Abstract: A foam-air mattress includes a mattress housing including a top layer and a bottom layer; a plurality of pocket walls, disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer, air bladder inserts that can be inserted into the plurality of pocket walls, wherein the air bladder inserts are configured to be connected to a pumping system via a tubing assembly; and a plurality of foam compartments formed by the mattress housing and the plurality of pocket walls, configured to accept foam inserts. The air bladder inserts when inserted into the plurality of pocket walls and inflated by the pumping system, configure the plurality of pocket walls to expand and compress foam inserts disposed within the plurality of foam compartments so as to increase the density of the foam inserts. This arrangement has applications in both the consumer and medical airbed contexts, as well as in other support system contexts, such as seat cushions for chairs.

Abstract: A textile deck assembly, method of fabricating, and method of installing onto a seat frame assembly. The textile deck assembly includes a platform portion and a plurality of straps coupled to a rearward edge of the platform portion. The materials of the textile deck assembly are matched so that the plurality of straps undergoes most or all of the elongation under load (e.g., when a person sits thereon), while the platform portion, even though it is flexible and compliant, is stretch resistant and undergoes little or no stretching under load. A battery of durability tests were performed on the textile deck assembly, including deflection testing, fatigue testing, and drop testing, and compared with conventional seat decks that utilize sinuous springs. The durability of the textile deck assembly to was found to outperform conventional seat decks.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable and easy to use baby carrier that provides the same benefits of a traditional style baby carrier.

Abstract: A foldable child booster seat based on the origami and popup technique. The booster seat is light and easy to be folded flat into a compact form for storage and transport. The foldable booster seat, comprising: a plurality of rigid substrates, each rigid substrate is interconnected to another by one or more integrated hinges or flexible parts allowing the rigid substrate to fold either inward or outward when folding up; wherein when the foldable booster seat is folded flat, the rigid substrates are stacked together; and wherein when the foldable booster seat is folded up, the rigid substrates are arranged to form the shape of a chair or stool.

Abstract: A retail merchandise pusher with a remote alarm feature is provided. The pusher includes a housing and an adaptor. The adaptor is removably coupled to the housing and slidably coupled to a track. The pusher including a shaft rotatable about its axis in a first and second direction and a gear wheel coupled to the shaft. The rotation of the gear wheel causing a first electrical contact to engage with a second electrical contact, such that the distance that the pusher moves along the track can be measured by totaling the number of times the first electrical contact engages with the second electrical contact.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandising storage unit for display and sale of foodstuff or the like is disclosed comprising a storage compartment having an essentially rectangular top opening, the storage unit further comprises a cover including a plurality of lids for being arranged displaceably for opening the storage unit and a rail system with two or more mounted rails arranged between two opposite sides of the opening. Each rail comprises a number of elongated and generally U-shaped tracks wherein each of the lids are arranged to be mounted between a first and a second rail adjacent to one another. The first rail comprises a first track and the second rail comprises a second track, and the rails are arranged such that the lid can be mounted by displacing an edge of the lid inside the first track until the opposite edge of the lid can be inserted inside the second track.

Abstract: An advertising panel for attaching to a glass door or other surface includes a panel body with a front surface configured for holding advertising material or other display. End caps are mounted on the ends of the panel body. Each end cap includes two arms extending into a channel in the panel body. The arms include grasping portions that receive a square stem of a suction cup. The suction cup extends out of the channel at a slot that is open at the back of the panel body. The cup portion of the suction cups is enclosed behind the panel body when attached to the surface. A release tab of each suction cup extends from the panel body at cut out portions of the end caps. The arm lengths maintain the release tabs at a position extending from the end caps and prevent rotation of the suction cups.

Abstract: Locking devices for pegboard hooks, slatwall hooks, and crossbar hooks are provided. In one aspect, locking devices are provided for preventing a pegboard hook from being removed form a pegboard. In another aspect, locking devices are provided for preventing a slatwall hook from being removed form a slatwall. In another aspect, locking devices are provided for preventing a crossbar hook from being removed form a crossbar.

Abstract: A transport, storage and display case (10) and a transport storage and display case system of stacking compartments that can be interconnected and formed into multiple orientations according to the user's needs. The system is convertible between a display configuration and a stacked transport/storage configuration. Each case has rabbet ledges (62, 64) at its upper and lower edges for cooperating with adjacent cases. The outer surface of each case has one or more magnets provided to facilitate secure interaction between adjacent cases arranged in the display configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards providing a device for displaying and demonstrating hair switches. The device is useful for showing the benefits and effects of hair products on the hair in an aesthetical pleasing manner. The device can be readily assembled and disassembled for efficient storage and transportation and it enables a rapid attachment and removal of a hair switch for efficient product evaluation, display and demonstration.

Abstract: A product display tester unit is provided to allow for the efficient and effective display of goods, such as creams, lotions, and serums. The display tester unit comprises a fluted panel, a ledge and a base. The display tester unit may be used as part of a display system, and its components are reversibly associated within one another.

Abstract: A picture framing blank (2) is made of laminar, creasable and foldable material that is adapted to form one side of a frame and a portion of a mat for mounting of an art work. The blank has first and second ends (4, 6) with elongate parallel inner and outer edges (8, 10) extending between the ends; and crease lines (28) parallel to the edges defining four strips (18, 20, 22, 24) which together create a hollow four sided rectangular box profile, and an outermost bracing strip (26) with a width substantially equal to a diagonal of said box profile. When folded the strips create a flattenable, pop up box section containing the bracing strip diagonally positioned across the hollow box section. Four blanks can be fitted together to form a frame.

Abstract: A modular framing system comprises plastic components that each comprise a single article having unitary construction and which are connectable to form various sized SEG frames. Four unitarily molded corner frame connections each include protrusions receivable by at least four side rails, each of which may be unitarily extruded with a constant profile along the respective lengths of the side rails. The interconnected corner frame connections and side rails define a continuous conduit about the quadrilateral frame for receiving therein respective edges of the tensionable textile. For use with larger tensionable textiles, additional side rails and T-frame connections may be utilized, with each of the T-frame connections comprising a single molded article having unitary construction. At least the frame connections (both corner frame connections and T-frame connections) may be reused for frames of other sizes.

Abstract: A self-locking device having a locking mechanism is configured to lock an object. A mounting bracket contrivance includes a guide track implement for engaging the locking mechanism. A notch implement is configured to allow said locking mechanism to rotate out into an open position and a back stop is configured to hold the locking mechanism within the notch implement in an open position. A is configured to inhibit the locking portion from escaping the guide track implement. A base plate tool is used to mount the mounting bracket contrivance to a mounting surface and elevated the mounting bracket contrivance off the mounting surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of sleep improvement technology, including, but not limited to the use of such technology in the hospitality industry. Specifically, the invention relates to a sleep system including a set of textile products that, based on their composition, construction, and relative positioning with one other, can improve the quality and comfort of the sleep environment, including over an extended period of time. The invention further relates to a sleep system that can be incorporated with existing mattresses and/or decorative bedding. Additionally, the invention includes methods of improving the sleep environment using the inventive sleep system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating a covering such as a bed sheet are provided. The apparatus, in one form, includes a proximal grip portion and a distal covering engaging portion including a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions for engaging with corresponding spaced-apart openings in the covering. The apparatus includes end stop portions adjacent to the protrusions for limiting how far the protrusions may extend through the openings in the covering. A tool receiving portion of the covering may take the form of a pocket or spaced-apart openings that are located in at least one corner portion of the cover. The installation tool engages with the openings in the covering to manipulate the cover and reduces the need to bend over or crouch down to reach around or underneath the mattress when placing the sheet about the mattress.

Abstract: The sleeping bag assembly may include a sleeping bag, one or more connecting portions, and a quilt. Advantageously, the quilt may be configured to drape over the top of the sleeping bag and cover the less insulated areas of the sleeping bag. The quilt may be configured to be coupled to the sleeping bag via the one or more connecting portions and the connecting portions may keep the quilt on top of the sleeping bag during use. The quilt may also be sized and configured to form a seal about a portion of the sleeping bag, which may increase heat retention and efficiency of the sleeping bag by covering the areas of the sleeping bag that are more susceptible to heat loss, including but not limited to areas that may lack insulation, where the insulation is compressed, and/or where the insulation is separated.

Abstract: A pillow including at least an inner assembly having a first sealed material-filled pocket juxtaposed with a second sealed material-filled pocket, the sealed pockets directly joined to one another and defining a chamber, the chamber containing an inner bag of shredded material, and the inner assembly enclosed within an outer sleeve.

Abstract: A pillow includes an inner pillow core that includes a first portion that has a first firmness and a second portion that has a second firmness. The first firmness is greater than the second firmness resulting in the first portion having a firmer feel relative to the second portion. An outer case is provided for placement over the inner pillow core and is configured to receive the inner pillow core and is removable therefrom. The outer case has a first side and an opposing seconds side. The first side has heat retention properties, while the second side has cooling properties.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of connecting an item of dishware (1) to a contactlessly readable electronic information carrier (2) comprising the steps: providing the item of dishware (1), wherein the item of dishware (1) comprises a material selected from a group consisting of glass, ceramic and plastic or a combination thereof, and attaching the information carrier to the item of dishware. Contactlessly readable electronic information carriers applied to a self-adhesive carrier film are known. They can also be adhesively bonded to an item of dishware for identification thereof. In comparison according to the invention the above-mentioned method is further developed in that it further includes the steps: applying a cover layer of printing ink in such a way that the cover layer at least portion-wise covers a surface of the information carrier and the cover layer extends over a portion, which is not covered by the information carrier, on the surface of the item of dishware.

Abstract: A method for creating the appearance of a glowing liquid in a drinking container by placing a liquid into the container, placing a light source proximate to the container, placing a plurality of dye molecules into the container, in which the dye molecules have wavelengths which absorb photons emitted from the light source, the light source emitting photons, which are absorbed into the dye molecules which creates the appearance that the liquid itself is glowing.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a lid that defines an opening and that includes a first sealing element. The fluid dispenser further includes a flexible fluid delivery component that defines an interior fluid channel. The flexible fluid delivery component includes a second sealing element configured to cooperate with the first sealing element of the lid to form a fluid-tight seal between the flexible fluid delivery component and the lid and a valve element configured to cooperate with the opening in the lid to regulate an airflow through the opening in the lid.

Abstract: A wireless charging smart heating cup. The upper end of the cup body comes with a rotating cup mouth, which is provided with a floating cup stopper. The lower end of the cup body comes with a silicone cover. A battery and a heating piece are arranged between the cut body and the silicone cover. A rotating heating switch is arranged on the silicone cover, a chassis is arranged below the silicone cover, a wireless filling coil and a circuit board are arranged in the chassis, a display screen is arranged on the outer side of the chassis, the display screen is connecting with the chassis.

Abstract: A drinking straw comprises a tubular body (21) intended to define a passage for a liquid product and a tip portion (22) intended to pierce a pierceable portion of a container to allow consumption of the liquid product, wherein said tip portion (22) is bounded by two stiffness promoting elements (25) obtained by bending and permanently deforming said tubular body.

Abstract: A personal foldable serving tray apparatus that is foldable/un-foldable. In a closed, folded configuration, the foldable serving tray comprises a specific size and shape to fit into a pocket of a serving coat, vest, or apron of waiter, waitress, bartender or other servers. In an open, unfolded configuration, the personal foldable serving tray is used as a flat surface to serve food or drinks. The personal foldable serving tray apparatus includes a wireless electronic location component that allows physical location of the apparatus to be tracked within a physical space such as a restaurant, bar, etc. and displayed on a map and can also be used to measure productivity of waiters using the apparatus and accept secure wireless electronic payments from customers directly on the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for holding a hat. The system includes a hat, a strap having a first end and a second end, a carabiner coupled to the first end of the strap, a clip coupled to second end of the strap, the clip configured to retain a portion of the hat therein, and a brim of the hat retained in the clip.

Abstract: A variable size marker or sizer for garment hangers is disclosed. A gear-shaped wheel with cogs has various size indicia on each cog, and is inserted into a hanger to display the correct size indicia. The hanger has tabs to retain the sizer in place by mating with slits in the sizer. For example, if a displayed garment is size ‘large’, the user chooses the cog with “L” facing upwardly, and inserts the sizer into the hanger through the bottom of the hanger until the hanger's tabs click into the sizer's slits corresponding with the “L”. The “L” is then visible at the top of the hanger. The hanger is made of resilient material to flex outwardly to allow the sizer to be inserted and removed, yet hold the sizer in place when the hanger is in use.

Abstract: Described is an extension tool for manipulating a component of an item of footwear such as a zipper or heel loop to help with removing the item or putting on the item of footwear. The extension tool includes an extension defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an extension axis. There is a handle at the first end of the extension and an interactive element at the second end of the extension. The interactive element includes a main projection forming an obtuse angle to the extension axis which is provided for engaging the component of the item of footwear for pushing or pulling the component. The user grasps the handle and manipulates the interactive element to push or pull the component of the shoe to help with removing the item of footwear or putting on the item of footwear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Christmas tree watering device. The watering device may include a removable façade, similar to a Christmas tree ornament, and a tube which extends down the trunk of the tree into the reservoir of the stand. The façade may be easily removable. The façade may conceal a slender, funnel-shaped filling aperture. Optionally, the façade may be provided in the form of a Santa Claus face, with a large, round mouth leading into the aperture. The watering device may include a sensor, a speaker, and one or more LED lights to alert a user that the tree needs watering, and may also provide an audible alert while pouring, indicating that the reservoir is full, to prevent overfilling.

Abstract: A method of securing a shower curtain that includes the steps of: attaching a connector to a corner of a shower curtain; attaching a receiver a top of the shower stall; and attaching the connector to the receiver. The connector preferably includes a O-ring, where the receiver is a J-ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein relate to an easy assemble centrifugal juicer. The centrifugal juicer includes a top section having a juice spout and pulp spout, wherein the top section defines a cavity with a first mating surface and a second mating surface; a strainer section having a strainer, a drive member, and a projection, the projection structured to engage with the first mating surface to couple the strainer section to the top section; and a motor housing structured to house a motor, wherein the motor is operatively coupled to a motor adapter structured to engage with the drive member.

Abstract: A vessel insert used to substantially prevent liquid boil over. The vessel insert can includes an upper wall extending downward to a transition wall. The transition wall extends towards a center of the vessel insert and extends outwardly at a skirt of the vessel insert. When the vessel insert is positioned in a cooking vessel, the transition wall engages an upper rim of the cooking vessel. A basket is positioned inside the vessel insert, extending downward along the transition wall. The basket includes a center hole and plurality of small holes. The basket has a bottom surface, which curves upwards to form a lower surface and the center hole. The plurality of small holes is positioned in the bottom surface the basket. The structure of the vessel insert is such that resulting boil over, foam, and liquids are directed back into the cooking vessel though the small holes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for brewing coffee, tea, or the like. The apparatus uses a pod having filters on two opposed sides that is filled with ground coffee or tea and then pressed through a container of liquid. The pressing forces the liquid into one filter, through the ground coffee or tea, and out of the other filter to produce the brewed beverage.

Abstract: A capsule system for producing a beverage has a housing that defines an inner region of the capsule system. A receiving unit receives a capsule for producing a beverage. A conveyor conveys a capsule received by the receiving unit to a processing position. The conveyor has a conveying carriage which is moved by one or more actuators from an extended state into a retracted state. The receiving unit is arranged on the conveying carriage such that, in the extended state, it is located outside the housing for receiving a capsule and, in the retracted state, it is located at the processing position. A control unit causes the conveying carriage to move from the extended state into the retracted state, in order to convey the first capsule to the processing position, and to cause a beverage to be produced from the contents of the first capsule.

Abstract: A dispenser unit operated by a lever for use in espresso machines. The lever is associated with an electric motor which, as selected by an operator, at least partially relieves the effort required to displace the lever for loading the spring that actuates the coffee dispensing piston. The same electric motor acts as a brake during the return movement of the lever that loaded the spring of the dispensing piston of the unit. In case of failed coffee dispensing, the braking motor provides an accident-prevention safety feature by preventing any abrupt return movement of the lever.

Abstract: A system for brewing a desired portion of a beverage, such as a single-cup portion of coffee, is provided. The system may have more than one brew module. The system allows a user to quickly and easily brew a variety of types of single-cup portions of a beverage. In some embodiments, the system may brew a single-cup portion of coffee in a relatively short period of time based on a combination of certain parameters. The system may include an automatic cleaning mechanism such that a user does not need to manually clean components of a brewing machine between brew cycles. The system may also include apparatus configured to substantially prevent steam from reaching grinder components of the system. The system may also include apparatus configured to provide a precise dose of material based on, for example, volume of the material. Methods and apparatus for brewing a beverage are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage preparation device (10), said device comprising:—a chamber (1) for receiving and agitating a liquid, said chamber comprising an opened top (11), an opened bottom (12) and a lateral side wall (13), said chamber presenting the shape of a solid of revolution, the axis of revolution (XX?) being oriented between the top and the bottom of the chamber,—a rotating unit (2) for spinning the chamber (1) around its axis of revolution (XX?), and wherein the chamber presents a shape such that when the chamber is spinning, liquid present in the chamber forms a ring of liquid along the lateral side wall (13) of the chamber above the opened bottom (12).

Abstract: Described herein includes a puncture mechanism for a beverage appliance or machine that can be configured to puncture a pod containing a beverage medium (e.g., a flavoring agent). The puncture mechanism can be configured to induce lateral movement of one or more engagement members to securely hold a beverage pod. The puncture mechanism can be configured to induce relative axial movement between an anvil and the secured beverage pod to puncture a seal of the beverage pod.

Abstract: Described herein is an appliance for making a beverage that can include a pod receiver, a camera oriented to capture an image of a code depicted on the pod, a processor and memory in communication with the processor where the processor includes programmed instructions that cause the processor to analyze a design section of the code.

Abstract: Automatic beverage preparation machine with a brewing assembly; brewing material supply device to supply a brewing material dose to the brewing assembly at the beginning of each beverage production cycle; water supply means to supply the brewing assembly with a metered amount of water required to produce a beverage; a beverage-dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with a fluid outlet of the brewing assembly; and brewing process repeating means of the designed to reverse the beverage flow one or more times through the brewing material dose in the brewing assembly before being dispensed into a collection receptacle.

Abstract: Described herein includes sample liquid purification apparatus, systems, and techniques of use. The purification apparatus generally can operate to reduce a temperature of a precursor liquid within a beverage machine or appliance. For example, a thermally conductive body can define a heat sink having a tortuous path for propagation of the precursor therethough, facilitating temperature reduction. The purification apparatus can further generally operate to sanitize or otherwise reduce a level of contaminants in the precursor liquid. For example, an energy source, such as a light emitting diode, can be arranged or integrated with the thermally conductive body to emit ultraviolet radiation toward the precursor liquid within the thermally conductive body.

Abstract: An embossed paper-based bakeable tray having a bottom surface and sidewalls and an embossed pattern formed in the bottom surface providing a series of closely spaced projections substantially entirely over the bottom surface.

Abstract: A food cooker includes a heater; an outer container, which is removably placed on the heater and for accommodating a liquid, wherein the heater heats the outer container; an inner container, which is removably accommodated within the outer container and has multiple through holes allowing the liquid to flow between the outer container and the inner container, wherein the inner container is for accommodating a food; a cover disposed on the outer container; a power source, which is disposed on the cover and has a driving shaft; and a stirrer, which is detachably and rotatably placed in the inner container, is detachably coupled to the driving shaft, and is rotated by the driving shaft to stir the food and the liquid.

Abstract: An automatic cooking machine includes a base (11), a cooking pot (12) mounted on the base (11), a pot lid (21), a stirring chamber enclosed by the cooking pot (12) and the pot lid (21), a stirring mechanism (26) rotatably mounted in a rotating cavity and configured to stir a food material, a food material box (42), and a film tearing assembly (51); the stirring mechanism (26) includes a control arm (27), a connecting arm (28), and a stirring blade (29) disposed between the control arm (27) and the connecting arm (28); in the stirring chamber, the stirring mechanism (26) rotates around a rotating axis; the food material box (42) includes a box body (42) and a sealing film (44) for sealing; and the film tearing assembly (51) is configured to tear the sealing film (44) of the food material box (42) during automatic feeding.

Abstract: The invention discloses a stirring rib (100), a stirring mechanism and a cooking robot. The stirring rib includes a first rotating shaft (110), a second rotating shaft (120), a first connecting rod (130), a second connecting rod (140), a first extending rod (150), a second extending rod (160), and a stirring blade (170). The first connecting rod is connected to one shaft end of the first rotating shaft and is arranged in a downward extending manner. The second connecting rod is connected to one shaft end of the second rotating shaft and is arranged in a downward extending manner. The first extending rod is connected to a bottom of the first connecting rod. The second extending rod is connected to a bottom of the second connecting rod.

Abstract: A new and versatile cooking utensil designed for making Tacos al Pastor, and other meats, at home. The cooking utensil has a chrome coated steel base on which slices of pork and pineapple, or other food ingredients, can be layered onto a removable skewer. From the base of the cooking utensil protrudes a handle providing ease of maneuverability and transportation of the ingredients. The utensil and ingredients may be placed in any standard sized oven, or grill, for cooking.

Abstract: A hot air fryer includes a main body, a vessel that can be removed from the main body and a basket that can be removed from the vessel. The fryer also includes a manipulating system having a configuration changing system that makes it possible to manipulate the vessel incorporating the basket at the same time, or to manipulate the basket alone, released and removed from the vessel, or to manipulate the vessel alone, released and removed from the basket, so as to allow a first mode of cooking foods in the basket incorporated in the vessel and a second mode of cooking foods directly in the vessel, the basket being extracted from the latter.

Abstract: A heat transfer system and a broiler that includes a heat transfer system include a heat source. The heat transfer system includes a mixing chamber that surrounds the heat source. An air inlet provides a flow of pressurized air into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber directs the flow of air past the heat source for direct heating of the flow of air by the heat source. The flow of air is further directed out of the mixing chamber through an outlet to impinge upon a food product.

Abstract: A grilling device includes an auger feeder system, a heating element, a blower and a temperature control system. The temperature control system includes at least a first temperature sensor inside the firepot and a second temperature sensor inside a cooking chamber above the firepot. The heating element can also serve as the first temperature sensor. A method for controlling the temperature of the grill can include receiving temperature feedback information from one or more of the temperature sensors and adjusting power provided to the auger feeder system, heating element, and blower. The temperature control system produces cold smoke resulting from the combustion of lignin in solid wood fuel while minimizing temperatures inside the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A canted grill has a lid, a base, a cooking grate and a charcoal grate. The lid and base collectively form a cooking chamber with the cooking grate and charcoal grate inside. The lid has a deep side on its right and a shallow side on its left. The base has a deep side on its left and a shallow side on its right. The charcoal grate holds charcoal in the deep side of the base. This provides direct heat to food placed on the cooking grate above it under the shallow side of the lid. Food placed on the cooking grate on the shallow side of the base and under the deep side of the lid is away from the charcoal and heated indirectly.