Abstract: Furniture spring systems are configured to provide support for different sized modular seating systems and/or modular bed systems. Slats extend between opposing frame or rail members to provide support to the seating or bed system. The slats have a catch disposed at a first or second end. In the seating and/or bed frame systems, the catch engages a retention member to retain the slat to the frame or rail. Adjustable bed frame systems employing such slats comprise modular bed frames and adjustable head boards and foot boards. Bed frames employing the slats and headboards/footboards thereof adjust in length or width in a variety of different manners. Adjustable bed frames adjust through the use of telescoping members, filler blocks and/or elongate end blocks that have different sizes from the standard uniform elongate support blocks employed in a bed frame.

Abstract: A mattress having variable height and hardness is disclosed. The mattress comprises a base layer held by a mattress cover using an extendable attachment system. The mattress further comprises one or more top layers made of resilient material which are stacked on top of the base layer. Only friction between the material of the top layers limit the lateral or longitudinal movements of a layer with regard to another layer.

Abstract: Mattress assemblies including at least one panel or layer including a preformed capsulate sheet including a plurality of cells, and a phase change material within at least a portion of the cells.

Abstract: Powered chairs, assemblies for use in the powered chairs, and components for use in the assemblies are provided. Electrical systems for use in the powered chairs, and components for use in the electrical systems are provided. Control systems and methods for operating powered chairs are also provided. Any given chair may be locally and/or remotely controlled.

Abstract: A child restraint includes an infant carrier having a carry handle. The infant carrier may be mounted on a stroller frame or on a vehicle seat or may be carried by a caregiver after separation from the stroller frame or vehicle seat.

Abstract: A duvet cover system having customizable variable performance includes a cover layer and a duvet insert received in a pocket of the cover layer. The duvet insert includes first and second insert portions that may be removably connected to one another along a junction such that the insert portions cover different sides of the bed when the system is spread over the bed. The first insert portion defines at least two quantifiable performance factors including a first thermal retention value and a first air permeability value, and the second insert portion defines at least two quantifiable performance factors in a similar manner. However, these quantifiable performance factors of the first and second insert portions are different from one another to provide the different sleep experiences desired by users on opposite sides of the bed. The system still provides the desired appearance of a conventional duvet when fully assembled.

Abstract: A bedding system termed “No Hassle Bedding System” is disclosed to solve the issues of mattress pad and/or fitted/bottom sheet popping off a mattress, lifting mattress to put on a mattress pad and/or fitted/bottom sheet, and flat/top sheet bunching up in a simple and economical way. The system consists of a strap system that is built-in on a mattress or in a mattress-free form, matching flat mattress pad and flat bottom sheet that can be secured onto a mattress, a flat/top sheet with built-in ribbons and a blanket/comforter/duvet/quilt/etc with built-in loops so that they can be assembled and disassembled easily.

Abstract: An apparatus attached or manufactured inside a bowl/server is disclosed for facilitating the loading a condiment dip on to a food item such as a chip or cracker without spillage outside the bowl/server.

Abstract: An infuser device for use with a beverage drinking container comprises a rigid post extending a length from an attachment point with a lid disposed over a drinking container opening. An infuser container is attached adjacent an end of the post opposite the lid, wherein the infuser container includes a chamber to accommodate a volume of infusant therein. The infusant container may have a rigid or movable body and is removably attached to the post. At least a portion of the infuser container is porous to facilitate passage of liquid into and out of the chamber. An axial position of the post relative to a sidewall of the drinking container remains constant independent of a tilt angle of the drinking container. In an example, the infuser post and infuser container are disposable for use with a disposable beverage drinking container and lid.

Abstract: A tea-making apparatus includes a stem member, a base, and a hanging device. The stem member includes a top end and a bottom end. The base may be attached to the bottom end of the stem member, wherein the base includes a drip pan. The base includes a portion of the base that may contact the tea steeping vessel while the tea-making apparatus may be suspended on the tea steeping vessel. The hanging device may be positioned at or attached adjacent to top end of the stem member. The hanging device may be adapted to suspend the tea-making apparatus from a rim of a tea steeping vessel.

Abstract: An ice restrainer apparatus including a primary ring member and a secondary ring member. The primary ring member has a fixed diameter and a circular web-like structure including an outer peripheral edge and a plurality of restraining elements within the circular web-like structure. The primary ring member fits inside a beverage container. The primary ring member including a pair of horizontally positioned guiding rails located along the center of a top surface of the primary ring member for receiving the secondary ring member. The secondary ring member having an adjustable diameter and collectively formed by a first semicircle region and a second semicircle region which are interconnected by a diameter adjustment assembly. The secondary ring member having an outer peripheral edge and including an inner circular member and an outer circular web-like member. The inner circular member having the diameter adjustment assembly positioned horizontally along the center of the inner circular member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pouch having an internal straw, which stores liquid in a space between a first sheet material (101) and a second sheet material (102), the edges of which are welded, and in which a straw (111) is built-in. A baseline (120) where the first sheet material (101) and the second sheet material (102) meet in a floor portion inside the pouch has a straight upward gradient from a bottom point (121) to form an inverted triangular shape between the bottom point (121) and the straight upward gradient. Moreover, a lower end (111A) of the straw (111) is positioned at the bottom point (121), and the lower end of the straw is attached to the first sheet material (101) or the second sheet material (102) to maintain the position of the lower end of the straw.

Abstract: A spill-preventing holder, for a disposable cup to which is temporarily attached a lid that has an orifice in its top surface, includes: (a) a container having an interior volume and an upper rim that provides access to this interior volume which is adapted to accommodate the cup and its attached lid so that the lid is located proximate to the container's upper rim, and (b) a locking ring adapted, when the cup with its attached lid is situated within the container's interior volume, to: (i) detachably attach to the container, (ii) contact and apply pressure to the lid so as temporarily secure it to the cup, and (iii) provide access to the region of the environment surrounding the lid's orifice so as to allow one's mouth to be placed on the orifice for drinking a beverage contained within the cup.

Abstract: A hot beverage cup sleeve (“sleeve”) is disclosed. The sleeve includes a first section and second section each positioned adjacent to a middle section. The first section is positioned adjacent to the middle section opposite the second section. The first section is positioned on top of the middle section. The second section is positioned under the middle section, which includes a plurality of spaces and a plurality of ridges. The plurality of spaces and the plurality of ridges is positioned vertically in an alternating arrangement. The first section includes a first edge. The second section includes a second edge. The first edge forms a first opening. The second edge forms a second opening. The first opening is greater in diameter compared to the second opening. The sleeve is configured to receive a hot beverage cup.

Abstract: The invention includes a charcuterie board with a number of smaller appetizer plates, both preferably made from hardwood. Each plate has a small cutout that inserts onto a dowel and socket for storage when not in use, and accommodates a wine glass stem, supporting the glass, when in use. The presently claimed invention allows users to maintain easy and convenient access to food provided on the charcuterie board with one hand. The charcuterie board and plates with built-in wine glass holder is formed from good-quality hardwood, and offers a simple and convenient method of supporting food and drink on an appetizer plate.

Abstract: The invention provides a supported body having a magnetic or ferromagnetic component to adhere the supported body to a magnetic or ferromagnetic support, such as a table top by magnetic attraction. A reusable adhering component, such as a stretch-releasable pressure sensitive adhesive tape is disposed on a top surface of the supported body to removably attach tableware or dishware to the supported body. The supported body can be in the form of a plate, a coaster, a placemat, or other known configuration. Alternatively, a support body can be releasably secured to a table top or other support surface by a releasable attaching device such as a suction cup and a supported body can be releasably attached to a piece of tableware or dishware by a releasable attaching device such as a suction cup, and the support body and the supported body can be magnetically attached to each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses mailbox for storing packages comprises a box, at least one tray, and at least one link rod mechanism. The box is a closed box, and the box comprises an upper cover, a bottom board, and a plurality of side boards. A lower portion of one of the plurality of side boards is a movable door configured to be opened and closed. The upper cover is rotatably connected to one of the plurality of side boards and is configured to be upwardly opened. The at least one tray is movably disposed inside the box and is disposed above the movable door, and each of the at least one tray is rotatably connected to at least one of the plurality of side boards. The at least one link rod mechanism is disposed between the at least one tray and the upper cover.

Abstract: An improved package receptacle and theft deterrent device, in which a flexible receiving bag constructed of a rugged material includes security features to restrict access to its internal chamber and may be removably attached to a door or other structure through fully-removable or partially permanently attached means.

Abstract: An automatic juicer apparatus includes a main body, a base, a motor, and a roller. The main body has a roller housing, an intake portion, a juice output portion, and a remains output portion. The intake portion is configured to maintain an object to be juiced, such as a cut half fruit, in a predetermined orientation. The roller is disposed in the roller housing of main body and is removably coupled to the motor. The roller is configured to rotate and press the object in the predetermined orientation against the roller housing to generate juice and to advance remains of the object to the remains output portion. The automatic juicer apparatus may also have a juice tray. The base supports the juice tray. The juice tray is configured to receive the juice from the juice output portion of the roller housing during a juicing operation.

Abstract: A wireless induction heating cooker a main body, a lid, an internal pot configured to be heated based on a first magnetic field generated by a heating coil of an induction heating apparatus, a first power receiving coil disposed at a bottom surface of the main body and configured to generate a first electric current based on the first magnetic field, a power transmitting coil disposed at a lateral surface of the main body and configured to receive the first electric current and generate a second magnetic field based on the first electric current, a second power receiving coil disposed at a lateral surface of the lid and configured to generate a second electric current based on induction by the second magnetic field, and a control module configured to determine a coupling state between the lid and the main body based on an amount of the second electric current.

Abstract: A wireless induction heating system includes an induction heating device having a heating coil configured to generate a magnetic field and a wireless induction heating cooker disposed in an area formed by the heating coil and configured to perform cooking operation based on the magnetic field generated by the heating coil. The induction heating device and the wireless induction heating cooker can perform mutual data communication to control output of the heating coil and output abnormality information, based on a displacement state of the wireless induction heating cooker with respect to the induction heating device.

Abstract: An electric pressure cooker includes: a main body; an inner pot configured to be accommodated in the main body; a lid fastening ring configured to be fastened to an upper surface of the main body; an inner lid that is disposed radially inside of the lid fastening ring and that includes a steam outlet and a first flow path guide member that are disposed at a lower surface of the inner lid; and an inside lid that is configured to be coupled to the lower surface of the inner lid and that includes a second flow path guide member disposed at an upper surface of the inside lid. The inner lid and the inside lid define a steam flow path configured guide steam generated in the inner pot to the steam outlet by the first flow path guide member and the second flow path guide member.

Abstract: An induction heating cooker includes: a lid including at least one electronic device and a first terminal electrically connected to the electronic device; a main body having a upper surface that defines an opening, in which the main body includes a second terminal configured to connect to the first terminal based on rotation of the lid with respect to the upper surface of the main body; an internal pot configured to be accommodated in the main body; a coil part configured to heat the internal pot based on (i) external power being supplied to the coil part or (ii) electric currents being induced by a working coil of an induction heating apparatus; and a power supplying circuit configured to supply power to the electronic device in the lid through the first and second terminals.

Abstract: A device for the preparation of a hot beverage comprises a water reservoir, a flow heater and a brewing device. The water reservoir has a connection element for cold water. The water reservoir is fluidly connected to the flow heater, so that the flow heater can be filled with the cold water from the water reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid frothing set includes a liquid frothing device including a liquid suction conduit, and a liquid container. The liquid container includes a container housing having an inlet, and further a closure arrangement located in the inlet, including a seat that is arranged in the inlet and a closure body that is arranged in the seat. Both the seat and the closure body have a through hole for allowing a liquid suction conduit to pass through. The closure body is movable in the seat between at least an opened position in which the respective through holes are aligned with each other, and a closed position in which the closure body blocks the through hole of the seat.

Abstract: An appliance for making a beverage, the appliance comprising: a plurality of heating components for heating a liquid, and a power management system, wherein the power management system comprises: an energy storage device, wherein at least a first function of the appliance requires simultaneous operation of a first heating component and a second heating component of the plurality of heating components, and wherein at least the first heating component comprises a first heater element and a second heater element, where the first heater element is powered using mains power, and the second heater element is powered using the energy storage device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a beverage preparation machine includes a beverage dispenser, a cup holding region located below the beverage dispenser, a light source configured to transmit light across a portion of the cup holding region, and a receiver configured to receive at least a portion the light transmitted by the light source. A processor determines whether a transparent cup has been sufficiently inserted into the cup holding region or is at a desired height by detecting either a trough in a light level of the portion of the light received at the receiver, or an inverted trough in a light level of the light transmitted by the light source. Upon making the determination that the transparent cup is not sufficiently inserted or at the desired height, the processor prevents the beverage dispenser from dispensing a beverage.

Abstract: A device for cooking a starch-based food item is provided in which there is a drying cycle at a temperature below the gelatinization temperature and a cooking cycle at a temperature above the gelatinization temperature. The drying provides a relative weight drop by a first amount and the cooking provides a further relative weight drop. The weight is monitored during drying and cooking to provide feedback control of the duration of the drying and cooking times. The device and method make healthy food with reduced rapid digestible starch (RDS) and increased resistant starch (RS) content. In this way the glycemic index (GI) of a food item is reduced and the resistant starch is increased, which is beneficial to health especially for diabetes and obese groups.

Abstract: A utensil for cooking food disposed thereat includes a manipulator having a shaft and a holder disposed at a first end of the shaft. A shield is slidably disposed on the shaft and includes a shroud configured to at least partially surround the holder when the shield is in a first position and to expose the holder when the shield is in a second position. The holder is configured to hold a food item thereat. The shroud includes a metal sheet formed to at least partially circumscribe a longitudinal axis of the shaft. When the holder holds the food item and when the shield is in the first position, the shield at least partially surrounds the food item and the holder.

Abstract: An autonomous cooking apparatus for food includes a base body, a lid defining with the base body a cooking chamber, a container, disposed in the base body and a mixing device. The mixing device is connected to a drive member configured to make it rotate with respect to the container around a central axis of rotation. The apparatus also comprises a heating device configured to heat air in the cooking chamber and a ventilation device configured to make the air circulate.

Abstract: A collapsible stand includes a box, four connectors, two left legs, two right legs, two left levers, two right levers and rod. The connectors are connected to the box. The legs are pivotally connected to the connectors. Each left leg is located between one right leg and the box when the collapsible stand is in a collapsed position. Each left lever includes an end pivotally connected to a left leg. Another end of one left lever includes a straight slit. Each right lever includes an end pivotally connected to one right leg. Another end of one right lever includes a slot. A transverse tongue of the rod is movable along the slot. The levers are kept in an extended position when the tongue is inserted in the straight slit. The levers are kept in a collapsed position when the tongue is inserted in the arched slit.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a tiered rack for use with a cooking apparatus. The tiered rack comprises a base and stands that support two or more tiers of cooking surfaces. The tiers allow for substituting out various cooking surfaces and using different types of cooking surfaces at the same time.

Abstract: A heating assembly for a cooking appliance, such as a toaster or oven, has a support and/or heating element with a curved shape having a concave side facing a cooking cavity. The support and/or heating element may be flexible, e.g., having a planar shape when unstressed and a curved shape when stressed. The support and/or heating element may define a sheet, e.g., having a length and width. The heating element may have openings in the sheet. The heating element may be coupled to the support so as to be slidable movable relative to the support, e.g., so the heating element can slide relative to the support when the support and heating element are bent into a curved shape.

Abstract: A grinding device for containers dispensing food products, which includes means for selectively adjusting the distance between blades and teeth and thereby selecting at will the desired grain size for grinding. The device has a static piece that is coupled to the neck of the container and is connected to a rotary piece such that the fixed piece includes a series of teeth which, together with blades projecting from the bottom face of the rotary piece, constitute the grinding mechanism of the device. The device includes, on the outside of the fixed piece, two or more channels that guide the rotation and axial retention of the rotary piece, while the rotary piece contains projections for fitting into the channels of the fixed piece.

Abstract: Formulation and dispenser systems create dairy based toppings for beverages. The dispensers include a container, valve, and an actuator for the valve. The formulations include a liquid product and a propellant. The liquid product includes a certain percentage of milkfat provided, for example, by heavy cream, skim milk, nonfat dry milk, sweeteners, and an emulsifier. The propellant is nitrous oxide or nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable and movable ablution station that is ergonomically designed for disabled and people with special needs that will help ease their lives in performing wudu independently and comfortably. The ablution station includes a support structure having a vertical platform and a bottom base. A washing platform is connected to an upper part of the vertical platform by a support means between the washing platform and the vertical platform allows water to flow from the washing platform to the bottom base. A fountain water system is fixed at the bottom base of the support structure for washing lower part of a user's body. A water inlet for allowing water flow from a water source is directed to the washing platform and to the fountain water system wherein a water tap is mounted on the washing platform for washing upper part of the user's body. A water controller is provided to control water flow from the water inlet to the fountain water system.

Abstract: An extendable jet assembly for a liquid-filled container includes a housing configured to be positioned in an opening in a wall of the container. The housing includes a proximal end configured to be connected to a liquid conduit, a distal end connected to the opening in the wall, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The jet assembly also includes an extendable jet at least partially mounted in the housing defining a liquid channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. The jet includes a valve at least partially disposed in the liquid channel of the jet. When the valve is open, the jet is configured to transition from a retracted position to an extended position. When the valve is closed the jet is configured to transition from the extended position to the retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus for a wearable sanitizer dispenser that comprises elastic elements filled with liquid sanitizer. Each elastic element is for storing, transporting and dispensing sanitizer. The elastic element has a slit on its surface. The release of liquid sanitizer stored in the elastic element is prompted by compressing the elastic element and squeezing liquid sanitizer through the slit. The slit is also used for inserting liquid sanitizer into the elastic element. Multiple elastic elements can be strung together through the tube and worn as a bracelet or necklace.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of manual dispensers and actuating mechanisms are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser includes a housing, a receptacle for receiving a container of fluid and an actuating mechanism for causing fluid to be dispensed from the container. The actuation mechanism has a first pivot arm having a pivot point on a first end and a cam on a second end and a second pivot arm having a pivot point a first end and a curved contact surface on a second end. The actuating mechanism includes a pushbar. One of the first and second pivot members is connected to the pushbar. When the pushbar is pushed inward, the cam is configured to travel along the curved contact surface. Movement of the cam along the curved contact surface moves the engagement mechanism upward and downward in a substantially linear motion when the engagement mechanism is connected to a pump to cause the pump to prime with fluid and dispense the fluid.

Abstract: A soap dispenser including a rigid cartridge, an inverted dispensing pump, a collar carrying a lever for actuating the pump, and a venting system for equalizing air pressure in the rigid cartridge. The rigid cartridge and collar cooperate to removably attach the soap dispenser to a wall-mounted bracket, in which at least the rigid cartridge is disposable being made of recyclable and/or biodegradable material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a personal hygiene device for use by a person having a stomach area and a back area. The device comprises a body comprising a first arm portion, a central body portion, and a second arm portion. The first and second arm portions extend outward from the central body portion. The first arm portion is spaced apart from the second arm portion so the body may fit substantially about the stomach area and back area of the person. Each of the first and second arm portions comprise an end portion. The device further comprises a first cleaning member engaged with the end portion of the first arm portion. The device further comprises a second cleaning member engaged with the end portion of the second arm portion. The second cleaning member substantially faces the first cleaning member.

Abstract: A handheld device for assisting in the self-drying of the extremities of a human user is provided. The handheld device provides toe and foot drying components which are removably attachable to opposing ends of an elongated handle so that a user with medical disabilities or physical deficits can dry their lower extremities. Each drying component may be covered in an absorbent material. A distal end of toe dryer component may be dimensioned and adapted to slide between the toes of the user, while the foot dryer component is adapted to dry flatter surfaces along the feet, back and other portions of the human body, as well as supporting surfaces such as the floor or seat found in and around bathing facilities.

Abstract: A container for dispensing product includes a housing having an interior space. A rigid flip top assembly is disposed on the housing, and includes a lever, a lid, and a flange. The lid covers a dispensing orifice when in a closed position. The lever has a first end and a second end, and the lid is connected to the flange at a hinge proximate the second end. The lever longitudinally extends over a fulcrum. When a force is applied to the lever proximate the first end, the lever pivots at the fulcrum about a pivot axis, and the second end of the lever moves the lid from the closed position toward an open position.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a floor cleaning unit and a portable surface cleaning unit. The floor cleaning unit includes a surface cleaning head having a charger and an upper section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an upright storage position and a rearwardly inclined floor cleaning position. The portable surface cleaning unit is connectable to the floor cleaning unit, and includes a portable surface cleaning unit air inlet connectable in air flow communication with the floor cleaning unit, a main body, an air treatment member, a suction motor, a handle and a capacitor, wherein the capacitor is rechargeable at a rate of at least 4 C.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a floor cleaning unit and a portable surface cleaning unit. The floor cleaning unit includes a surface cleaning head, an upper section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an upright storage position and a rearwardly inclined floor cleaning position, a charger having an energy storage member, and an air flow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a floor cleaning unit air outlet. The portable surface cleaning unit is connectable to the floor cleaning unit, and includes a portable surface cleaning unit air inlet connectable in air flow communication with the floor cleaning unit air outlet, a main body, an air treatment member, a suction motor, a handle and a capacitor. When fully charged, the energy storage member stores sufficient stored power to recharge the capacitor at least twice.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a floor cleaning unit and a portable surface cleaning unit. The floor cleaning unit includes a surface cleaning head and an upper section moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an upright storage position and a rearwardly inclined floor cleaning position. The portable surface cleaning unit is connectable to the floor cleaning unit, and includes a portable surface cleaning unit air inlet connectable in air flow communication with the floor cleaning unit, a main body, an air treatment member, a suction motor, a handle and a capacitor. A remote charger is provided wherein the capacitor is rechargeable at a rate of at least 4 C.

Abstract: A stick vacuum cleaner has a floor cleaning configuration and a hand vac portion useable in an above floor cleaning configuration, wherein in the above floor cleaning configuration, the hand vac portion is self-powered by a capacitor. The stick vacuum cleaner is operable to continuously clean a household by rapidly charging the capacitor when the stick vacuum cleaner is in the floor cleaning configuration.

Abstract: A bleed valve is selectively opened and closed due to a pressure differential between across an arcuate spring member.

Abstract: A squeegee comprising a wiping blade comprising a resilient strip supported by a relatively rigid support structure, said support structure having a first portion supporting a first part of said resilient strip and a second portion supporting a second part of said resilient strip; and a hollow semi-cylindrical handle with an extensional direction perpendicular to a length of the wiping blade.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning tool for large appliances. The cleaning tool includes a telescoping handle having a substantially cylindrical configuration. Further, the cleaning tool includes an elongated hard foam core providing an opening at one end extending within the elongated hard foam core which forms a hollow channel, wherein the channel being adapted to receive a portion of the telescoping handle within the body of the elongated hard foam core. Further, the cleaning tool includes a cloth cover configured to enclose the elongated hard foam.