An improved tableware stand with an elevated base providing vertical elevation of an adapter for use to receive and retain tableware, the elevated base including a sidewall adapted for receiving a removable, reversible tableware adapter which securely engages the food service item with misaligned receiving structure. The receiving structure includes a plurality of concentric channels for securely receiving and retaining different sized, dimensioned, configured, or shaped food service items while providing a substantially planar platform elevated from an underlying support surface.

An improved tableware stand with an elevated base providing vertical elevation of an adapter for use to receive and retain tableware, the elevated base including a sidewall adapted for receiving a removable, reversible tableware adapter which securely engages the food service item with misaligned receiving structure. The receiving structure includes a plurality of concentric channels for securely receiving and retaining different sized, dimensioned, configured, or shaped food service items while providing a substantially planar platform elevated from an underlying support surface.

A protective article is disclosed including a sheet with a first surface, and at least one adhesive portion arranged on the first surface. The adhesive is a water-based adhesive, such as a water-based acrylic adhesive, that allows the sheet to be non-permanently adhered to an object. The adhesive may be sprayed, rolled, printed, or stamped onto the first surface.

A protective article is disclosed including a sheet with a first surface, and at least one adhesive portion arranged on the first surface. The adhesive is a water-based adhesive, such as a water-based acrylic adhesive, that allows the sheet to be non-permanently adhered to an object. The adhesive may be sprayed, rolled, printed, or stamped onto the first surface.

An absorbing device is configured to fit into standard vehicle cup holders. These configurations may include an absorbing body with a breakable connection disposed in the absorbing body. The breakable connection may circumscribe a removeable area of the absorbing body that is small than the absorbing body in its entirety. In one implementation, the breakable connection permits the area to remove from the absorbing body while leaving the absorbing body intact.

A press-fit check valve for a hydraulic tensioner includes a retainer, a seat, a ball, and a spring. The seat of the check valve is press-fit against the wall of the check valve counterbore of the hydraulic tensioner body. In some embodiments, the seat is cup-shaped to provide a predetermined level of press force retention of the press-fit check valve. In some embodiments, the seat includes a plurality of legs separated by leg openings. In some embodiments, a backflow path is provided past the press-fit check valve by a combination of the leg openings and at least one backflow slot through a flange of the retainer. In some embodiments, a lip at the outer end of the check valve counterbore prevents the seat from backing out of the check valve counterbore.

A tableware system is provided that includes a placemat with non-integrated tableware. The placemat includes a substantially planar bottom surface that forms a partial vacuum when provided in contact with an underlying surface and a first fastening mechanism provided at a top surface of the placemat. The tableware includes a second fastening mechanism that corresponds to the first fastening mechanism, the second fastening mechanism being detachably coupled to the first fastening mechanism. A lid is provided that secures to the tableware and includes another first fastening mechanism provided at a top surface thereof. A lock is provided that fixedly secures the first fastening mechanism and the second fastening mechanism. The lock may include a release mechanism that disengages the lock upon application of a force thereto. Alternatively, the lock may be removable by a separate tool that disengages the lock to allow the tableware and the placemat to be detached.

A tableware system is provided that includes a placemat with non-integrated tableware. The placemat includes a substantially planar bottom surface that forms a partial vacuum when provided in contact with an underlying surface and a first fastening mechanism provided at a top surface of the placemat. The tableware includes a second fastening mechanism that corresponds to the first fastening mechanism, the second fastening mechanism being detachably coupled to the first fastening mechanism. A lid is provided that secures to the tableware and includes another first fastening mechanism provided at a top surface thereof. A lock is provided that fixedly secures the first fastening mechanism and the second fastening mechanism. The lock may include a release mechanism that disengages the lock upon application of a force thereto. Alternatively, the lock may be removable by a separate tool that disengages the lock to allow the tableware and the placemat to be detached.

A kit for use with a beverage includes: a sleeve, an interior plate, an engaging feature, a connector, and a support element. The sleeve forms an interior volume dimensioned to contain a beverage. The interior plate is located within the interior volume. The engaging feature is located outside the interior volume and includes an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall. The connector penetrates the bottom and interconnects the interior plate and the engaging feature. Lastly, the support element includes a receiving feature shaped to engage with the engaging feature such that at least part of the receiving feature is positioned between the upper sidewall and the lower sidewall. Configured in this manner, the support element, which may be in the form of a serving tray, is capable of safely and securely supporting beverages in an upright position.

An improved tableware stand with a cylindrical base providing vertical elevation of an adapter for use to receive and retain tableware, the cylindrical base including a circumferential sidewall adapted for receiving a removable, reversable tableware adapter which securely engages the food service item with misaligned receiving structure. The receiving structure includes a plurality of concentric channels for securely receiving and retaining different sized, dimensioned, configured, or shaped food service items while providing a substantially planar platform elevated from an underlying support surface.