Abstract: A variable flow infant feeding assembly is designed so that a caregiver can select an optimal feeding flow rate without having to change nipples, as may be desired depending upon the age and appetite of the infant as well as the liquid that is being dispensed. Preferably, the assembly includes a baby bottle and a nipple member that has ventilation structure defined therein for permitting replacement air to enter the baby bottle during feeding. Retention structure such as a threaded ring member is provided for securing the nipple member to the baby bottle. Advantageously, variable restrictor structure is provided, preferably so as to be integral with the ring member, for selectively blocking at least a portion of the ventilation structure. By controlling the size of the opening through which replacement air flows into the baby bottle, the variable restrictor structure permits the feeding flow rate through the nipple member to be adjusted by a caregiver.

Abstract: A method of observing a small child in a vehicle is performed by mounting a novel mirror assembly to a portion of the vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a telescoping shaft that may be adjusted in length so as to permit the mirror assembly to be adjusted to an optimal position with which to view a small child. In addition, gripping structure is preferably provided in order to facilitate gripping of the mirror by a user during the adjustment process.

Abstract: An improved utensil for feeding a small child includes a coating of a relatively soft plastic material provided over a rigid base portion that has a relatively high capacity for heat conduction and storage. The relatively soft plastic material is formulated to change color when exposed to a substance, such as food, that is above a predetermined temperature. During use, the presence of the base portion acts as a heat storage reservoir in order to lengthen and delocalize the color change response of the soft plastic material, thereby making the color change response more continuous and more noticeable to the caregiver. Also disclosed is a kit of different utensils that start out as different colors, but that change to a uniform warning color when overheated. The concept of the uniform warning color makes it easier for children and caregivers alike to identify the warning when it occurs.

Abstract: An article for grooming an animal comprises a nail clipper and a source of styptic material that is mounted to the nail clipper. In the preferred embodiment, the styptic material is provided within a cartridge that is mounted to a handle of the nail clipper. A nail file is preferably provided on an outside casing of the cartridge. The cartridge further includes a bowl shaped application area that may be used to conveniently apply the styptic to the animal during or after clipping.

Abstract: An article for grooming an animal comprises a nail clipper and a source of styptic material that is mounted to the nail clipper. In the preferred embodiment, the styptic material is provided within a cartridge that is mounted to a handle of the nail clipper. A nail file is preferably provided on an outside casing of the cartridge. The cartridge further includes a bowl shaped application area that may be used to conveniently apply the styptic to the animal during or after clipping.

Abstract: An article for grooming an animal includes an elongated handle and a plurality of dematting blades, each of which has a sharp edge for aiding in removing mats from the fur of an animal. The article further includes a comb having a plurality of combing tines for combing the fur of an animal. Most advantageously, selective positioning structure is provided for selectively positioning the article in one of a first grooming position that is characterized by the dematting blades being operatively positioned while said comb is retracted, and a second grooming position that is characterized by the comb being operatively positioned while the dematting blades are retracted.

Abstract: An article for removing dead hair from animals includes a handle and a shedding blade that is attached to the handle. The shedding blade includes a flexible, elongated member having at least one serrated edge. Advantageously, structure is provided to permit adjustment of the length of the shedding blade. This permits a consumer to select the proper blade size for the animal that is being groomed. Additionally, the article is constructed and arranged so that the flexible, elongated member may be at least partially retracted into the handle for storage purposes.

Abstract: A method of observing a small child in a vehicle is performed by mounting a novel mirror assembly to a portion of the vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a telescoping shaft that may be adjusted in length so as to permit the mirror assembly to be adjusted to an optimal position with which to view a small child. In addition, gripping structure is preferably provided in order to facilitate gripping of the mirror by a user during the adjustment process.

Abstract: An article for grooming an animal comprises a nail clipper and a source of styptic material that is mounted to the nail clipper. In the preferred embodiment, the styptic material is provided within a cartridge that is mounted to a handle of the nail clipper. A nail file is preferably provided on an outside casing of the cartridge. The cartridge further includes a bowl shaped application area that may be used to conveniently apply the styptic to the animal during or after clipping.

Abstract: A brush assembly for scrubbing an article such as a baby bottle includes a bottle brush that has a recess defined in its handle and a nipple brush that has a scrubbing end that is sized and shaped to at least partially fit within the recess in a storage position. A second end of the nipple brush is provided with a suction cup that permits the nipple brush to be mounted to a fixed surface, such as a sink. Retention structure is provided for retaining the nipple brush in the storage position with respect to the bottle brush, so that the bottle brush may be used to scrub bottles while the nipple brush, and hence the bottle brush, remains affixed to the fixed surface.

Abstract: A variable flow infant feeding assembly is designed so that a caregiver can select an optimal feeding flow rate without having to change nipples, as may be desired depending upon the age and appetite of the infant as well as the liquid that is being dispensed. Preferably, the assembly includes a baby bottle and a nipple member that has ventilation structure defined therein for permitting replacement air to enter the baby bottle during feeding. Retention structure such as a threaded ring member is provided for securing the nipple member to the baby bottle. Advantageously, variable restrictor structure is provided, preferably so as to be integral with the ring member, for selectively blocking at least a portion of the ventilation structure. By controlling the size of the opening through which replacement air flows into the baby bottle, the variable restrictor structure permits the feeding flow rate through the nipple member to be adjusted by a caregiver.

Abstract: A teething toy that is designed to help infants and small children develop their senses, motor skills and thought processes as well as providing a number of different surfaces for teething relief includes a plurality of link members that are preferably connected so as to form an endless loop. Preferably, the link members are arranged so that the teething toy has more than one degree of freedom, whereby permitting it to be manipulated into a plurality of different configurations. Each of the link members has an exterior surface that is fabricated from a nontoxic material and includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first and second end portions are respectively mounted to first and second adjacent link members by first and second pivot joints that constrain the link members for relative rotation about first and second pivot axes. Preferably, the pivot joints are arranged so that the first and second axes intersect at least one point.

Abstract: A sunshade for a vehicle such as an automobile includes a housing that is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle window and a drum member mounted for rotation within the housing about which a flexible, weblike shade element is wound. A retraction mechanism is provided for enabling the shade element to be moved from a first, retracted position wherein most of the shade element is wrapped about said drum member and a second, extended position wherein the shade element is at least partially unwrapped from the drum member. The retraction mechanism includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the drum member so that the shade element is urged toward said first, retracted position, and an arresting mechanism that is constructed and arranged so as to permit the drum member to be stopped when said shade element is in the second, extended position and, in addition, in at least one intermediate position that is between the first, retracted position and the second, extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an article such as a baby bottle includes a handle that is sized and configured to be gripped in one hand of a user, and a reservoir defined within the handle for storing a detergent. A push-pull cap is provided on the handle for dispensing detergent from the reservoir when the handle is squeezed. A brush is connected to the handle, and is sized and configured so as to be able to fit into an open end of a baby bottle to scrub the baby bottle during cleaning. The push-pull cap is advantageously located on a portion of the handle member that is remote from the brush member, so that a user will be able to dispense detergent and scrub without putting down the apparatus, and also have the flexibility to scrub without fear of unwanted detergent leaking into the brush, such as during a final rinse. A novel brush configuration is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying and storing an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing includes a tray having a bottom face that is adapted to be supported by an underlying surface such as a counter-top, and an upper face. A plurality of pegs extend out from the upper face, and each peg is sized and arranged so as to be able to support an article, such as a baby bottle, after washing and rinsing. Each peg is mounted to the tray in such a manner as to be movable between a first storage position, wherein the entire peg is positioned relatively close to the upper face for storage and packaging, and a second, operative position. This permits the apparatus to be conveniently folded for packaging and storage purposes. Another aspect of the apparatus involves disk holding structure, connected to the upper face of the tray, for holding baby bottle disks in a location that is isolated from areas of the tray in which liquid may collect.