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: Apparatus (10) preventing suffocation of an infant (I) by a person (A) rolling over on top of the infant (I) when the infant is lying on a bed (B), rug, or floor. In one embodiment, a frame (12) affixed to the bed includes a vertical section (14) extending above the bed on one side of the bed and a horizontally extending section (16) projecting over the top of the bed from the side of the bed. A sleeve (20) connected to the horizontally extending section is sized to accommodate an arm (R) of a person laying on the bed next to the infant and keep the arm in its position above the bed so to prevent the person from moving over or on top of the infant and inadvertently smothering or suffocating the infant, thus allowing the infant to lay safe on the bed.

Abstract: Cutlery dispensing assemblies and methods for making and using same. In some examples, the cutlery dispensing assembly can include a chassis comprising a backbone, an upper support frame located at an upper end of the backbone, and a base located at a lower end of the backbone. A skewer mechanism can be at least partially disposed within the chassis and configured to contain a stack of the cutlery. The stack of the cutlery can include a bottom piece of cutlery and at least one other piece of cutlery. Each piece of cutlery can have an opening through which the skewer mechanism is configured to pass. The skewer mechanism can include an elongated body that is configured to pass through the opening of each piece of cutlery, and a lever extending from elongated the body.

Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. The utensil dispensers can include a housing configured to contain a stack of utensils. The stack of the utensils comprises at least one utensil in addition to a next utensil. At least one generally vertical guide rail can be disposed within the housing, and can be configured to receive a first portion of each utensil having a contoured projection extending outwardly from each utensil to maintain the stack of the utensils in a stacked orientation. A front pedestal can be disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical guide rail. The front pedestal can be configured to contact the first portion of the next utensil, and a rear pedestal can be disposed inside the housing and beneath the generally vertical guide rail. The rear pedestal can be configured to contact a second portion of the next utensil.

Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same are provided herein. In some examples, the utensil dispensers can include a housing. At least two dispense chassis can be disposed within the housing. Each dispense chassis can be configured to move between a first position in which the dispense chassis is configured to dispense utensils from the housing and a second position in which the dispense chassis is configured to be loaded with utensils. A chassis interlock can be configured to prevent at least one of the dispense chassis that is in the first position from moving toward the second position when one other of the dispense chassis is in the second position.

Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. In some examples, the utensil dispensers can include a housing. A dispense chassis can be configured to fit within the housing. At least one post can be disposed on an outer surface of the dispense chassis, and at least one glide mechanism can be disposed within the housing. The glide mechanism is configured to engage the dispense chassis post. The glide mechanism can include a slot configured to guide the dispense chassis between a dispensing position in which the dispense chassis is configured to dispense utensils from the housing and a loading position in which the dispense chassis is configured to be loaded with utensils.

Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. In some examples, the utensil dispensers can include a housing configured to contain a stack of utensils. A stack gauge comprising a gauge arm can be configured to indicate a quantity of utensils in the stack of the utensils in the housing and is visible from outside the housing and the dispenser.

Abstract: Utensil dispensers and methods for making and using same. The utensil dispensers can include a housing configured to contain a stack of utensils. The stack of utensils can include a next utensil. A drive mechanism can be configured to contact the next utensil. An access port can provide an opening to the housing. An actuator can be operably connected to the drive mechanism and configured to move the drive mechanism into a release position such that the drive mechanism contacts the next utensil in the stack of the utensils to push the next utensil causing the next utensil to release from the stack of the utensils and become a released utensil. The released utensil can fall to a dispense position and be accessible via the access port for removing from the dispenser. A prime mechanism can be configured to move the drive mechanism to the release position without removing any released utensil from the dispense position.

Abstract: A display for tape products. The display includes at least x shelves disposed on a stand. At least y modules are provided, wherein y>x. Each module includes a plurality of interconnected frame channels. The modules comprise at least first modules including channels of a first width and second modules including channels of a second width. At least several of the modules include reversible generally U-shaped inserts configured for insertion into the channels. The U-shaped inserts provide a first open orientation suitable for receiving a generally cylindrical tape product and a second closed orientation suitable for supporting a rectangular tape product.

Abstract: A convertible apparel rack functions as a multi-purpose rack that can display garments, shoes, or a combination of both, by changing out the hanger bars. Further, the rack can be changed from a single rack to a dual rack by removing or inserting uprights on a standard base. The apparel hanger bars are solid and of sufficient strength to allow dense packing of apparel without mechanical failure. The shoe hanger bars have a gap to allow shoes to be clipped on. Further, the convertible apparel rack can display a single rack of items or can be configured to display two racks of items.

Abstract: A universal mount includes a base portion having a support mount, a mount extension integral to the base portion, and a mounting plate rotatably attached to the mount extension. The universal mount may operate to accommodate a variety of mounting accessories.

Abstract: Devices and methods that allow for rapid and efficient changing of duvet covers, comprising an upper section and a lower section of washable material that are sized to be significantly larger than a duvet that will be covered and isolated. The upper and lower sections are secured together along a single edge only, and that edge is positioned at the head of the bed. The duvet is placed between the upper and lower sections, isolating and enclosing the duvet, thereby preventing the duvet from becoming exposed while the bed is in use, and simultaneously allowing for easy and rapid changing of the duvet cover after use.

Abstract: An adjustable pillow is disclosed that includes an air inflatable bladder housed within a casing. The inflatable bladder is retained in a central portion of the casing by one or more support members that extend from an exterior surface of the bladder to an interior surface of the casing. The bladder is also in fluid communication with an air pump to inflate the bladder and a nozzle to deflate the bladder to a desired size and firmness. In addition, pillow stuffing may be placed within the casing between the exterior surface of the bladder and the interior surface of the casing to provide cushioning. In operation, the bladder may be inflated to a desired size and firmness and the pillow placed in a location to provide support and/or comfort. The support and/or comfort provided by the bladder may be adjusted by inflating or deflating the bladder.

Abstract: A cushioning posterior fulcrum back shaper is an apparatus that supports and guides the back and neck of a user. The apparatus encourages the proper form throughout stretches and exercises, positioning each engaged body parts. The apparatus includes a back shaper that supports the arch of the back, and a neck shaper which supports the spine of the user, and consequently the neck. The first grooved channel positions and guides the spine. The back shaper includes a semicircular prismatic body, a sacrum-supporting depression, and a pelvis-supporting depression. The neck shaper includes an elongated body, a first interlocking arm, and a second interlocking arm. The semicircular prismatic body supports the arch of the back. The sacrum-supporting depression and the pelvis-supporting depression position the sacrum and the sacrum and head, respectively. The elongated body is rotatably mounted to the semicircular prismatic body with the first interlocking arm and the second interlocking arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite travel pillow that fits about the neck of a wearer for support in a seated or semi-reclined position. Notably, the present pillow includes a resiliently deformable, relatively stiff cap portion fitted to a shoulder portion of the pillow, with the cap portion defining a pair of spaced apart reactive surfaces that can engage an associated seating area. During use, the reactive surfaces provide dynamic interaction with the seating area, with the cap portion mechanically flexing and shaping the pillow on the user. Greatly enhanced support of the head and neck of the user is achieved, considerably enhancing the comfort provided by the pillow when in used in a seated or semi-reclined position.

Abstract: A table cover. The table cover includes a flexible base having a perimeter edge that can secure to a table such that an entirety of an upper surface of the table is covered by the base. A pair of panels are pivotally affixed to opposing ends of the base, wherein the pair of panels include a plurality of pockets on an exterior surface of the panel. At least one of the panels includes a thermally insulated lining therein.

Abstract: An actively heated mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container is provided. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can include a body that receives a liquid therein and a heating or cooling system at least partially disposed in the body. The heating or cooling system can include one or more heating or cooling elements that heat a surface of the receiving portion of the body and one or more energy storage devices. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can include a wireless power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a power source and control circuitry configured to charge one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements.

Abstract: A pouch (100) filled with phase-change material, wherein the pouch comprises a preformed first wall (110) and a second wall (120), wherein the first wall comprises a bowl-shaped part, in which the phase-change material is accommodated, and a peripheral part, wherein the second wall is attached to the peripheral part of the first wall, wherein a high vacuum prevails in the pouch, and wherein the pouch is intended for placing against a wall to be heated or cooled.

Abstract: A cooling and heating plate, in particular for serving food and beverages, is connected to a cooling unit and an electrical heating device, preferably a silicone panel heater, is also provided on the under side of the plate. The plate is a multilayered plate having an upper plate, preferably of chrome nickel steel, and an aluminum plate situated thereunder. At least one steel pipe, which is preferably seamless with serpentine curves, having a compressive strength of at least 50 bar is integrally cast in the aluminum plate. As a result, carbon dioxide can also be used as a coolant. Fastening elements can also be integrally cast in the aluminum plate.

Abstract: An improved tableware stand with a cylindrical base providing vertical elevation of an adapter for use to receive and retain tableware, the cylindrical base including a circumferential sidewall adapted for receiving a removable, reversable tableware adapter which securely engages the food service item with misaligned receiving structure. The receiving structure includes a plurality of concentric channels for securely receiving and retaining different sized, dimensioned, configured, or shaped food service items while providing a substantially planar platform elevated from an underlying support surface.

Abstract: An active temperature control module can be used with drinkware and plateware devices. The drinkware can be a mug made of metal, and optionally coated with a ceramic material. The active thermal control module can optionally be removably coupleable to a surface of the drinkware or plateware device. The module can include at least one heating element that can thermally communicate with a surface of the drinkware or plateware device to thereby effect heat transfer through the base to food stuff (e.g., a solid food, a liquid food) in the drinkware or plateware device. The module can include at least one sensor configured to sense a parameter of the foodstuff, and at least one power storage element configured to provide power to the at least one heating element.

Abstract: A dispensing system for heating and dispensing a food substance in a liquid state includes a portable dispensing unit including housing comprising a reservoir for holding a food substance, a heater operable to heat the substance to an operating temperature for producing a liquid, and a pump for dispensing the liquid via a dispensing tube and spray nozzle. A manually activated actuator operates to initiate the dispensing cycle. Control circuitry associated with the dispensing unit monitors the liquid temperature and controls operation of pump and unit. The dispensing unit may be powered by a rechargeable battery. A charging base provides a dock for recharging the battery of the dispensing unit. The pump may include an auto-reverse feature to draw the liquid back into reservoir when not dispensing the liquid for preventing clogs in the dispensing system.

Abstract: A cutlery utensil that include a functional section and a handle. The handle can include a raised spine disposed on a first surface of the handle and having a height that varies from a first end of the handle in the direction of the functional section. At least one recessed channel can be formed in a second surface of the utensil, the second surface of the utensil being opposite the first surface of the utensil, wherein the recessed channel has a depth that varies from the first end of the handle in the direction of the functional section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to trays for carrying items, such as food and beverages. In particular, the present invention relates to serving trays, provided with grips, which can be carried, in a relatively stable manner, with one hand. The present invention is particularly useful for individuals working in the hospitality industry, such as waiting staff (waiters).

Abstract: A housing system is provided with a housing device 10 that is installed, for example, at an entrance of an individual house of a user, and stores a delivery object or the like addressed to the user while being locked, and a managing server 20 for managing the housing state of the housing device 10. The housing device 10 has, for example, a square pillar shape, and on its one side face, a display for use in displaying and keys or the like for use in inputting information are disposed, on the other two side faces, doors of housing boxes are disposed.

Abstract: This invention is new because it's the first device of its kind designed to be used to prevent packages from being stolen after delivery to a consumer's house. Other methods like locking boxes or special locks either already exist, or are being developed but this device is the first locking bag for that purpose that is held securely by an extended strap that closes under a door, or secures to a physical object.

Abstract: An axially collapsible cooking vessel comprises a flexible body having plural circumferentially extending reduced thickness areas spacedly arrayed between an upper peripheral edge and a bottom edge that provide for nested folding of the flexible body axially inwardly and downwardly upon itself; a heat conductive base that is interconnected with a bottom peripheral edge of the flexible body in a fluid tight engagement therewith; a heatsink structurally interconnected to a bottom surface of the heat conductive base, the heatsink having an annular shaped radiator and a circumferentially extending shield extending about the annular shaped radiator; and a removable lid releasable engageable with a top opening defined by the flexible body.

Abstract: A cooking and draining system includes: a vessel including a bottom and an upstanding side wall forming an interior region of the vessel and an opening opposite the bottom of the vessel, the vessel further including: a heating element located in one of the bottom and the side wall; a valve located in one of the bottom and the side wall, the valve selectively controlling outflow of fluid from the interior region of the vessel; a lid selectively sealing the opening opposite the bottom of the vessel; and a base selectively coupled to the vessel and selectively causing the heating element to heat the interior region of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of regulating the temperature of a cooking liquid during sous vide cooking in a cooking vessel on a burner of a cooktop includes setting a desired cooking temperature and measuring the temperature of the cooking liquid inside the sous vide cooking vessel at a plurality of predetermined time intervals with a first temperature sensor mounted on an interior surface of a wall of the sous vide cooking vessel. The temperature of the cooking liquid is compared to the desired cooking temperature at each of the predetermined time intervals. The energy output of the burner is controlled based on the difference between the temperature of the cooking liquid and the desired cooking temperature. A cooking vessel and system for sous vide cooking using this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A beverage-brewing packaging bag includes an outer bag (10) and an inner bag (20). The outer bag (10) includes a receiving space (101). The inner bag (20) is received in the outer bag (10) and receives a to-be-brewed substance (30). The inner bag (20) is a filtering bag, is fixed to an inner face of the outer bag (10), and divides the receiving space (101) of the outer bag (10) into a water chamber (104) and a reservoir (105).

Abstract: A portable beverage press mug is includes a vessel and a press head assembly. The press head assembly includes a screen (or filter) and a valve arrangement covering the screen. The valve arrangement is movable in response to fluid pressure to create a gap between the valve arrangement and the frame and permit fluid to pass through the screen and the gap.

Abstract: A beverage brewing press has an open topped container for receiving a liquid and particulate matter to be brewed into a beverage, a hollow plunger shaft, a sealing filter piston disposed on the plunger shaft, the sealing filter piston having a peripheral seal slidably sealing to an interior of the container and for separating the interior of the container into a first compartment and a second compartment, the piston having a filter thereon for allowing brewed beverage to be filtered from the first compartment into the second compartment upon displacement of the piston, an agitator disposed below the piston, the agitator being fastened to an agitator shaft disposed concentrically rotatably and slidably in the hollow plunger shaft, a displaceable distance being provided between the agitator and the piston, the agitator shaft being slidable in the plunger shaft to take-up the displaceable distance between the agitator and the piston when the piston moves toward the agitator due to an axial force exerted on the p

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a container and (2) the automated method for opening such container and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a customer receptacle or glass.

Abstract: A brewer system includes a reservoir, a steep chamber movable relative to the reservoir and positioned over a mouth of the reservoir, and a filter tape positioned between the chamber and the reservoir. Brewing substance and water are added to the chamber to form a brewed beverage that passes through the filter tape and into the reservoir through the mouth.

Abstract: Device for heating and emulsifying beverages comprising a pump (2), an air and water meeting zone (10), a device for producing steam and a first conduit (5) for steam mixed with air communicating with a steam wand (6) adapted to be immersed into a beverage (7) to be heated and emulsified, said device for producing steam comprising an instant steam generator (4) and said meeting zone (10) being positioned before said instant steam generator.

Abstract: Various beverage preparation systems and methods are disclosed. The beverage preparation system can include a dispensing unit configured to receive beverage, such as a shot of espresso, from a beverage preparation machine. The dispensing unit can include a dispensing unit with a first end and a second end. The dispensing unit can be rotatable between an upright position and an inverted position. The dispensing unit can be configured to receive the beverage through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the upright position, and can be configured to receive cleansing fluid through the second end when the dispensing unit is in the inverted position. In some embodiments, when the dispensing unit is in an intermediate position between the upright and inverted positions, the dispensing unit is configured to dispense the beverage out of the first end and into a cup or other vessel.

Abstract: An actuator tip diffuser may be retrofitted onto existing pump dispensers to create a scatter flow. The scatter flow can be induced by using patterns with larger area sections produce separate, individual streams. Increasing the length of the orifice adapter and adding a center outer ring also reduced spatter. In all instances, the actuator tip diffuser includes a through-channel, with an inlet fitted to the existing actuator nozzle on one end and a downwardly disposed outlet for discharging fluid via the pattern of orifices/structure noted above. The tip may also include one or more retainer tabs to create a snap fitting to existing dispenser pumps.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine (1) comprises a source of liquid (2,3) and a dispensing outlet (4) connected via a pump (10) that includes a chamber (11) and a displaceable wall (12) delimiting the chamber (11). The pump (10) further has: an electric actuator (13) driving the displaceable wall (12) for causing an inflow of liquid from the source into the chamber (11) and for causing an outflow of liquid from the chamber (11) to the dispensing outlet (4); and a powering unit (14) that comprises an electric power source (142) and that is configured for supplying power to the actuator (13).

Abstract: Method and machine for preparing beverages, in particular infusions, such as coffee or tea, having a liquid supply source supplying a liquid, in particular water, an infusion chamber and an infusion circuit, which connects said supply source to said infusion chamber; the machine having an infusion circuit with a heat exchanger and a dispensing assembly, which is configured to heat the liquid at a predetermined temperature that is lower than the boiling temperature of the liquid, for example at approximately 90°, before the infusion of the liquid itself on the inside of the infusion chamber.

Abstract: A multipurpose cooker is composed of a base, a cooker body, cooker feet, a cooker cover, a cooker cover handle, cooker lugs, and a panel assembly and an operating mechanism on the cooker body; and an inner cooker is arranged in the cooker body, characterized in that, a food plate is arranged at the bottom of the inner cooker, a groove hole for placing heating members is opened in the middle of the food plate, and a heating tube as well as a seasoning box and a seasoning box cover outside the heating tube are arranged in the groove hole; and peripheral heating rings are also arranged in the side wall of the inner cooker.

Abstract: The present application provides a system and method for an automatic stove knob for cooking. The system has a stove knob configured with an IoT device, a voice enabled voice assistance device to interact with the user (s), a cloud server to store the data for processing and a mobile application installed onto the user's mobile phone to control the IoT device. The user requests for a recipe by interacting with the mobile application or voice assistance device and the cooking time and flame intensity are automatically determined and the stove knob is operated automatically for each step in the recipe. The user is alerted once the time set in the timer is over. Hence, the system controls the flame intensity and time automatically based on the set of instructions in accordance with the recipe requested by the user.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time synchronization of set of instructions using IoT (also referred to as connected or smart) devices. The system has a plurality of sensors to measure various cooking parameters such as timer, flame intensity, temperature, pressure, volume or weight. The system has a voice assistant device to interact with the user(s), a mobile application to control the sensors, and a cloud server for storing the recipes, performing computation to identify the parameters for each step in a recipe and sending instructions to the smart devices and the user to execute each of the steps. The system allows user to follow set of instructions for cooking in a prearranged manner, measures the ingredients based on actual number of servings that is being cooked, monitors and calibrates the cooking time, flame intensity automatically based on measured parameters and suggests user(s) to take required actions.

Abstract: A collapsible grilling assembly for cooking includes a plurality of slats that is pivotally interconnected. An upper set of slats is configured to be positioned perpendicularly to a lower set in an extended configuration to define a grate. The slats are configured to be selectively and fixedly positioned in the extended configuration. Each of a plurality of legs has a first end that is configured to selectively couple to a perimeter of the grate. Each leg is configured to be extended from the grate. A second end of each leg is positioned on a surface and the grate is configured to position a heat source between the grate and the surface to heat an item that is positioned upon the grate. The slats of the upper set also are configured to position adjacently and colinearly, as are the slats of the lower set, to define a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A grill converter having a plurality of planar members with an upper end and a lower end sized to fit vertically inside of a grill. The grill converter also has a front surface and a rear surface adapted to sustain high grilling temperatures with a notch disposed on an inside surface between the planar members, which forms an elongated slot opening that is disposed on a central section of the planar members and adapted to allow heat and smoke therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable sink mat with integral cord. The disposable sink mat is configured to accumulate waste during dishwashing or while utilizing sink to prevent clogging in the sink. The disposable sink mat is further configured to provide collection and disposal of waste accumulated in the sink mat in a convenient and sanitary fashion. The disposable sink mat comprises a body portion having at least four corners and exterior edges extending from the body portion, at least one cord element that extends laterally from at least one corner. The cord element is configured to be pulled outwardly by a user for gathering the at least four corners and exterior edges inward to a closed position to form a closed bag.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a shower drying system and a system to provide air circulation within a pocket door assembly. According to one aspect of the present invention, a first preferred embodiment is provided which includes a shower to steam room conversion system in which activation of an internal control button/timer switch activates a blower which sends a layer of air through a web of plastic tubing fitted around a stainless-steel pocket door insert. Using this embodiment, air is forced through the tubing and directed to drive the water/moisture off the glass, all surfaces of the stainless pocket, and all surfaces of the shower interior and towards the drain of the shower making a clean, dry environment.

Abstract: A reusable handheld cleaning implement comprised of a flat, perforated, semi rigid, pliable, semi resilient backing made of water resistant material. A plurality of single, solid, linear, vertical, soft, pliable, semi resilient, smooth, non-open looped strands are connected to the backing forming both the top and bottom surface of the implement. A tether is connected to the implement.

Abstract: Multi-part skin care methods comprise providing a plurality of first portions, and providing a plurality of second portions. Each first portion is configured to have a complementary shape to each second portion. Each first portion is configured to engage with each second portion to form a multi-part skin care bar. Multi-part skin care systems comprise a plurality of first portions, and a plurality of second portions. Each first portion comprises a first engagement portion, and each second portion comprises a second engagement portion. Each second portion is configured to be coupled to each first portion via the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion to form a multi-part skin care bar.

Abstract: A toilet paper storage apparatus may include a base storage device having a front surface member, a rear surface member, a bottom surface member, a first side surface member, and a second side surface member. The base storage device may be configured to securely engage at least one of a tank lid and a tank of a toilet. The apparatus may further include a lid configured to operably engage the base storage device. The lid may have an interior surface and an exterior surface, and the lid and the base storage device define at least one storage cavity configured to store at least one toilet paper roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stick vacuum cleaner comprising a handheld vacuum cleaner adapted to be docked to a stick. When the handheld vacuum cleaner is docked to the stick an air path is formed connecting an air outlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner with an air outlet provided in the stick. In the air path or outside the air outlet provided in the stick, a filter is provided.