Abstract: A themed stool that includes a seat, a mainframe component supporting the seat, an inner shaft disposed within the mainframe component, a lower shaft that receives the inner shaft, and a removable base to the lower shaft. The themed stool also includes a mounting bracket assembly that removably attached a three dimensional ornamental figure, a silhouette of a themed figure, or a decorative graphic to the mainframe component of the stool. The mounting bracket assembly can also be removably attached to any stool. The mounting bracket assembly includes a mounting bracket removably attached to one of the three dimensional ornamental figure and the silhouette of a themed figure and at least one attachment bracket that removably attaches the mounting bracket assembly to the shaft of any stool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable thermal chair comprising: a seat part which, when a user is seated, can transmit heat supplied by a candlelight-height automatic adjustment means to the body of a user; a fixing and fastening part which enables the candlelight-height automatic adjustment means to be fasted to the front surface thereof; a stored heat dispersion plate which can transmit a uniform heat to the body of a user as a result of heating the air in a space formed by the connection of the fixing and fastening part and the seat part by means of the heat transmitted from the candlelight-height automatic adjustment means; and a support frame part which extends in an “X” shape during use and can be folded up without any part protruding to the outside when not in use.

Abstract: A configurable seating assembly includes a plurality of rectangular pad assemblies disposed within a durable cover assembly. The cover includes a generally triangular or tapered upper chamber forming a back support portion above a generally rectangular lower chamber forming a body support portion. A wedge assembly, manufactured from a foam material, is removably positioned in the upper chamber, and the pads, manufactured from a foam material, are positioned in the compartments of a separator assembly within the lower chamber thereby providing a seating apparatus. A front panel at the forward end of the lower chamber provides an opening into the cover assembly allowing insertion and removal of the wedge and pads. The pads may be removed from the cover and arranged on the floor providing pads for sleeping. The front panel is releasably secured to the cover by cooperating removable connectors.

Abstract: A foot swing is disclosed. The foot swing including a first support having a first leg pivotally connected to a second leg; a second support spaced from the first support, the second support having a first leg pivotally connected to a second leg; and a foot support extending between the first and second supports, the foot support including a first distal end pivotally connected to the first support and a second distal end pivotally connected to the second support to permit the foot support to move relative to the first and second supports.

Abstract: Partially assembled mattress foundations, assembled mattress foundation and methods of manufacture generally include laminating a single piece fabric covering to a foundation frame including a planar support, side fame members, and transverse frame members. During assembly, the laminated fabric covering functions as a hinge such that the operator can fold the various side frame members and transverse frame members about a peripheral edge of the planar support to perpendicular orient the frame members relative to the planar support and form a rectangular shaped fabric covered foundation frame. Corner guards are attached to respective ends of the side frame members and the transverse frame members to form the corners of the foundation frame, wherein the respective ends are at 90 degrees relative to one another, and wherein the corner guard can include an arcuate exterior face.

Abstract: Adjustable mattress foundations generally include a mattress support surface including a head and back section hingedly connected to an intermediate seat section at one end and a leg and foot section hingedly connected to the intermediate seat section at another end. The intermediate seat section includes spaced apart upper and lower panels, wherein the lower panel is hingedly connected to the head and back section and slideably engaged with side frame members of the foundation, and wherein the upper panel is stationary and hingedly connected to the leg and foot section. A linear actuator is operatively coupled to a linkage assembly to independently effect inclination or declination of the head and back section relative to the intermediate seat section and is further operative to effect an increase or decrease in a length of the intermediate seat section by movement of the lower panel relative to the upper panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed dividing barrier in order to provide at least one of the individuals in a bed privacy or to limit the amount of light from one side of the bed to the other. The present invention describes a novel device that provides privacy between individuals sharing a bed and includes at least one dividing barrier which is attached at one end to at least one vertical support member and wherein such vertical support extends vertically from a base support structure. The present invention may further include a horizontal support that provides further support to the bed dividing barrier.

Abstract: An air system for a bed can include a layer assembly having a head end, a foot end, and first and second sides, with a head portion near the head end, a foot portion near the foot end, and a middle portion between the head portion and the foot portion, the layer assembly. The layer assembly can have a spacer layer comprising spacer material configured to allow for air flow through the spacer material and a cover comprising a cover top layer and a cover bottom layer. The air system can have a distribution manifold that is substantially fan-shaped with a plurality of ribs defining channels and/or is positioned above the cover bottom layer and under the spacer layer. The air system can have first and second flaps with first and second retention features extending from the head and foot ends of the air layer.

Abstract: There is provided herein an embodiment of a bed rail for use in constraining a child in a bed so that the child does not roll off of the bed and fall to the floor during the night or during a nap. More particularly, an embodiment comprises a frame the folds compactly and can be readily unfolded and installed. In addition to the foldable frame, a cloth, mesh, etc., sleeve or other covering is provided that can be slipped over the frame to provide a surface that will constrain the child after the inventive device is installed.

Abstract: A mattress has a perimeter rail having a head end, a foot end, and two sides, each having an inner surface, and at least two substantially parallel rectilinear sections. Each section comprises an array of springs whose tension is selected to provide a predetermined firmness for that section. Each adjacent pair of sections is urged into a spaced-apart relationship by a spacing means, where each spacing means comprises a flexible spacer. The flexible spacer restricts or substantially eliminates the translation of movements between the sections of the mattress, while avoiding the use of uncomfortable separation means.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a multifunctional airbed, comprising a bed body provided with at least two air bags thereon, the bed body and the air bags are both independent chambers, a plurality of air bags being arranged on the same side of the bed body, and gap being arranged between any two adjacent air bags, both provided for users to lie on. By adjusting the inflation and deflation states (including fully inflated, partially inflated and completely deflated) of the air bags, users can bent or tilt the bed to transform it, so to achieve different functions.

Abstract: A portable device for controlling an external electrical adjustable apparatus is provided. The portable device has a case, a signal transmitter connected to the electrical adjustable apparatus, a tilt sensor sensing a tilted angle and a controlling operation, a memory storing a threshold angle and a processor. The processor generates a controlling signal according to the controlling operation, and transmitting the controlling signal to an electrical adjustable apparatus for making the electrical adjustable apparatus raise/lower. The processor further determines that the electrical adjustable apparatus has collision when receiving a controlling signal used to control the electrical adjustable apparatus and the tilted angle is not less than the threshold angle, and sends a stopping signal to the electrical adjustable apparatus via the signal transmitter for making the electrical adjustable apparatus stop raising/lowering when determining that the electrical adjustable apparatus has collision.

Abstract: In an embodiment, there is provided a chair including: a chair body; at least one sensing element on the chair body for sensing a human body pressure on the chair body; at least one gasbag on the chair body for supporting a waist of a human body; a gas pump for performing inflation and deflation of the at least one gasbag; and a control assembly in signal connection with the at least one sensing element for controlling the gas pump to perform inflation and deflation of the at least one gasbag according to information acquired by the sensing element.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a convertible children's high chair. According to various embodiments, the convertible high chair generally includes a first child seat supported above a floor by a high chair frame, and a second child seat configured for being removably coupled to the first child seat. The second child seat is configured such that, when detached from the high chair's first child seat, it can be used as a booster seat. In certain embodiments, the second child seat includes a base surface configured to stably support the second child seat on a separate support surface.

Abstract: A cradle includes a base unit, a swinging unit mounted on the base unit, a table board mounted on the swinging unit, and an electromagnetic unit mounted between the base unit and the table board. The electromagnetic unit includes a housing secured on the base unit, an electromagnetic device mounted in the housing, a box mounted on the table board and corresponding to the electromagnetic device, and two magnet sets mounted in the box. Thus, the electromagnetic device is started and produces a magnetism to repel or attract the two magnet sets which drive the table board to swing reciprocally.

Abstract: A child support device includes a support frame having a base portion and an upright portion extending upwardly from the base portion. The upright portion is generally V-shaped and includes an upper junction. A handle is formed with the upper junction to facilitate transporting the child support device and wheels are attached to the base portion to facilitate movement. The arrangement of the support frame allows the support frame to fit through a 30-inch wide door opening. A support arm is pivotally suspended from the upper junction and a child-receiving receptacle is pivotally coupled to the at least one support arm. A capacitive touch control panel adjacent the upper junction controls operation of the child support device in response to user touches. Base and upright portions of the support frame, when viewed from the side, are collectively generally S-shaped.

Abstract: A sensor for a merchandise display security system for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise is provided. The security system includes a merchandise bracket configured to be secured to the article of merchandise and a sensor configured to releasably engage the merchandise bracket and to detect unauthorized removal of the merchandise bracket or the sensor from the article of merchandise. The sensor is configured to be releasably engaged with the merchandise bracket such that the sensor is removable from the merchandise bracket while the merchandise bracket remains secured to the article of merchandise.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention features a refrigerated display case door that includes a hinge rail, a panel assembly, and a handle. The hinge rail includes a channel portion and a hinge receiving portion. The panel assembly includes two panes of glass bounding a sealed space between the panes, and includes a first edge disposed within the channel portion of the hinge rail. The handle is secured to a surface of the panel assembly proximate a second edge of the panel assembly opposite the first edge. The sealed space is closed by a peripheral seal disposed between the panes along a periphery of the panes. The peripheral seal includes a first material extending along a first portion of the periphery and a second material extending along a second, different portion of the periphery, where the second material is more transparent to visible light than the first material.

Abstract: A wrench support rack including a base, and at least one clamp assembly attached to the base and comprising a vertical stop spaced apart from a push member. The space in between the vertical stop and the push member forms a groove configured to receive a stem of a wrench. The vertical stop includes an upper ridge portion configured to engage a stem of a wrench and limit vertical movement of a wrench disposed in the groove. The push member includes an inward protrusion configured to press a stem of a wrench in to the vertical stop and limit horizontal movement of a wrench disposed in the groove.

Abstract: A wall hanging device for marking the location of wall mounting fasteners is provided. The wall hanging device intrinsically locates connection points along a wall that correspond with connection points along an article to be hung on the wall. The systemic device provides two opposing surfaces, each surface providing corresponding guide markings. Each surface also has adhesive elements so that the device can first be adhered to the article and then transferred to the wall by way of urging the article against the wall, thereby ensuring that one or more preselected connection points along the article, first associated with one surface's guide marking(s), are intrinsically located on the wall by way of the other surface's corresponding guide markings after pulling away the article, leaving the temporarily adhered device to the wall. The device also provides a foldable pocket for capturing debris resulting from the installation of the mounting fasteners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planar textile drainage element for preventing moisture to accumulate around plants, as well as to the use thereof.

Abstract: A segmented vase adapted for use to display fresh cut or artificial floral arrangements. The segmented floral vase is formed from a plurality of vase segments that may be stacked or joined to form a vase having a desired height for holding a floral arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the segments may be nested, when not in use, to reduce the space required for storage of the vase. The plurality of vase segments may be formed with a frusto-conical sidewall. The segments may include a base segment, at least one intermediate segment, and a top segment. The segments may be joined in one or more of a snap fit, an interference fit, a threaded connection, or a tab and slot arrangement.

Abstract: A duvet insert includes a plurality of filler compartments for receiving filler material, a first edge including a first number of coupling mechanisms, and a second edge opposing the first edge such that the plurality of filler compartments is positioned between the first edge and the second edge. The second edge includes a second number of coupling mechanisms different than the first number. At least one of the first number of coupling mechanisms or at least one of the second number of coupling mechanisms enables the duvet insert to be coupled to another duvet insert to form a combined duvet insert.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-heating personal covering that includes a first layer and a second layer that is parallel to and opposite of the first layer, and at least a portion of the second layer is fastened to at least a portion of the first layer. The self-heating personal covering also includes at least one heat source positioned between the first layer and the second layer. The at least one heat source is held in a prescribed position by the first layer and the second layer, and includes a material that undergoes an exothermic reaction upon exposure to oxygen. The at least one heat distributing structure is thermally connected to the at least one heat source.

Abstract: An inflatable pillow may include an inflatable air bladder, a pump coupled to the air bladder, an insulated cushioning layer, a viscoelastic layer, and a sleeve. The air bladder may have two opposing sides, an upper and a lower side. The cushioning layer is attached to one side, and the viscoelastic layer to the other. The pump is coupled to the air bladder so that when engaged, it fills the bladder with air to a particular pressure. The sleeve envelops the components of the pillow into one unit.

Abstract: A pillow for a human being with a cylindrical neck and shoulder support that conforms to the user's anatomy to promote alignment and support healthy sleep and rest with added comfort and superior support.

Abstract: An assisted eating aid for use with an eating utensil constructed to carry food portions is disclosed as a serving vessel body having a bottom surface and an opposing upper surface with a centrally disposed food receiving region, an outermost perimeter, and a plurality of flanges projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the serving vessel body to divide the centrally disposed food receiving region from an outermost food receiving region where at least two of the flanges are spaced apart with each flange having an interior facing scoop surface and exterior facing scoop surface constructed to shove food portions pushed thereagainst onto the eating utensil.

Abstract: A composite vessel includes a main body and a decoration member. The bottom portion of the main body is combined with the decoration member. The material forming the main body is different from the material forming the decoration member. Also, the material of the decoration member is light-permeable. Therefore, the composite vessel has an improved aesthetic appearance and utility thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an extended straw that can be used at a distance from a user by persons that have difficulty in bending forward, or in certain venues where movement is difficult, such as movie theaters or stadiums. The extended straw comprises a hard cylindrical straw, a length of flexible tubing, a mouthpiece, and a clip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drinking straw capable of meeting users' preferences. The drinking straw includes: a suction portion configured to be inserted into a container and to suck a beverage contained in the container, and including at least one suction hole configured to suck the beverage; an intake portion configured to be inserted into the mouth of a user and to allow the user to take in the beverage sucked into the suction portion through the suction operation of the user, and including a plurality of first intake holes configured to allow the beverage to be taken in; and a connection portion configured to connect the suction portion and the intake portion to each other so that the beverage sucked into the suction portion can move to the intake portion.

Abstract: Provided herein are compression pad window hanging devices and systems. Compression pad window hanging devices include a compression pad attached to an item, with the compression pad designed to be compressed between the lower sash of a closed window and a window sill to thereby secure the item in place on an exterior or interior of the window. Such window hanging devices can include one or more adjustable support members extending from a bottom of the item to support the item on the exterior or interior window sill ledge and compensate for a downward slope of the exterior or interior window sill ledge. Bird feeders, flags, decorations and storage systems are examples items to be secured to a window sill using a compression pad window hanging device and system as disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooking device (1A) which, in a case where food items are cooked consecutively, makes the cooked food items uniform in condition. The cooking device (1A) includes an upper heater (17), a d lower heater (18), a steam supplying section (20), a temperature sensor (27), and a heating control section (31A). The heating control section (31A) controls, based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (27), the operations of the upper heater (17) and the lower heater (18) so that the temperature in a cooking room (14) becomes equal to a given temperature. In a case where the time from the start of a cooking process to the end of the cooking process is divided into a preceding time period and a subsequent time period, the heating control section (31A) suspends the operations of the upper heater (17) and the lower heater (18) while the temperature in the cooking room (14) is higher than a given preceding target temperature (T1) during the preceding time period.

Abstract: A control method for a rice cooker and the rice cooker are provided. The control method includes controlling a pressure-changing device to change a pressure in a cooking cavity of the rice cooker from a normal pressure to a first pressure, when the rice cooker enters a water absorption stage, and controlling the pressure-changing device to enable the pressure in the cooking cavity to alternate between a second pressure and a third pressure, after the pressure in the cooking cavity is changed to the first pressure.

Abstract: An egg white cooking assembly for forming cooked, egg-shaped, egg white includes a shell, a dispenser, and a plug. The shell defines an interior space and comprises a first section and a second section. The first section is selectively and sealably couplable to the second section. A penetration, which is threaded, is positioned through the shell. The dispenser has an outlet that is dimensionally smaller than the penetration. The dispenser is configured to position and to selectively dispense, through the penetration into the shell, at least one portion of albumen that is volumetrically equivalent to the interior space. The plug is threadedly couplable to the shell to sealably close the penetration. The shell is configured to be heated to cook the albumen to form a product that is shaped complementarily to the shell. The first section is positioned to be decoupled from the second section to free the product.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a beverage from capsules, including a liquid supply system (12) comprising a water reservoir (14) and a pump (16), an extraction block (8) comprising an injection block (9) including an injector head (28) and a housing (40), and an extraction mechanism (6) comprising a capsule holder (10) configured to receive a capsule. The injector head comprises an injection plate (27) having plurality of inlet injectors (34) with internal liquid channels (37) configured to pierce through a lid (30) of a capsule (26). The injector head comprises a water inlet (42) connected to the water reservoir (14) and an actuating mechanism (5) configured to displace the injector head between an open position whereby the capsule can be inserted or removed from the extraction block to a closed position whereby the injector head is sealingly closed against the capsule holder.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) has: an extraction unit with a closed configuration for extracting a capsule (2) therein and an open configuration for removing the used capsule (2) therefrom; and a service unit (10) located under the extraction unit (20) and forming a receptacle having a collection cavity (11) for collecting the used capsule (2) and residual liquid projections (3) from the extraction unit (20). The service unit (10) has an upright wall (130) delimiting at least one through-passage (131) for favouring air circulation from inside the cavity (11) to outside the machine (1). The through-passage (131) is angled away from the direction of the liquid projections from the extraction unit (20) so as to inhibit the passage of the liquid projections through the through-passages.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to espresso makers that brew beverages without power. The machines are designed to work under manual power, delivering hot water to the brew portion of the machine from an integrated hot water source. The machines may be mounted on aircraft trolleys for seat-side coffee and/or espresso service.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a system including a modular dispensing system comprising a first module comprising a cold engine assembly, and a second module comprising a hot engine assembly. The system comprises a carbonator configured to dissolve carbon dioxide in water to form carbonated water. The cold engine assembly comprises a cold bath. A cold liquid mixer is configured to mix a concentrate and the carbonated water to form a cold ready-to-drink liquid. The hot engine assembly comprises a hot tank. A hot liquid mixer is configured to mix the hot water from the hot tank and a powder to form a hot ready-to-drink liquid. In an aspect, the cold engine assembly and the hot engine assembly form a single dispensing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for brewing coffee of higher quality and better taste than any apparatus and method currently available, while also enabling users to utilize less coffee grounds per brewing cycle, thereby achieving significant cost savings for users. A basket that houses a packet of coffee grounds is housed within a chamber that stores water. The basket is fabricated so that water may enter therein and exit therefrom, and the packet of coffee grounds enables water and natural coffee oils to penetrate the packet, but does not allow coffee grounds to escape the packet. The water chamber is filled with water that is gradually heated from at or around tap temperature to approximately boiling. While the water in the chamber is heated, the basket is agitated. This causes the gradually heating water to enter the basket and agitate the packet, thereby extracting natural coffee oil from the grounds stored within the packet, which creates brewed coffee.

Abstract: A machine-implemented method, comprising: heat-sterilising water; cooling the sterilised water; removably receiving a capsule containing powdered infant milk formula in a capsule chamber; injecting the cooled, sterilised water into the capsule chamber and through the capsule to form liquid infant milk formula; steam-sterilising the capsule chamber after removal of the capsule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a beverage machine for preparing a single serving of a mixed beverage and a capsule for use with the machine. The capsule includes an open shell defining a reservoir for holding ingredients; a lid for sealing the open shell; and, a guide member disposed within the reservoir of the open shell configured to receive a liquid stream injected by an injection needle of a beverage machine when the lid is pierced by the injection needle and to guide the liquid stream to a mixing zone within the reservoir for mixing the liquid stream with the liquid held in the reservoir to prepare a single serving of mixed beverage to be dispensed from the reservoir via a dispensing needle of the beverage machine when the dispensing needle pierces the open shell . . . .

Abstract: The residual water container for an apparatus for beverage preparation includes: a dish having at least one interior for receiving residual water and having an opening which is delimited by an upper edge of the dish; a cover for covering a first partial region of the opening of the dish and a flap for temporary covering of a second partial region of the opening of the dish. The flap is pivotable relative to the dish about a pivot axis so that the flap is pivotable between a closed state and an open state, wherein in the open state a pouring opening of the residual water container is exposed through which pouring opening residual water can be poured out over the upper edge of the dish and wherein in the closed state the pouring opening is closed.

Abstract: An assembly for frothing a fluid is disclosed. The assembly includes an air channel that includes an air inlet, a downstream end and a controllable air supply assembly. The assembly also comprises a fluid channel extending from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet. The fluid channel subsequently includes a first temperature sensor that is positioned near the fluid inlet, an air inlet emanation point that is connected to the downstream end of the air channel, a frothing unit, a heater and an electronic controller assembly. The electronic controller assembly is configured for receiving the temperature input from the first temperature sensor and regulating the amount of air that is channeled to the fluid channel based on a temperature input received from the first temperature sensor. Also disclosed are a refrigerator including the assembly and a method for frothing the fluid.

Abstract: A machine (1) for preparing and dispensing a beverage (2) comprises: —a main body (10) containing a unit (11,12,13,14,15) for preparing said beverage (2) to be dispensed via an outlet (21) to an external user-recipient (3) at a user-recipient placement location (30); —a beverage dispensing head (20) that includes the outlet (21) and that is movable relative to the main body (10) inwards into the main body (10) into a retracted head position and outwards from the main body (10) into a deployed head position; and —a control unit (16) for controlling the preparation unit (11,12,13,14,15) to supply said beverage (2) to the outlet (21).

Abstract: An appliance for making beverages comprises a container for liquid, means for creating a rotational movement of the liquid to raise a level of the liquid, and a brewing chamber mounted between a normal level of the liquid, when the means for creating a rotational movement is not rotating, and a raised level of the liquid, when the means for creating a rotational movement is rotating, so that the liquid flows into the brewing chamber when the means for creating a rotational movement is rotating above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to generate predictive food preparation schedules for restaurants or other stores or establishments. The processes include obtaining, at a control unit, data from one or more sources associated with a restaurant and generating a predictive food preparation schedule based on the obtained data, the predictive food preparation schedule indicating a number of items to be prepared in advance of at least one of a given time and event.

Abstract: A jacketed heat-retaining vessel includes a pre-designed heat-retention jacket configured to envelope a vessel, wherein the heat-retention jacket comprising embedded heat delivery mechanisms in order to provide heat to said enveloped vessel; and said jacket comprises at least one layer of insulating material and at least one layer of radiation reflective material alternatively interspersed along a radially outward direction from the vessel center.

Abstract: A grill is provided comprising: an upper platen assembly including an upper grilling plate; a lower platen assembly including a lower grilling plate opposite the upper grilling plate, the upper grilling plate being separated from the lower grilling plate by a distance; one or more actuators operably connected to at least one of the upper platen assembly and the lower platen assembly, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to adjust the distance; and a conveyor belt located between the upper grilling plate and the lower grilling plate, wherein the conveyer belt is configured to move one or more food products between the upper grilling plate and the lower grilling plate.

Abstract: A staging system is provided. The staging system includes a movable belt and a heating member. The movable belt includes first and second ends. The movable belt supports and transports products by receiving the products at the first end and outputting the products from the second end to an expired product area. The heating member provides a heat source to the products while the products are supported and transported by the movable belt. Additionally, the staging system comprises a controller. The controller operates the movable belt to transport each of the products between the first end and the second end in accordance with an expiration timer.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a grill, a first arm assembly and a second arm assembly. An electronic hardware controller is in signal communication with the at least one grill, the first arm assembly and the second arm assembly. The controller operates the first arm assembly to transfer a prepared product to the grill, and operates the second arm assembly to transfer a cooked product from the grill.