Abstract: A fire pit screen has a fire pit screen lower portion including an upright screen wall defining a top opening and a bottom opening, and a fire pit screen upper portion comprising a screen top panel sized to fit on top of the screen wall covering the top opening thereof.

Abstract: A top hood for covering food in a microwave oven is provided. The top hood (H1) includes a microwave transparent wall structure including a side wall (SW) and top part (TP). The side wall (SW) and top part (TP) define the internal area (IA) covered by the top hood (H1). Attached to the wall structure of the top hood (H1), the top hood (H1) includes a temperature sensor (TS) for measuring the temperature within the internal area (IA) covered by the top hood (H1). The top hood further includes a wireless transmitter (WT) for transmitting the measured temperature information to an external display unit (DU).

Abstract: A beverage can cap is outfitted upon an upper portion of a beverage can for enabling a user to selectively cover the upper portion. The upper can portion has an upper can rim and a can capping plate. The beverage can cap essentially includes an upper cap rim, a cap plate centrally located relative to the cap rim, and a cap opening. The beverage can cap is attachable to the upper can portion of the beverage can such that the upper cap rim receives the upper can rim and the cap plate extends in parallel relation to the can capping plate. In certain embodiments, the beverage can cap is rotatable about a cap axis of rotation for selectively positioning the cap plate in superior adjacency to a beverage-letting aperture formable in the can capping plate for selectively covering the beverage-letting aperture with a portion of the cap plate.

Abstract: Folding splatter shields are presented including: a handle; a middle panel mechanically coupled with the handle along a lateral edge of the middle panel, the middle panel including a middle panel mesh element; a first folding panel pivotally coupled with the middle panel along a first longitudinal edge of the middle panel; and a second folding panel pivotally coupled with the middle panel along a second longitudinal edge of the middle panel. In some embodiments, the first folding panel further includes a first folding panel mesh element and where the second folding panel further includes a second folding panel mesh element. In some embodiments, the middle panel further includes: a middle panel upper frame element defining a middle panel shape; and a middle panel lower frame element defining the middle panel shape.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus comprises a base having a top surface and a circumference. An annular side wall is attached to the base and surrounds the circumference of the base. A flame arrestor member is disposed on the top surface of the base, wherein the flame arrestor member prevents ignition of one of material or liquid disposed on the top surface of the base.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a cooking splatter screen comprising an access hatch are provided. In one embodiment, a splatter screen is provided, the splatter screen comprising: a screen portion; a handle; and an access hatch, wherein the access hatch is operatively connected to the screen portion by a joint. The splatter screen may prevent splattered cooking ingredients from exiting a pan, skillet, or pot, while allowing a chef to selectively access the interior of the pan, skillet, or pot to manipulate food therein or insert additional ingredients.

Abstract: A splatter screen comprising a planar member having a plurality of openings, the planar member including a first hinge dividing a first portion of the planar member and a second portion of the planar member, wherein the first hinge provides for the second portion to pivot relative to the first portion from a planer configuration to a folded configuration, the first hinge located between 10% and 40% of the distance from a first edge of the planar member to a second edge of the planar member opposite the first edge to form the second portion. The preferred splatter screen includes a second hinge separating a third portion from the first portion, to create a tri-fold splatter screen.

Abstract: A spill inhibitor for a container includes a spill inhibitor body configured to be releasably secured to or integral with a container. The spill inhibitor body defines an opening therethrough and has a plurality of compliant finger projections extending from the spill inhibitor body. The finger projections are arranged to impede movement of an item through the opening of the spill inhibitor body for controlling passage of the item through a mouth of the container.

Abstract: A spill inhibitor for a container includes a spill inhibitor body configured to be releasably secured to or integral with a container. The spill inhibitor body defines an opening therethrough and has a plurality of compliant finger projections extending from the spill inhibitor body. The finger projections are arranged to impede movement of an item through the opening of the spill inhibitor body for controlling passage of the item through a mouth of the container.

Abstract: A spill inhibitor for a container includes a spill inhibitor body configured to be releasably secured to or integral with a container. The spill inhibitor body defines an opening therethrough and has a plurality of compliant finger projections extending from the spill inhibitor body. The finger projections are arranged to impede movement of an item through the opening of the spill inhibitor body for controlling passage of the item through a mouth of the container.

Abstract: A disposable, segmented, sorbent, steam-permeable, cooking utensil cover for selectively covering foodstuffs in a stovetop cooking utensil, having upstanding sidewalls which terminate at a rim. The cover has sufficient wet-strength to render it rigid. The edge of the cover contacts the rim of the cooking utensil to cover contained foodstuffs and support the rigid cover. The cover is made of steam-permeable, sorbent, fire-retardant material to allow cooking steam to escape, while grease spatter and cooking juices are absorbed; and, to prevent combustion of the cover due to its proximity to the stove heating element. The cover contains a plurality of radial slits to form liftable segments hinged at the cover center to allow independent elevation of a selected segment. A flip-up handle for removing the cover and adhesive lift tabs to facilitate lifting and securing the segments are provided. Once utilized, the entire cover assembly is discarded.

Abstract: In embodiment, the present invention relates to a cap and container assembly comprising at least one selective gas permeable membrane, wherein the assembly is manufactured so that the membrane is an integral part of the assembly and wherein the membrane is composed of a material for controlling conditions of gas concentration in an internal portion of the assembly when the cap is closed. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of forming a cap and container assembly comprising at least one selective gas permeable membrane that is integral with the assembly comprising: cutting the membrane to a pre-selected form, wherein the membrane is composed of a material for controlling conditions of gas concentration in an internal portion of the assembly when the cap is closed; placing the membrane into a mold by robotic means; and overmolding the assembly about the membrane to form an assembly wherein the membrane is an integral part of the assembly.

Abstract: The locking container is a selectively lockable container for the storage of used cooking oil and the like. The locking container includes a reservoir and both front and side locking mechanisms. The front and side locking mechanisms selectively retain a screen within the reservoir. The container is adapted for the disposal of oils, solvents, acids and various other liquid wastes. The pair of locking mechanisms allow access for storing the liquid waste in the container, but prevent unauthorized removal of the liquid waste. The container includes a lid to cover the screen, with the lid being secured by the front locking mechanism. The side locking mechanism locks the screen to the reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid medical waste receptacle includes an open top vessel having a bottom and an upstanding wall defining an upper rim. A lid is adapted to cover the open top vessel in sealing engagement with the upper rim. The lid includes a body portion defining a recess portion. The recess portion extends into the open top vessel. In some embodiments, the recess portion makes up a majority of the body portion. In some embodiments, the recess portion has a plurality of fingers. Select fingers have a proximal section, a distal section, and an intermediate section disposed between the proximal and distal sections, wherein the proximal section or the intermediate section includes a flexibility that is greater than the flexibility of at least a portion of the distal section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a permeable containment apparatus for a receptacle having a vertical containment wall, an open end, and an upper wall region terminating at a peripheral edge, including a securing portion having an annular biasing mechanism adapted to maintain said securing portion in contacting relationship with the upper wall region of said receptacle, a substantially permeable cover portion attached to said securing portion and covering the open end of said receptacle, and wherein said permeable cover portion is adapted to contain receptacle content while allowing for substantial aeration of said receptacle.

Abstract: A domed splatter screen with a fitted rim. The domed splatter screen is placed over a pan used for frying a food item. The splatter screen includes a handle, a body, and a rim. The body is constructed of metal mesh and is dome shaped. The mesh catches and prevents oil droplets from splattering onto the stovetop. The dome shape allows the splatter screen to cover a pan with a food item that extends above the pan wall. The rim encircles the edge of the body and is fitted to securely attach to the pan wall. The handle is attached to the body to enable the splatter to screen to be placed over and removed from the pan.

Abstract: A spatter screen for a cookware item has a screen element with at least one planar surface formed of heat-resistant, silicone rubber, a rim about said screen element; and a handle extending from the rim.

Abstract: A blow-moldable container, having a centrally located, generally tubular handle spanning a central recess has improved balance and ergonomics over existing blow-molded containers. Such a balanced container has great utility as a handheld freeweight, or as a container for pourable substances. An integrally molded base allows our container to be stood upright on end like a regular bottle. Products may be marketed in such containers under the premise that the consumer automatically acquires a freeweight by purchasing the product. The inclusion of fitably engageable contours on its top and bottom surfaces makes such a container stackable with others of its kind, for ease of packaging, shipping, and storage. A graduated set of handheld fillable freeweights may thus be compactly stored without a special rack. Since blow-molding offers great economy of production for sufficiently large numbers of containers, the average person will now be able to afford an entire graduated set of freeweights.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A container cover having a bamboo open frame and a meshed structure of bamboo mounted within the open frame, the open frame having a plurality of mounting holes spaced around an inside wall thereof; the meshed structure being formed of a plurality of bamboo strips woven together, the bamboo strips having tips suspended around the border of the meshed structure and respectively fastened to the mounting holes in the open frame.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A splatter screen may be releasably retained to a cookware item to prevent splatter of hot food items and the like from the cookware item during cooking. A rim of the splatter screen is constructed and arranged to be releasably retained within an upper rim portion of the cookware item. Any number of spring clips may be attached to the rim of the splatter screen for releasably retention of a cover of the cookware item to the splatter screen. A grip portion of a handle, attached to the rim of the splatter screen, is constructed and arranged to accommodate a handle of the cookware item with which the splatter screen is intended to be used.

Abstract: A cover or splatter screen for a cooking vessel which in use rests atop the cooking vessel to prevent splashing of hot liquid, especially fatty liquid from the vessel during cooking, while permitting passage of water vapor and steam from the cooking vessel; the cover has a support frame and a wire mesh screen extending between opposed sides of the frame and a plurality of support legs in spaced apart relationship extending outwardly of the support frame and downwardly of the wire mesh screen; the support legs support the cover in a free-standing configuration on a flat supporting surface with the wire mesh screen spaced from the flat supporting surface; typically the flat supporting surface is a kitchen working surface, and thus the cover may be supported on the kitchen working surface with the wire mesh screen in non-contacting relationship with the kitchen working surface, whereby soiling of the kitchen working surface by fats retained by the wire mesh screen during working is avoided.

Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.

Abstract: A plastic vent valve (1) for containers for transporting and storing liquids has a cylindrical valve housing(2) which is made as a threaded plug (3) and is screwed onto a screw cover (8) for closing an opening of a plastic inner container of a palletized container. The valve has a valve membrane (4), a surge disk (5), a surge cover (6), and a sealing cap (7).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking apparatus which is adaptable to facilitate straining requirements. The cooking apparatus comprises of a pot and lid that can be securely integrated to function as a strainer. An outer cover of the lid contains regions of perforation which are gated by an inner element when the cookware is used for traditional cooking. The inner element is easily rotatable to allow for convenient transformation. Mating brackets located along the inner circumference of the pot and the corresponding brackets rimming the curved outer edges of the equatorial plates of the inner element function to integrate the components of the cookware. A knob assembly connecting the elements of the lid controls the positioning of the inner element. The transformation of the cookware is accomplished in one convenient step whereby the knob is depressed and rotated, and the mating brackets are engaged.

Abstract: A spatter shielding and vapor venting device for a frying pan comprising a transparent lid to enable visual observation of cooking, a peripheral venting gap to release generated fumes and vapors, a vertical hollow cylindrical wall to rapidly return condensed oil to frying pan, a handle to hold the device steady, a horizontal flange to facilitate placement on rims of frying pans of varying sizes, a vertical cylindrical flange to restrict lateral motion and to shield the contact area between the horizontal flange and frying pan rim, a vertical window opening for the introduction, removal, stirring and turning over of food, a hands-free opening and automatic closing window cover means to effectively shield the window opening even while performing said cooking operations.

Abstract: A pan cover for covering a cooking pan, comprising a cover plate retained in between a top member and a bottom member, wherein a plurality of parallel slots are respectively made on said top and bottom members and aligned with each other, and a smoke absorber is retained between said top and bottom member to absorb smoke coming below. The cover plate is made from transparent, reinforced fiber glass the inside can be clearly seen.

Abstract: The protective one piece circular dish shaped synthetic plastic beverage can top cover having an upstanding integral loop-shaped radially outer rim for nested engagement with a raised circular can edge of a beverage can. The loop-shaped outer cover rim defines an axially inwardly opening annular groove for receiving a raised circular edge of the beverage can when the cover is mounted upon an upper open end of a beverage can. The cover has a dish shaped depressed area that has a meshed area alignable with the can opening in an upper end of the beverage can to allow beverage fluids to flow from the beverage can through the meshed area of the cover. The cover and the meshed area are cooperable with the loop-shaped outer cover rim when mounted upon the beverage can to prevent bees and the like from entering the can opening in the top of the beverage can.

Abstract: A cap-to-casing adapter (166) is provided for use with a well having a well casing (12) with a top (28), having a support plate (136) that engages the top (28) of the well casing (12), and having a well cap (138) that encloses both a top portion (142) of the well casing (12) and a top portion (144) of an electrical conduit (146). In use, the cap-to-casing adapter (166) is inserted between the top (28) of the well casing (12) and the support plate (136). The cap-to-casing adapter (166) provides insect-proof protection for the well, secures the electrical conduit (146) to the well, provides for locking the well cap (138) to the adapter (166) with a padlock (188), and provides a standardized inside diameter (198) for sealing the well without regard to variations in the inside diameter (200) of the well casing (12).

Abstract: A cap-to-casing adapter (166) is provided for use with a well having a well casing (12) with a top (28), having a support plate (136) that engages the top (28) of the well casing (12), of the well casing (12) and a top portion (144) of an electrical conduit (146). In use, the cap-to-casing adapter (166) is inserted between the top (28) of the well casing (12) and the support plate (136). The cap-to-casing adapter (166) provides insect-proof protection for the well, secures the electrical conduit (146) to the well, provides for locking the well cap (138) to the adapter (166) with a padlock (188), and provides a standardized inside diameter (198) for sealing the well without regard to variations in the inside diameter (200) of the well casing (12).

Abstract: This device is designed to cover food being cooked in an oven, so as to prevent splatter on the walls of the oven. Primarily, it consists of a base rim of channel shape which is secured to a dome shaped mesh screen. An alternate embodiment of the invention is provided with a mechanism for varying the size according to the pan and/or oven with which the device is to cooperate with.

Abstract: The cover guard includes an invertible hood consisting of a top section including an opening, of a side wall section and a skirt section, the latter consisting of a grooved section and a level section such that the cover guard may be placed on a cooking vessel such that the level section rests on the upper edge or rim, respectively, of the vessel. This design of the skirt section secures on the one hand a safe resting of the cover guard on the cooking vessel and on the other hand an impeccable dripping off of any material condensed on or having been splashed against the hood.

Abstract: A disc-like cover for a frying pan comprising a disc stamped to form a carrier ring with a plurality of spoke-like radial arms connected to the ring and extending inwardly to a central region at which the radial arms merge together. A steam permeable filter of fibrous material is secured to the disc on one side thereof to cover open sectors formed in the disc between the arms. The filter is secured to the disc by a permanent adhesive. The arms each have a plurality of transverse relief cuts respectively extending from one radial edge of the associated arm partially across the width of the arm over a length greater than one-half of the width. The cuts extend parallel to one another in the region where the arms are joined to the carrier ring to form a weakening zone permitting limited change in shape of the arm. The adhesive between the filter and disc is reduced to a narrow zone at the relief cuts to leave an unadhered zone between the filter and disc adjacent the narrow zone.

Abstract: A prepared meat product is contained in a disposable package suitable for transporting, cooking, and serving. One specific form is a meat patty; a second specific form is a hamburger patty together with half a hamburger bun; a third specific form is a hamburger patty together with two half hamburger buns; and a fourth specific form is a wiener together with two half wiener buns.The package of the present invention is disposable and is preferably made primarily of aluminum foil. Some specific features of different forms of the package are a built-in grease trap, filtered vent for cooking gases, removable protective cover for the vent, and removable holder for the meat product for removing the cooked meat product from the package when it is to be served.The invention also makes provision for cooking the meat product faster than the bread when both are enclosed in the same package, and provision for using cooking gases from the meat to warm and moisten the bread.

Abstract: This invention is a disposable cover in combination with a framework, adjustable so as to accommodate various sizes of frying pans or the like, the purpose of which is to prevent grease or the like, from spattering outside of a frying pan or the like, when being used for frying foods.

Abstract: A spatter shielding and vapor venting device for a frying pan comprising a transparent lid to enable visual observation of cooking, a peripheral venting gap to release generated fumes and vapors, a vertical hollow cylindrical wall to rapidly return condensed oil to frying pan, a handle to hold the device steady, a horizontal flange to facilitate placement on rims of frying pans of varying sizes, a vertical cylindrical flange to restrict lateral motion and to shield the contact area between the horizontal flange and frying pan rim, a vertical window opening for the introduction, removal, stirring and turning over of food, a hands-free opening and automatic closing window cover means to effectively shield the window opening even while performing said cooking operations.