A system is described that generates insights on the consumption or usage behavior of a product by analyzing the real-time usage of the product by one or more users. The product is placed on the measuring device for continuous monitoring of the usage of the product by those one or more users in real-time. The measuring device includes a sensor unit that generates weigh data, motion data, location data, and time consumed data of the product and transmits to a computing device. A communication device records the consumption or usage of the product by a user, along with feedback from the user. The computing device generates insights based on the sensed data generated by the measuring device, and recording and feedback at the communication device. The computing device generates reports—one for the user, and one for a merchant of the product and/or similar products—including respective insights.

An active foodware system includes a mechanical structure supporting a food surface recessed in relation to an area surrounding the food surface; a heating component for heating food received by the food surface; a sensing component for maintaining the heating component at a desired temperature; a wireless communication component; and a visual stimulating component responsive to data from the sensing component or the wireless communication component.

A system is described that generates insights on the consumption or usage behavior of a product by analyzing the real-time usage of the product by one or more users. The product is placed on the measuring device for continuous monitoring of the usage of the product by those one or more users in real-time. The measuring device includes a sensor unit that generates weigh data, motion data, location data, and time consumed data of the product and transmits to a computing device. A communication device records the consumption or usage of the product by a user, along with feedback from the user. The computing device generates insights based on the sensed data generated by the measuring device, and recording and feedback at the communication device. The computing device generates reports—one for the user, and one for a merchant of the product and/or similar products—including respective insights.

A system is described that generates insights on the consumption or usage behavior of a product by analyzing the real-time usage of the product by one or more users. The product is placed on the measuring device for continuous monitoring of the usage of the product by those one or more users in real-time. The measuring device includes a sensor unit that generates weigh data, motion data, location data, and time consumed data of the product and transmits to a computing device. A communication device records the consumption or usage of the product by a user, along with feedback from the user. The computing device generates insights based on the sensed data generated by the measuring device, and recording and feedback at the communication device. The computing device generates reports—one for the user, and one for a merchant of the product and/or similar products—including respective insights.

A multi-functional coaster for a cup or other vessel includes a base upon which the vessel can rest upside down, and a decorative body extending away from the base. The decorative body has at least a first electrically powered signal emitter, which preferably include a light emitter and a sound emitter. The decorative body and/or base can also include a fragrance emitter.

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

An active foodware system includes a mechanical structure supporting a food surface recessed in relation to an area surrounding the food surface; a heating component for heating food received by the food surface; a sensing component for maintaining the heating component at a desired temperature; a wireless communication component; and a visual stimulating component responsive to data from the sensing component or the wireless communication component.

An active foodware system includes a visual-stimulating component for displaying information related to a plurality of sensing components, such as load cells, sensing weight of food on respective dining surfaces of supporting dining plates. A mechanical structure supports and positions the dining plates in a constrained relationship to each other, and cavities in the mechanical structure may unattachedly mate with the dining plates. A wireless communication component wirelessly sends weight data to the visual-stimulating component, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. The system is configured to determine calories of the food, and the system may include a camera for sensing the food or a diner. The visual-stimulating component may display information other than information provided by a scale, and auditory and haptic stimuli may also be provided.

The present invention concerns a drinks coaster comprising a housing which is so designed that a drinking vessel can be placed thereon, and a wireless electronic communication device arranged in the housing, wherein the communication device is of such a configuration and design that a first wireless communication connection with an interface can be provided by the communication device in operation of the drinks coaster, wherein data can be transmitted at least from the communication device to the interface. In comparison the object of the present invention is to provide a drinks coaster which in a simple fashion makes it possible to also acquire and/or process information about a drinking vessel placed on the drinks coaster and/or about a drink in the drinking vessel. To attain that object it is proposed that the drinks coaster is further developed in such a way that the communication device is further configured and designed that a second wireless communication connection with a contactlessly readable electronic information carrier mounted on a drinking vessel can be provided by the communication device in operation of the drinks coaster, wherein data can be read at least out of the electronic information carrier and transmitted to the communication device.

In some embodiments, a method includes providing a flexible mat; wrapping the flexible mat around a crossbar of an infant or toddler seat; affixing at least two of a plurality of suction cups; providing a tether configured to secure an object; and coupling the tether to an anchor block by disposing an anchor terminus through an aperture, forming a compression fit. The flexible mat may have a mat body characterized by a front side, back side and thickness; and a plurality of anchors. Each anchor may include an anchor block having an aperture configured to receive a tether, and a suction cup. Each anchor may be disposed through the thickness, such that its anchor block is on the front side and its suction cup extends from the back side. The back side may be adjacent a surface of the crossbar. The method may include securing an object to the tether.