Abstract: A cantilevered umbrella comprising a mast having an elongated configuration, a cantilevered arm extending from the mast, a canopy extending from the cantilevered arm, a carriage connected to the cantilevered arm, and at least one of a constant force spring or a gas spring connected to the mast. The carriage is vertically moveable along the mast to move the canopy between an open position, wherein the canopy is extended, and a collapsed position, wherein the canopy is collapsed. The at least one of the constant force spring or the gas spring is operable with the carriage to assist with moving the canopy between the open position and the collapsed position and to counterbalance the weight of the cantilevered arm and the canopy.

Abstract: Disclosed are metal purses, particularly clam shell type purses made of metal and in some embodiments, provided with a gap between the shells sufficient to allow for cell phone reception within the purse. Aesthetic exterior shells may also be applied.

Abstract: Solutions may provide for a traveler including a plurality of front two-in-one pockets, each of the front two-in-one pockets having a water repellent hamper pocket inside of a front pocket. The traveler may also include a plurality of hanging straps extending from a top portion of the traveler. In one example, the water repellent hamper pockets and the front pockets are sized to hold approximately an equivalent amount of items. Additionally, the water repellent hamper pockets may include a waterproof material.

Abstract: A duffel bag can be reversibly converted to a cross-over bag by restricting the storage volume of the bag at one end. Optionally, a carrying strap may be adjusted from a central anchor to an outer anchor to facilitate draping the carrying strap over a shoulder.

Abstract: A protective case for a portable electronic device includes a hinged cover comprising a set of boards connected by a flexible cover sheet, and a receptacle which is rotatably and detachably connected to the cover by an intermediate connector forming an adjustable joint. The intermediate connector is releasably coupled to a fixed coupling element which is contained within the thickness of one of the boards of the cover, so that the assembled cover can be manufactured by pressing in a conventional press or casemaker. The receptacle includes a flexible latch and a recess whereby the user can insert a fingertip to lift the device from the receptacle.

Abstract: A wearable sled system for a mobile computer device includes an open-ended sled housing, a removable end cap, and a mounting assembly for mounting the sled housing onto a user's arm or belt. A mobile computer device is slidably received into the sled housing, and the end cap is received on the sled housing's open end to form a complete enclosure. The mounting assembly includes a rigid mounting plate having a front side configured to receive the back side of the sled housing. The mounting plate and the sled housing include locking formations for selectively securing the sled housing to the mounting plate. The mounting assembly further includes an attachment device secured to the back side of the mounting plate for removably mounting the system on the user.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for an electronic device is provided. The protective enclosure includes a structural member, a cushioning member permanently affixed to the structural member, and a cavity. The structural member has a back portion and a plurality of side portions. The cushioning member has a top section, a bottom section, and one or more side sections. The cushioning member includes an upper edge configured to extend beyond the front surface of the installed electronic device. The cushioning member further includes a protective rim extending beyond the back surface of the electronic device and be in direct contact with the a portion of the back surface of the installed electronic device. The cavity is at least partially bounded by the protective rim of the cushioning member and extends between the inner surface of the structural member to the back surface of the installed electronic device.

Abstract: A waterproof enclosure for enclosing an electronic component includes an outer shell having a penetrating hole formed therethrough, a waterproof filter having air permeability and covering the penetrating hole, and a projecting part projecting from an outer surface of the outer shell and covering the penetrating hole, wherein the projecting part includes a plurality of vent holes connecting the penetrating hole to outside space, and wherein each of the vent holes is delimited by a sloping surface extending at an angle from the outer surface toward the penetrating hole.

Abstract: An assembly having a valve mechanism with applicator tip for cosmetic containers, in particular for compressible tubes, having two separate valves, one in the actuation mechanism and one at the applicator tip, with a lid-like mounting base having an external attaching element for attachment of the base in a liquid-tight manner to the bottleneck of a suitable compressible container, and having an internal attaching element which also defines a passage for a product. The internal attaching element is also an integral part of a first valve capable of sliding upwards and downwards, with the lower end of the first valve oriented to open and close the passage, while the upper end is centered inside a sleeve, wherein the sleeve receives through its top end the base of an applicator tip into its inner portion, and the external portion of the sleeve receives an overcap that surrounds the applicator tip.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide fluid applicator systems that allow access to product located at the bottom of the bottle toward the end of the useful lifetime of the product. There is provided a platform that moves with respect to the bottle base and an applicator that moves with respect to the cap.

Abstract: A cosmetic container includes a first cap that removably engages with a first end of the container main part and includes an applicator for applying the cosmetic product. The container includes a second cap that removably engages with a second end of the container main part. A finishing tool for finishing makeup is placed at a position of the container main part near the second end, a diameter of the first cap increases from a connection portion with the container main part toward a closed end of the first cap and has a maximum diameter at a position between the connection portion and the closed end. A diameter of the second increases from a connection portion with the container main part toward a closed end of the second cap and has a maximum diameter at a position between the connection portion and the closed end.

Abstract: A bag with interchangeable elements for holding objects includes a detachable front panel, a central hollow compartment, a detachable back panel, a detachable hood, and at least two shoulder straps. The detachable front panel includes a fastening member positioned along a perimeter of the detachable front panel for fastening the detachable front panel to the central hollow compartment. The central hollow compartment accommodates multiple objects, for example, books, etc. The central hollow compartment includes fastening members positioned along opposing perimeters of the central hollow compartment. The detachable back panel includes a fastening member, positioned along a perimeter of the detachable back panel for fastening the detachable back panel to the central hollow compartment. The detachable hood includes at least two fastening members for fastening the detachable hood to the shoulder straps.

Abstract: A power tool is provided with a housing and a tethering attachment assembly attached to the housing and adapted to facilitate connection of a lanyard to the power tool. The tethering attachment assembly includes a substantially U-shaped hook portion including a coil element comprising metallic material that substantially resiliently retains its state with application of force up to a limit, and is permanently plastically deformable upon application of force exceeding the limit, and two extended portions extending from ends of the coil element and attached to the housing.

Abstract: An oral care implement that includes a handle and a head. The head may include a support structure and a monolithic cleaning unit coupled thereto. The monolithic cleaning unit may include a base portion coupled to the support structure and a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. At least one, or each, of the plurality of bristles may comprise a body having an outer surface and a rib extending from the outer surface. The rib may be longitudinally elongated in some embodiments and it may be helical in other embodiments. Furthermore, there may be more than one rib extending from the outer surface of the body. The monolithic cleaning unit may be formed of an elastomeric material.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed having a panel forming part of a modular wall for dividing workspaces in an office, the panel having at least two channels formed therein; a desk surface; an adjustable-height leg, having an outer shell, a top casting for engagement with the desk surface and an actuator disposed within the outer shell for adjusting the height of the leg; and first and second brackets, said first bracket engaged with an upper end of the outer shell of the adjustable height leg and one of the channels formed in the panel and said second bracket engaged with a lower end of the outer shell of the adjustable height leg and the other channel formed in the panel and wherein the adjustable-height leg is supported by the first and second brackets and does not contact a floor surface underlying the panel.

Abstract: A convertible outdoor patio table is provided. The table includes a metallic frame mounted on wheels, the frame surrounding a generally hollow interior, an outer body member which is coupled to and substantially surrounds side portions of the frame, the outer body member being made of a weather resistant material, a railing coupled to the frame and defining a shoulder positioned adjacent the outer body member at the generally hollow interior, a tabletop lid member which removably engages with at least one of the shoulder or the outer body member to close the generally hollow interior, and a functional/storage device which is revealed for access and use when the tabletop lid member is disengaged from the outer body member. The functional/storage device substantially covers a surface area bounded at the top end of the frame to maximize usage of space within the generally hollow interior.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for quickly and simply manufacturing semi-custom cabinetry utilizing a hidden pin joining system. The hidden pin joining system allows panels of the cabinet to quickly and securely join together, with significant load bearing ability. The different joining pin designs allow for different ways of discretely joining pieces together to create custom cabinetry during installation. The specially designed drill bits allow the system to work seamlessly. Using CAD/CAM machinery, the drill bits can cut stock pieces that can be taken to installation sites, and formed into custom cabinetry for kitchen, closets, or any other desired shelving units.

Abstract: A boot rack with angled support, including a frame having a central bar extending between a pair of support feet, such that the pair of support feet engages a surface, and at least one elongate boot support element having a first end and a second end. The first end of the support element includes a fixed component and a rotating component, such that the fixed component is attached to the central bar, and the rotating component is connected to the fixed component via a hinge connection. The hinge connection can define an axis which allows the rotating component to rotate about the axis.

Abstract: A chair having an adjustable backrest and control actuator disposed forward of the backrest hinge, for controlling the backrest angle. The chair has a backrest support hinged to the backrest away from the backrest/chair hinge, and coupled directly or indirectly to track runners which run along elongated support tracks. A positioner is controlled by the control actuator and coupled to the backrest support and track runners, limiting the extent to which the track runners may move along the support tracks and thus control the angle of the backrest.

Abstract: A folding chair includes a seat, a back, an interlinking device, a front leg, and a rear leg. The seat, the back, the interlinking device, the front leg, and the rear leg are interlinked. The seat includes at least one guiding portion, and the interlinking device includes at least one actuating member, which is movably coupled to the guiding portion. A user can fold or unfold the folding chair by a single-handed operation, such as pushing or pulling on the back or pulling a handle.

Abstract: A chair including structural members having hinge joints at ends thereof pivotally coupling each of the members to one or more adjoining members. The chair is configured to be arranged in a collapsed configuration wherein all of the members are in the same plane and define a substantially planar shape, and configured to be arranged in an expanded configuration to define a seat, armrests, support legs, and leg braces of the chair. A stool assembly includes at least first and second stools configured to be stackable such that the seats of the stools abut face to face and in combination define a composite base. A system for constructing furniture includes multiple joints each having slots configured to receive and retain structural members and configured to be assembled with the structural members to form a piece of furniture with the multiple joints defining corners of the piece of furniture.

Abstract: A staircase mountable chair assembly for usage while working on a staircase includes a pair of supports. The supports are attached together and have a shape to retain the supports in an upright position. A base is attached to and extending outwardly from the supports. The base lies in a horizontal plane when the supports are positioned in the upright position. The base is positioned on an upper step when the supports are on a next adjacent lower step. A post is attached to and extending upwardly from the base. The post has an upper end with a seat attached thereto.

Abstract: In one aspect, seating apparatus are described herein. In some embodiments, a seating apparatus comprises a seating surface, two arms projecting upwardly from the seating surface, and a fastening strap. The fastening strap is operable to be adjusted between a tightened position and a loosened position. When the fastening strap is adjusted to the tightened position, it is operable to restrict motion of the seating surface relative to the chair.

Abstract: Dispenser apparatus for holding a roll of paper toweling or tissue sheet material and dispensing the sheet material, the apparatus including structure exerting drag forces on the roll to reduce overspin when pulling forces on the sheet material causing dispensing have been terminated.

Abstract: An electrically-heated wearable blanket with auto shut-off switch that includes a blanket portion disposed between a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, the blanket portion having a front surface and a back surface, wherein a person wearing the electrically-heated wearable blanket with auto shut-off switch is in operational communication with a boustrophedonic heating element disposed within the blanket portion by means of a control pad disposed on a first cord in circuit with the heating element, and a second cord releasably interconnects the heating element alternately among at least three external power sources including a rechargeable battery pack.

Abstract: An air temperature control system controls the air temperature inside of an air mattress. The air temperature control system includes an air intake component having inner and outer seals to inhibit or facilitate the flow of air into and out of the air mattress. The air temperature control system also includes a temperature control element in fluid communication with the air intake component. The temperature control element is positioned within the air mattress inside of the outer seal. The air temperature control system further includes a controller configured to direct the air intake component to open and close the inner and outer seals and operation of the temperature control element.

Abstract: An under mattress support extends the longevity of an existing mattress that may include concave areas resulting in sagging or soft areas, including a plurality of parallel oriented spaced-apart resilient elongated slat members interconnected by pliable strips to form a parallel slat array. The pliable strip spacing of the parallel resilient slats allows for lateral compression to enhance support. In use, the under mattress support is interposed between a mattress and underlying box spring such that the elongated slats extend along their longitudinal direction from a portion of one side of the mattress to the opposite side of the mattress where the concave portion of a sagging or soft mattress appears during the normal course of use.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portably suspended retractable shelf for storing bedside items and which includes a horizontal platform having an inner portion and an outer portion. In various embodiments, the inner portion is adapted to be slidably captured between a mattress and a mattress supporting structure. At least one of the following upward-facing compartments is disposed on the outer portion of the horizontal platform and is accessible to a user on the mattress: a collapsible basin, a hanging flexible pocket, a foldable box. The compartments are collapsible for allowing the horizontal platform to be slidably retracted under the mattress. A cutout hole is configured to hold a cup or other object in a suspended configuration through the shelf. A downward-facing sliding drawer compartment of various sizes is mounted and/or supported underneath the outer portion of the shelf. A storage container extends from a leading surface of the portable suspended retractable shelf. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hook-on chair comprising a seat, a lower clamping arm, a height adjustment mechanism and a height fine-adjustment mechanism. The seat comprises a seat body, which is provided with an upper clamping arm and a vertical support tube. The lower clamping arm is arranged on the vertical support tube and vertically moves along the same. A lower clamping unit is arranged on the front portion of the lower clamping arm and below the upper clamping arm. The height adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustment part arranged in the vertical support tube, and a first locking device used for locking the lower clamping arm on the adjustment part. The height fine-adjustment mechanism is arranged on the lower portion of the vertical support tube, and used for driving the adjustment part to vertically move in the vertical support tube and adjust the height of the lower clamping arm.

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

Abstract: A showcase includes a fixed case, an openable sliding door, closable on the fixed case, a compression sealing gasket, between the fixed case and the openable door, an upper guide and a lower guide mounted on the fixed case. The openable door is slidably mounted on the upper and lower guides, and both the upper guide and the lower guide are movable between respective extracted positions and respective retracted positions with respect to the fixed case. The showcase also includes lower actuation means, and upper actuation means. The upper actuation means are operatively connected to the lower actuation means and/or to the lower guide.

Abstract: A fresh food and dry goods foodservice merchandising display case with interchangeable kit utility system is disclosed. This mobile insulated display table with fully-welded, corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel construction is built for use in association with interchangeable full-service, self-service and accessory component kits precisely dimensioned to be easily fitted and removed as described herein. The mobile insulated display table serves as the system base, and features a bent tubular steel frame, and adjustable tilting mechanism with three positions, a welded stainless steel drain, a shutoff valve, a 5? insulated drain hose and a hose hanging bracket.

Abstract: A food assembly line is provided for assembling a food item according to an order. The food assembly line includes multiple work stations at which the food item may be positioned, and a display system including a display device at each of the multiple work stations. The display system is configured to display information associated with the order at the display devices. The display system is further configured to update the display devices during assembly of the food item so that each display device displays at least a portion of the information when the food item is positioned proximate the display device.

Abstract: Rack and frame systems disclosed herein are for displaying equipment/memorabilia and photographs. The system preferably includes a base, a rack subsystem, and a frame subsystem. The base preferably includes a base spine, a plurality of base ribs, and a plurality of base mounts. Each base rib preferably extends from the base spine and has an associated base mount. The rack subsystem includes at least one attachment device and the base spine. The attachment device(s) is/are for removably securing the equipment/memorabilia to the base spine. The frame subsystem includes a plurality of frames and the plurality of base mounts. Each frame is connectable to a respective base mount.

Abstract: A sleeping bag includes a top portion; and a bottom portion, with the bottom portion including a back-folded foot canopy therein configured to allow expansion when feet of a user are extended in an upward direction therewithin and providing room and maneuverability for the feet of the user. The sides of the foot canopy comprise walls formed by back folds each extending substantially across a width of the bottom portion and said walls and back folds are opposite and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Eating utensils disclosed herein provide desirable aspects of a fork and chopsticks and also provide improved dexterity that enables functionality not possible with either a fork or chopsticks. The eating utensils allow a user to grasp, shovel, and pierce food as well as scoop under food from one side or both sides and to cut food with a side edge, all with a single utensil operated with one hand. Because of the unique way the eating utensil is held and operated, it feels natural to both traditional fork users and chopsticks users.

Abstract: An eating utensil assembly may include a first eating utensil including a first handle having a through-opening therein each having a proximal end and enlarged width distal end that is enlarged relative to the proximal end to define a first handle contour and a through-opening contour, respectively. The first handle may also include a first eating utensil head coupled to one of the proximal and distal ends of the first handle. A second eating utensil may be removably carried within the through-opening. The second eating utensil may have a proximal and an enlarged distal end to define a second eating utensil contour. The second eating utensil, first handle, and through-opening contours may match. The second eating utensil may include a pair of sticks each having a tapered shape. Breakaway tabs may removably couple the first and second eating utensils.

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

Abstract: The holiday tree kit is a decorative element suggestive of an illuminated tree which is suitable for use during holidays and special events. The holiday tree kit comprises a rope light that spirals down from the top of a support armature and widens as it descends. The holiday tree kit includes an illuminated tree top ornament that supports the rope light. The holiday tree kit provides stands that are suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker that sounds an audible alarm when the system raises the temperature of the water to a determined temperature. The sous-vide circulator cooker includes temperature sensors, heaters and a pump to circulator temperature controlled fluids. The system also contains a speaker or buzzer that can play alarms or music when the system comes to a predetermined temperature. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide circulator can also distinguish between self-heating and user-induced temperature changes, and will sound alarms accordingly.

Abstract: A plastic container for boiling water is provided. The plastic container is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, and safe for cooking food by boiling. The plastic container is made of food grade high density polyethylene having a melting point of at least 120 degrees Celsius. The container includes a water heater having a heating element located near the bottom of the container. The water heater is securely attached to the side wall of the container and can be plugged into a standard alternating current electrical outlet. The water heater is capable of heating water to boiling temperature.

Abstract: An electric kettle comprising a container body comprising electric heating elements adapted to heat water contained in the container body, and comprising a base, configured to support the container body and to supply electric power at least to such electric heating elements when the container body is supported by the base; the container body comprises a longitudinal extension axis and is able to rotate, about the longitudinal extension axis, with respect to the base; the electric kettle further comprises means for detecting the angular movement of the container body with respect to the base, where the extent of the angular movement detected by the means for detecting angular movement determines the degree of activation of the electric heating elements necessary in order to bring the water to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A method for translating cooking time and temperatures for prepackaged food products. The sous-vide program allows users to cook to a food manufacturer recommended doneness based on the size, shape and fat content of the food. The program also lets user adjust setting if the users modified the food product like cut it in half. The program can be located on the sous vide cooking device or on person computing device.

Abstract: A machine (1) and process for preparing aromatic beverages by means of extraction, such as espresso coffee and similar, and adapted to supply a support (21) of single portions, comprising a plurality of single dose portions (22), to at least one extraction device (3) by means of an actuation device (6) disposed upstream of the extraction device (3) and comprising an actuation element (61) provided so that it can move the support (21) of single portions by means of rotation. In particular, the actuation device (6) further comprises a back-pressure element (62) that exerts a back-pressure upon the support (21) of single portions in the direction of the perimeter actuation surface (63), thereby providing greater operation reliability in the supply of the single dose portions (22) to an extraction device (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening and closing a cartridge holder of a beverage forming machine. The cartridge holder may have an opening arranged to receive and hold a cartridge with the cartridge holder. The opening may be adjustable in size and/or shape to allow the cartridge holder to receive and engage with cartridges of different size and/or shape. The cartridge holder may include one or more movable portions that are adjustable in position to effectively adjust a size and/or shape of the opening.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a coding insert for associating to a food ingredient capsule adapted to be functionally inserted in the cavity of a food preparation machine, characterized in that said coding insert is a disc or a ring that comprises at least one deformable portion that is deformed when said insert is inserted into the machine cavity, and/or when said cavity is closed, so that at least one machine operational parameter is set by detection of there action force on the machine cavity by the deformed portion, so as to customize the machine brewing functional parameters to each coding insert inserted therein with the capsule it is associated with.

Abstract: A heating unit for a beverage preparation machine. The machine includes a pump for circulating a beverage preparation fluid through the machine from a fluid source to the heating unit. The heating unit is suitable for heating the fluid and includes a housing which defines a fluid heating chamber. A heating element is located inside the housing and is adapted to heat the fluid. The heating unit further includes a pre-heating tube for conveying the fluid from the pump. The pre-heating tube includes a tube inlet and a tube outlet. The tube outlet connects with the heating chamber. The pre-heating tube is located at least partly within the housing such that the heating element will at least partially heat the fluid in the pre-heating tube before the pre-heated fluid is released into the heating chamber through the outlet.

Abstract: A packaging device allowing for the distribution, storage and cooking of various food products, such as perishable or frozen food product(s). The packaging device includes a plurality of micro-perforations that may promote the extended shelf-life of the perishable food product and the maintenance of the quality of the perishable food product or be configured to maintain the integrity of a frozen food product. The packaging device also includes a venting system that allows the cooking of the perishable or frozen food products within the packaging device.

Abstract: Provided is a cover for a food container comprising a self-closing hinged lid and a first and second indicia insert. The cover comprises a cover plate, a lid, and a self-closing hinge. The cover plate secures the cover to a food container and further includes a flange for accepting a first advertising indicia. The hinged lid rests on top of the cover plate and includes a flange for accepting a second advertising indicia, a notch for accessing the container, and support ribs. The self-closing hinges secure the cover plate to the hinged lid and further include a pair of hinge stops that are angled towards the hinges to prevent the hinged lid from remaining in an open position without an external force holding the lid open.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infant feeding warming system useful to repeatedly and precisely warm breastmilk or formula for use in the NICU. The system in one form comprises a bedside unit that is attachable to an IV pole. The system may also comprise a centralized warming station with multiple chambers, wherein one chamber heats a bottle or syringe, and the remaining chambers are used for storage and/or refrigeration. The system will use a non-liquid heating system to heat feedings. A disposable liner may be used inside the chamber. The system may also contain heating algorithms that are based on a user inputting milk parameters such as volume and initial temperature.