Abstract: Shaped PU foam articles, preferably mattresses and/or cushions, wherein the polyurethane foam has been obtained by reaction of at least one polyol component and at least one isocyanate component in the presence of at least one compound of formula (1a) and at least one compound of formula (1b) and at least one blowing agent, are described.

Abstract: A hygienic cover for exercise equipment is disclosed. The invention is comprised of an external, flexible, moisture-resistant covering that encases a cushion material. The hygienic cover fits over a plurality of conventional exercise machines and prevents the user from being exposed to, or transferring perspiration to exercise equipment while operating such machinery. The internal cushion provides extra support to a user when installed on hard equipment surfaces. Straps along the peripheral portions allow it to remain stable during exercise. An object of the invention is to minimize exposure to pathogens commonly found in residual fluids often encountered on exercise machines in humid gym environments.

Abstract: A retracting toy box assembly includes a box for storing toys, and the box has a track that is integrated therein. A spool is slidably coupled to the track, and the spool is positionable between a stored position and a deployed position. The spool is biased to rotate in a first direction and the spool is urgeable to rotate in a second direction. A mat is wrapped around the spool. The mat is unwrapped from the spool and extends forwardly from the box when the spool is positioned in the deployed position. In this way the mat can lie on the floor and toys can be positioned on the mat. Moreover, the mat can be lifted by a caregiver thereby facilitating all of the toys on the mat to be subsequently deposited in the box. In this way the mat assists the caregiver with putting the toys away.

Abstract: A baby carrier system is described, which beneficially includes a selectively changeable waist strap. The baby carrier may generally comprise a main panel and a waist support portion at the bottom of the main panel or connected to the bottom of the main panel. The waist support portion may be generally hollow or include an opening for receiving a selectively changeable waist strap. The hollow or opening may include one or more connectors configured to mate with a connector on the selectively changeable waist strap. In use, the connectors may be attached to the selectively changeable waist strap within the hollow or opening and then the connectors may be disengaged to allow the selectively changeable waist strap to be removed and replaced by another waist strap.

Abstract: A weekender style display and related methods are provided. The display transforms from a knockdown configuration to an erected configuration. The display includes shelf members that are supported at the front, back, and at each side.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing computing devices and keyboards to a display table. The apparatus may be adjustable to accommodate computing devices of different sizes and keyboards of different sizes. The apparatus includes a number of individual components which assemble together around the computing device and keyboard in such a way that, once assembled to the display table, the individual components may not be adjusted or removed, thus securing the computing device and keyboard to the display table.

Abstract: A food stand system with a plan view in the shape of an incomplete circle, with a flat top surface as a countertop, and a convex customer-facing surface. The stand contains a food preparation appliance having both cooking and refrigeration components. Sensors measure the appliance interior state, and provide data to an automated controller that controls appliance operation to prepare food for consumption.

Abstract: A fitted bed sheet includes elastic straps for securing the top and bottom edges of the sheet under a mattress.

Abstract: For any given thickness of thermal insulation, the usable lower temperature range of a sleeping bag assembly may be extended by constructing it using an inner lining material that in addition to its normal functions of being flexible and capable of retaining insulating materials, is also capable of functioning as a vapor barrier and a radiation barrier. In addition to the standard sleeping bag design approach of incorporating various insulating materials to reduce heat lost by thermal conductivity, the subject disclosure is directed to methods by which heat loss by radiation and evaporation may also be reduced.

Abstract: Pillow systems including a base pillow extending from an upper back end to a head end opposite the upper back end along a sagittal midline of a user, a neck support pillow operatively supported on the base pillow between the upper back end and the head end in a position configured to underlie a neck of the user, wherein the base pillow is configured to support a back and a head of the user by underlying at least a portion of the back and at least a portion of the head, and the neck support pillow is configured to support the neck of the user by underlying the neck of the user. In some examples, the pillow system includes a spacer pillow supported on the base pillow between the upper back end and the head end.

Abstract: The travel mug includes a vessel with a removable, angled partition and an engageable flow restrictor. The partition separates the vessel into a fluid reservoir chamber and a fluid dispensing chamber. The fluid dispensing chamber has a direct fluid flow path out of the upper, open end of the vessel. The fluid reservoir chamber has an indirect flow path out of the upper, open end of the vessel through the fluid dispensing chamber. An engabeable flow restrictor is configured to control fluid flow along the indirect fluid flow path at the partition. The flow restrictor is disengaged when the travel mug is upright and at rest and engaged when the travel mug is positioned for dispensing.

Abstract: An easily cleanable liquid container includes a straw having a pivotably mounted internal one-way spill preventing valve and a closable drinking spout with an overmolded drinking tip. The pivotably mounted internal one-way spill preventing valve is retained in a pivotable straw nut that is pivotably attached to a straw tube, which allows easy access to internal straw components for easier cleaning. The overmolded drinking tip and a wiper seal limit the number of cracks and crevices that may collect dirt or other contaminants.

Abstract: A method for forming an overwrap container includes the steps of a) providing a base container having a first side seam on a side wall that extends along a longitudinal axis to define an internal volume, and a bottom secured to the side wall; b) providing the side wall of the base container with connecting elements on an outer periphery of the side wall; c) providing an overwrap having a second side seam over the side wall of the base container such that the overwrap is joined in spaced apart relationship by the connecting elements to the side wall of the base container; d) clamping the overwrap to the base container along the second side seam to form a first compressed area; e) clamping the overwrap to the base container in an area 180° removed from the second side seam to form a second compressed area: and f) reforming the second compressed area to define an overwrap container having a substantially uniform spacing and air gap between the base container and the overwrap except in the first compressed area.

Abstract: A malleable metal straw. The malleable metal straw has an elongated member with a metal sidewall and a first open end and a second open end. An interior region has a liquid permissible cavity from the first open end to the second open end wherein at least a portion of the metal sidewall is sufficiently thin to allow the elongated member to bend under hand strength force. The malleable metal straw can further have a support structure within the interior region.

Abstract: A garment hanger with particular ease of use advantage when removing or hanging crew neck or turtleneck type shirts or blouses. The hanger provides an easily manipulated and intuitive mechanism for collapsing the garment support portions of the hanger, thus allowing for simple passage through the narrow neck hole of a garment. The hanger further provides an easily manipulated and intuitive mechanism for returning the folded garment support portions to their extended and supportive positions, which can be done with the hanger enveloped within a garment, thus providing an improved means for hanging some shirts or blouses without the need to feed a hanger up through the bottom opening of the garment.

Abstract: Provided is a carpet having transmissiveness and capable of retaining quality including the light transmissiveness, where in one embodiment, the carpet comprises a pile layer in which a plurality of pile yarns are tufted on the front face of a primary base fabric; and a backing layer disposed on the back face side of the primary base fabric, wherein the total light transmittance of the carpet is 0.5% or higher; the lightness when the carpet is viewed from the front face side of the primary base fabric is 30 or higher; and the thickness loss rate under dynamic loading accompanied by friction of the carpet is 25% or lower.

Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a household accessory. The household accessory may include a body portion and a tail portion. The head portion may further include various components, such as a head portion, a neck portion, a central portion, and a leg portion. The tail portion may be located at one of the ends of the body portion.

Abstract: A parcel box includes a lid, a container, and a self-closing module. The self-closing module is connected to the lid and includes a contacting part arranged inside the container. When a parcel is placed into the container, the contacting part is pushed downward, and the lid-closing module drives the lid to close on the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial tree having a plurality of electrified tree sections that couple together to provide power and/or command signals to devices connected thereto. One or more tree sections may have a trunk portion, one or more electrical connectors having a plurality of terminals, branches, a light string, and an electrical distribution system located at least partially within the trunk portion. A first tree section may be configured to couple to a second tree section such that an electrical connector of the first tree section is in electrical connection with an electrical connector of the second tree section, thereby mechanically and electrically connecting the first tree section to the second tree section such that power and/or the control data are transmitted to the second tree section. Further, each trunk segment may include an axial electrical connector that permits adjacent trunk segments to connect in a plurality of radial orientations relative to each other.

Abstract: A method for cooking and/or heating foods includes the step of supplying steam expansion chamber including a deformable and/or mobile containment wall partially delimiting an enclosure configured for receiving foods to be heated and/or cooked. The steam expansion chamber is adjacent to the enclosure receiving foods to be heated and/or cooked.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a pressure vessel, a lid, a locking mechanism having a locking member, and a resiliently compressible seal member. The cooking appliance is adapted to affect the locking mechanism into an inoperable state at an inner vessel pressure greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure when in a locked position.

Abstract: A system and method for an automated cooking device that includes a multi-ingredient dispenser with a base, liquid dispenser and a dispensing selector, wherein the base comprises a set of base receptacles; a set of ingredient dispenser units that removably couple with the base receptacles and controllably open when in an engaged mode with the dispensing selector of the multi-ingredient dispenser; a cooking apparatus with a heating unit and mixing unit; and a control unit that is configured to process a multi-stage cooking process and that at least partially controls the dispensing selector, heating unit, mixing unit, and liquid dispenser.

Abstract: A cookware assembly including a cooking vessel with a vessel side wall and an elongated handle extending outwardly from the sidewall, a cover, an opening in at least one of the vessel side wall and the cover in an area above the elongated handle, and a utensil, where the handle of the utensil rests in relation to the elongated handle and the opening permits the utensil component to reside in the interior of the covered cooking vessel when the cover is on the cooking vessel. The cover can be placed on the cooking vessel in a plurality of positions, to allow the utensil to pass to the interior of the cooking vessel, to allow pouring from the cooking vessel with the cover on, and to seal the cover on the cooking vessel without the utensil. An auxiliary vessel can also be included as part of the cooking assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for estimating a state of an object to be heated based on sound which is generated when the object to be heated is heated, and providing the estimated information to other devices in an Internet of Things (IoT) environment through a 5G communication network. The heating apparatus may include a housing having a receiving space therein, a heating member disposed within the housing, a power supplier for supplying power to the heating member, a top plate disposed on the top of the housing to support the object to be heated, a sound sensor disposed on the bottom of the top plate, and a controller for predicting the state of the object to be heated by using a deep neural network model that has been trained through machine learning based on a sound signal received from the sound sensor.

Abstract: A device for preparing coffee by manual brewing includes: a filter holder for receiving a filter insert with ground coffee; a holder in which the filter holder is inserted; a vessel arranged under the filter holder into which the brewed coffee can be filled; a drain arranged on the filter holder; and a closure element arranged on the drain for opening and closing the drain. An actuating element for the closure element is provided on the filter holder by which the closure element can be moved between an open position and a closed position independently of the vessel.

Abstract: Provided is a coffee powder stirrer that includes a lid. The top of the lid is provided with a through hole. A supporting rod is inserted through the through hole. The top of the supporting rod is connected to an operating member. A spring is provided between the operating member and the lid. The spring is sleeved on the supporting rod. A stirring assembly is provided in a cavity of the lid, and is secured to the bottom of the supporting rod. The lid is engaged with a coffee powder box so as to prevent coffee power from spilling out of the coffee powder box in a stirring process. The supporting rod pushes the stirring assembly to break up caked coffee powder. The cooperation between the spring and the operating member fulfills the restoration of the stirring assembly and facilitates rapid breakup of the caked and glutinous coffee powder.

Abstract: A beverage system is provided including a housing and a brew basket body connected to said housing. The brew basket body is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When said brew basket body is in said retracted position, said brew basket body is arranged in sealing contact with an adjacent component of said beverage system.

Abstract: Machine to prepare hot beverages that uses means of heating a secondary liquid, which transfers temperature to the primary liquid that is used to prepare the hot drink. The machine is fully operated through software that allows the pressure and temperature parameters of each drink prepared in the machine to be saved and accurately reproduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting status of a cooker lid relative to a cooker body is provided. The apparatus comprises a block mounted to the cooker lid near its periphery rim, and a pole disposed about an upper rim of the cooker body and being movable relative to the cooker body. The block engages with the pole such that the pole is at a first location relative to the cooker body when the cooker lid is separated from the cooker body; the pole is at a second location relative to the cooker body when the cooker lid is placed on the upper rim of the cooker body and is out of position for a predetermined cooking mode, and the pole is at a third location relative to the cooker body when the cooker lid is placed on the upper rim of the cooker body and is in position for the predetermined cooking mode.

Abstract: A temperature control method for a cookware includes collecting temperature values detected by a plurality of temperature sensors arranged at different positions of a heating area of the cookware, determining a minimum temperature value and a maximum temperature value of the heating area from among the collected temperature values, starting a heating device in response to the minimum temperature value and the maximum temperature value of the heating area satisfying a preset temperature increase condition, and stopping the heating device in response to the minimum temperature value and the maximum temperature value of the heating area satisfying a preset temperature reduction condition.

Abstract: An outdoor rotisserie system may include a set of legs, a rotisserie drive system supported by the set of legs, a drive-to-basket connecting assembly supported by the rotisserie drive system, and a meat basket assembly supported by the drive-to-basket connecting assembly. The meat basket assembly may be driven for rotation about a vertical axis. The meat basket assembly may include a basket top bar supporting basket sides formed of open mesh wire material. The system may include a heat deflector assembly spaced from the meat basket assembly, which may form a partial enclosure directing heat of an adjacent roasting fire toward the meat basket assembly.

Abstract: A heating appliance includes a housing defining a food product compartment having at least a front door and a rear wall opposite the front door. The heating appliance also includes a rack configured to support a food product within the food product compartment. The heating appliance also includes a heating assembly disposed within the food product compartment and an elongate heating device having a first length, and an angled heat distribution member having a second length disposed between the heating device and the rack. The heat distribution member includes a pattern of apertures and the heat distribution member is configured to prevent infrared radiation produced by the heating device from directly reaching the rear wall of the housing, except for infrared radiation that passes through the apertures of the heat distribution member.

Abstract: A cooking accessory insert for a cooking grill includes a heat distribution duct that, installed, extends from a burner proximate to the bottom of the grill's fire box generally to a cooking level near the top of the fire box. The heat distribution duct is defined by a plurality of side walls extending from a top end of the heat distribution duct to a bottom end, tapering inward, or narrowing, from top to bottom. A top surface substantially covers the top end of the heat distribution duct, while the bottom is open. A cover is provided to cover the top surface, defining a baking chamber between the cover and the top surface. A cooking surface element such as a pizza stone is removably disposed on the top surface, spaced apart from the top surface by a plurality of spacers.

Abstract: A fryer includes a cooking chamber for holding a cooking medium at least one heating element positioned within the cooking chamber, and a chain conveyor for selectively advancing food product through the cooking chamber along a movement path. The chain conveyor includes first and second chains coupled together by a plurality of baskets extending therebetween. The movement path includes a series of legs, including a first leg wherein the food product moves substantially vertically from above the cooking medium to a greatest depth within the cooking medium and including a second leg subsequent to the first leg wherein the food product moves substantially horizontally at the greatest depth within the cooking medium. Automated filtering systems and methods for removing debris from cooking medium are also provided.

Abstract: A machine (1) for processing a liquid food substance includes: a jug (20) having a container (21) and delimiting a food for containing the liquid food substance; and a base (10) that has one or more walls (11) forming a seat (11?) for removably receiving the container (21). The base (10) and/or the container (21) has one or more thermally insulating spacers (11a) spacing the base wall(s) (11) from thermally conditioned outside container wall(s) (21a) when the container (21) is received in or on the seat (11?) so as to prevent or inhibit thermal transfer from the container (21) into the base (10) via the base wall(s) (11) from the container wall(s) (21a) adjacent the base wall(s) (11).

Abstract: A system (10,20) for processing and handling a liquid food substance, comprises: a processing device (20) that has a processing cavity (21) in which the liquid food substance is processed (21), the processing cavity (21) having an opening (22) that is configured so that the liquid food substance is removable from the processing cavity (21) via the opening (22); and a handling arrangement (10) that is configured to handle the liquid food substance when the liquid food substance is collected in an external user-recipient, such as a cup or a mug, after its processing in the processing cavity (21). The handling arrangement (10) is seizable by a human hand. The handling arrangement (10) is separate from the processing device (20) and from the external user-recipient and is freely movable relative thereto.

Abstract: A food-product handling device includes a sifter unit having a housing defining an open upper side, a mount extending outwardly from the first housing along a first axis, and a lower side opposite the upper side. The sifter unit further has a sifter basket having an interior aligned with and inset within the open upper side. The device further includes a scale assembly having a body defining an upper opening and an opposite lower opening and having an annular weight-sensing unit surrounding the upper opening. The body is positionable on the housing of the sifter unit with the opening in communication with the open upper side of the housing. A hopper is positionable on the weight-sensing unit and defines a lower open end at least partially received within the body when the hopper is positioned on the weight-sensing unit.

Abstract: A grinder specially adapted for grinding herbs has a sheet with unique groove and hole patterns forming a grinding area. Although it is a manual grinder, the grinder does not require the use of cutting blades, making it much safer to use. The grinder is particularly suitable for grinding softer herbs.

Abstract: A wash stand assembly that comprises a wash stand having a wash basin and a drain opening through which water to be drained out of the wash basin can be conducted away, the drain opening leading into an inner chamber. The wash stand (2) has a rear wall (6) with which the wash stand (1) comes into contact with a connection structure on the building side when in the installed position. The inner chamber (5) is open in the region of a rear wall (6) of the wash stand (2). An insert element (7) has a drain connection piece (8) for connection to a wastewater pipe on the building side, wherein the insert element (7) is connected to the wash stand (2) such that the inner chamber (5) is sealed watertight and the water can be fed from the drain opening (4) to the drain connection piece (8).

Abstract: An illustrated view of an exemplary shower curtain system for increasing the safety of shower curtains is presented. The shower curtain system is useful for providing a device for a user to grab when entering or exiting a bathtub or shower stall and preventing the shower curtain assembly from collapsing causing an unsafe condition, the shower curtain system acts as a grab bar like system but utilizing the shower curtain thereby preventing slip and falls, additional injuries and exiting of the shower. The shower curtain system is useful in providing additional strength to the shower curtain for both the shower curtain and the support system for the shower curtain. The shower curtain system has a shower curtain, a curtain rod, one or more mounting brackets and a plurality of grab straps. Eyelets of the shower curtain, the curtain rod and mounting brackets are reinforced to increase the strength and support of the shower curtain apparatus. Further, the plurality of grab straps is both short and long.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing consumable product having a consumable product holding area configured to store the consumable product within the dispenser; a dispensing mechanism having a spindle configured to hold and rotate the consumable product to facilitate a dispensing cycle to dispense a portion of the consumable product; and a motor having piezoelectric elements configured to (i) frictionally couple to the spindle to rotate the spindle in a first direction during a first motor state and (ii) uncouple from the spindle during a second motor state to allow the spindle to freely spin.

Abstract: A wipe dispenser having a wipes container with a lid and an orifice for dispensing the wipes, an angled bottom surface, and an inner bottom surface sharing an edge with the angled bottom surface and extending proximately parallel to the orifice, where a stack of wipes rests on the inner bottom surface. The wipe dispenser has mounting means for removably mounting the wipes container at a surface, where the angled bottom surface and the mounting means securely position the orifice and the stack of wipes at a stack angle for a continuous, one-at-a-time dispensing of the wipes requiring only one hand of a user. The wipe dispenser may be used with moist wipes, flushable moist wipes, and dry (un-moistened) wipes.

Abstract: An illustrated view of an exemplary toilet seat stabilization device for stabilizing a toilet seat. The toilet seat stabilization device is useful for when sitting on the toilet or commode for administering actions, such as bathing a child, sitting on the toilet becomes stable so that a person sitting on the toilet does not become unsteady and is comfortable. Furthermore, the toilet seat stabilization device provides a sanitary, secure and portable seat for a person to read, brush their teeth, bathe children, etc. The device has a body. The body has a top that may be padded. The body further has a first side and a second side. One or more couplers are coupled to a first end of the first side and to the second edge of the second side. The couplers are then removably coupled to a toilet bowl thereby providing stability.

Abstract: A toilet that comprises a bowl, a lid, and a seat, wherein the seat is attached to the bowl by a first hinge, while the lid is attached to the seat by a second hinge, this second hinge presenting the possibility of turning with respect to the first hinge. The possibility of automatically tilting the seat towards the lid when the lid is raised and the seat separated from the lid is achieved by arranging the second hinge in a position that is set back with respect to the first hinge, and with the lid producing a torque with respect to the first hinge, that is greater than the opposing torque of the seat with respect to the first hinge, causing the seat to tilt towards the lid automatically.

Abstract: A sensor and a monitoring system for implementation on a toilet seat to detect: (a) the presence of an individual on the toilet seat; (b) the departure of the individual from the toilet seat; and (c) an overly long occupancy of the toilet seat by the individual. The sensor is incorporated either on the underside of the toilet seat or within the material structure of the seat. Included with the sensor in the system is an integrated interconnect component for allowing the operation of the dielectric shift sensor elements with a variety of control monitors associated with existing patient and nurse call alarm systems. The interconnect component and an appropriately structured interconnect cable are used to connect the dielectric shift sensor elements configured within or on the toilet seat with any of a variety of existing alarm/alert control unit modules.

Abstract: A toilet seat assembly is provided including a seat base with a housing and a seat lid, and further including a washing apparatus, a drying apparatus, and a spray canister device positioned in the housing. A controller having a user interface is configured to communicate with a control unit of the toilet seat assembly to control operation of the components of the toilet seat assembly. So configured, a user may operate the toilet seat assembly to clean the user's perineal region via the washing apparatus, dry the user's perineal region via the drying apparatus, and spray the user's perineal region with one or more liquid products via the spray canister device.

Abstract: A toilet device is configured to be capable of performing toilet seat reverse face washing, in which a cleaning liquid is supplied onto a reverse face of a toilet seat and the reverse face is washed. When the toilet seat is placed in a non-closed state, the toilet device does not perform the toilet seat reverse face washing.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering a toilet. The toilet is configured to be equipped with one or more pedestals attached to the base of the toilet, wherein each of the one or more pedestals include a footrest. The toilet comprises one or more compressed springs in communication with the one or more pedestals, configured to raise or lower the pedestals. The toilet comprises one or more compressed springs in communication with the one or more pedestals and the base of the toilet, configured to extend and retract the one or more pedestals. The toilet comprises a release device configured to extend the pedestals away from an encasing in communication with the base of the toilet. The toilet comprises a retracting device configured to retract the one or more pedestals into the encasing.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering a toilet. The toilet is configured to be equipped with pedestals which are encased in separate compartments in the base of the toilet. The toilet comprises an actuator for raising and lowing the toilet, as a result of the pedestals being pressed or depressed. The toilet comprises a controller for controlling the actuator, wherein the controller sends a signal to the actuator to raise or lower the toilet based on the pedestals being pressed or depressed. The toilet comprises a controller for receiving a signal from one or more buttons pressed to indicate a predetermined selection, wherein the selection can be one or more of the activations of a seat warmer, bidet jet spray, hydro-flush, sound system or air freshener.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a surface with a cleaning device having a body with a handle, a connector, and one or more cleaning heads that are removably attached to the cleaning device. Each cleaning head include a lower surface arranged to contact a surface to be cleaned and a dirt collection chamber permanently attached to the cleaning head. The cleaning head may include a support structure to support the dirt collection chamber and a cleaning sheet. The cleaning head also may include a suction nozzle. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may be made of a filter material.