Abstract: The invention discloses a playpen connecting joint and a playpen. The playpen connecting joint comprises a shell, a locking piece, a cover plate and a horizontal pipe connector. The locking piece is actuated through the cooperation of a lock catch and a push switch, so as to realize free rotation and fixation of the horizontal pipe connector, so that the playpen adopting the playpen connecting joint can realize free adjustment of the enclosure shape, and is stable in structure and easy to operate in use.

Abstract: A system for dispensing one or more products can include one or more product containers, each with a port for dispensing a product, a housing with one or more product cavities for removably receiving the product containers, one or more quantity sensors for detecting a quantity of product within one or more product containers, one or more actuators for dispensing product from one or more product containers, and a controller configured to monitor or control one or more aspects of the system.

Abstract: A display case includes multiple walls that define an inner volume, a door, a door actuator, a gesture sensor, and a controller. The door is transitionable between an open position for access to the inner volume and a closed position. The door actuator is configured to transition the door between the open position and the closed position. The gesture sensor is configured to detect a gesture performed by a user. The controller includes a processing circuit configured to obtain sensor data from the gesture sensor that indicates the gesture performed by the user. The processing circuit is further configured to determine if the user has performed a reference gesture using the sensor data. The processing circuit is further configured to operate the door actuator to transition the door between the open position and the closed position in response to determining that the user has performed the reference gesture.

Abstract: An access gate assembly for a retail merchandise display has a frame defining a product storage region. The access gate includes a mounting frame and a door. The mounting frame is configured to be attached to a frame of a retail merchandise display adjacent the product storage region. The mounting frame includes a door mounting member. The door includes a main panel having a front side and a rear side opposite the front side. The door includes a first door mount attached to the main panel. The first door mount has a first mounting hook having a mounting slot including an open mouth facing in a rearward direction sized to receive a portion of the door mounting member into the mounting slot and permitting the first door mount to rotate about the door mounting member.

Abstract: A data structure embodied on a computer-readable medium is disclosed. The data structure may include database schema such as a structured query language (SQL) database. The database schema may include a tiered reward schema that cooperates with a competition schema to reward contestants based on their status in the tiered reward schema. The tiered reward schema may encourage contestants that introduce and promote new songs and artist via their virtual or digital record label.

Abstract: An anchor system which can be used to hang framed items from a wall or to secure and anchor a piece of furniture or other object to a wall. The system includes an arrow element, a first washer element, and a second washer element. The arrow element includes a head with several expanding barbs and a body which includes a zip-tie zipper portion. Each washer has a flat body with a front face and a rear face, and a zip-tie receiver portion at its center on its front face, and with several prongs on its rear face opposing the receiver portion.

Abstract: A heating blanket that includes: a first heating segment comprising a first heating section and a first sensing section, the first heating section comprises one or more heating elements and the first sensing section comprises one or more sensing elements; a second heating segment comprising a second heating section, the second heating section comprises one or more heating elements; the first sensing section overlaps the second heating section and the one or more sensing elements in the first sensing section monitor or determine an amount of heat generated by the one or more heating elements in the second heating section.

Abstract: A travel pillow includes a main body, a rotary frame disposed on the outer side of the main body, and a casing detachably disposed on the outer side of the rotary frame. The rotary frame includes a support arm, a rear support part, and an angle adjustment assembly. The support arm is rotatably connected to the rear support part, and the angle adjustment assembly is disposed between the support arm and the rear support part to adjust an angle between the support arm and the rear support part. The angle adjustment assembly includes a rotating shaft and a damper. The damper sleeves one end of the rotating shaft and includes a first fixing part and an adjustment end; the adjustment end includes a plurality of adjustment sections disposed at equal intervals around the rotating shaft. Each of the adjustment sections includes two adjustment sections.

Abstract: A sticky napkin is disclosed. The sticky napkin includes a first surface and an opposing second surface, a first fold line extending from the first side to the second side, a second fold line extending from the first side to the second side, a first adhesive strip overlaying the second surface of the first end section panel and extending in a direction from the first side to the second side, and a second adhesive strip overlaying the second surface of the second end section panel and extending in a direction from the first side to the second side.

Abstract: A container assembly and a container lid are provided. The container assembly includes a container body, a lid, a sleeved portion, an annular pressing portion, and a straw. The container body has an opening portion at an upper end thereof. The lid is detachably disposed on the opening portion. The lid has an outer lid portion, an inner lid portion, and a connection portion, and the outer lid portion, the inner lid portion, and the connection portion jointly define a first heat insulation space. The connection portion has an annular abutting section, an enclosed end section, and an outer thread section arranged between the annular abutting section and the enclosed end section, and a distance between the enclosed end section and the annular abutting section is less than a distance between the enclosed end section and an inner lid top board of the inner lid portion.

Abstract: A drink container include a liquid container having a neck with an opening and having an internal compartment sized to hold a volume of potable drink liquid and a cap assembly removably coupled to the liquid container, the cap assembly including a base removably coupled to the neck of the liquid container and including a through-passage extending through the base, a first catch structure coupled to the base, a mouthpiece assembly, a second catch structure adapted to selectively engage with the first catch structure and retain the mouthpiece assembly in the stowed configuration when engaged with the first catch structure, and a user release mechanism comprising an actuation surface, the user release mechanism being configured to disengage the first and second catch structures in response to a user pushing the actuation surface, to cause the mouthpiece assembly to move via its bias from the stowed configuration to the dispensing configuration.

Abstract: A multiple chamber dispenser assembly for containing and dispensing spices includes a cylinder that has a pair of chambers each is integrated within the chamber to contain a respective granular spice. A strainer is integrated into the cylinder and the strainer extends partially across the cylinder such that the strainer defines an exposed portion of the opening extending into the cylinder. In this way the exposed portion of the opening facilitates each of the chambers to be filled with the respective granular spice. Furthermore, the strainer is foraminous to facilitate each of the chambers to dispense the respective granular spice through the strainer. A plurality of lids is each hingedly coupled to the cylinder and each of the lids is aligned with a respective one of the chambers for opening and closing the respective chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of tableware, in particular, provides an environment-friendly tableware comprising a handle and a main body, wherein the main body is positioned at one end of the handle; on a cross section transverse to an extending direction of the handle, the handle has a bottom wall and side walls located at both ends of the bottom wall, a first edge flap is arranged at a free end of each side wall, a thickness of the first edge flap is equal to a thickness of each side wall, and corners of the first edge flap are rounded.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to biodegradable cutlery, and more specifically to spoons, forks, and knives. The biodegradable cutlery includes a plurality of recesses disposed on the handle forming a rib to resist twisting and bending. An indentation may be disposed along a neck of the cutlery to enhance stability further.

Abstract: A grip enhancement device for deterring slippage of a handheld container within a hand of a user includes a band, which is resiliently stretchable and thus configured to be stretched for positioning the band around the handheld container. The band has inner and outer faces, which are textured. The inner face frictionally engages an outer surface of the handheld container upon rebounding of the band. The outer face frictionally engages the hand of the user upon gripping of the handheld container to deter slippage of the handheld container within the hand of the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a convenient reusable handle device for a beverage can, which firmly holds the beverage can and makes it easy to carry. The beverage can handle device comprises an upper or top portion, a middle or handle portion and a lower or base portion, where the shapes of the top and base portions of the beverage can handle device are matched to that of the top rim and bottom rim, respectively, of the beverage can, so as to engage and clasp securely the beverage can. The base of the beverage can handle device is configured to linearly traverse the bottom diameter of the beverage can in a single direction when the base is contracted and to linearly traverse the bottom diameter of the beverage can in two directions (e.g., substantially perpendicular directions in a “scissor hinge”) when the base is expanded.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a user in donning a shoe is disclosed. The apparatus can have a body defining a U-shaped receptacle that is configured to extend across an upper surface of the shoe. The body can have a pair of legs that extend downwardly on respective sides of the body to respective lower edges. The body can have a highest portion opposite the lower edges of the pair of legs that is spaced from the lower edges of the legs by at least 2 inches along a vertical axis. The apparatus can further have a clip that is coupled to the body, the clip comprising an arm that is pivotable relative to the body. The arm can define a first clamping surface. A second clamping surface can face the first clamping surface. The first and second clamping surfaces can receive the tongue therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated key and mail storage apparatus that includes a container with one open side; a flexible cover; a mail holder; and a plurality of key holders. The magnetic strip secures a plurality of keys within the key and mail storage apparatus. The keys include metal rings that adhere to the magnetic strip. The motor end brackets is attached at each end at the top of the container to support a shaft. Attached to the shaft is motor which rotates the shaft. The flexible cover is attached to shaft and rolls up and down based on the motor rotation. The mail holder is attached to the back of container to provide storage of the mails. The key holders are attached to the back of container to provide storage of the keys.

Abstract: An article storage and retrieval system includes a body having a first side wall, a second side wall and a support surface. The support surface establishes a first article retrieval zone and a second article retrieval zone. A first door support assembly is arranged at the body. A second door support assembly arranged at the body. A roller door is mounted between the first door support assembly and the second door support assembly. The roller door includes an opening. A motor, operatively connected to one of the first door support assembly and the second door support assembly, selectively operates to shift the roller door relative to the body. A controller activates the motor to shift the roller door and selectively align the opening with one of the first article retrieval zone and the second article retrieval zone.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a curtain carrier, having a frame (100), a hanging rod (200), a pressing block and an elastic member (400). The frame (100) is of an elongated shape, and the hanging rod (200) is accommodated in the frame (100). The pressing block (300) is arranged at one end of the frame (100), the pressing block (300) is disposed corresponding to one end of the hanging rod (200). The pressing block (300) is movable along a longitudinal direction of the hanging rod (200). The elastic member (400) is arranged on the frame (100) and compressible by the pressing block (300).

Abstract: A dock system configured to hold and translate a capsule containing coffee grounds during a brewing process. The dock system comprises a capsule dock configured to receive and hold the capsule, a linear positioning stage configured to translate the capsule dock, and a mount configured for mounting the linear positioning stage inside a housing of a coffee brewer. The dock system further comprises a controller configured to cause the linear positioning stage (a) to move the capsule dock to a first position underneath a grinder of the coffee brewer before and during a grinding operation and (b) to move the capsule dock to a second position underneath a water dispenser of the coffee brewer before and during a water-dispensing operation.

Abstract: The present invention refers to systems and process associated with beverage preparation based upon the extraction of a single portion (1) of a pre-measured quantity of precursor substance in a brewing apparatus (4), whereby said single portion (1) presents a compostable confinement (2) and can be collected inside of a portion holder (3) that is adapted so that can be retained inside a cavity of said brewing apparatus (4). In particular, the present invention relates addresses the problem of ensuring effective and reliable operation of a single portion (1) in the portion holder (3).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for producing coffee, espresso for instance, with the capability to be modularly reconfigured for operation as a manual lever operated espresso machine, or alternatively configured as a spring lever operated espresso machine, preferably without the use of specialized tools or the removal or replacement of major components from operational use.

Abstract: A grinder for grinding whole coffee beans into coffee grounds with automatically adjustable coarseness. The grinder comprise a burr assembly for grinding whole coffee beans, which comprises an inner burr having a side surface that is slanted and abrasive or serrated, and an outer burr surrounding the inner burr. The side surface of the inner burr and the outer burr define a gap. The grinder comprise a main motor configured to provide a first rotational movement to the inner burr. A second motor is configured to adjust a vertical position of the inner burr relative to the outer burr, wherein changes in the vertical position of the inner burr relative to the outer burr changes the gap between the inner burr and the outer burr. A coarseness of the coffee grounds depends on the gap between the inner burr and the outer burr.

Abstract: A diffuser (20) for a steam wand (10) for frothing a quantity of milk for the preparation of a beverage, wherein said diffuser (20) is configured to be connected to a steam wand (10) which receives steam from a steam tank and/or from a steam generator, wherein said diffuser (20) comprises a longitudinal axis (22) and a plurality of steam outlet holes (21), each having an outlet hole axis (23), wherein at least one outlet hole (21) has its axis (23) which is skew with respect to said longitudinal axis (22) of the diffuser (20).

Abstract: A single-serving coffee pod includes: a hollow capsule having an opening at a first end thereof and at least one smaller opening in a second end thereof opposite the first end; a filter disposed within the capsule; a plurality of whole coffee beans located within the capsule; and a removable covering disposed over the opening of the capsule.

Abstract: A brewing system comprises a grinder, a brewer, a capsule holder, and a controller. The grinder is configured to grind whole coffee beans into coffee grounds with adjustable coarseness. The grinder is configured to receive the whole coffee beans through a first opening above the grinder and dispense the coffee grounds through a second opening below the grinder. The brewer is configured to dispense water for brewing coffee through a third opening below the brewer, wherein the brewer is positioned laterally relative to the grinder. The capsule dock is configured to (a) hold a capsule containing a coffee filter and (b) translate the capsule from a first position under the second opening of the grinder to a second position under the third opening below the brewer. The controller is configured to control the grinder, brewer, and capsule dock.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bean grinding component with self-cleaning for a coffee machine and a use method thereof. The bean grinding component comprises a main component which comprises a shell, a base and a water tank; the base is fixed to the bottom of the shell, and the water tank is arranged at one side of the shell; and a grinding component which is arranged in the shell and comprises an inner housing, a storage tank, a grinding piece, a driving piece, a water outlet sprinkler, a funnel and a filter screen; the inner housing is fixed in the shell, the storage tank is arranged in the inner housing, and the grinding piece is arranged in the storage tank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a machine for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee comprising a system to regulate the electrolytic composition of the water to be used for the preparation of espresso coffee, the system comprising a water demineralization device, and a device for the addition of at least one organic and/or inorganic salt to the demineralized water.

Abstract: A tray for receiving food for a cooking device is described. The cooking device includes a housing defining a cooking chamber, the housing having an opening providing access to the cooking chamber. The cooking device further includes a tray including a body defining a base, and a handle attached to the body. The tray may be received in the housing through the opening, and may be removable from the housing through the opening. When the tray is received in the housing, the handle is moveable with respect to the housing between an extended position, in which the handle extends out of the cooking chamber, and a retracted position, in which the handle is received within the cooking chamber. The cooking device furthermore includes a moving mechanism for moving the handle to the extended position. The handle of the tray may be biased to the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel crockpot liner device. The device is a large crockpot liner with a Ziploc-type fastener as its top. The crockpot liner device comprises a body component that is a single piece of material shaped in a bag-like configuration with a closed bottom portion and an open top portion. The body component is sized and shaped to fit within the interior of a crockpot. Further, the top portion of the body component comprises a resealable fastener, which allows a user to seal and unseal the body component, as needed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a baby bottle warmer, including a machine body, a baby bottle basket and a lifting device. The lifting device includes a rotating member, the rotating member rotates to drive the baby bottle basket to move up or down; and since the rotating member is always located on the same plane and position during rotation, a heating plate is arranged in the rotating member without affecting the function of the rotating member. Furthermore, the baby bottle warmer provided by the present disclosure has a compact and exquisite structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen appliance system with a base unit having a housing, a controller and a communication interface, and with at least one accessory having an identifier.

Abstract: A food heating appliance comprises a grill member with an upper food contact surface having an articulated surface having upwardly-open cooking troughs for receiving food items such as tacos. The trough sidewalls are tapered and narrow upwardly. Each trough is defined by spaced-apart cooking sidewalls connected at a lower surface portion, with a horizontal heating element connected to the lower surface portions, A plurality of heat sink facilities are registered with each with its trough. Each heat sink facility defines a channel that closely receives a portion of the heating element assembly. Each trough is defined between an inboard cooking sidewall and an outboard cooking sidewall, with the inboard sidewalls being proximate each other and being thicker that than the outboard cooking sidewalls. The grill is a unitary casting with a peripheral rim encompassing the heating element assembly and free of undercuts and of negative draft angles.

Abstract: An outdoor cooking station configured to keep cooked food warm within a warming chamber of the cooking station. The cooking station includes a main body with frame components and panels, the panels coupled to the frame components so as to extend and define the warming chamber, the warming chamber positioned below heating elements supported by the main body. The warming chamber is fixedly positioned relative to the heating elements. The main body includes a door pivotably coupled to the main body and positioned along a front side of the main body, the door pivotably moveable between an open position and a closed position. With this arrangement, the door facilitates access to the warming chamber to place cooked food therein.

Abstract: A cooking system with modifiable portability that includes an outdoor oven and a stand. The outdoor oven extends with an upper oven portion and a lower oven portion. The upper oven portion includes a cooking chamber having a lower stone positioned on a tray. The lower oven portion includes oven legs extending therefrom. The stand includes a frame structure extending between an upper side and a lower side, the frame structure sized and configured to receive the oven legs of the outdoor oven so that the outdoor oven is positionable over the stand. The stand includes wheels positioned adjacent the lower side of the stand. The outdoor oven being removable from the frame structure of the stand to separate the outdoor oven from the stand so that the outdoor oven is useable in a countertop configuration.

Abstract: It is disclosed a hopper for a coffee grinder machine with a closing device comprising an actuation member, a shutter member, an actuation plane and a shutter plane, wherein the shutter plane is arranged below the actuation plane, wherein the shutter organ comprises: a single circular sector which is fixed with respect to the lower hopper portion, wherein the fixed circular sector comprises a central angle of less than 180° and a central hole; movable circular sectors pivoted at the central hole, wherein the movable circular sectors are rotatable between a first position in which the bottom opening is open and at least two of the sectors are substantially stacked one on top of the other in correspondence with the single fixed circular sector and a second position in which the lower opening is closed by the single fixed circular sector and by the mobile sectors arranged in a circumferential succession arrangement.

Abstract: A storage container for tobacco, spices and herbs has an airtight lid with a storage cavity on top for temporary storage of ground particulates. The cavity has ramp for dispensing ground material in a controlled manner, and a removable cover plate with a built-in grinder for grinding the stored material and allowing it to fall directly into the cavity. A recessed storage compartment on the bottom of the lid holds a humidity stabilizer which controls the humidity inside the container to help preserve material stored in the container. A rotary grinder can also be removably attached to the storage container.

Abstract: A grinding device for grinding food products, comprises a housing compartment, grinding means and a hopper removably associated with the housing compartment, wherein the hopper comprises a container having at least one selectively openable and closable lower aperture.

Abstract: It is disclosed a coffee grinder machine comprising: a machine body with a motor and grinding members for grinding coffee beans; and a device for detecting the presence of a filter and/or a filter holder in a set position suitable for receiving ground coffee, wherein the detecting device comprises a normally-open switch comprising a first half-support for the filter and/or the filter holder and a second half-support for the filter and/or filter holder, and wherein the switch is configured to close when the filter and/or filter holder is in electrical contact with said first half-support and with said second half-support.

Abstract: A screw for a juicer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a plurality of screw threads formed on the outer circumferential surface includes a cut-out portion for accommodating the input juice material and primarily compressing the juice material with the plurality of screw threads, and a compression portion for further compressing and crushing the juice material transferred from the cut-out portion, and a rough area having a rough surface is formed in the compression portion.

Abstract: A food processing appliance (100) comprises a housing defining an exterior of the appliance. There is disclosed a reversibly attachable fascia (200) arranged to extend over an exterior surface of the appliance (100). The reversibly attachable fascia (200) is typically configured to be reversibly attachable to the appliance (100) without the use of tools.

Abstract: The invention aids in grilling foods by scraping foods such as paella off of a cooking surface to prevent burning and with minimal disturbance to their visual appearance. It comprises a decorative and ergonomic handle attached to a spoon bowl shaped like a shallow spherical cap, with the edge of the spherical cap distal to the handle being truncated and formed into a straight edge for cutting.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for automated food preparation comprising at least one preparation vessel which is substantially rotationally symmetrical about an axis of rotation and is adapted to receive at least one foodstuff, and at least one mixing device which is adapted to mix the contents of the preparation vessel, wherein the preparation vessel comprises a coupling element extending substantially along the axis of rotation, the coupling element being adapted to cooperate with a complementary coupling element of the mixing means so that the preparation vessel is received in the mixing means and can be caused to rotate about the axis of rotation of the preparation vessel, and an associated method.

Abstract: There is provided a bathtub apparatus capable of satisfactorily detecting an electrocardiographic signal even in a state where water is being discharged into a bathtub by a water discharge device. The present invention is a bathtub apparatus (1) including a bathtub main body (2), a water discharge device (8) that discharges water toward inside of the bathtub main body and is provided above a first inner wall surface (2a) forming a short side of the bathtub main body, and electrodes (4a, 4b, 4c) attached to the bathtub main body to detect an electrocardiographic signal of a bathing person, where the electrodes are arranged on an inner wall surface of the bathtub main body, and are arranged closer to the first inner wall surface than a position (P) where water discharged from the water discharge device hits a water surface of the water stored in the bathtub main body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for holding dispensing a paper roll product. Exemplary systems include a wall mount, a first arm coupled with the wall mount via a first bearing mechanism, a second arm coupled with the first arm via a second bearing mechanism, a third arm coupled with the second arm via a third bearing mechanism, and a holder arm coupled with the third arm via a fourth bearing mechanism, the holder arm configured to support a paper product roll, such as a toilet paper roll.

Abstract: Dual roll sheet product dispensers of a compact design are provided herein. A sheet product dispenser comprises a first roll holder for a first product roll and a second roll holder for a second product roll. A housing includes a base portion and a cover that is movable relative to the base portion to define an open position and a closed position. A chassis is mounted between the first roll holder and the second roll holder and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The chassis is movable to the extended position when the cover is in the open position. The chassis includes a first dispensing mechanism and a second dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A wet or dry paper towel dispenser includes a paper towel roll in a housing; drive rollers operably driven by an electric motor; driven rollers disposed oppositely of the drive rollers; a controller including a first sensor for detecting dispensation of dry paper towel sheet and a second sensor for detecting dispensation of wet paper towel sheet; a paper dispensing opening under the controller; a cutter disposed between the paper dispensing opening and the driven rollers, the cutter being configured to cut a portion of sheet product of the paper towel roll; a reservoir disposed rearward of the paper dispensing opening; a pump electrically connected to the controller; and nozzles. A leading edge of the paper towel roll is pinched by the drive rollers and the driven rollers to dispose in front of the nozzles.

Abstract: A defecation assisting device includes a support, the support including two supporting bodies arranged opposite each other, and a squatting and sitting part, the squatting and sitting part being located between the two supporting bodies. The two supporting bodies are respectively connected to the squatting and sitting part by means of suspension systems, each suspension system includes comprises a suspension belt and an adjusting mechanism, and the adjusting mechanism is used for adjusting the length of the suspension belt. The squatting and sitting part is installed on the two supporting bodies of the support by means of the two suspension systems respectively, the squatting and sitting part is suspended between the two supporting bodies, and then the suspension belts are adjusted by means of the adjusting mechanisms.

Abstract: A toilet seat includes a seat including a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, an inner edge where the top surface and the bottom surface meet, an outer surface connecting an outer perimeter of the top surface and an outer perimeter of the bottom surface, and a cavity in the outer surface extending toward the inner edge. The toilet seat further includes a cushion disposed in the cavity. The top surface and the cushion may be configured to deform elastically and vertically in response to a load applied to the top surface.