Abstract: An upholstered sofa comprises a sofa frame covered with fitted upholstery. The fitted upholstery provided by a form fit upholstery cover or covers formed of upholstery material and comprising stitched upholstery panels and pieces, the cover having upholstery edge portions with attachment means for securement of the edge portion without staples to the sofa frame. The attachment means may be a resilient polymer channel sewn to the upholstery material. The attachment means may be a plurality of elastic cords with connectors on distal ends of the cords. The elastic cords may be stretched and attached to features on the sofa frame or to features on the upholstery cover thereby keeping the upholstery cover assembly taught on the sofa frame.

Abstract: A holder includes a vertical holding part configured to support an infant in a vertical posture so that the head is positioned vertically, in which the vertical holding part has a front pad part extending in a vertical direction and configured to support the infant from a front of the infant, at least from the abdomen to the chest of the infant.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes a cover having a pocket. A mattress is positioned within the pocket. The mattress includes opposite first and second sides, the first side having a cavity. An insert is positioned within the cavity. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Examples provide a height adjustable tray including a service surface for moving one or more items from a first height near the top of a display case down to a lower height within reach of a user in a seated position or otherwise unable to reach a top surface of the display case. The tray is connected to a set of one or more support arms. A gearing mechanism moves the set of support arms along a range of motion to lower the tray from the first height near the top of the display case to a position in front of the display case at a second height. The tray remains in a horizontal orientation substantially parallel to the floor or ground surface as the tray moves through the range of motion. An operating mechanism controls movement of the tray along the range of motion.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to item-identifying carts that may be utilized by users to automatically identify items that the users place in their carts. In addition, these carts may automatically determine the outcome of respective events that occur with respect to these identified items. For example, the carts may be configured to identify one or more items that are placed into or removed from the cart, and thereafter determine one or more actions taken with respect to the identified items and a quantity of the items involved. For example, after identifying a first item and a second item either placed into or removed from the cart, the cart may determine that the user added two instances of the first item and removed one instance of the second item. In response to making this determination, the cart may update a virtual cart of a user operating the physical cart.

Abstract: An art display box configured for storing, transporting, examining, and displaying pieces of artwork, such as nail art. The art display box includes transparent panels for viewing of the artwork from multiple views and a mounting plate for securely and removably affixing pieces of the artwork for shipment, handling, and evaluation. To further protect the pieces of artwork, the art display box provides a set of stoppers to maintain a predetermined gap between the mounting plate and the interior surface of a front panel.

Abstract: A load distributing deck insert for supporting an object above the surface of a deck. The load distributing deck insert may include a body, a saddle, and a load receiving section. The load distributing deck insert may avoid contacting an upper surface of the adjacent deck boards.

Abstract: The invention allows producing air flow to either inflate a self-making bedding system via a first outlet, or to heat the air exiting the apparatus via a second, optionally a third, outlet, for controlling the air flow and the temperature sent into the self-making bedding system. The 5 apparatus is operated via an interface on the outside surface of the apparatus; a smartphone or tablet, an intelligent virtual/personal assistant or a computer including an application or software for wirelessly sending instructions to the apparatus, e.g. using Bluetooth™ or Wifi; or a remote control. The invention is particularly useful for disabled persons for self-making their bed by directly controlling the apparatus via the application, with the possibility to use a 0 voice control system combined with the application, or to have the apparatus daily programmed for making the bed or controlling the temperature at specific time of the day.

Abstract: An expandable fitted bed sheet for fitting with mattresses of different sizes. In example embodiments, the expandable fitted bed sheet is reconfigurable between an unzipped or enlarged configuration for fitting with a first mattress comprising a first mattress size and a zipped or reduced configuration for fitting with a second mattress comprising a second mattress size. At least one closure feature is provided for providing adjustability to the fitted bed sheet between the enlarged configuration and the reduced configuration.

Abstract: A protective cover for public diaper changing stations includes a top rectangular panel, a bottom rectangular panel, a folded edge, a sewn edge, a fixed-conner connection, and an insertion-corner connection. The top rectangular panel and the bottom rectangular panel are oppositely positioned of each other about the folded edge. The sewn edge is perpendicularly positioned to the folded edge about the fixed-corner connection. The top rectangular panel and the bottom rectangular panel are terminally connected to each other through the sewn edge. The insertion-corner connection is diametrically opposed of the fixed-corner connection. The top rectangular panel and the bottom rectangular panel are connected to each other through the insertion-corner connection thus delineating two openings for the insertion of the protective cover.

Abstract: A blanket formed from multiple layers including a fabric layer on the top and a base layer on the bottom where the base layer may include a waterproof coating on at least one side. The blanket may also include an insulation layer and an adhesive scrim layer positioned between the fabric layer and the base layer. The layers of the blanket may be attached using a combination of stitching along with an adhesive to form a blanket that is waterproof and is secured together such that the fabric layer does not move relative to the base layer.

Abstract: An array of furnishings positionable as décor includes a plurality of furnishings and a plurality of fasteners mounted to the plurality of furnishings. The plurality of furnishings are connectable to one another via the plurality of fasteners. When the plurality of furnishings are connected, the plurality of furnishings are movable as a single body.

Abstract: An adhesive napkin apparatus is disclosed, the adhesive napkin apparatus comprising a sheet of absorbent material having at least one adhesive strip positioned on an inner face of the sheet. Each adhesive strip is configured to semi-permanently adhere to the fabric of the user's clothing. A removable cover strip is coupled to each adhesive strip to prevent incidental adhesion before use. The sheet may be perforated to tear into a number of separable portions.

Abstract: Temporarily mutually connectable cups for efficiently serving all kinds of beverages and foods such as granular food, crisps, sauces, soup, and yoghurt. The cups have special fully integrated hook elements in the cup wall or on the handles with stabilizing thumb holding parts and the wall (2) has a thickness d. With the integrated hook elements several surrounding cups are temporarily mutually connected with a central cup to form a group of serving cups, facilitating the carrying of the cups by a waiter or waitress.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing device for a beverage container, comprising a closing body and a closing lid, said closing lid being mounted such that it can rotate, relative to the closing body, between a flow state and a sealed state. A liquid channel of the closing body is released in the flow state and blocked in the sealed state. A guide device is arranged between the closing lid and the closing body. The guide device has two preferred positions, which define the sealed state and the flow state. The rotatable mount between the closing lid and the closing body is in the form of a threaded mount.

Abstract: A device comprising an adjustable lid for covering a glass or cup that covers the top of the glass or cup and prevents substances from being placed in the glass or cup.

Abstract: A device comprising an adjustable lid for covering a glass or cup that covers the top of the glass or cup and prevents substances from being placed in the glass or cup.

Abstract: A stackable drinking cup has a frustoconical body with a sipping straw formed in the conical side. The inlet at the bottom of the cup has a greater cross-section than the outlet in the mouthpiece of the straw when the sipping straw extends inside the body of the cup.

Abstract: An object is to provide a base paper for paper tube that has lower environmental impact and is used for manufacturing of paper tubes offering excellent water resistance. As a solution, a base paper for paper tube is provided, characterized in that: it has three or more but no more than five paper layers; its overall basis weight is 250 g/m2 or more; and among the paper layers, the innermost layer and outermost layer have a basis weight of 25 g/m2 or more but no more than 75 g/m2.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an elongated tether may comprise an anchor end, a retention end, and a stretchable elastic section configured to allow stretching along a length of an elongated tether. The retention end may comprise a plurality of retention apertures each characterized by a retention-aperture diameter, and a retention terminus characterized by a retention diameter that is greater than the retention-aperture diameter. The retention end may be configured to enable the retention terminus to be compressed and manipulated through a first or second retention aperture to form a compression fit and a loop of a first size and a loop of a second, larger size. The stretchable elastic section may be configured such that an overall length of the elongated tether does not exceed a maximum length when subjected to a given amount of stretching force.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ordered food and drink conveyance apparatus capable of reducing the number of man-hours required for conveying food and drink in a store as much as possible. A lifting device that raises food and drink placed on a belt conveyor and separates it from the belt conveyor is provided at an end point or in the middle of a conveyance path from a kitchen side to a customer seat floor side of a restaurant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall-mounted vertically oriented shoe organizer, the shoe organizer formed from: a backboard, the backboard having a planar shape and the backboard being mounted to the wall and extending in a plane parallel to the wall; a frame, the frame covering the perimeter of the backboard and extended outward therefrom in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the backboard; a plurality of cylinders secured to the backboard, each cylinder extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the blackboard and each cylinder defining a recess therein suitable of insertion of a shoe heel; and one or more ledges secured to the backboard, each ledge extending perpendicular from the plane of the backboard and oriented such that each ledge is parallel to the ground when the backboard is mounted to the wall, wherein the shoe organizer stores one or more pairs of shoes, with each shoe in each pair of shoes being supported on the shoe organizer via one of: inserting the shoe heel of the ea

Abstract: An infant feeding mat assembly for protecting a floor from spillage when an infant is being fed in an infant high chair includes a first mat that is positionable beneath an infant high chair. The first mat has a pair of slots to accommodate legs of the infant high chair. A second mat is coupled to the first mat such that the second mat is positioned beneath the infant high chair when the first mat is positioned beneath the infant high chair. The second mat is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to inhibit food spilled thereon from contacting a support surface. The second mat has a pair of slots therein to accommodate legs of the infant high chair.

Abstract: An antitheft parcel delivery door system for a facility including a door with a door opening; a weather resistant exterior cover attached to a first door face, moveably positioned over the opening; parcel drum support bracket, moveable arm and rotating parcel drum with parcel drum opening, and cam assembly revolving the rotating parcel drum in the door opening, the cam assembly rotating the parcel drum simultaneously while the weather resistant exterior cover is opened and closed, enabling the rotating parcel drum to receive a parcel then counter revolve in a second direction of rotation to deposit the parcel in a facility interior space; and a protective interior cover with opening attached to a second door face enabling a parcel to drop safely into the facility interior space while preventing unwanted facility access, theft of the parcel, human harm and animal harm from contact with the rotating parcel drum and the cam assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a dual mount end cap system for mounting a rod. The dual mount end cap system includes both a threaded system and a fastener system. This enables end caps of the system to be pre-mounted using a fastener and also adjusted using the threaded system. The fastener can extend through the dual mount end cap system. Alternatively, the threaded system can be used without the fastener system. There also is provided a stop system to prevent a locking system for an adjustable rod system to prevent the locking system from becoming stuck.

Abstract: A curtain assembly for hanging a shortened, lighter curtain from existing curtain ceiling tracks. The assembly uses adjustable height hangers to connect the commercially available track to existing curtain systems and a lightweight disposable curtain to hang therefrom. The brackets to attach the track to the room walls and one bracket allows for the vertical insertion of the curtain hooks onto the track. A quick load bracket gathers the curtain hooks for vertical installation through the brackets. The curtain can be installed simply and quickly by one person without a ladder.

Abstract: The pipe-mounted clamp coupler enables the industry standard hooks on horizontal rods and other accessories to rest at such a height as to provide uniform appearance to the top of drape walls. The clamp coupler is configured with a hinged body that is closable around the pipe and secured with a screw tightener. The clamp coupler includes a connection bridge that supports a coupler to receive accessories. The accessories may include a castletop coupler that is either affixed to the connection bridge or mounts on the coupler affixed to the connection bridge. The pipe-mounted clamp coupler allows multiple horizontal rods to be mounted in parallel from a single vertical pipe via one or more couplers.

Abstract: A cooktop module (1) to connect to a kitchen appliance base (2). The range of functions of kitchen appliances is expanded, in that the cooktop module (1) features at least one surface (3) for at least one cooking vessel (9), at least one electrical heating means (4), at least one connection area (5) for accommodation on the kitchen appliance base (2), and at least one electrical contact means (6), wherein a cooking vessel (9) which can be positioned on the surface (3) can be warmed by the heating means (4), and wherein the heating means (4) can be electrically connected to the kitchen appliance base (2) via the electrical contact means (6).

Abstract: A steam generator has a water container and an upper heating device and a lower heating device, a first temperature detection device covering a temperature detection area including the area covered by the two heating devices, a control device for monitoring and evaluating the first temperature detection device and for controlling the activation state of the two heating devices. For operation of the steam generator, water is filled into the container, at least one of the two heating devices is activated for generating steam for an operation of a steam household device, wherein finally this operation is over. Then at least the lower heating device is activated, until the first temperature detection device detects that a pre-defined first temperature threshold has been reached, upon which the lower heating device is deactivated. Remaining water is pumped off from the water container for a pre-defined first pumping duration.

Abstract: A steam generator has a water container and an upper heating device and a lower heating device, a first temperature detection device covering a temperature detection area including the area covered by the two heating devices, a control device for monitoring and evaluating the first temperature detection device and for controlling the activation state of the two heating devices. A flat first temperature detection device covers the outside of the container, and a second spot-like temperature sensor is located on the water container in a region of an upper border of the upper heating device. Both temperature detection devices are used to activate and deactivate the two heating devices such that at first the lower heating device is activated to start generating steam as fast as possible.

Abstract: In a beverage pod arranged for use in a beverage forming machine to make a beverage, the beverage pod has a container with an interior space, and with a beverage material located in the interior space. The beverage material is usable to form a beverage by interaction of the beverage material with a pressurized liquid introduced into the interior space upon initiation of a mixing process. The beverage pod further includes a turbulent flow creating structure in the interior space to cause mixing of the beverage material and pressurized liquid relative to the container, in response to a pattern of water jets exiting the turbulent flow creating structure so as to saturate and mix the beverage material.

Abstract: A drink maker (100) includes a body (110); a fluid system in the fluid system (147) disposed in the body; a control unit (180) to control the fluid system (147) for preparation of a beverage and a beverage container placement area (115); a recess (160) introduced in the body (110), being externally accessible and with at least one boundary wall (161, 162); a dispensing device (120) for dispensing the prepared beverage which is disposed in the recess (160); and an illumination device (170) for illuminating the recess (160). The illumination device (170) features a flat lighting body (171) disposed in the recess (160) for emitting light into the recess (160) and a light source (172) which can emit light into the lighting body (171).

Abstract: A container for a foodstuff or beverage preparation machine, the container for containing beverage or foodstuff material and comprising a code encoding preparation information, the code comprising a reference portion and a data portion: the reference portion comprising an arrangement of at least two reference units defining a reference point and a reference line r extending from said point; the data portion comprising a data unit arranged on an encoding line D, the encoding line D extending from the reference point and arranged at an angle a to the reference line r, the data unit arranged a distance d from the reference point as a variable to at least partially encode a parameter of the preparation information.

Abstract: A device for the removal of coffee foam from coffee liquid, comprising a tank having a tank interior, which is bounded by a peripheral tank wall as well as a tank bottom, with an inlet arranged above the tank bottom, via which the tank interior can be filled with coffee liquid, as well as with a liquid outlet arranged at the base of the tank bottom, from which the coffee liquid that has been freed of coffee foam can be discharged from the tank interior, is characterized in that the tank bottom converges toward the liquid outlet in a funnel-like manner and has a plurality of peripheral steps, which are arranged one above the other in a terrace-like manner, each of which has a peripheral step face and a vertical step wall arranged at an angle to it, the two of which

Abstract: A method for producing a hot beverage by an apparatus from water and a raw material in a brewing unit includes determining, by a measuring unit, an actual value of a physical material property and/or a physical variable dependent on the physical material property, and optionally a process property of the hot beverage, and comparing, with a control and/or regulating unit, the actual value and a set point value of the physical material property and/or the physical variable and optionally the process property. The control and/or regulating unit uses a data memory in which data records of set point values and/or set point value ranges are stored according to a temperature and/or a desired hot beverage type. If the actual value is outside the set point value range, a control and/or manipulated variable is adjusted by the control and/or regulating unit such that the physical material property of the hot beverage is influenced in a controlled or regulated manner.

Abstract: A microwavable dish having a body with a microwave-absorbing coating. A bottom of the microwavable dish or the microwave-absorbing coating defines or includes a dome portion. The microwave-absorbing coating can be coupled to or formed with the bottom of the microwavable dish. The microwave-absorbing coating provides heat to the body by transforming microwaves to heat. The microwave-absorbing coating can include a plurality of nubs, where each nub has a height and a nub diameter.

Abstract: Provided is cookware made from a bonded multi-layer blank assembly. The cookware has a first metal layer, a second metal layer having a cavity with a plurality of spaced-apart posts protruding from a bottom surface of the cavity, and a perforated graphite layer having a thickness of at least 0.010 in. (0.254 mm) and a plurality of spaced-apart holes formed therethrough. The perforated graphite layer is positioned within the cavity of the second metal layer such that the plurality of spaced-apart posts extend through the plurality of spaced-apart holes. The second metal layer is metallurgically bonded to the first metal layer at least via the plurality of spaced-apart posts. A method of making the bonded multi-layer composite cookware is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lid (116) for a food processor, the food processor including a hollow body (102) providing an interior chamber (103) to receive product and within which the product is processed, the body (102) having a sidewall (112) with an outwardly stepped rim portion (108) surrounding a body top opening (114), the rim portion (108) having a lip (109), the lid (116) including: a main part (118) to cooperate with the lip (109) to close the opening (114); and a skirt (120) to extend into the interior (103) of the body (102) and sealingly interface with an inner surface of the sidewall (112), wherein the skirt (120) is attached to the main part (118) at one end, and wherein the skirt (120) steps radially outwardly towards its other end to engage the stepped rim portion (108).

Abstract: A device for reheating food components refrigerated preserved in packaging is provided that includes a housing, a water tank for holding water and a lid for closing the water tank, an immersion basket with compartments for packaging units of refrigerated preserved food for insertion into the water tank, at least one electric heating element for heating the water, a pump for circulating the water, and a control unit. The control unit is configured, during a heating method, to regulate the power supply to the electric heating element such that the water temperature is maintained at a heating temperature of 80°-90° C. The uses of the device for reheating food components refrigerated preserved in packaging units is also provided. Refrigerated preserved food components are provided by a method in which the food components, after their hot preparation at a temperature of at least 75° C., are filled into packaging units, sealed and cooled in a water bath of less than 3° C. to a core temperature of less than 3° C.

Abstract: A digital thermometer for cooking includes an outer casing having a bottom wall that defines a closed lower end and a side wall that projects upwardly from the bottom wall to define an open upper end, and a housing for electronic components disposed inside the outer casing and being surrounded by the side wall of the outer casing. A printed circuit board is disposed inside the housing, and a microprocessor and a visual display component are mounted on the printed circuit board. An insulating assembly is disposed inside the outer casing and is located between the bottom wall of the outer casing and the housing containing the electronic components. A temperature sensing probe projects from the bottom wall of the outer casing for obtaining temperature readings and transmitting the temperature readings to the microprocessor. The side wall of the outer casing is spaced from the housing to define a heat vent for dissipating heat.

Abstract: A rotisserie device useful in a partially opened, hinged, covered grill includes a support ring that is shaped and configured to inhibit airflow into and out of the grill when the cover is partially opened. The support ring includes one or more cover supporting portions or chocks that hold the cover and base apart when the cover is partially opened, and one or more apertures through the ring that can receive a rotatable spindle which serves as or which drives a removable, rotatable rotisserie spit.

Abstract: A cooking appliance is disclosed including a burner assembly that effectively and efficiently combusts fuel and directs the resulting smoke from a burn pot of the burner assembly to a cook chamber of a cooking appliance. The burner assembly may include a series of openings and curved faces that provide airflow to push smoke from the burn pot to the cook chamber and provide more turbulence and better heat and smoke circulation in the smoker. The burn pot may define one or more vents and include a one or more curved or shrouded surfaces. The burner assembly may include one or more deflector plates configured to direct the flow of smoke from the burn pot to the cook chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a modular barbecue system and kits for adapting a gas barbecue to other types of cooking and other uses. The modular barbecue system comprises a heating compartment having a bottom wall and a peripheral defining a cavity, a heat source provided in the cavity of the heating compartment, a plurality of add-on components receivable in the cavity of the heating compartment, a plurality of steps provided in the cavity of the heating compartment for supporting the add-on components at different distances relative to the heat source. Add-on components such as a large basin, a flat basin, a perforated plate system, a strainer, a lid and a pump are combined to form a plurality of kits enabling steam cooking, maple sap boiling, double boiling, coal fire cooking, boiling, smoke cooking and water heating to expand the typical grilling method of a gas barbecue to various cooking techniques.

Abstract: A mechanism for raising and lowering a cooking surface within a recessed combustion chamber is provided.

Abstract: The present application discloses an outdoor travel stove. The outdoor travel stove comprises a base having a first closable air hole, a side wall coupled to the base, wherein the side wall comprises a second closable air hole and an opening, and a top cover removably coupled to the side wall. When the base, the side wall and the top cover are assembled together and the first closable air hole, the second closable air hole and the opening are closed, the outdoor travel stove forms an airtight space.

Abstract: A mechanism for raising and lowering a cooking surface within a recessed combustion chamber is provided.

Abstract: A shelving system for a cooking appliance, such as a smoker or grill is disclosed. A convertible and removable shelf may be coupled to a frame in a variety of positions and orientations. The convertible shelf may be extended and locked into a first position at a first location or pivotally lowered to a second position without removing the shelf. Additionally, the shelf may be removed from the first location and secured to a second location providing a storage surface. The flexible location and orientation of the convertible shelf provides for more efficient and economical storage and portability of the appliance.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of vertical elements installed in a cooking appliance and defining a plurality of installation locations having a vertical and horizontal position inside the cooking appliance, and a plurality of modular secondary cooking elements selectively installable in the plurality of locations.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a toaster (10) including: a housing (12); a pair of opposing food guards (24a, 24b) located within the housing (12) and defining a toasting cavity (25a, 25b) for receiving foodstuff to be toasted; a pair of heating elements (28) located within the housing (12), each heating element (28) being located on a respective side of the pair of food guards (24a, 24b), wherein each food guard (24a, 24b) is spaced from the corresponding heating element (28) by a clearance (81); and wherein each food guard (24a, 24b) has an upwardly-extending portion (75c, 75d) that extends upwardly to a portion (75a, 75b) that extends transversely from the upwardly-extending portion so as to extend above the corresponding heating element (28), the transversely-extending portion (75a, 75b) of each food guard (24a, 24b) projecting away from the opposing food guard (24a, 24b).

Abstract: The present invention is a cooking-oil filtration system for automated cooking apparatus which has a solids-removing filter for cleaning cooking oil from the food-fryer and returning oil to the cooking apparatus. The system comprises a solids-removing filter enclosure which includes a plurality of doors having electronically controlled locks with lock-state feedback, a controller including memory and software for controlling the system and a user interface, a number of electrically-controlled pumps, valves, actuators and sensors, the user interface comprising screens with icons representing system set-up, status, and actions.