Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover of the cup.

Abstract: A process for making a combination food utensil constructed of materials having different relative hardness, particularly a spoon. Portions of the utensil are constructed of a hard material such as polypropylene to provide structural rigidity and to allow the utensil to easily slide along the bottom of a dish such as bowl or a plate. Outside edges of the utensil and portions of its handle are constructed of a softer material such as Kraton or silicone to provide for comfortable contact with the inside of the mouth and gums. In the preferred embodiment the spoon is provided for use by a baby.

Abstract: Improved no-spill drinking products providing an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow when the user is not drinking therefrom.

Abstract: A process for making a combination food utensil constructed of materials having different relative hardness, particularly a spoon. A skeleton or backbone of the utensil is constructed of a hard material such as polypropylene to provide structural rigidity and to allow the utensil to easily slide along the bottom of a dish such as bowl or a plate. Outside edges of the utensil and portions of its handle are constructed of a softer material such as Kraton or silicon to provide for comfortable contact with the inside of the mouth and gums. In the preferred embodiment the spoon is provided for use by a baby.

Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover of the cup.

Abstract: A process for making a combination food utensil constructed of materials having different relative hardness, particularly a spoon. A skeleton or backbone of the utensil is constructed of a hard material such as polypropylene to provide structural rigidity and to allow the utensil to easily slide along the bottom of a dish such as bowl or a plate. Outside edges of the utensil and portions of its handle are constructed of a softer material such as Kraton or silicon to provide for comfortable contact with the inside of the mouth and gums. In the preferred embodiment the spoon is provided for use by a baby.

Abstract: A multistage baglet system for a pacifier and a multistage nipple system. Baglets and nipples with bumps thereon are initially provided to accustom a baby to the use of such baglets and nipples. Subsequently, baglets and nipples with bumps are provided to assist the baby with teething.

Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve member near the spout having an opening therein, causing the valve member and opening to move off of a protruding member, thereby unblocking the opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the opening in the valve sitting on a protruding member and pressed against the protruding member's base, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective.

Abstract: A combination-material food utensil constructed of materials having different relative hardness. The skeleton or backbone of the utensil is constructed of a hard material providing structural integrity and allowing the utensil to easily slide along the bottom of a dish such as bowl or a plate. Outside edges of the utensil and portions of its handle are constructed of a relative soft material such as Kraton or silicon and provide for comfortable contact with the inside of the mouth and gums.

Abstract: Improved feeding dishes for children. The dishes are microwaveable containers such as plates or bowls having one or more lids thereon. The containers include pressure release opening such as vents for releasing pressure from the container while the dish is heated in a microwave. Automatic vents, which release pressure once the pressure releases a given level, and manual vents, which are opened and closed by the parent, are provided. Preferably, the containers are composites of soft and hard components.

Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve member near the spout having an opening therein, causing the valve member and opening to move off of a protruding member, thereby unblocking the opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the opening in the valve sitting on a protruding member and pressed against the protruding member's base, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective.

Abstract: A pacifier shield having a soft shield component and a hard shield backing component. The soft shield rests against a child's face and a hard shield backing provides overall structural integrity. As a result, a soft, spongy material is provided next to the baby's skin softening any impact if the baby falls with the pacifier in its mouth.

Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover of the cup.

Abstract: Improved pacifier baglets and baby bottle nipples having protrusions thereon to rub against the child's gums and thereby assist with teething. The protrusions can be of any desired shape or configuration. In a further embodiment, the baglets and nipples include materials of at least two hardnesses, with a harder material being provided in the protrusions to further facilitate the teething process.