Abstract: An umbrella dolly for use with a cantilever umbrella includes a platform assembly and a retention assembly constructed to extend between the platform assembly and the umbrella. The retention assembly provides additional support and ensures that the umbrella and platform assembly are securely connected to enhance stability of the umbrella as it sits upon the umbrella dolly.

Abstract: There is disclosed a compact wallet, comprising at least two rigid plates at least one having a channel into which an encircling elastic band is interposed to bias the at least two rigid plates inwardly and securely hold the card-like contents while providing elastic volume therebetween while allowing freedom for the dynamic extension and contraction of the band over the entire running length of the wallet. The wallet includes an auxiliary feature removably attached within the interior at least one of the at least two rigid plates interposed using a tang inserted into a recess formed inside the plate, the tang having a hook, the hook extending at an angle to the tang, the hook engaging an undercut of the recess to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the auxiliary feature from the recess.

Abstract: A biometric lever wallet comprises a mechanical assembly for holding bills and credit cards and biometric security measures for authenticating a wallet user.

Abstract: A food container has a container bottom and a container lid. The container bottom has a base and walls upstanding from the base to define a container bottom interior. The container lid has a top cover and side edges, and the top cover overlies the base when the lid is in closed connection with the bottom. The top cover includes an elastically deformable portion and an inelastic portion. Each of the elastically deformable portion and the inelastic portion overlies different portions of the base when the lid is in closed connection with the bottom. The elastically deformable portion facilitates accommodation of an item within the container bottom interior that rests on the base that underlies the elastically deformable portion and that extends into contact with the elastically deformable portion as the lid is shifted into closed connection with the bottom by deforming elastically outwardly away from the base.

Abstract: The invention discloses a protective sleeve for a terminal device, The protective casing comprises a fixing structure and a support structure. The kickstand assembly comprises a pull kickstand and an abutting kickstand, a first slot and a second slot are formed in one end of the match groove, a tail end of the first slot is communicated with the second slot, a rotating slot is formed in the other end of the match groove, the pull kickstand has an end disposed in the rotating slot and an end hinged to the middle of the abutting kickstand, one end of the pull kickstand is slidably disposed in the first slot or the second slot. In use, the pull kickstand is pulled to drive the abutting kickstand to slide in the first slot and the second slot alternately to realize a support and storage effect.

Abstract: A battery comprising a battery element housed between a battery cover and a back plate, wherein the battery element, battery cover, and back plate have a slight curvature or contour adapted to conform to a curvature or a contour of a load-bearing platform. Further, the battery comprises flexible omnidirectional leads.

Abstract: Several novel components for Travel Bags and Travel Bag accessories are disclosed including a retractable trolley which has multiple adjustable handle heights along substantially all of the range of distance of its telescopic trolley tubes which permits the user to select and to fix the trolley pull handles at a height of their selection, a retractable hingeless plastic cover which in a closed position covers and protects an opening for a removable battery and which in open position permits the removal of the removable battery and/or access by the user to the battery face for charging and recharging purposes; a divider which can be fastened in place with adjustable side squeeze buckles or releasing and fastening clips either of which are adjustable to hold the contents in place; a battery latching and ejection system for a removable battery, a retractable power chord for rechargeable batteries or rechargeable electronic devices, and a connector cap which connects a vacuum pump with a vacuum compression bag va

Abstract: A tote bag including a collapsible container body made of a foldable assembly of fabric panels joined together to form a bottom side and a sidewall including four lateral sides that jointly define an inner storage volume when the collapsible container body takes an expanded state. Opposite first and second lateral sides of the collapsible container body are each provided with a gusset fold designed to allow outward folding of the first and second lateral sides into flat-folded gusset sections. The collapsible container body is configured to be foldable into a flattened folded configuration where the first and second lateral sides are folded outward along the gusset fold into the flat-folded gusset sections, which are in turn foldable inward over lateral sections of a third one of the lateral sides, while a fourth one of the lateral sides is foldable inward to align the bottom side with the fourth lateral side.

Abstract: An attachment for a hair dryer that is movable between a first position and a second position in order to alter one or more characteristics of the airflow therethrough. In one embodiment, an internal sliding element is movable within an outer housing in order to alter the internal flow paths inside the housing. In a second embodiment, movable arms cause changes to the shape of an outer housing made of a flexible and resilient material. Motion of the arms between positions causes a change in the shape of the attachment outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nail filing machine, an ultraviolet (UV) light sterilization container, and a nail filing system including the nail filing machine. The nail filing machine of the present invention comprises a pen-shaped nail filing device, a master device and a rotation speed-adjustable motor. The nail filing machine of the present invention is convenient for a user (i.e., a manicurist) to use for a long time, is easy to carry in use, has a UV light sterilization function, and can record the working mode of the user, thereby effectively improving the operability of the nail filing machine.

Abstract: A container includes a lid, a frame, and a mirror. The lid includes two external ridges and at least one intermediate ridge formed on a face thereof. The intermediate ridge is located between and in parallel to the external ridges. A height of the intermediate ridge is smaller than a height of the external ridges. The frame includes fins extending from a face thereof. The fins are in parallel to one another. During attachment of the frame to the lid, the fins are slidable on the intermediate and external ridges to render movement of the frame on the lid smooth like swinging of a pendulum. The mirror is attached to an opposite face of the frame.

Abstract: A cosmetic device having a longitudinal axis, includes an applicator having an applicator part including at least one main interior cavity delimited laterally by a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion and axially by a distal portion and a proximal portion that are elongate along respective longitudinal axes that extend parallel to a plane that makes a nonzero angle with the axis of an end piece, and a main arm of longitudinal axis connects an outer edge of the proximal portion to the fastening end piece.

Abstract: Methods and devices including a skin or a lip and more particularly methods and devices that enhances absorption of fluid treatment media into tissue for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A wiper configured to be fitted on a container containing a product, to be applied by an applicator, the wiper including a cylindrical body extending along a longitudinal axis, a part of which forms the actual wiping member, the body having, along the longitudinal axis, a rim configured to rest on an edge of the container delimiting an opening therein, a coupler configured to couple the wiper to the container, and a portion that is elastically deformable along the longitudinal axis and is provided between the rim and the coupler, the elastically deformable portion is in the form of an openwork portion of the body.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, has a moulded applicator member. The applicator member has a core that extends along a longitudinal axis, teeth that narrow in front view in the direction of their free end and have at least one edge having a point of inflection.

Abstract: A false eyelash dispensing device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a lash belt removably supports at least one lash strip thereon. An elongate housing is sized and configured for receiving the at least one lash belt therewithin. Upon a button being manually depressed after the at least one lash belt is selectively advanced so as to position a lash strip directly in front of an exit opening of the housing, the button is configured for moving opposing first and second halves of an eyelash holder into abutting contact with one another, thereby temporarily sandwiching said lash strip therebetween, and moving the eyelash holder from a retracted position to an extended position, thereby detaching said lash strip from the lash belt and moving said lash strip through the exit opening so that said lash strip may be subsequently applied to the user's eyelid while engaged with the eyelash holder.

Abstract: An organizer has a planar back panel, a front panel, a core between the back panel and the front panel comprised of a resilient foam material, and at least one receptacle defined by an opening in the front panel aligned with a channel in the core extending from the opening in the front panel toward the back panel. The channel has a smaller cross-sectional area than a cross-sectional area of the opening such that a device having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the channel will form a friction fit with an interior wall of the channel.

Abstract: The portable wig and hairdressing stand is a workbench. The portable wig and hairdressing stand is adapted for use with a cosmetic specialist. The portable wig and hairdressing stand is adapted for use with the hair of a client. The hair of the client is selected from the group consisting of the hair growing on the client and a hairpiece on a wig stand. The portable wig and hairdressing stand comprises a headrest structure, a pedestal structure, and a hook and loop structure. The pedestal structure attaches to the headrest structure. The hook and loop structure attaches to the headrest structure. The headrest structure forms a platform used by the cosmetic specialist to work on the hair of the client.

Abstract: The invention discloses a two-way adjustable shock-absorbing backpack, comprising a backpack main body and back pads arranged on one side of the backpack main body, wherein the back pads are provided two, and the two are symmetrically arranged on the backpack main body, a back pad pocket with a top opening is formed between the back pad and the backpack main body, a support fabric bag is sewn into the back pad pocket, and a support rod is inserted into the inside of the support fabric bag, one side of the backpack main body above the support fabric bag is provided with a fixed fabric belt, in the invention, by adjusting the length of the secondary braces on the upper adjustment button, the shock-absorption adjustment of the top of the backpack is realized, by adjusting the lower adjustment button, the shock-absorbing stroke adjustment of the elastic band is realized.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of transforming between a sleep aid and a tote bag is an apparatus that can be used to help the user to carry various personal objects while travelling. The apparatus can also be used for comfort while the user rests during the travel. To do so, the apparatus includes a tote bag, a plurality of heating devices, and a controller. The tote bag is a transformable structure that can be configured to be used as a storage structure or as a pillow-blanket combination. The tote bag also facilitates the transformation of the apparatus between the two configurations by the user on-the-go. The plurality of heating devices provides warm and comfort to the user when the user utilizes the apparatus as a pillow-blanket combination. The controller enables the user to control the operation of the plurality of heating devices while utilizing the apparatus as a pillow-blanket combination.

Abstract: A transformable backpack and jacket system which allows the backpack to be converted into a jacket and be reversed. The jacket and backpack can also be worn simultaneously, resulting in three total modes of wear. The first mode has a wearable jacked with a backpack, including straps, secured away in pouch in the back of the jacket and covered with a zippered lid. The second mode has the backpack removed from the pouch and worn in conjunction with the jacket. The third mode has the jacket removed and stored within a front panel of the backpack. The jacket and backpack are permanently connected. In all three of the modes, the contents of the backpack remain securely stored within a backpack storage space.

Abstract: A tether clip comprises first and second clip portions and a connector. The first clip portion has a first intermediate portion interconnecting a first clamping end and a first connector end, and the second clip portion has a second intermediate portion interconnecting a second clamping end and a second connector end. The first and second intermediate portions are pivotally connected. The connector is positioned between the first and second connector ends and is configured and arranged to connect to a tether. When a force is exerted upon the connector, the connector moves relative to the first and second clip portions, and when the connector moves in a direction toward distal ends of the first and second connector ends, the first and second connector ends move apart and the first and second clamping ends move toward each other to increase a clamping force by the first and second clamping ends.

Abstract: A unit of a body care device, operating a skin treatment head coupled to or integrated with the unit, includes a first connector element detachably coupling to a second connector element of a housing of the body care device to provide functional coupling of the housing and the unit; a chamber with a chamber volume for hosting a material, the chamber including a first chamber opening with a check valve; a mechanical actuator configured to transfer a force on the skin treatment head in a direction of the first connector element onto the material to expel at least part of the material via the at least one first chamber opening out of the chamber; a channel system for providing a fluid connection between the chamber and the at least one first chamber opening; and a first valve for controlling the fluid connection between the chamber and the first chamber opening.

Abstract: A manual toothbrush that includes a handle, a first brush head, and a second brush head. The handle has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a grip disposed between the first and second ends of the handle, and a longitudinal axis extending through the grip, wherein each of the first and second ends is offset to the longitudinal axis. The first brush head is provided at the first end of the handle, the first brush head has a first set of bristles, the first brush head is disposed at a first angle measured relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The second brush head is provided at the second end of the handle, the second brush head has a second set of bristles, the second brush head is disposed at a second angle measured relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush brush head and an electric toothbrush are provided. The brush head has a rod portion extending thereof, a driving shaft of the electric toothbrush is inserted into a groove formed at the rod portion, and the rod portion and the driving shaft have first and second limiting portions to fix the position. When an electric motor core inside the electric toothbrush is activated to drive the driving shaft to generate high-frequency motion, the bristles on the brush head can brush teeth. As the driving shaft in this scheme is in contact with the rod portion which is a part of the brush head and extending from the head portion, therefore, the vibration of the driving shaft can be directly transmitted to the head portion.

Abstract: A cleaning brush for cleaning containers of complex design, wherein the cleaning brush can reach hard-to-reach areas of the container. The cleaning brush includes a twisted wire and a cleaning head coupled to the twisted wire. Portions of the twisted wire and the cleaning head have bristles. The cleaning head can flex sidewards relative to the twisted wire.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for forming bristle bundles (2) is provided. The apparatus (1) includes at least one bundle pocket (3), intended to receive a bristle bundle (2) to be formed. The bundle pocket (3) has at least one piercing (6) in the side. A displacement device (7) on the apparatus (1) can be introduced into the bundle pocket (3) through this piercing (6) to create a clearance (29) inside a bristle bundle (2) to be formed. The bundle pocket (3) and the bristle bundle (2) located therein are heated by the heating device (4) in the apparatus (1) to fix the shape of the bristle bundle (2) defined by the bundle pocket (3) and the displacement device (7).

Abstract: The convertible table with integrated storage comprises a tabletop, a base, a plurality of folding legs, and a plurality of pivoting legs. The convertible table with integrated storage may be a multi-function conversion table with internal storage. The base may be coupled to the underside of the tabletop. The convertible table with integrated storage may be operable as a toddler play table with the base resting on the floor, a child's play table with the base elevated above the floor by the plurality of pivoting legs, and an adult table with the base elevated above the floor by the plurality of folding legs. The base may comprise a storage area that may be accessible via an access aperture in the tabletop.

Abstract: A table stand includes a first pivoting stabilizer, a second pivoting stabilizer, a first height adjustable pole connected to the first pivoting stabilizer, a second height adjustable pole connected to the second pivoting stabilizer, a folding transmission mechanism separately connected to the first height adjustable pole and the second height adjustable pole, and a support crossbar connected to the folding transmission mechanism. The first pivoting stabilizer and the second pivoting stabilizer are movably connected to two ends of the support crossbar. Each of the first pivoting stabilizer and the second pivoting stabilizer includes a first blocking edge, a second blocking edge, and a first shaft sequentially passing through the first blocking edge and the second blocking edge. The support crossbar is disposed between the first blocking edge and the second blocking edge.

Abstract: Provided is prefabricated furniture and, more particularly, to a prefabricated shelf (angle) having assembly holes and assembly protrusions for assembling frames together, the frames being more firmly assembled as a pressing protrusion portion protrudes from a narrow portion of an assembly hole so that an assembly protrusion is forcibly fitted by the pressing protrusion part. The prefabricated shelf includes a first frame in which a pair of assembly holes, each having a wide portion and a narrow portion, are arranged symmetrically, and a second frame in which a pair of assembly protrusions, corresponding to the assembly holes and each protruding to fit into the narrow portion, are arranged symmetrically, wherein the narrow portion includes a pressing protrusion portion configured to protrude from a first end thereof and press the assembly protrusion to a second side thereof to force the assembly protrusion into place.

Abstract: A method (10) of manufacturing a furniture base plate member includes the steps of providing a hollow longitudinally elongated metal profile roll formed from a sheet of metal, which includes an upper side and a lower side; pressing the upper side and the lower side of the metal profile against each other, such that at least one section of the upper side and the lower side abuts each other, such that two channels are formed by said pressing and having at least one opening at each longitudinal end of the metal profile; and arrange support members having insertion members extending into said the longitudinal channels at said openings.

Abstract: A bar assembly is provided with a bar sized to be grasped manually with a guide formed at least partially along a length. A plurality of posts is provided, each in cooperation with the guide of the bar to fasten the bar to a support surface at various fastener mounting patterns. A method to install a bar assembly aligns a post with an aperture in a support surface. A bar is provided that is sized to be grasped manually. The bar is slid into engagement with the post. A fastener is installed to the post from an inside of the support surface. The fastener is tightened until the bar is secured in the post and the post is secured to the support surface.

Abstract: A strap anchor assembly is disclosed herein and configured to be coupled to a storage racking having a plurality of vertical supports with retaining holes defined therein. The strap anchor assembly may comprise at least one mounting bracket and a plurality of strap retainers. The at least one mounting bracket including a plurality of holes and one or more studs configured to be received by certain ones of the retaining holes of the storage racking. Each of the plurality of strap retainers configured to be received by one of the plurality of holes of the at least one mounting bracket. An end portion of a strap is configured to be received through one of the plurality of holes and wrapped at least partially around one of the plurality of strap retainers prior to the one of the plurality of strap retainers being received by the associated hole.

Abstract: A knee-cushion assembly includes an oval forward panel and an oval rearward panel, each cushioned with high density, closed cell foam, which are pivotally interconnected to fan apart to a deployed configuration for use, and to pivot into an overlapping, closed configuration for compact storage. The panels are pivotally interconnected by a pin structure. When deployed, the front faces of both panels are presented and accessible so that a user can rest a knee on each, to protect their knees from the impact, pressure, discomfort and injury that can be caused by placing knees directly on a hard support surface such as a floor. A magnet preferably is secured to the rearward surface of the rearward panel so that the assembly can be magnetically attached to any flat steel surface.

Abstract: Furniture that is convertible between a seat position and a bed position is described. The furniture includes a first bed section with a first platform supporting a first cushion, and a second bed section with a second platform, a second cushion, and a partition disposed between the second platform and the second cushion. The first platform is configured to pivot relative to the second platform. The first cushion is thicker than the second cushion. When the furniture is in the bed position, a top surface of the first cushion is substantially coplanar with a top surface of the second cushion and the partition is spaced from the second platform by a first distance. In the seat position of the furniture, the distance between the partition and the second platform is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A foldable electric bed includes a base mount having a pivot portion, and a swivel mount pivotally connected with the pivot portion by a first shaft, such that the swivel mount is swivelable relative to the base mount between first and second positions due to the limit of first and second contact portions of the base mount. An actuator has a first end pivotally connected with the swivel mount by a second shaft, and a second end pivotally connected with a moveable frame such that the moveable frame is drivenable by the actuator to swivel relative to the base mount. When the swivel mount is swiveled from the first position to the second position, a position of the second shaft is lifted.

Abstract: A foldable bed (50) comprising: a foldable frame (505) along at least one axis comprising a foldable rod (510), at least two legs (515), each leg being attached to the frame by a connection (520), said connection allowing for the positioning of said leg according to an unfolded position and a folded position and the foldable rod being associated with each connection on either side of the folding axis, in which: each connection comprises an orifice (525) passing through said connection and each leg has an attachment (530) to a flexible wire (535) connecting two legs and passing through the folding axis of the frame, the wire being tensioned when the rod is unfolded, the tension of the wire causing the positioning of the legs in the unfolded position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing therapeutic treatment for symptoms associated with GERD and/or other digestive disorders and/or other medical conditions are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a base support having a support element portion and an encasement portion. The support element portion has a first end portion, a second end portion and a top surface disposed at an angle relative to a bottom surface. The second end portion has a height greater than the first end portion. A support pillow member is fixedly coupled to the base support between at least a portion of the encasement portion and at least a portion the second end portion of the support element portion. The support pillow member, the support element portion and the encasement portion collectively define an interior region that includes a receiving portion configured to receive at least a portion of a user's arm therein.

Abstract: A single-motor electrically powered bed includes: a bed board, a frame, a slide assembly, a first connecting-rod mechanism, and a drive assembly; the bed board includes: a first bed board and a second bed board, one end of the first bed board being hingedly connected to one end of the second bed board; the second bed board is slidably connected to the frame by means of the slide component, the two ends of the first connecting-rod mechanism are hingedly connected to the first bed board and the frame, respectively, and the first bed board can be raised and lowered by means of the drive assembly. The single-motor electrically powered bed needs only one drive assembly to drive all of the bed boards to move, adjust the position and height of the human body, and achieve the lifting and lowering function of the electrically powered bed.

Abstract: An electric bed includes a base, a back supporting unit pivotally connected with the base, a first actuator to drive the back supporting unit to upwardly and downwardly swing relative to the base, a head supporting unit pivotally connected with the back supporting unit, and a second actuator to drive the head supporting unit to swing between an initial position and a head-up position relative to the back supporting unit. When the head supporting unit stays at the initial position, a head supporting surface of the head supporting unit is flush with a back supporting surface of the back supporting unit. The head-up position is lower than the initial position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spring module for a spring cushion of furniture and a spring cushion having the same, the spring module may comprise a spring and a spring bracket for accommodating the conical spring, and the spring bracket may comprise a base, an end cover and a flexible connecting part connected therebetween, the spring may be fixed in the spring bracket with a predetermined initial pressure. The present invention further relates to a spring cushion having the spring module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a valve assembly disposed on a top surface of an air mattress and connected to a built-in air pump. The built-in air pump can comprise: a tube-like construction defining an inner cavity between the top surface and the bottom surface; a compression spring located within the inner cavity and attached to the top surface and the bottom surface; a bellow connected to a side surface of the tube-like construction, the bellow providing an air pathway from the inner cavity to the interior volume of the air mattress; a top end cap attached to a top portion of the compression spring and abutting the top surface; and a bottom end cap attached to a bottom portion of the compression spring and abutting the bottom surface.

Abstract: In the chair, a space between swinging surfaces facing each other can be appropriately unseen. The chair includes swinging surfaces (rolling surfaces) (312a) and (322a) facing each other and has a configuration in which the swinging surfaces (312a) and (322a) swings with respect to each other in directions of 360 degrees including front-rear and left-right directions. In such a chair, an elastic member (33) is arranged to be positioned between the swinging surfaces (312a) and (322a) at least in the vicinity of outer peripheral edges (312z) and (322z), and a stretchable sheet material (60) is provided between the outer peripheral edges (312z) and (322z) to conceal a gap between the swinging surfaces (312a) and (322a) facing each other, the gap including the elastic member (33).

Abstract: A disposable seat blanket assembly includes a blanket that has a top layer which is comprised of a deformable material and a bottom layer which is comprised of a fluid impermeable material. The bottom layer is positionable on a seat in a public transportation vehicle thereby facilitating a user to sit on the top layer. In this way the bottom layer protects the user from germs on the seat. The blanket has a plurality of fold lines integrated into the blanket thereby facilitating the blanket to be folded for disposal when the user is finished sitting on the blanket. A pouch is provided and the pouch is comprised of a fluid impermeable material. The blanket is insertable into the pouch when the blanket is folded for disposal.

Abstract: A support surface including a cutout on a bottom surface of the support surface. The cutout, which can include a plurality of cutouts, provides a controlled structural collapse of the support surface by varying a stiffness in a cross-section. That is, the area in which the cutouts are positioned collapses more easily than the surrounding area of the support structure, thus making the area with the cutouts perceived as being softer. The cutouts can reduce the peak pressures on the portion of the user's body (for example, the user's ischial tuberosities) that is positioned over the cutouts. The support surface can also include a low-friction interface extending across a top surface of the support surface.

Abstract: An adjustable chair can support an occupant that sits on a front portion of a seat cushion. When the user leans back, the chair can provide back support without requiring that the user slide rearwardly along the seat cushion, thereby providing back support to minimize, limit, or substantially eliminate lower back fatigue, discomfort, or the like. A back support of the chair can be located at a desired forward/rearward position based on the user's position on the seat. In some settings, the chair can be used by a card dealer who tends to sit on a forward portion of the seat when dealing cards. The back support can be positioned to comfortably support the dealer's back when, for example, the dealer sits generally upright. The chair can also be used by other individuals that frequently sit on the front of the seat cushion.

Abstract: The dual infant rocking device is adapted for use with two infant/toddlers. The infant/toddlers sit in the dual infant rocking device. The dual infant rocking device is a rocking structure. By rocking structure is meant that the one or more selected individuals seated in the dual infant rocking device are moved in a rhythmic motion relative to the force of gravity. The dual infant rocking device includes a pedestal structure, a plurality of seats, and a control circuit. The pedestal structure, the plurality of seats, and the control circuit are attached to form a single object. The plurality of seats receive the one or more selected individuals. The control circuit provides the motive forces that rock the plurality of seats. The pedestal structure transfers the loads of the plurality of seats, the one or more selected individuals, and the control circuit to a supporting surface.

Abstract: Provided is a wine rack having a mat, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The wine rack is configured to support a plurality of wine bottles between the first side wall and the second side wall. The wine rack is further configured to roll into a stowed position for storage, transportation, distribution, or advertising. Alternatively, the wine rack has a pair of scissor arms located between the first side wall and the second side wall such that the rack is configured to pivot between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber. Other features relate to audio engagement processing. Other features relate to situational processing. Other features relate to group engagement processing.

Abstract: A horizontal knife holder is a tray that can be used in a kitchen drawer or outside. The holder has two sides, a back, a bottom, a scalloped front, and a top portion that covers the back of the tray. Under the top portion is a plastic wire brush with a large number of stiff bristles, into which knives can be removably inserted. The tray has a soft bottom to protect users' knuckles, and the scalloped front allows for easy access to the knives.