Abstract: An oral care implement having a grip component. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: an elongated body comprising a head portion and a handle portion, the handle portion comprising a socket; at least one tooth cleaning element mounted to the head portion of the elongated body; and a first grip component comprising: an annular rim defining a central opening, the annular rim formed of a rigid material; and a resilient body mounted to the annular rim that covers the central opening, the resilient body formed of a resilient material; the first grip component mounted within the socket.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing toothbrushes covered with bristles in an anchor-free manner, in which a tuft of bristles with cylindrical bristles and/or pointed bristles is introduced into a receiving recess of a mold of a bristle-providing machine and, by means of a profiled pin guided in the receiving recess, force is applied to the end facing the pin of the bristles of the tuft of bristles for the alignment thereof, so that the bristles of the tuft of bristles are aligned by means of an end face of the profiled pin and, as a result, form the topography that complements the topography of the end face of the profiled pin, wherein the profiled pin has on the end face that acts on the bristles a discontinuous surface, which forms multiple levels. This achieves a bristle area configuration that has multiple areas of use. A correspondingly produced toothbrush is also described.

Abstract: A method of providing a visual indication of depletion of an oral care fluid. In one aspect, the method provides a visual indication of depletion of an oral care fluid contained within a reservoir of an oral care implement having a delivery member formed of a capillary material. The method includes: a) providing an indicator fluid in the reservoir with the oral care fluid, the oral care fluid being a different color than the indicator fluid and immiscible with respect to the indicator fluid; and b) upon depletion of the oral care fluid from the reservoir, delivering the indicator fluid to a visible portion of the deliver member.

Abstract: A surface cleaning head is disclosed. The surface cleaning head includes a housing, a brush system, and a panel open detector. The brush system includes a brush and a brush drive member drivingly connected to the brush. The brush is moveably mounted in the brush chamber and removably from the brush chamber. A panel open detector is operatively connected to a brush interruption member and the brush interruption member is operatively connected to the brush system. When the panel open detector detects that a panel on the housing is opened, the brush interruption member interacts with the brush system to prevent the brush drive member driving the brush.

Abstract: The invention relates to a frame furniture comprising a furniture plate (2) and two leg elements (4) supporting the furniture plate (2), said leg elements (4) being arranged on both sides of a vertical furniture median plane and being movably mounted. The frame furniture is characterized in that each leg element (4) can be moved between a normal position, in which the leg elements (4) are covered by the furniture plate (2), and an extended position, in which the leg elements (4) are uncovered at the top, in order to enable a stacking of the frame furniture via the leg elements (4).

Abstract: Example furniture kits and methods of making the same are described. An example method includes coupling a first block of a connector to a rear wall of a disassembled piece of furniture, the first block having a first groove, and coupling a second block of the connector to a side wall of the piece of the furniture, the second block having a second groove. One of the first block or the second block includes an extension and the other of the first block or the second block includes an opening to receive the extension when the first and second blocks are coupled. The example method also includes packaging the rear wall, the side wall and a locking cover into a furniture kit to be used to assemble the piece of furniture. The locking cover is to couple the first and second blocks.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a device and method of buffering a surface while still maintaining the surface's visual appearance is disclosed. This invention relates to protecting a surface from deformation from objects placed on the surface while at the same time maintaining the surface's visual clarity and appearance. This invention may include the use of a sheet of silicone, some of the disclosed embodiments of which are uniquely configured with concave cavities and convex protrusions, and a wetting agent to achieve the stated buffering and visual appearance of the surface.

Abstract: A drawer assembly is provided. That drawer assembly includes a drawer and a bezel. The bezel includes an integral drawer centering device whereby smooth sliding action of the drawer in the bezel is provided. The bezel and the integral drawer centering device are molded as a unitary component.

Abstract: A drawer system including: a drawer cabinet and a drawer mounted in said cabinet for forward and backward travel relative thereto; said cabinet having two opposed spaced apart side walls and at least two lower wheels mounted to each side wall and spaced apart in the intended direction of travel of the drawer; said drawer having two opposed spaced apart side panels and at least two lower wheels mounted to each side panel and spaced apart in the intended direction of travel of the drawer; and a runner mounted on said lower cabinet wheels of each side wall for forward and backward travel relative to said cabinet via a first track and each runner including a second track engaged by said spaced apart lower drawer wheels for forward and backward travel of said drawer relative to said runner.

Abstract: Various apparatuses are disclosed. An apparatus may include a headrest configured to accommodate a head of a user, and an eye cover connected to the headrest and configured to cover eyes of the user. The apparatus may also include headrest straps connected to the headrest and configured to adjustably fasten the headrest to a seat. The headrest straps may adjustably fasten the headrest to the seat by wrapping around the seat. The headrest may include a wedged portion that contacts a shoulder of the user. The headrest may include an indentation shaped substantially similar to at least a portion of the head of the user. The head of the user may be substantially immobilized when the headrest is fastened to a seat and the eye cover is fastened over eyes of the user.

Abstract: A pillow comprising two wings and a bridging section connecting the wings, so that the wings and bridging section form a substantially U-shaped shape. An elastic member and a connecting assembly connect one portion of the elastic member to a first fixing point on a wing or the bridging section and another portion of the elastic member to a second fixing point on a wing or the bridging section, so that the elastic member or the connecting assembly, or both, can pass from one wing to the other, and the elastic member can urge the wings towards one another. The invention provides a more convenient and quicker way of lengthening the elastic member or connecting assembly passing from one wing to the other.

Abstract: A chair back structure is disclosed and includes a chair back that includes a frame, an upper support pad coupled to an upper portion of the frame, and a lower support pad arranged at a lower end of the upper support pad, and an elastic connection piece connecting the upper support pad and the lower support pad to each other. The upper support pad includes a lower support pad coupling seat. The lower support pad includes an upper support pad coupling seat. The elastic connection piece has an upper end mounted to the lower support pad coupling seat of the upper support pad and a lower end mounted to the upper support pad coupling seat of the lower support pad, so that the lower support pad is provided with elasticity and movability by means of the elastic connection piece.

Abstract: An air-circulating mat for a seating device is disclosed. At a lower end part of a bag-shaped body, an opening portion for mounting an air blower is formed. A spacer ensures an air path through which the air flows inside the bag-shaped body and is contained in the bag-shaped body. This spacer is made of plastic and includes a plurality of convex parts and a plurality of flexible connection portions with flexibility for connecting the adjacent convex parts. At an upper end part on the right side of the bag-shaped body is an air circulating portion for discharging the air flowing through the air path to the outside. A battery containing portion for containing a battery that supplies electric power to the air blower is provided so as to continue to a predetermined end portion of the spacer located on a back portion side of a user in use.

Abstract: A pocketed spring assembly comprises a plurality of parallel strings of individually pocketed springs. Each string is joined to at least one adjacent string. Each string has first and second opposed plies of fabric and a plurality of pockets formed along a length of the string by transverse segmented seams joining the plies. Gaps between the segments of the seams allow air to pass into and out of the pockets despite the fabric being impermeable to airflow through the fabric. The size of the gaps determines the firmness or “feel” of the pocketed spring assembly or portion thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a baby carrier comprising chest straps, a waist belt, and a carrier bag mounted on the chest straps and the waist belt. Said carrier bag comprises a front piece having leg openings, and the front piece forms together with at least a portion of a means a carrier pouch. A lower portion of the front piece forms a first seat support. A second seat support is fixedly arranged at an inside of the lower portion of the front piece between said lower portion and said means. The second seat support is divisible by a partition means so as to enable deactivation said second seat support, and said partition means being arranged in the width direction of the front piece. The second seat support has a seat width which is narrower than the seat width of the first seat support. The front piece is provided at respective leg opening with a side edge which is flexible and/or openable and which permit a narrower leg position of a child when supported by the second seat support.

Abstract: A display rack for displaying articles comprises a base, a vertical post assembly mounted to the base and upstanding therefrom and at least one article holding assembly removably mounted to the vertical post assembly. The article holding assembly comprises a longitudinal mounting arm extending downwardly and away from the vertical post assembly. A pair of longitudinal carrier arms are mounted to the longitudinal mounting arm and extend rearwardly and away from the longitudinal mounting arm and from each other. At least one hanger element is movably mounted to one of the pair of longitudinal carrier arms and extends away from the carrier arm. The hanger element is movable along a longitudinal length of the carrier arm. The hanger element provides for mounting articles thereto to be displayed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed including a pot stand configured to hold a plant within a pot. The device includes a first platform configured to hold the pot and to permit runoff water from the pot to drain through the first platform and a second platform rigidly attached below the first platform holding a removable runoff collection container collecting water from the first platform, wherein the runoff collection container is removable without moving the pot.

Abstract: A baby blanket for keeping a baby warm and having a detachable burp cloth. The present baby blanket preserves a baby's body heat, thereby keeping the baby warm, yet allows for non-confining, natural movement of the baby's arms and hands. Further, the present blanket of the present invention includes a detachable burping cloth, and, in one embodiment, includes a coordinating cap, sometimes referred to as a beanie or toboggan, that includes a strap for securing a pacifier to the cap. The blanket conforms to the infant's body providing warmth and comfort for the baby and peace of mind for the mom.

Abstract: A food and condiment kit comprising a container with a top, a bottom, and an interior. A tray coupled to the top of the container includes at least one opening to receive a cup with a first end facing the bottom of the container. A ring with an interior edge and a plurality of clasps disposed around the interior edge is coupled to the first end of the cup. A cutting mechanism coupled to the ring protrudes towards the first end of the cup. A lining covers the open end of the cup sealing the contents of the cup from the contents of the container until the cup is rotated around the cutting mechanism to cut the lining and thereby release the contents therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering and protecting an edible item that allows a flexible covering to cover and protect the edible item without damaging or altering a feature on the edible item. The edible item has a top surface with an outer edge. The apparatus provides a plurality of vertical supports, each having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion of each vertical support is inserted the top surface of the edible item adjacent to the outer edge. The first portion of each vertical support at least partially extends beyond the outer edge of the edible item, and the flexible covering can be supported by the plurality of vertical supports.

Abstract: A barbecue tool trivet discloses a unitary structure, said unitary structure having a bottom section, a side section, and a top section. The top section contains three pocket recesses. Each of the recesses contains three pocket recesses, one next to the other, with the middle pocket recess being larger than either of the side pockets. There is at least one cut out in a rim that goes around the circumference of the trivet, and two tall side walls in one of the pocket recesses. In one embodiment, the middle recess is at least twice as large as either of the side pocket recesses.

Abstract: Provided is a cup holder including: a cylindrical body, which has inner sides or both inner sides and outer sides formed of a material for absorbing a beverage or preventing a flow of the beverage and into which an outer circumferential surface of a cup is inserted; and a contamination prevention panel extending from a predetermined portion of an upper side of the body to an opened end of the cup or a height corresponding to a coupling portion of a cup lid mounted on the opened end and absorbing the beverage leaking through a contact portion between the opened end and the coupling portion corresponding to a drinking portion or preventing a flow of the beverage.

Abstract: An embodiment of an aid to help disabled persons use the bathroom independently. It includes a cord, attachable to a person's pants at its first end, and a loop which is affixed to the waistband of his or her underpants. The person inserts a clip which is at the second end of the cord through the loop, finally attaching the clip to a place where it may easily be reached, such as his shirt. When using the toilet, he may allow his pants and underpants to drop toward the floor, they being tethered to the cord and attached by the clip to his shirt. His hands may thereby remain free for necessary business. He may easily conclude by grasping the cord and pulling upward, retrieving his pants and underpants simultaneously, without having to bend over.

Abstract: A system for compression garment removal includes a frame with a first ring-shaped portion having a forward portion, a rearward portion, and an opening therein to permit an individual's foot and lower leg to be placed through the opening, the rearward portion including a hook for engaging a compression garment; a handle coupled to the rearward portion of the first ring-shaped portion; and an elongated pushing rod adapted at one end to engage the forward portion of the first ring-shaped portion.

Abstract: A parcel guard with expandable mesh basket receptacle is a safeguard mechanism for receiving and keeping packages comprising of a scalable, flexible, collapsible net basket made of wire mesh, metallic chain links, composite material or any combination of material suitable to create a shaped net basket and a means of locking mechanism to deter theft temptation. The flexible net basket of this apparatus allows parcels of various size, shape and weight to be placed inside the net basket and securely locked away as part of a theft prevention mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of the parcels.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem of possible contamination of unconsumed liquid contained by communion cups that remain in the circular apertures of the cup array of the tray cover. The problem has been solved by moving the empty cup disposal openings from their current central locations in the tray cover to the four corners thereof. The new configuration makes it awkward for a congregant to dispose of his cup by reaching over cups containing unconsumed liquid. Although the improved tray cover is configured to hold 34 cups rather than 36, the loss of capacity of 2 cups is considered to be an acceptable compromise for decreasing the spread of disease causing organisms.

Abstract: The invention provides a cooking utensil for cooking food under pressure including a vessel, a lid, and a bayonet-fitting locking system, said utensil including a lid subassembly that includes both said lid and a support attached to said lid in such a manner that said lid can pivot, said utensil including a control member for controlling the locking/unlocking, and a transformation device for transforming the movement of the control member into pivoting of the lid relative to the support, said control member being shaped to be capable of being taken hold of manually and being connected mechanically to the support so that said lid subassembly being lifted manually, via the control member, causes the control member to be urged back into its unlocking position.

Abstract: An automatic cooking apparatus includes a main housing, a drinking water supply unit, a cooking apparatus and a controller. The drinking water supply unit includes a drinking water tank and a drinking water supplying apparatus including a water delivering unit connected to the drinking water tank. At least one drinking water outlet is provided on the main housing and is connected to the water delivering unit. The cooking apparatus includes a food storage tank and a cooking unit. The cooking unit includes a pot and a heater thermally communicated with the pot. The controller is electrically connected to the drinking water supply unit and the cooking apparatus, and operates the automatic cooking apparatus on at least one of a water supplying mode and a cooking mode.

Abstract: A system for production of beverages includes a beverage dispenser and a pod to be inserted in the beverage dispenser for passage of an extraction liquid of the beverage. The pod includes a filtering body which defines a space that contains a food substance from which the beverage is obtained. The filtering body has on the outside a flange. Further, the system includes a recognition element associated to the filtering body which can be recognized and/or interpreted by a recognition device of the beverage dispenser. The recognition device is electrical and includes an electrical circuit. The recognition element includes a bridge configured to create an electrical contact between two sections of the electrical circuit.

Abstract: There are provided drinking vessels adapted to receive coffee grounds and water to brew coffee wherein the drinking vessels comprise pump means. In one embodiment a drinking vessel (100,200) comprises a first chamber adapted to receive coffee grounds and hot water, a second chamber adapted to receive brewed coffee and a third chamber adapted to receive brewed coffee. Also provided drinking vessel sections (101,102,201,202), a kit of parts and a method of brewing coffee.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a head assembly for a brewing apparatus is described. The head assembly includes a lid portion coupled to a fixed base portion and moveable between open and closed positions; a lock coupled to the lid portion and slideable between locked and unlocked positions; a lever with a first end connected to the lock, an axis point connected to the lid portion, and a second end; and a cover movably coupled to the lid portion and abutting the second end of the lever, such that pressure on the cover rotates the lid portion to the closed position, and rotates the lever so as to slide the lock into the locked position.

Abstract: Sausage cookware includes a hollow pan having a cooking surface with multiple undulations that partially conform to the outer circumference of a link sausage. Other embodiments include an insert for converting the flat cooking surface of a conventional frying pan or electric cooker to an undulated surface that more efficiently cooks link sausages.

Abstract: A kitchen utensil is described which provides the functions of food tongs and a spatula in one device. The single utensil gives 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 distal ends of a pair of tong arms.

Abstract: A kitchen utensil for removing lipids from food includes a handle having a first end, a second end, and a gripping region between the first end and the second end, a head extending from the second end of the handle, the head having first side, a second side, and an outer perimeter, and wherein the first side includes at least one groove extending inwardly from a first groove end located at the outer perimeter, the at least one groove configured to collect a lipid material therein.

Abstract: A toilet seat or receptacle, for use by newborns, infants, toddlers or preschoolers for assisting in their toilet training and toileting. The device includes a seat disposed about an opening, a head/backrest to which is attached a safety belt. It has one or more sound emitting devices to provide predetermined sounds used to induce or encourage the process of urination or defecation. It is configured for use with a toilet or potty or other toilet receptacle. The toilet seat has a left hand ramp portion configured to be disposed at a front left hand end of the toilet seat and configured for raising the left hand knee of the child towards the chest while sitting on the seat. The device also includes a right hand ramped configured to be disposed at a front right hand end of the toilet seat and configured for raising the right hand knee of the child towards the chest while sitting on the seat.

Abstract: Portable, self-contained bidet seat (10) to be placed on toilet or other waste disposal means. Bidet seat (10) holds washing liquid (100) in hollow central chamber (23). Pressure means (40) is activated by user to pressurize washing liquid (100) and air (101) in chamber (23). Pressurized liquid (100) is sprayed or jetted onto user to replace use of toilet paper. Bidet seat (10) is adapted for use by persons with limited strength or agility.

Abstract: Various dispensing devices, such as foaming soap pumps, are disclosed. The soap pump can include a fluid storage unit and a fluid handling unit. The fluid storage unit can include a reservoir that is configured to hold a quantity of product, such as liquid soap. The fluid handling unit can include a pumping assembly and dispensing assembly. The soap pump can be configured to withdraw liquid soap from the reservoir, convert the liquid soap to foamed soap, and dispense the foamed soap from the discharge assembly.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an upright surface cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus has a first cyclonic cleaning stage and comprises a surface cleaning head having a dirty fluid inlet. A fluid flow path extends from the dirty fluid inlet to a clean air outlet of the upright surface cleaning apparatus. A support member is mounted to the surface cleaning head. A portable cleaning unit is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A method for operating a vacuum cleaner includes providing a vacuum cleaner including a motor-driven fan, a pick-up device configured to pick up an air-dust mixture that is disposed on a suction side of the fan, a dust separator including at least one cyclone separator and a valve element disposed between the pick-up device and the fan. The dust separator is disposed between the pick-up device and the fan. The valve element is operated so as to connect a flow path leading from the pick-up device through the at least one cyclone separator to the fan only when a predefined minimum value of a volume flow generated by the fan or a quantity correlating with the volume flow is present.

Abstract: A floor scrubber machine can comprise a chassis, a scrub deck and a propulsion system. The scrub deck can include a hands-free, double-scrub side skirt mechanism, and a dual mode side blade assembly. The chassis can include a rear squeegee assembly having a self-aligning hanger system with balanced handles. The propulsion system can include a throttle pedal having a button for forward/reverse control, and a control panel having a setting for rescaling the acceleration profile. A disc brush scrub deck can include a brush centering mechanism. A cylindrical brush scrub deck can include an idler end brush cover with self-aligning tabs, and a self-contained drive mechanism.

Abstract: A floor cleaning machine having an intelligent system including a recovery tank sub-assembly, a vacuum fan sub-assembly, a solution tank sub-assembly, wherein the solution tank sub-assembly preferably includes a secondary electrochemical cell, a solution flow sub-assembly, a control console sub-assembly, a frame and wheel sub-assembly and/or a frame and transaxle sub-assembly, a scrub head sub-assembly, a scrub head lift sub-assembly, a squeegee sub-assembly, a solution flow sub-assembly, and an intelligent system associated with at least one of the above-identified sub-assemblies, wherein the intelligent system at least one of selectively gathers, obtains, monitors, stores, records, and analyzes data associated with components of the floor cleaning machine assembly, and at least one of controllably communicates and disseminates such data with at least one of another system and user.

Abstract: A device for bathroom cleaning applications includes an extension, a head, and a cleaning utility. The extension defines an extension axis and including a first extension component and a second extension component. The head is fixedly coupled to the extension, and defines a head plane transverse to the extension axis. The head includes at least one resilient member disposed parallel to the head plane, and a receiving surface configured to receive the cleaning utility. Force applied to the extension is transmitted to the cleaning utility via the head to conform the cleaning utility to a remote surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning tool with which a cleaning sheet can be efficiently used during cleaning. A cleaning sheet is provided with holding spaces through which a cleaning-body holder is inserted. The cleaning-body holder is provided with: cleaning-body holding parts which are inserted into the holding spaces to hold the cleaning sheet; and a handle part which is connected to the cleaning-body holding parts, and which is to be held by a user. The cleaning-body holding parts are provided with: base parts connected to the handle part; tip parts at an opposite side to the base parts; and intermediate parts which extend from the base parts towards the tip parts. In a state in which the cleaning-body holding parts have been inserted into the holding spaces to hold the cleaning sheet, sections of the cleaning sheet corresponding to the intermediate parts are configured so as to be thicker, in the thickness direction of the cleaning sheet, than sections of the cleaning sheet corresponding to the base parts.

Abstract: A mop includes a handle, a mop head, and a locking vice clamp attached to a bottom end of the handle. The vice clamp has two jaws to hold the mop head and a movable arm to lock the jaws in a closed position.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a spraying system having a manifold with at least one sprayer for spraying wash liquid into the treating chamber, and a recirculation system for recirculating liquid sprayed in the treating chamber to the spraying system. The sprayer of the manifold has multiple apertures which are configured to emit liquid to different areas of the treating chamber.

Abstract: A dishwasher for washing dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation, includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving dishes for cleaning and a spraying system supplying liquid to the treating chamber and having at least one sprayer having a body mounted within the tub for rotation about a rotational axis and defining an interior, a liquid passage provided in the interior, and at least one moveable nozzle carried by the body and having at least one outlet in fluid communication with the liquid passage and a drive mechanism therefor.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a free-standing dishwasher or a high-level built-in dishwasher, includes an appliance door and a bottom-side plinth cover which is aligned essentially flush with a front face of the appliance door. The plinth cover has a top wall which faces a lower edge of the appliance door and is spaced from the lower edge of the appliance door to allow for an opening movement of the appliance door across a free movement gap. At least one lighting element is provided to allow illumination of the movement gap between the lower edge of the appliance door and the top wall of the plinth cover.

Abstract: A system for performing non-invasive networked medical procedures including a number of in vivo medical devices, a communication path between at least two of the devices, an ex vivo control unit to control the behavior of the devices, and a wireless communication path between the control unit and at least one of the devices. An associated method for performing non-invasive networked medical procedures is also provided. Further included is a simulation method that utilizes accurate electromagnetic field simulations, using a software based test bench, to determine the maximum allowable transmitted power levels from in vivo devices to achieve a required bit error rates (BER) at an in vivo or ex vivo node (receiver) while maintaining the specific absorption rate (SAR) under a required threshold.

Abstract: An over-tube was developed for receiving and guiding endoscopic instruments into a patient's anus, through the colon, and into the peritoneum. The over-tube has a flexible sheath adapted for insertion into the anus through the colon and out the peritoneum of a patient. A stiffened region is used to protect the colonic wall from injury during insertion of medical instruments through the patient's lower gastrointestinal tract. The proximal end of the over-tube is surrounded by two narrow inflatable balloons on either side of the colotomy to keep the device in place with its lumen open into the peritoneum and further prevent leakage of insufflation. The device may comprise two channels, one for duel channel endoscopes and larger medical instruments or single lumen endoscopes, and an additional channel for surgical instruments. A distal valve prevents insufflation leakage, making the device especially useful in NOTES surgeries.