Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a blanket with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a first and second opening removably covered by a first and second flap, respectively. The lower portion includes a fold axis separating the lower portion into a first lower portion and a second lower portion. When the lower portion is folded at the fold axis, the first lower portion faces the second lower portion and the fold axis is the most distal end of the blanket from the upper portion. The lower portion further includes a mechanism for coupling the outer edges of the first lower portion to the outer edges of the second lower portion to create a foot cavity.

Abstract: This invention adds one or more components, called leg attachments, to a standard or custom pillowcase that allow the user to insert a leg through the leg attachment, thus making the pillow wearable, and keeping the pillow in place, between the legs.

Abstract: A medical device to protect against harmful germs on shared surfaces by covering the shared surfaces to isolate the germs from individuals contacting the surfaces. The device may be utilized in public places (e.g., food establishments, classrooms, movie theaters) and public transportation (e.g., planes, trains, bus) to cover trays, desks and/or monitors that may be touched by many individuals. The device may be a system that includes one or more covers where the covers may be reusable, disposable or a combination thereof. The covers may be made from a material or combination of materials that provide at least a subset of stretchable, washable, antibacterial, durable, water-proof/water-resistant and non-slip properties. A reusable cover may include a means for securing the cover to the surface (e.g., draw strings, connectors). A disposable cover may be a film that has clinging properties when stretched.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a no slip vessel. The no slip vessel comprises a container, a platform, and a suction cup. The container has an open end and a closed end; the open end defines a containment zone. The platform is adjacent to the closed end and opposite the containment zone. The platform has a ring and a shaft. The ring has threads and is adapted to receive the suction cup. The suction cup is adapted to sealingly fit within the ring and has a shaft fixed to a region. The shaft has threads and is adapted to interact with the shaft translating rotational motion of the container to vertical motion of the shaft. The shaft vertical motion establishes an open position where the suction cup is unsealed with respect to a support surface and a closed position where the suction cup is sealed to a support surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper material for producing a paper straw mainly, the paper material includes: a paper and a hot-melt adhesive material; wherein, the hot-melt adhesive material is provided on at least one surface of the paper, including an acrylic acid copolymer 40%˜45% w/w, an ammonia water less than 0.1% w/w or equal to 0.1% w/w and a water 55%˜60%. w/w The hot-melt adhesive material is presented as a dry hot-melt adhesive without viscosity and being transformed to a flow hot-melt adhesive with viscosity while being heated from 80° C.˜200° C.

Abstract: A device is provided for reducing the influence, on a drinking vessel (240), of linear and/or rotational motions of a surface on which the drinking vessel is placed, for example for use on a marine vessel. The device comprises a pliable structure and is provided with a plurality of slits (120) arranged between a plurality of cooperating portions (102) to accommodate a plurality of drinking vessels, in particular drinking vessels having a base and a stem, such as wine glasses. The cooperating portions are adapted to accept a drinking vessel, and are operable to at least partially envelop the drinking vessel by conforming to at least a part of the upper surface of the base of the drinking vessel.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a cushioned mat, in particular bath mat, including a non-slip base material, a cushion layer secured to the non-slip base material, a surface layer arrangement secured to a surface of the cushion layer opposite to the non-slip base material. The surface layer arrangement includes a textile material layer and a flexible cable including a cushioned core and an outer sleeve formed form textile material, the flexible cable being braided with or tufted to the textile material layer. In embodiments the flexible cable is braided or woven to form ornamental patterns.

Abstract: A standing desk mat includes a base having a thickness dimension within which a cushioning material resides for supporting a bottom of a shoe of a standing user off a floor when the user is standing on the standing desk mat, and a strap operably connected to the base to form a bridge spanning a portion of the base for an upper portion of the shoe to engage a bottom portion of the strap upon the user raising the shoe above the base to raise at least a portion of the standing desk mat therewith and disengage the bottom portion of the strap upon the user lowering the shoe to lower the base to the floor therewith.

Abstract: A carpet trim tamping assembly includes a block that has a pair of angled surfaces each oriented to form a 22.5 degree angle. Thus, each of the angled surfaces matches the angle between a top surface of a metal trim strip and adjacent carpet. A selected one of the angled surfaces is positionable upon the top surface of the metal trim strip and the block is struck to compress the metal trim strip against the adjacent carpet. In this way the appearance and finish of the metal trim strip is improved. A handle is coupled to the block and the handle has a bend thereon defining a first portion of the handle forming a 22.5 degree angle with a second portion of the handle. Thus, the handle can angle around a door jamb when the metal trim strip is positioned to extend along a threshold of a doorway.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prayer box having a mechanism for organizing one or more written prayer requests. The lid pivotally coupled to the container, the lid having a central section and a collar that extends downward from a periphery of the central section. The central section and the collar define an inner volume of the lid, wherein the inner volume of the lid can receive one or more sheets of prayer request. A fastener can be configured in the lid to retain the one or more sheets by the lid, wherein the fastener comprises an intercession figure.

Abstract: A water bath system for cooking includes a conventional kitchen sink for 1) a dish washing mode of operation with heated water and 2) a sous vide cooking mode of operation, including a heating unit for heating water in the sink, a temperature sensor and a control unit connected to the heating unit and responsive to the temperature of the liquid to maintain the liquid in the kitchen sink at a specific temperature for cooking food inside a cooking bag or container and immersed in the liquid bath for sous vide cooking.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber. A drawer is slidably mounted within the chilled chamber and slides between an open position and a closed position. The refrigerator appliance also includes a heating unit disposed in a stationary position within the cabinet. The heating unit is proximate the drawer when the drawer is in the closed position. As such, the heating unit is in operative communication with the drawer when the drawer is in the closed position whereby the heating unit provides heat to the drawer within the chilled chamber when the drawer is in the closed position and the heating unit is activated.

Abstract: A brewer device with a brewer control system and a user interface is provided. The brewer control system is configured to dispense a brewed beverage and includes a freshness monitor to generate a freshness status of respective brewed beverages dispensed by the brewer control system into a plurality of servers. The user interface includes an output device to present the freshness status of the respective brewed beverages in the plurality of servers. The freshness monitor is local to the brewer control system without needing to establish communications with any of the plurality of servers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a brewing apparatus configured to carry out a submerged soluble brewing method. The apparatus consists of a holding volume into which a brewing soluble may be inserted, the brewing soluble being held in place during the brewing process by top and bottom filters. The holding volume is connected to a collection volume which captures the brewed solution as it exits the holding volume. Liquid flow into the holding volume is regulated by a processor-controlled valve or pump connected to a feed supply to produce the ideal extraction based on user inputs or preset instructions. Advantageously, the characteristics of the brew produced by the apparatus are not affected by the size of the respective volumes. Furthermore, use of the apparatus ensures that every part of the soluble is subjected to an equal or similar flow of liquid, ensuring high efficiency.

Abstract: A filter system for preparing beverages based on a beverage base, such as for example coffee powder, soup powder, or tea, comprises a filter or strainer provided for use in a container and by which the beverage base is introduced into the heated liquid of a first liquid-receiving compartment which is provided in the container and in which the filtered beverage base develops and gives off its ingredients to the liquid. The filter system includes a device which can be introduced into the container in order to form a second liquid-receiving compartment. The device comprises at least one flow-through opening for the liquid enriched with ingredients, which opening can be closed such that the beverage base cannot develop further in the liquid-receiving compartment formed by the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portion dispenser (2) for dispensing beverage items (8) from an exchangeable cartridge (3) comprising: a frame (4) with a receiving portion (5) for receiving the exchangeable cartridge, a discharge opening (6) next to the receiving portion (5) and sized for allowing a beverage item to be individually discharged by gravity from the 5 exchangeable cartridge, a moving means assembly (16) comprising a moving means (19) and a moving means housing (20) in which the moving means are arranged for moving therein, wherein the moving means (19) are arranged for providing a discharge chamber (23) for discharge of at least one beverage item therein and for transporting to a dispensing area (17) and wherein the moving means assembly (16) is arranged for sealingly 10 connecting with the exchangeable cartridge (3) and comprises means for opening the exchangeable cartridge to allow the discharge of the beverage item in the discharge chamber and for re-closing the exchangeable cartridge.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments herein provide a device for finish roasting and brewing primary roasted and ground coffee beans. Preferably a pod handle assembly contains the primary roasted and ground coffee beans and removably connects with a roaster brewer assembly which performs both a roasting phase of hot air followed by a brewing phase of hot water and/or steam. A user selection dial (or other input) allows a user to select a desired roast level, preferably from very light to very dark. The pod handle assembly can be filled manually by the user, or pre-filled pods which already contain the primary roasted and ground beans may be used. Airflow from a fan should preferably be directed through a heating assembly before contacting the ground coffee beans and exiting through an aperture at the bottom of the pod handle assembly.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine for brewed beverages includes a housing having a housing wall that surrounds an inner space and has an opening; a brewing device arranged in the inner space for brewing a quantity of a solid material accommodated by the brewing device, wherein the quantity of the solid material can be output from the brewing device; a movable container for receiving a quantity of the solid material output from the brewing device, which container can be brought into the inner space through the opening; a movable cover plate for covering the opening, which cover plate in a first position covers at least one region of the opening, and which in a second position uncovers the opening. The cover plate is connected to the housing via a pivoting device so that the cover plate is movable between the first and second positions by pivoting about a pivot axis.

Abstract: The milk frother (1) comprises a container that has a chamber (2) for containing the milk, a mixing chamber (3) equipped with an external dispenser (4) for dispensing the milk, a connecting channel (5) for connection between the containment chamber (2) and the mixing chamber (3), a transfer impeller (6) for transferring the milk from the containment chamber (2) to the mixing chamber, a mixing impeller (8) provided in the mixing chamber (3), and disconnectable connection means (9) for connection between the transfer impeller (6) and the mixing impeller (8).

Abstract: Inline fluid foaming device (10) for providing a foamed fluid directly into a container, the device (10) comprising an air path (120) for introducing a certain quantity of air into the device (10), and a fluid path (130) for introducing fluid into the device (10) coming from a fluid container (16), the mixture of air and fluid passing to a centrifugal pumping and foaming element (11) such that the amount of fluid into the device (10) is pumped by the centrifugal movement of the pumping and foaming element (11) and the foaming of the mixture is provided by driving it under a certain level of shear stress in the element (11), the device (10) further comprising a heating unit (14) to where the foamed mixture of fluid and air is conveyed for its optional later heating. The invention further relates to a beverage system comprising such an inline fluid foaming device (10) and a beverage dispensing machine.

Abstract: An infusing apparatus and method for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a portable device for infusing a liquid with flavor from material, where the device comprises: a liquid container to store a liquid; a brew chamber to hold the material; and a pump to generate a pressure differential over tunnels within the material and over the brew chamber.

Abstract: A bottle warming apparatus is disclosed that combines heating and agitating of a bottle and its contents in order to achieve even warming, as well as, mixing the contents of the bottle.

Abstract: An air fryer includes a first housing, a second housing, a heating element supported in the first housing, a fan supported in the first housing, and an oil residual prevention arrangement. The oil residual prevention arrangement includes a screening member detachably attached on at least one of the first housing and the second housing to provide a boundary between the first housing and the second housing such that oil residual produced from the second housing is substantially blocked by the screen member. The screening member has a plurality of ventilating channels communicating the first housing with the second housing so as to maintain sufficient air circulation between the first housing and the second housing for air frying.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus comprises an oven. The oven comprises a cooking chamber, a heated air source and two or more vents through which, in use, heated air can vent from the cooking chamber. The two or more vents comprise at least one lower vent and at least one upper vent. The at least one lower vent is provided at a lower height than the at least one upper vent. The at least one upper vent is controllable to regulate a flow of heated air therethrough.

Abstract: A grill-cleaning tool has a water-absorbent layer fabricated from a material that is suitable for transferring a volume of water. A fire-resistant layer is disposed outwardly of the water absorbent layer. A scrubbing outer layer fabricated from a metallic-mesh material covers both the fire-resistant layer and the water-absorbent layer. The water-absorbent layer and the heat-resistant layer may be incorporated into a single unit or may be separate layers. Fasteners are provided for assembling the layers together to form an assembled grill-cleaning tool.

Abstract: A blending system diagnoses a blending device. The blending system may include a diagnostic system that captures audio and diagnosis an issue of a blending device. The diagnostic system may compare the audio to reference audio. The comparison may match the audio with reference audio. The reference audio may be associated with diagnostic data. The diagnostic system may generate a diagnosis based on the match audio and associated diagnostic data.

Abstract: A vending machine system for loading and dispensing pre-baked unpackaged food including a fixed cartridge disposed in a refrigerator of a vending machine, and a transport cartridge adapted to removably attach to the fixed cartridge, the transport cartridge operable for holding trays of unpackaged food and loading the trays of unpackaged food from the transport cartridge into the fixed cartridge, wherein, when the transport cartridge is removably attached to the fixed cartridge, a front opening of the transport cartridge aligns with a front opening of the fixed cartridge, and wherein the rack of the transport cartridge aligns with the conveyor system of the fixed cartridge such that trays of unpackaged food within the transport cartridge can simultaneously be transitioned from the rack to the conveyor system.

Abstract: The inventive device disclosed in the present application is a shower that will clean itself, with rotating sprinkler heads throughout shower, at an independent time, or after receiving a voice command. In addition, the user will be able to use the voice activation feature control to set the water temperature, as well as set the water flow desired from the shower head. The starting point for water temperature and water flow for each independent user is programmed into a CPU, though during showering that temperature and water flow may be adjusted through voice commands or by interfacing with a controller. A green light on the controller indicates for the user that the desired temperature and water flow point have been reached.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for integrated emergency wash systems. Various embodiments include thermostatically controlled mixing valves arranged so as to permit load carrying by the body of the valve. Further, the integrated wash systems are especially suited for use in laboratories and manufacturing settings in which available space is at a premium.

Abstract: A pre-installation method for a shower base includes obtaining a combination of layers forming the shower base where the combination of layers includes a waterproof membrane mounting surface and a subfloor facing surface opposite the waterproof membrane mounting surface. The method also includes adhering, in a remote location from an installation site, a waterproof membrane to the combination of layers forming the shower base. The method further includes water testing, in the remote location, the shower base with the adhered waterproof membrane.

Abstract: A soap dispenser for use in a shower room in a hotel bathroom, includes bottles for containing shampoo or shower gel, and a placement sheet, one side of the placement sheet is bent downward in an arc shape, placement rings are provided on the placement sheet, and a semicircular ring sheet is provided at each of the placement rings near the side of the placement sheet in the form of an arc-shaped surface; a fixing sheet is hinged to one end of the placement sheet, two snapping grooves are provided on the fixing sheet, an edge of each of the snapping grooves is butt-jointed with an edge of the respective semicircular ring sheet, and an edge of a bottom face of the snapping groove abuts against the placement ring.

Abstract: A cosmetic product dispensing device, which includes: a dispensing mechanism; at least one presence sensor; and a hand warmer associated with a heater. The presence sensor is configured to detect at least: a first type of hand presence, and a second type of hand presence, it further includes electronic management configured to send: a dispensing instruction to the dispensing mechanism, when the first presence type is detected, or a preheating instruction to the heater means, when the second presence type is detected.

Abstract: A liquid soap dispenser having a press-type nozzle that dispenses liquid soap from the nozzle by being pressed by hand includes a dispenser body, a nozzle, a pump, and the like. The dispenser body is supported inside an upper storage portion by a lower bracket and an upper bracket. A connecting member connects a vertically moving member and the nozzle. When a user places a hand below the nozzle, a human body detection unit detects the hand, and a control unit causes a motor to rotate in a forward direction and raise the vertically moving member from a lower limit position to an upper limit position; and by raising the nozzle from the lower limit position to the upper limit position via the connecting member, liquid soap is automatically dispensed from the nozzle.

Abstract: A foam discharge container is a foam discharge container for discharging foam in response to a pushing operation, and includes a discharge port which is opened in a direction opposite to a pushing direction of the pushing operation and discharges foam, and a pushing portion that keeps the distance between a discharge target body receiving foam and the discharge port constant.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for cleaning is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides an improved apparatus having a vibratory portion adapted to a traditional scrubber apparatus such as a body scrubber. Additionally, the present invention provides an improved apparatus and method wherein the apparatus may have at least a vibratory portion adapted to fit about the body scrubber which may be activated and/or de-activated by the user. Moreover, the apparatus may include a reservoir for storage of a cleansing agent that may be dispensed from the vibratory portion to the body scrubber portion to help facilitate cleansing of the portion of the body to be cleaned. Still further, the invention may include at least a handle assembly in combination with the vibratory portion to provide a handle for use by the individual user.

Abstract: A rubbing alcohol dispenser apparatus for applying rubbing alcohol includes a casing having a casing dispense aperture and a thumb slot extending through to a casing inside. A cartridge housing has a housing dispense aperture and a pin slot extending through to a cartridge inside. The cartridge housing is slidably engageable within the casing inside. A dispense plunger and a lift plunger are coupled within the cartridge inside to manipulate a plurality of alcohol pads through a plurality of pad tracks towards the housing dispense aperture. The dispense plunger has a thumb pin extending through the pin slot and accessible through the thumb slot to reset the dispense plunger and allow the lift plunger to advance the plurality of alcohol pads. The housing dispense aperture aligns with the casing dispense aperture to release rubbing alcohol as needed.

Abstract: Improvements in a cleaning brush is disclosed. The cleaning tool has both a larger and smaller cleaning feature a single size cleaning tool to try and cover all uses is obviated. With a larger cleaning head, the larger cleaning head can be optimized for the rim surfaces of a toilet. The inner detailing head retracts into the outer cleaning tool. In the retracted mode the detailing head operates with the larger outer tool and provides a cohesive flat surface for cleaning. A spring can be used to retract the detailing head. The detailing head extends from the center, side or corner of the cleaning tool and extends far enough to allow for full use of the detailing head to effectively reach corners and/or cervices. The handle and or the head can be angled to provide an optimum angle for use.

Abstract: An adjustable toilet seat that adjust according to the applied weight of the user includes a left seat body, a right seat body, a first self-closing barrel hinge, a second self-closing barrel hinge, and a seat connector. The first self-closing barrel hinge is terminally integrated into the left seat body. The second self-closing barrel hinge is terminally integrated into the right seat body. The left seat body and the right seat body are rotatably engaged with each other through the first and second self-closing barrel hinge so that the left seat body and the right seat body can expand and collapse about the two barrel hinges. The seat connector is oppositely positioned of the first and second self-closing barrel hinge. The left seat body and the right seat body are slidably mounted to the seat connector so that both seat bodies can slidably expand and collapse along the seat connector.

Abstract: A window cleaning tool for removing dirt, dust, residue and other debris from the surface of a window includes a rigid plate member having a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface, a peripheral side edge including a back edge and left and right side edges converging towards one another and meeting at a nose of the plate member. A strap passes through elongate slot openings in the plate member to allow the plate member to be secured to a user's hand with the back of the user's hand engaged against the top surface of the plate member. Hook components of a hook and loop fastener on the bottom of the plate member allow for releasable attachment of a non-scratch scouring pad thereto. The scouring pad is generally configured to match the shape of the plate member as defined by the outer peripheral edge.

Abstract: A suction hose for a vacuum cleaner including a hose portion, which has a flexible dust removal hose body and a flexible jacket hose body, in which the dust removal hose body is arranged, wherein a suction flow channel for conducting a suction flow to the vacuum cleaner extends between longitudinal ends of the hose portion, which suction flow channel is bounded by a hose jacket of the dust removal hose body, a connection piece for connecting to the hand-held power tool or to the vacuum cleaner is arranged at at least one longitudinal end of the hose portion, and the jacket hose body and the dust removal hose body extend into an interior of a hose receptacle of the connection piece such that the dust removal hose body is sheathed by the jacket hose body into the hose receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclone dust collector in which usability is improved. A vacuum cleaner comprising a cyclone dust collector, wherein the cyclone dust collector includes, a case configured to swirl suctioned air to separate dust from the suctioned air and accommodate the separated dust, a grill assembly separably installed in the case, and a cleaning portion included in the case and configured to remove dust adhered to a surface of the grill assembly when the grill assembly is separated from the case.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot including a drive configured to move the cleaning robot across a floor surface in an area to be cleaned and a controller. The controller is configured to receive data representing an editable mission timeline including data representing a sequence of rooms to be cleaned, navigate the cleaning robot to clean the rooms following the sequence, track operational events occurring in each of the rooms, and transmit data about time spent navigating each room included in the sequence.

Abstract: A cleaner is provided. The cleaner includes a body, a first rotating plate, a second rotating plate, a first mop, a second mop, a support wheel, and an auxiliary wheel. The lowest parts of the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are higher than a virtual reference line connecting the lowest part of the support wheel to the lowest part of the auxiliary wheel, and the lowest parts of the first mop and the second mop are lower than the reference line. The cleaner can prevent the first rotating plate, the second rotating plate, and the floor from being damaged while mopping of the floor is performed by the first mop and the second mop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of floor treatment machines for scrubbing, polishing, sanding or burnishing floors. In these machines one or more driven rotatable work heads (such as scrubbing brushes) are provided for agitating the floor surface.

Abstract: A cleaning tool with a spin-drying bucket, comprising a hand-operated rotary mop (2) and a bucket (1), the hand-operated rotary mop (2) comprises an upper rod (21) and a lower rod (22) disposed in a nested arrangement, the upper rod (21) extends telescopically from the lower rod (22), and the lower rod (22) rotates relative to the upper rod (21), a driving mechanism disposed between the upper rod (21) and the lower rod (22) converts a telescopic motion of the upper rod (21) into a rotary motion of the lower rod (22), the lower rod (22) has a mop head (23) with a wiper disposed at a bottom of the lower rod (22); a transmission shaft (3), used for connecting to the mop head (23), is disposed in the bucket (1), a water spray mechanism (5) having a squeezing component (52) for spraying water to the wiper, is disposed in the bucket (1), when the mop head (23) is connected to the transmission shaft (3), the rotation of the lower rod (22) drives the transmission shaft (3), the mop head (23), and the squeezing compon

Abstract: Hot cleaning device for surfaces suitable to keep the cleaning cloth automatically well soaked and in particular provided with one or more sensors for moisture detection, which detect the quantity of water/moisture on the cleaning cloth, in order to automatically convey a suitable water quantity onto the cleaning cloth for ideal cleaning.

Abstract: A holder for cleaning products is provided. The holder comprising: a body having a plurality of walls defining a recess area, the recess area having a bottom surface, one of the plurality of walls having a drain formed thereon, the drain being in fluid communication with the bottom surface; and an attachment member coupled to a bottom of the body, the attachment member having a cupped shape that is sized to form a perimeter seal when the holder is pressed onto a surface.

Abstract: Image classification is used to dynamically control one or more wash parameters in an automated cleaning machine. An imaging device installed in the wash chamber of the cleaning machine captures one or more image(s) of articles to be cleaned at various times throughout a cleaning process. A computing device analyzes the captured image(s) to classify the images as to an article type and a rack volume. Based on the article type classification and the rack volume, the computing device dynamically controls one or more parameters of the cleaning process to achieve a satisfactory cleaning and/or sanitizing result.

Abstract: A washing-agent dispenser for machines for washing, in particular dishwashers, comprises: a dispenser body (11) with at least one receptacle FIG. 14 (12, 12a) for containing a washing agent; at least one hatch (20) having a hatch body (21) mounted in a guided way relative to the dispenser body (11) for being slidable between a position of closing and a position of opening of the at least one receptacle (12, 12a), the hatch body (21) having two longitudinal sides (21b, 21c) generally parallel to one another and with respect to a direction of displacement of the hatch body (21) between the position of opening and the position of closing; and a guide arrangement (25-27, 30a-30b, 31a-31b) between the dispenser body (11) and the hatch body (21), for guiding displacement of the hatch body (21) between the position of opening and the position of closing.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub that at least partially defines a treating chamber with an access opening, a closure moveable relative to the tub to selectively open and close the access opening, a lower dish holder located within the treating chamber, a middle dish holder located within the treating chamber above the lower dish holder, and an upper dish holder located within the treating chamber above the middle dish holder and having container supports defining a support surface.