is configured to create an opening in the reservoir through the fitment to enable dispensing of the flowable product.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a flowable food product from a reservoir is provided. A wall of the reservoir defines an aperture therethrough allowing the flowable food product to exit the reservoir. The system includes a valve having a base member having a first passageway extending therethrough and a moving member having a second passageway extending therethrough, the moving member configured to slide relative to the base member between a closed position in which the first passageway and the second passageway do not overlap and an open position in which the first passageway and the second passageway overlap. When the moving member is in the open position, an axis extending through the first passageway and the second passageway extends through the aperture in the reservoir.

Abstract: A portable beverage container includes a container base adapted to store a liquid, a lid removably coupled to the base, a design element support structure, and a design element. The design element support structure is removably coupled to the lid to allow an end user of the portable beverage container to drink the liquid stored in the container base. The design element support structure is arranged in a fluid aperture defined by the lid such that a first portion of the design element support structure is arranged in the container base and a second portion of the drinking element is arranged outside of the container base. The design element is adapted to movably travel on the first portion of the design element support structure and is configured to float on the liquid stored in the container base.

Abstract: A wine glass comprising a bowl connected to a stem which is connected to a base, wherein the stem is arranged to be movable relative to the bowl between first and second configurations.

Abstract: A liquid container lid assembly includes a straw having an internal one-way valve and a grommet seal for sealing against the straw. As a result, the disclosed liquid container lid assembly allows a consumer (such as a child) to drink from the straw while preventing accidental spillage without the need for the child to manipulate any part of the lid assembly (such as a lock or valve release). In other words, the liquid container lid assembly is always in a no-spill configuration while simultaneously allowing a consumer to drink from the straw.

Abstract: A lid with a retractable straw for a cup or other fluid container is disclosed. The device includes a body including a cavity that extends from a bottom surface of the body to an upper surface of the body and a lid positionable between a closed position in which the lid lays on an upper surface of the body and an open position in which the lid is displaced from the upper surface of the body. The device also includes a tube, a straw and a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece coupled to the body and in fluid communication with the tube, the mouthpiece being positionable between a closed position in which the mouthpiece crimps the tube to the bottom surface of the body and an open position in which the tube couples the mouthpiece in fluid communication with the straw.

Abstract: A drink cup includes a body formed to include an interior region providing a fluid-holding reservoir and a brim. The brim is coupled to the body to frame an opening into the interior region.

Abstract: An condensation receiving device includes a base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer wall coupled with the bottom surface at a first end and having a second end and an inner wall having an outwardly facing surface coupled with the outer wall at the second end. The device further includes a cup having an outer surface coupled with the base. A gap is formed between the outer surface of the cup and the outwardly facing surface of the inner wall and a reservoir is formed by two or more of the bottom wall, the outer wall, and the inner wall.

Abstract: An equipment stand for storing police and/or military clothing and equipment may include a base; at least one upright extending upward from the base; a belt hanger supported by the upright and effective for holding an equipment belt; a vest hanger supported by the upright and effective for holding an equipment vest; a tray supported by the upright and effective for holding miscellaneous objects that do not need to be secured; and a lock box supported by the upright and effective for holding miscellaneous objects that may need to be secured. The stand may include an upright extension for holding one or more clothing hangers. The stand may be freestanding, or may be used without the base when mounted to a wall.

Abstract: A playmat system includes a series of isosceles right triangle tiles and edge tiles. Advantageously, the triangle shaped tiles and edge tiles have one or of two color or patterns or more. The triangle shaped tiles and edge tiles have complementary edges which allow the triangle tiles to be interlockingly engaged with one another along either hypotenuse edges or like edges to thereby produce a number of different patterns when laid out and interconnected.

Abstract: A package security system includes an extrinsic communications network in communication with a parcel delivery company. The extrinsic communications network communicates a predetermined pass code to the parcel delivery company. A building is has an entry and a security box is coupled to the entry. A parcel may be placed within the security box when the parcel delivery company delivers the parcel to the building. A door is hingedly coupled to the security box and an electronic lock is coupled to the door. The electronic lock selectively locks the door in a closed position. Thus, the electronic lock inhibits the parcel from being removed from the security box by an unauthorized user. The electronic lock selectively unlocks the door when the predetermined pass code is entered into the electronic lock. Thus, the parcel may be removed from the security box.

Abstract: A device for use in cutting open and removing the seed and flesh of an avocado is disclosed. The device includes a first handle member having a first end and a second end and a second handle member having a first end and a second end. The device also includes a first blade joining the first handle member and the second handle member together at their respective first ends and a second blade coupled to the first handle member and the second handle member at their respective second ends.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a smart slow cooker, system, and related methods for heating food to at least 50 degrees centigrade within at most two hours, then adjusting the power to a lower setting for the remainder of the desired cooking time.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for cooking two food items simultaneously, the second food item being positioned to drip fat or other juices onto a first food item.

Abstract: An automatic drip coffee machine includes a drip part, a hot water supply unit, a pedestal, a load cell, and a controlling part. The drip part pours water into a dripper containing coffee beans in a predetermined amount to brew coffee. The hot water supply unit provides the heated water to the drip part. The pedestal supports a drip container for supporting the dripper and storing the extracted coffee by the dripper. The load cell is disposed in the pedestal and measures weights of the dripper and the drip container. The controlling part calculates an error value between a predetermined water injection amount of the drip part and an amount of water actually poured from the drip part into the dripper using weights of the dripper and the drip container measured by the load cell and readjusts the water injection amount of the drip part based on the error value.

Abstract: A reusable filter cartridge includes a base cup having a sidewall defining a plurality of openings that are covered with a filtering material. A bottom wall of the base cup defines impermeable outlet probe receptacles sized and positioned to receive an outlet probe of a brewing device. Two or more adapter rings removably secure to the base cup thereby defining multiple combinations with differing volumes for use in different brewing devices and for preparing different numbers of servings. An adapter ring for multiple-serving implementations may include a tube along the side thereof with a bottom opening located below the lowermost surface of the adapter ring. An insert secures within each adapter ring and defines an inlet probe aperture and structures for creating a seal with respect to an inlet probe of a brewing device.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly for a machine for preparing a liquid food product by means of capsules including a casing having an inlet passage, suitable for enabling insertion of a capsule into the dispensing assembly, and an outlet passage, suitable for enabling discharge of the capsule from the dispensing assembly, an infusion chamber which comprises two chamber parts, at least one of which defines a housing for at least partially receiving the capsule, retention elements, for keeping the capsule in a retaining position, essentially coaxial to the two chamber parts, the retention elements being within the casing in an intermediate position between the inlet and outlet passages, to be operative between the two chamber parts when they are in a spaced-apart position, an actuation system, operable for causing relative movements between the two chamber parts according to an actuation axis, between the spaced-apart position and a close position, a guide member mounted at the inlet passage to be displaceable between a

Abstract: Embodiments related to juicing systems including juicers for extracting juice from food matter contained within juicer cartridges are described.

Abstract: Provided is a coffee maker, comprising a shell body, a brewing assembly, a slight pressure assembly, a heating assembly and a filtering assembly; the brewing assembly comprises a brewing vessel installed on the shell body; the brewing vessel has a hollow accommodation chamber, which accommodates stuff to be brewed; the slight pressure assembly comprises a booster pump and a pressure pipe; the booster pump is connected with the pressure pipe; the pressure pipe is in communication with the accommodation chamber; the booster pump is configured to supply slight pressure to the brewing vessel; the heating assembly is in communication with the accommodation chamber assembly, and is configured to supply heated water to the brewing vessel; and the filtering assembly is provided on a lower part of the brewing vessel and is in communication with the accommodation chamber. A control method of the coffee maker is further provided.

Abstract: A beverage maker including a reservoir, an intermediate chamber, a beverage substance retaining container, a heating element associated with the reservoir and a temperature responsive valve assembly between the reservoir and intermediate chamber for controlling the flow of heated water from the reservoir. The beverage maker includes a sensor device coupled to the reservoir, spaced from the heating element, to detect a condition such as a temperature change, temperature, temperature range, or presence of absence of water within the reservoir to cease power to the heating element upon detecting the condition. The intermediate chamber is sized and dimensioned to accommodate a predetermined range of volumes of water flowing from the reservoir through the intermediate chamber. A spray head is provided on the intermediate chamber communicating with the volume of water retained therein to distribute the water over beverage making substance retained in the beverage substance retaining container.

Abstract: The invention discussed herein discloses an apparatus for use in a brewing appliance. The apparatus is configured to receive two or more standard beverage pods and a multi-point water dispensing manifold delivers the water to the pods for steeping of the liquid. By way of example, the apparatus disclosed as the present invention may be used to brew two or more standard beverage pods, simultaneously, as may be desired by the user.

Abstract: The present invention describes a low-cost apparatus for selectively brewing stronger coffee. The invention provides for a switch and two circuits integral to the coffee maker whereby the user can manually select between a regular brew and a strong brew accomplished by adding in a second circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for making a hot beverage such as coffee. The system according to the invention includes a raw material container in which raw material for the hot beverage is arrangeable. The raw material container is provided with a liquid inlet, and an outlet with a substantially horizontal flow through the raw material. A nozzle assembly is connected operatively to the outlet and provided with an inlet, an air inlet and a nozzle. An outflow is connected operatively to the nozzle for delivery of the hot beverage.

Abstract: A cooking system for cooking a product flow utilizing steam. A supply of steam is provided at a supply pressure that is regulated by a control unit to a regulated pressure. The supply of steam is provided to a plurality of steam injection cookers which are positioned within a product supply pipeline that receives a product flow. The product flow is cooked as the product flow passes through the product supply pipeline and the plurality of cookers. Each of the steam injection cookers includes a steam modulator that controls the amount of steam injected. By regulating the steam pressure and the steam modulator, the control unit can modify the amount of shear created within the product flow and control the temperature of the fluid. The cooking system further includes a clean-in-place system that can inject a cleaning solution into the steam supply pipeline and the plurality of steam injection cookers.

Abstract: A storage lid and a cookware assembly are provided that includes a cover portion having a top surface, first and second sidewalls and a flexible locking tab. The first and second locking tabs each have a lateral portion and a locking portion. The lateral portion has an inner surface and an outer surface and extends outwardly from the sidewall in a direction that is generally parallel to the top surface of the cover portion. The locking portion extends downwardly and inwardly at an angle from the lateral portion. A locking protuberance is disposed on the inner surface of the locking portion, and an elongate aperture that terminates proximate the locking protuberance is disposed in a portion of the lateral portion and the locking portion.

Abstract: The invention described discloses an appliance system that is specially configured to receive a specific food item, for example a burrito or a 12-inch pizza, cook it according to a predetermined set of temperature and time parameters, then switch to a keep warm mode to ensure that the food item does not burn if left unattended. Several key elements differentiate this appliance from other similar appliances, namely, the unit self-monitors, cooks food items and minimizes the risk of burning the user or flammable materials around the unit.

Abstract: An electric roasting oven and method of use are disclosed. The roasting oven can comprise, in various embodiments, a double walled dome lid that includes an inner wall lid and an outer wall lid, wherein the inner wall lid and outer wall lid are joined at a base of the double walled dome lid, a shallow pan that interfaces with the base of the double walled dome lid, and a temperature controlling component disposed in the double walled dome lid. The temperature controlling component can include a heating element that is electrically coupled to the temperature controlling component, and the heating element can be radially disposed about an exterior surface of the inner wall lid and within the outer wall lid.

Abstract: An invertible roasting oven, cooking apparatus, and method of cooking with a cooking apparatus are described. In various embodiments, the invertible roasting oven may include a double walled dome lid having an inner wall and an outer wall, a heating element that is disposed within the double walled dome lid between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a shallow pan that interfaces with the double walled dome lid. The shallow pan may be configured to function as a base to the double walled dome lid in a first mode of operation and as a cover to the double walled dome lid in a second mode of operation. The invertible roasting oven may further include a cradle that receives the double walled dome lid when the cooking apparatus is operating in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-based fryer apparatus (10) for preparing food. The apparatus (10) comprises a base part (12) comprising an upper support (14) and a gearing system (16) to generate a rotation force around a vertical rotation axis (18). The apparatus (10) further comprises a container (20) arranged on the upper support (14) and a food basket (22) with an air-permeable bottom part (24). The food basket is placed inside the container (20) such that a lateral gap (26) is arranged between walls of the container and walls of the food basket (22), and such that a bottom gap (32) is arranged between the bottom part of the container and said air-permeable bottom part (24). The apparatus (10) further comprises an upper lid device (34) arranged on top of the container (20). The upper lid device comprises a system (36) with primary heating means (38) and air ventilation means (40) for generating a flow of hot air in the lateral gap (26), in the bottom gap (32), and in the food basket (22).

Abstract: A convection barbeque cooking apparatus includes a hollow air column, a heating element, a cooking area, and one or more mesh screens. The hollow air column extends from a base section and includes air intake ports. The heating element is positioned inside the hollow air column, and above the air intake ports. The air suctioned through the air intake ports is heated and transferred upwardly through the hollow air column. The cooking area is positioned above and in fluid communication with the hollow air column, where the cooking area includes a cooking platform positioned proximal to a brim of the cooking area to place the food item to be cooked via convection barbeque. The mesh screens are positioned below the cooking platform to collect portions of the food item slipping from the cooking platform, and thereby preventing the portions from igniting due to contact with the heating element.

Abstract: A method for igniting a fuel source utilizing a fuel ignition system, the method comprising the steps of providing a housing having an outer lateral surface, an inner lateral surface, a top opening and a bottom opening, and a plurality of vent holes and a plurality of stops on a bottom portion of the housing; positioning a flammable support over the plurality of stops through the top opening of the housing; adding the fuel source on the flammable support through the top opening; igniting the flammable support utilizing an igniting means; facilitating a rapid and uniform ignition of the fuel source utilizing the heat generated during the ignition of the flammable support inside the housing; and wherein the flammable support is the only flammable component of the system.

Abstract: A cooking device having a liquid containing well in a center surrounded by a connected flange positioned or formed at an angle to the well draining liquid into the well, has a controllable flame directed to said well. A collapsible stand has a frame that holds the cooking device and the source of the flame, and has articulated legs selectively collapsible alongside the frame.

Abstract: An herb grinding device is disclosed that includes a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first cavity, a top surface, an outer wall surrounding the first cavity, and a plurality of teeth extending from the top surface. The second section is rotatably coupled to the first section and includes a second section floor, a plurality of holes in the second section floor, a second cavity facing the first cavity, a plurality of teeth extending from the second section floor, and an annular flange positioned within the first cavity and interfacing an outer wall of the first section. The herb grinding device may also include a third section that is removably coupled to the second section opposite the first section and includes a channel extending through the third section, and a fourth section that is removably coupled to the third section and includes a collection cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments related to juicing systems including juicers for extracting juice from food matter contained within juicer cartridges are described.

Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to an inline spiral cutting food processor that includes a motor that rotates an upper positioned disc with a blade assembly by means of a belt or gear assembly or mechanism. The entrance and exit chute are fixed and positioned in-line with the axis of rotation of the blade supporting disc member. The entrance chute is positioned above the cutting disc, and the exit opening (or chute) is below. During operation a food item is pushed down the entrance chute as the blade rotates and cuts it. Cut food falls down through the opening or exit chute into a storage container or jar. The food cutting assembly is configured to generate spiral or helical food from vegetables.

Abstract: A mixing assembly includes a container having a wall that defines an interior chamber within which a product is received. A mixing structure is received within the interior chamber and mixes the product. The mixing structure has a body portion that extends along a body axis between a first end and a second end. The first end of the body portion has a first cross-sectional size. The second end of the body has a second cross-sectional size that is larger than the first cross-sectional size. The body portion has a wall that extends helically about the body axis between the first end and the second end. The wall defines a channel that extends helically about the body axis. An end axis extends perpendicular to the body axis radially outwardly to an exterior of the body portion through an opening defined by the wall.

Abstract: Described herein is a kitchen utensil which provides the functions of a tong and a spatula in one device. A synergistic result giving the user the ability to hold a food item with the utensil, which may be hot or difficult to hold with one hand, and to be able to pick it up, flip or move it to a serving dish or tray due to a hammock configuration provided at the distal ends of the tong arms.

Abstract: A bathtub pillow for reducing a volume of water necessary for filling a bathtub and for providing support and comfort to a user's back, shoulders, neck, and head may include an outer shell defining an interior of the pillow, the outer shell comprising a front side, a backside, a left side, a right side, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a conformable filler filling the interior of the pillow; and a weighted pocket built into the interior of the pillow, wherein the pillow has a shape configured to provide support to a user's back, shoulders, neck, and head.

Abstract: A stroke adjuster and an associated dispenser are provided. An example embodiment provides a dispenser configured to dispense a fluid or foam and comprising a housing and a stroke adjuster. The housing comprises at least one housing engagement surface and defines an adjuster receiving area. The adjuster receiving area is configured to receive the stroke adjuster in one of either a first orientation or a second orientation. When the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser in the first orientation a first surface is oriented upward and, when the dispenser is activated, a lower pump engagement surface of the pump is engaged by the first surface of the stroke adjuster. When the stroke adjuster is oriented within the dispenser in the second position a second surface is oriented upward and, when the dispenser is activated, the lower pump engagement surface is engaged by the housing engagement surface.

Abstract: A personal care accessory support system is provided with a rail with at least one fastener configuration to fasten the rail to an upright support surface. A plurality of receptacles is formed in the rail. At least two accessory holders are provided. Each of the at least two accessory holders is provided with a base to receive and support an accessory. A retainer is sized to extend over the rail in a horizontal orientation of the rail to mount and support the accessory holder on the rail. The retainer is also sized to extend into one of the plurality of receptacles in a vertical orientation of the rail to mount and support the accessory holder on the rail.