Abstract: A back support structure includes a frame, a support, a fulcrum member, and an adjustment mechanism. The support includes an upright member having a lower end and an upper end. The lower end of the upright member is connected to the frame at a first location. A support pad is connected to the upper end of the upright member. The fulcrum member has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is connected to the frame at a second location spaced vertically above the first location. The fulcrum member includes a fulcrum engaging the upright member between the upper and lower ends. The fulcrum member is moveable between a plurality of fulcrum positions. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment member connected to the frame and the lower portion of the fulcrum member. The adjustment member is adjustable to move the fulcrum member to the plurality of fulcrum positions.

Abstract: An adjustable chair support system includes a first seat back support member spaced from a second seat back support member, and a seat back tensioning assembly that extends between the first and second seat back support members. The seat back tensioning assembly includes a carrier coupled to the first seat back support member, the carrier including an adjustable tension member and a first guide member, a pair of second guide members coupled to the second seat back support member, and a cable extending from the adjustable tension member into engagement with one of the pair of second guide members, with the first guide member, with the other of the pair of second guide members, and then returning to the adjustable tension member.

Abstract: The sofa caddy is a storage apparatus. The sofa caddy is configured for use with a chair. The chair is further defined with a manchette, a bench, and a cushion. The bench is a horizontal support surface formed by the chair. The cushion is a padding structure that: 1) rests on the bench; and 2) is placed against the manchette. The manchette is a vertical structure that prevents the cushion from sliding off of the bench. The sofa caddy removably attaches to the chair. The sofa caddy comprises a base sheeting, a plurality of pockets, and a counterweight. The plurality of pockets and the counterweight attach to the base sheeting. The counterweight inserts between the cushion and the manchette to secure the soda caddy to the chair. The base sheeting drapes over the manchette of the chair. The plurality of pockets store the one or more domestic articles.

Abstract: On an article of furniture, a bearing assembly is disposed between an elongate central structure and a seat, which permits rotation between the seat and the base. A tablet is provided, which is connected to a tablet arm with a first cylindrical member, and the tablet arm is connected to the elongate central structure of the base with a second cylindrical member. The second cylindrical member is disposed around the elongate central structure with a flange at the upper end thereof. The bottom of the seat has a lobed friction bushing disposed such that the flange of the second cylindrical member contacts the lobed friction bushing and frictionally resists rotation of the tablet arm as the seat rotates 360 degrees relative to the base, leading the tablet to follow the seat as it rotates. A lobed friction bushing is also provided.

Abstract: A baby carrier capable of carrying an infant. The baby carrier includes a belt that wraps around a caregiver's waist. A baby support portion couples to the belt and supports the infant. A first loop of fabric couples to the baby support portion. The first loop of fabric couples the baby support portion to a caregiver's shoulder. A second loop of fabric couples to the baby support portion. The second loop of fabric couples the baby support portion to the caregiver's opposite shoulder. First and second straps of fabric couple to the respective first and second loops enabling adjustment and securing of the baby carrier to the caregiver.

Abstract: Adjustable child carriers are disclosed. A disclosed example child carrier includes a child support pouch to receive a child in a substantially upright position, where the child support pouch includes an upper pouch area, a medial pouch area and a lower pouch area. The example child carrier also includes a harness to support the child support pouch on an adult, where the harness includes a first upper strap coupled to the upper pouch area, a second upper strap coupled to the upper pouch area, and a lower strap coupled to the medial pouch area. The example child carrier also includes a first leg support coupled to the child support pouch at the lower pouch area, where the first leg support pouch has a first continuously adjustable operative surface area, and a second leg support coupled to the child support pouch at the lower pouch area, where the second leg support pouch having a second continuously adjustable surface area.

Abstract: A hat holder and merchandise display unit has a hat holder member with a curved hat brim supporting section and a vertical wall section perpendicular with and extending downwardly from the hat brim supporting section. The wall section of the hat holder member has a central slot bordered by inwardly extending sidewalls configured to accept an attachment tongue from a merchandise display member having a display section. Once the attachment tongue of the merchandise display member is positioned within the wall section slot, the merchandise display member is rigidly secured to the hat holder member to form a single hat holder and merchandise display unit.

Abstract: A hanging decorative accessory has a looped frame and a base card. The looped frame has an inner groove and multiple fixing segments. The periphery of the base card engages the inner groove of the looped frame and is fixed by the fixing segments to avoid detaching from the inner groove. For assembly, the user only needs to mount a side of the periphery of the base card between the abutting wall and the fixing segments of the looped frame, and then pushes the whole periphery into the inner groove of the looped frame to complete the assembly. Furthermore, as the hanging decorative accessory has a looped frame and a base card, the structure is simple and the hanging decorative accessory is still capable of being assembled firmly even though some components are missing.

Abstract: A pillow which having a pillow user's most comfortable height and shape and which he can provide a comfortable sleep with a relaxed posture. The pillow has a first pillow section and a second pillow section joined at an angle that is between 75 and 105 degrees. A fold directing section is provided diagonally between an inner intersection and an outer intersection between the first pillow section and second pillow section.

Abstract: A neck pillow includes a supporting body comprising a foot, a shoulder contact surface and a negative inclination starting from the foot, a supporting surface comprising a convex-shaped cervical support area and a concave-shaped head support area, a rigid portion comprising a rigid portion hardness and a bottom curve which comprises a highest point, and a soft portion arranged on an upper side of the rigid portion, the soft portion comprising a soft portion hardness which is less than the rigid portion hardness. The supporting body is configured so that each of a head and a cervical spine of a person rests on the soft portion. The highest point is arranged in an area of the fifth and sixth cervical of the person. The shoulder contact surface migrates with an average radius of curvature of less than 2 cm in a support area of the sixth cervical of the person.

Abstract: An internal cake support device for forming a multi-tiered cake. The device comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end and a head is provided at a first end. The device comprises a first measurement scale for measuring a linear dimension from the second end of the shaft. The device comprises a second measurement scale for measuring a linear dimension from the first end of the shaft.

Abstract: A damage resistant glassware apparatus which includes a fluid container having a rim at a top end and a base at a bottom end, the fluid container constructed of a glass material, the rim to define an opening to a storage cavity within the fluid container, a first protective insert coupled to and integrally formed with the rim, and a second protective insert coupled to and integrally formed with the bottom end, wherein the first and second protective inserts are constructed of a non-glass material.

Abstract: A removable lid for a drinking cup is described. The removable lid has a top side with an ellipsoidal recession having a bottom opening. A baffle wall extends from the perimeter of the bottom opening, and is configured to prevent a beverage from passing through the bottom opening upon sudden movement of the beverage. The ellipsoidal recession may be designed so that a hot beverage being consumed through the removable lid is exposed to more outside air for cooling purposes. The same ellipsoidal recession may be designed to funnel added ingredients into a beverage. The removable lid may have a stirrer opening so that stirrers may be inserted and taken out without lid removal. For additional strength, the surface of the removable lid may be textured to increase its moment of inertia. The bottom opening of the removable lid may be closed using a fitted blocking plug.

Abstract: A shaker top for dispensing products in a container, including a top unit having a peelable protective cover affixed upon a dispensing liner having at least one perforation, the top unit affixed to a mouth of a container. A method of manufacturing a shaker top with a peelable protective cover, including the steps of affixing a peelable protective cover upon a dispensing liner, assembling a top unit including the peelable protective cover and the dispensing liner, affixing the top unit to a mouth of a container, and covering the container with a cap. A shaker top with a peelable protective cover attached to a container, manufactured by the method of manufacture. A method of using a container having a shaker top with a freshness seal.

Abstract: An anti-tremor utensil includes an anti-tremor mechanism within a hollow handle. The anti-tremor mechanism includes at least one elastic, fluid-filled ball that isolates tremor-induced motion of handle from the utensil's implement head, e.g., spoon.

Abstract: A coaster is structured to be coupled to a conventional cup, such as an iced beverage cup, using a conventional cup sleeve. The coaster includes a generally disk shaped base having an outer perimeter. Two or more elongate tethers extend outwardly from the outer perimeter of the base. The coaster assumes a combination-ready configuration with the two or more elongate tethers extending generally upright and outwardly to a same side of the base, in such a way that the coaster fits snugly within a conventional cup sleeve. In a final combination configuration with a cup sleeve, the coaster combines with the cup sleeve to create an insulating and water absorptive coaster and sleeve, frictionally and snugly coupled to the cup in a robust manner to make the coaster highly portable together with the cup and cup sleeve, and configured to collect condensation formed on the exterior surface of the cup.

Abstract: A package securement device includes a containment device in the form of either a bag or a box for receiving packages. The containment device includes an opening allowing for removal and insertion of packages. Access may be given to the interior of the containment device through an electronic device with a credential receiver configured to receive a credential input by a user. A communication module with a wireless transmitter connected to the electronic device transmits and receive a wireless communication regarding a status of the containment bag. A remote user interface may be used to monitor and control access to the containment device.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to illuminated artificial trees constructed by interconnecting more than one artificial tree trunk section based on electrically connecting and rotationally coupling each tree trunk section to at least one other tree trunk section, each tree trunk section having an emitter of light visible externally to the tree trunk section and optically coupled to a light source within the tree trunk section, and each light source operably coupled to an external controller and power supply. In an illustrative example, each tree trunk section may have a light source optically connected by limited-length optical fiber to a light emitter within the tree trunk section. The light source may be a multi-color LED. The light source may be powered through rotatable male and female connectors mated between tree trunk section ends. Various examples may advantageously provide a consistently bright and tall tree with reduced energy consumption.

Abstract: Various embodiments of curtain support and swivel assembly designs are provided. One embodiment is a curtain support assembly comprising a support attachment member and a curtain attachment member. A rod extends from the support attachment member. A stop member is disposed on an end of the rod. The curtain attachment member has a longitudinal opening with a lip. The stop member is configured to be received within the longitudinal opening and positioned such that the stop member engages with the lip and rotates within the longitudinal opening.

Abstract: A pour over filter is described, that is suitable for brewing a single serving of coffee, tea or other like beverages. The filter apparatus of the invention is particularly well suited for percolating or drip brewing coffee or tea into a serving cup. The apparatus includes a filter assembly having an interlocking annular flange that allows a user to elevate the filter assembly within the serving cup or to submerge the filter assembly within the drinking cup.

Abstract: A disposable strainer (1) for tea infusion comprises a base (10) and a deformable infusion container (11) with a moisture-permeable body (110) attached to the base (10). The base (10) is foldable, the disposable strainer (1) includes a squeezing mechanism (12) connected to the body (110) of the infusion container (11) and adapted to squeeze the infusion container (11) once the base (10) is folded, and the squeezing mechanism (12) consists in a first thread (121) adapted for drawing out of the disposable strainer (1).

Abstract: An infusion extractor is provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that has vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. The plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.

Abstract: Systems for controlled heating and/or agitation for liquid food or beverage product creation are disclosed. A dispenser for producing a food or beverage liquid product from a frozen contents in a receptacle includes a chamber configured to hold a receptacle containing the contents and a dilution liquid inlet configured to supply a dilution liquid to the interior of the receptacle. The dispenser also includes a perforator configured to perforate the receptacle and form a product outlet from the receptacle for the liquid product and an agitator configured to impart motion to the receptacle and/or the contents in the receptacle that increases a flow path from the liquid inlet to the product outlet taken by at least a portion of dilution liquid, when supplied, relative to a flow path from the liquid inlet to the product outlet taken by the portion of dilution liquid without the imparted motion.

Abstract: Technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) for sanitizing reservoirs are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include a sanitization gas system and a connector unit. The connector unit is configured to install into a portion (e.g., wall, bottom, top, or lid) of a reservoir, such as a reservoir of a hot beverage maker. The connector unit includes an inlet passageway for supplying sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the reservoir, and an outlet passageway for removing sanitizing gas from the reservoir. In some embodiments at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway. The sanitization gas system may provide a sanitizing gas to the inlet passageway and receive the sanitizing gas from the outlet passageway.

Abstract: An automatic ingredient feeding apparatus (1) comprises a machine frame (100), a feeder mechanism (11), a flipping mechanism (12) and a plurality of compartment door control mechanisms (13). The feeder mechanism comprises a shell (111), the shell is provided therein with a receiving space (114) for receiving a multi-compartment container (110) and is provided therein with a multi-compartment ingredient-dropping chamber (113) facing the receiving space. The flipping mechanism (12) is used for mounting the feeder mechanism (11) on the machine frame (110) and for controlling the feeder mechanism (11) to implement a 180-degree flip. Each of the plurality of compartment door control mechanisms (13) controls an opening/closing of a compartment door (115) of the individual compartment of the multi-compartment ingredient-dropping chamber (113). The flipping mechanism (12) and the plurality of compartment door control mechanisms (13) are all connected to a master control device (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking utensil comprising a hollow bowl with a base and a side wall rising from the base, and including at least one fragile area. The bowl has a concave inner surface for receiving food, as well as a convex outer surface. The utensil is coated successively, from the bowl, with a hard base and a nonstick coating, which covers the hard base and includes at least one layer containing at least one fluorocarbon resin. The hard base has a layer that is at least broken at the fragile area. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a utensil.

Abstract: A master controller programmed to execute a recipe, stored in computer memory, for a finished food product, prepared from a plurality of raw ingredients; a raw ingredients storage unit controller controlled by the master controller and programmed to control a mechanism for getting the plurality of raw ingredients for the recipe; a cleaning controller controlled by the master controller and programmed by computer software to control one or more cleaning devices configured to clean one or more of the plurality of raw ingredients; a manipulator controller programmed to control one or more devices which physically manipulate one or more of the plurality of raw ingredients by one or more of grinding, mincing, peeling, cutting, and rolling one or more of the plurality of raw ingredients; and a heater controller programmed to control one or more heating devices to heat one or more of the plurality of raw ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to food preparation. In order to provide an apparatus for preparing food of increased variance with improved cooking time and also improved food quality, a desk-appliance apparatus (10) for preparing food is provided, comprising a food preparation chamber (12), an air movement device (14), a heating device (16), and air guiding means (18). The food preparation chamber is provided by a container structure (22) at least partly enclosing a receiving volume (24) for receiving food to be prepared by a through-streaming of hot air; wherein the container structure comprises sidewalls (26) and a bottom wall (28), wherein the bottom wall and/or one of the side walls is air-permeable providing an air entry opening (30) for entering of hot air into the receiving volume, and wherein the container structure comprises an air discharge opening (32). The heating device is configured to heat air of an air flow provided by the air movement device.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a roaster bowl having a pouring lip and a cover (e.g., sugar or other coating is adhered to the bowl, its pouring lip and the cover). Water is added to the roaster bowl and the cover is placed over the roaster bowl. An appropriately sized and located steam vent is disposed between the cover and roaster bowl, adjacent to the bowl's pouring lip. The roaster bowl is heated to boil the water to produce steam that dissolves the sugar adhered to the roaster bowl and to the underside of the cover. Steam exiting the bowl via the vent condenses on the pouring lip to dissolve the sugar that is adhered to the pouring lip, and the sugar-laden steam drips back into the bowl thus cleaning the pouring lip.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a food support grate includes a plurality of slats. Each of the slats has an upper cooking surface having an upper apex; a lower cooking surface having a lower apex; a rear side; and a front side. The food support grate further includes a plurality of bridges that each couple two or more adjacent slats to each other. The upper apexes define an upper plane and the lower apexes define a lower plane. The rear sides and the front sides each have a portion positioned at an oblique angle with respect to one of the upper and lower planes. The upper apex of each of the slats has a first radius of curvature, and the lower apex of each of the slats has a second radius of curvature. The first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature.

Abstract: A fire table provides an aesthetic table surface while allowing for cooking over the fire using a removable cooking mount. The removable cooking mount is placed in a pan in an opening in the top of the fire table. The pan has a filler material to hide the burner assembly and acts to secure the removable cooking mount. A lazy susan can be used to cover the opening in the fire table when not in use for aesthetic and functional purposes.

Abstract: A cookware assembly comprises a lid including an underside and a plurality of basting projections. The underside has a center and extending toward a perimeter of the lid. Each of the plurality of basting projections protrudes downwardly from the underside of the lid. Each of the plurality of basting projections includes an interior concave surface, an exterior concave surface, and a drip ridge. The interior concave surface extends downwardly away from the underside to form a bay adjacent to the interior concave surface. The drip ridge is formed along a border between the interior concave surface and the exterior surface and defines a vertex along the drip ridge. During use of the lid, condensate formed on the underside collects along the interior concave surface, which funnels the condensate to the vertex for droplet formation and release from a corresponding one of the plurality of basting projections.

Abstract: A deep fryer system includes a deep fryer that includes a fuel tank, a burner and a hose that is fluidly coupled between the fuel tank and the burner. The burner produces a flame thereby facilitating the burner to heat a container filled with a fluid. A cart is provided and each of the fuel tank, the hose and the burner is removably positioned on the cart. A box is provided and the box is positioned on the cart. The burner is positioned within the box and the container is positioned within the box. The box inhibits the fluid in the container from escaping the box thereby reducing a fire hazard with respect to the fluid when the fluid is heated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blender (200) comprising a base part (201), and a container (202) arranged on the base part (201). The container (202) comprises a detachable bottom part (203). The blender 200 also comprises a sealing gasket (204) arranged between the detachable bottom part (203) and the container (202). The sealing gasket (204) comprises at least one rib (205) extending upwards inside the container (202). By having the ribs directly part of the sealing gasket, the container does not need any ribs on its inside surface.

Abstract: A portable fluid mixing vessel for containing fluid. The vessel interior includes a mixing component designed for effecting mixing of a fluid with a powdered substance. The spring loaded component is releaseably attached to the bottom of the vessel interior, and is configured to gently break apart clumps of the powder allowing the powder to go into solution without over-mixing. A turbine is attached to the spring portion, the turbine having angled blades to induce a gentle stirring motion in response to vertical reciprocation of the turbine. The gentle breakdown of the powder creates a mixture which has a texture like that of a stirred mixture, as opposed to a pureed or blended mixture.

Abstract: Described is a prefabricated bathtub or shower pan with curved outer edges and an elevated threshold that act as returning points for water. More specifically, the bathtub or shower pan are formed to include a drain area surrounded by interior sides and a threshold dam. A side ledge is formed atop each of the interior sides, each side ledge having a top edge. Surrounding walls rise from the top edge of each side ledge. Further, the threshold dam has an angled top surface with a lower edge. Notably, the lower edge of the angled top surface is higher than the top edge of each of the side ledges to prevent any water from running from the side ledges onto the threshold dam. The bathtub or shower pan also include curved outer edges that transition from a side wall and onto the threshold dam to return water to the drain area.

Abstract: A collapsible liquid container for a fluid dispenser is provided and includes an upper wall, a collapsible sidewall, a bottom wall, fluid, and a dispensation mechanism. The upper wall, the collapsible sidewall, and the bottom wall cooperate to define a pressurized liquid reservoir. The fluid is contained within the liquid reservoir. A fluid dispenser includes a housing, a collapsing member, and a biasing member. The housing comprises an upper container portion and a support portion. The upper container portion at least partially defines an interior chamber for receiving the collapsible liquid container. The support portion extends downwardly from the upper container portion. The collapsing member is disposed within the interior chamber and is movably coupled with the upper container portion. The biasing member is coupled with the collapsing member and the housing and is configured to bias the collapsing member toward the dispensation zone.

Abstract: The brushhead includes a brushhead base member and at least one outer ring of bristles mounted thereto, the brush base member being non-oscillating. An inner assembly is adapted to capture a solid, semi-solid, gel or the like non-Newtonian balm element having shear thinning characteristics. In an embodiment, the inner assembly is adapted to receive energy from an oscillating action of the inner assembly produced by a motor in the appliance to which the brushhead is attachable. Oscillation of the inner portion at a selected frequency and amplitude results in the solid, semi-solid, gel or the like balm element changing to a liquid in a shear thinning effect, the liquid being useful for removal of makeup.

Abstract: A bathroom storage device for convenient concealed storage of a toilet plunger and visible storage of multiple vertically stacked rolls of toilet paper. The cup of the toilet plunger is concealed within a base unit having an open top from which the handle of the toilet plunger protrudes. A top member with a hollow vertical spindle is placed over the open top, thereby concealing the cup and handle of the toilet plunger within the base unit and hollow vertical spindle, respectively. Spaced vertical members about the periphery of the top member partially conceal the vertically stacked rolls of toilet paper while still enabling visual ascertainment of their number. The hollow vertical spindle may serve as a handle by which the top member and stacked rolls of toilet paper can be removed to gain access to the toilet plunger.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a container retaining a dispensable material, which prevents the material from breaking prior to being dispensed or over-dispensing material by including a mechanism to slow the dispensation of the material, and also aids in breaking the material subsequent to the material exiting the container. The container has a faceplate with at least three members forming a substantially triangular aperture through which the dispensable material is fed. The three members include a pair of opposing flanges forming the triangular aperture therebetween. The pair of opposing flanges further form a substantially linear slot therebetween and contiguous with the triangular aperture, with the dispensable material further fed through the slot. Each of the pair of opposing flanges has a curved surface forming a side of the triangular aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dispenser for interfolded napkins, including an inner container defining a dispensing opening, and an outer sleeve including a dispensing mouth. The outer sleeve forms at least one open end portion being arranged to receive the inner container, and the dispensing mouth forms an open end towards an open end portion of the sleeve. When the inner container is located in the outer sleeve, a supporting surface is biased towards the dispensing opening of the inner container and vertically movable inside the inner container between a lower position and an upper position, and, at least in a region adjacent the open end of the dispensing mouth, the outer contour of the upper ends of the side walls of the inner container deviates from the inner periphery of the sleeve, forming an access opening to the space between the upper position and the dispensing mouth.

Abstract: A hand drying system and method for a lavatory includes a blower housing that includes a blower that is configured to generate airflow within an air chamber. An exhaust vent is configured to be secured to the lavatory. The exhaust vent defines an air outlet. A conduit includes a first end in fluid communication with the air chamber and a second end in fluid communication with the air outlet. The conduit distally locates the blower housing from the lavatory.

Abstract: A toilet apparatus has a waste material receiving bowl with an opening to receive an absorbent media and indicator and a sensor to detect a presence of the indicator in the material receiving bowl when the indicator is present in the material receiving bowl and transmit a signal indicating the indicator is present in the material receiving bowl. A control circuit receives the signal from the sensor, processes the signal to determine the indicator is present in the material receiving bowl, and causes one or more actions to be taken by the toilet apparatus based on determining the indicator is present in the material receiving bowl.

Abstract: A toilet convenient to assemble and disassemble includes a toilet body (10) of which the upper end is provided with a supporting seat (30) and a toilet cover plate (20) of which the rear end is provided with a pivot shaft (40), wherein the supporting seat (30) is provided with an embedding hole (31) and the pivot shaft (40) is provided with an inserting column (41), the inserting column (41) being embedded into the embedding hole (31). In this way, whether the inserting column (41) is aligned to the embedding hole (31) or not can be seen clearly during the installation process, thereby the inserting column (41) may be directly aligned and embedded, thus, the operation is very convenient, blind installation is avoided and the installation efficiency is obviously improved.

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

Abstract: The present specification relates to an automatic cleaner. The automatic cleaner, according to one aspect, comprises: a casing having an inlet port; a suction device which is installed inside the casing and sucks external foreign substances through the inlet port; a moving device for moving the casing; and a side brush assembly movably installed at the casing, wherein the side brush assembly comprises: a movable member which is provided so as to be movable in the casing and protrudes outside of the casing; a side brush provided so as to be rotatable at the movable member; a hinge shaft for enabling the rotation of the movable member; and an elastic member for supporting the hinge shaft or the movable member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner filter bag made of a thermally weldable filter material which forms the sealed internal space of the vacuum cleaner filter bag. The internal space is thereby closed at least on one side by means of a weld seam configured according to the invention, in the case of which at least two layers of the filter material are welded together. The weld seam configured according to the present invention is distinguished by a far higher tearing strength, compared with weld seams as are known from the state of the art. The invention relates in addition to a method for the production of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, to a tool for the production of the high-strength weld seam and also to an ultrasonic welding unit in which this tool is integrated.

Abstract: Described are swivel systems and swivel assemblies for connecting a vacuum appliance to a vacuum accessory. The assembly can be adapted to be coupled to the accessory to permit the appliance to pivot relative to the accessory offset from a center of the accessory. The swivel system can include a vacuum adapter and a connector adapted to permit the vacuum adapter to pivot about a vacuum accessory. A plenum chamber can be formed in the adapter that is in fluid communication with one or more vacuum hoses to balance the airflow within the adapter.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a main casing, driving wheels, side brushes, an obstacle sensor, and a controller. The driving wheels enable the main casing to travel. The side brushes are reciprocatively movable in both a direction of protruding from an outer frame of the main casing and its opposite direction, enabling cleaning of dust and dirt located outside the outer frame of the main casing. The obstacle sensor detects an obstacle by detecting a movement of the side brush in the opposite direction due to its contact with the obstacle. The controller controls drive of the driving wheels based on detection of an obstacle by the obstacle sensor to make the main casing autonomously travel. The vacuum cleaner can detect an obstacle at a position of a side brush while securely cleaning dust and dirt located outside an outer frame of a main casing by the side brush.

Abstract: A rotary surface cleaning machine for cleaning floors, including both carpeted floors and uncarpeted hard floor surfaces including but not limited to wood, tile, linoleum and natural stone flooring. The rotary surface cleaning machine has a rotary surface cleaning tool mounted on a frame and coupled for high speed rotary motion relative to the frame. The rotary surface cleaning tool has a substantially circular operational surface that performs the cleaning operation. The rotary surface cleaning tool is driven by an on-board power plant to rotate at high speed. The rotary surface cleaning tool is coupled to a supply of pressurized hot liquid solution of cleaning fluid and a powerful vacuum suction source.