Abstract: A collapsible shade device that includes two side panels connected by an intermediate sheet. Frame members are attached to the side panels and the frame members unfurl the side panels when the shade is in a deployed configuration, and the frame members can be coiled into a collapsed configuration for more convenient movement and storage of the shade device. One embodiment of the device is adapted to fit over a car seat to inhibit temperature increases on the surface of the seat. Another embodiment of the device is adapted to fit over a stroller to block sunlight, wind, insects, and the like from the stroller's occupant. Another embodiment of the device is adapted to fit over a stroller to also protect the occupant from inclement weather.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for connecting a cup holder or other accessory to a bar or other support structure includes first and second telescoping bracket portions that fit around and clamp to the support structure. One of the bracket portions includes a connector wall with an opening sized to receive a mounting trunnion of the accessory and a pair of ears with a slot formed therebetween in communication with the opening. Each ear has a convex inner edge that faces the inner edge of the other ear to define the slot. A width of the slot is less than a diameter of the trunnion such that the ears deflect upon insertion of the trunnion through the slot and return to an undeflected position with the trunnion located in the opening to thereby mount the accessory to the bracket assembly, and thus to the support structure.

Abstract: A self-expanding, foldable, portable structure for temporary shelter. The structure includes two opposing flexible side panels each having a continuous respective border thereabout and a continuous frame member fabricated of a foldable spring material for expanding and maintaining each side panel in a generally flat expanded configuration. Two opposing flexible end panels, a flexible roof panel, and preferably a floor panel are disposed between and connected to the side panels. A tension member is positionable between two opposing aligned sites of opposing frame members for maintaining under pressure the frame members in a spaced relationship from each other. A mat member having a frame fabricated of a foldable spring material can be provided for insertion to provide an inside floor surface between the opposing side panels while simultaneously tensionally distancing the side panels from each other to aid in stabilization of side panel positioning.

Abstract: An infant sleep positioning device for maintaining an infant in a back sleeping position upon an underlying support surface. The positioning device comprises an elongate belt member which is extensible along the support surface and defines opposed ends. Attached to the belt member adjacent respective ones of the opposed ends thereof is a pair of fastener straps. Additionally, disposed upon the belt member substantially intermediate the opposed ends thereof is a first attachment member. The positioning device further comprises a diaper member sized and configured to be wrapped about the pelvic region of the infant. The diaper member includes a second attachment member disposed thereon which is positioned over the buttocks of the infant when the diaper member is wrapped about the pelvic region. The second attachment member is releasably engagable to the first attachment member for purposes of maintaining the back of the infant upon the support surface.

Abstract: An infant seat sling apparatus for carrying of an infant seat having an infant seated or resting thereon. The sling apparatus comprises a receptacle sized and configured to receive said infant seat and an over-the shoulder strap whereby said receptacle may be suspended from the shoulder of an adult human being. The apparatus is preferably of compactable or flexible construction so as to be alternately changeable between a) an open (i.e., operative) configuration and b) a collapsed (i.e., stowable) configuration. A storage pouch may be provided for holding the apparatus when in its collapsed configuration. The apparatus is useable in conjunction with various commercially available infant seats and effectively distributes the weight of the infant and seat across the adult's back thereby significantly reducing fatigue and freeing one or both of the adult's arms for other activities.

Abstract: An accessory has an elongate support member which is adjustable in length to accommodate attachment to various items such as strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, and the like, and has attachment means for removably attaching the support member thereto. At least one hook for carrying items such as a handbag, shopping bags, a diaper bag, etc., is formed upon the support member. A drink holder formed upon the support member adjusts in size to accommodate various sizes of drinks. The drink holder is pivotally mounted such that the drink remains upright regardless of the angular orientation of the support member. A drink holder used independently of the accessory is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace for rigidly supporting a human arm and shoulder, having a positioning rod for infinitely varying the elevation of the arm through a coarse adjustment and a fine adjustment, and having universal joints on the positioning rod for infinitely varying the orientation of the arm.

Abstract: A bottle washing/storage/organizing/dispensing system is disclosed characterized by use of a fixture specifically suitable for use in an automatic dishwasher adapted to securely hold multiple differing shaped bottles thereon throughout the dishwashing cycle. The fixture is formed having plural flexible jaws each of which function independently to releasably capture the neck portion of a bottle therein. The fixture is formed to be releasably attached to the rack of an automatic dishwasher by one or more anchor fasteners as well as provide a stable base suitable for counter top bottle organizing and/or air-drying applications. The fixture is additionally adapted to be received within a mounting bracket disposable under a cabinet to allow rapid insertion, storage, and independent dispensing of multiple bottles from the fixture.

Abstract: A single release, multiple axis coupling device for securing and positioning patient support equipment during orthopedic surgery. The coupling device can be released from or securely locked into a rigid position by a single rotation of an actuator shaft. The released or locked configuration is achieved by a rotational movement of the actuator shaft and a reciprocal axial movement of a cylindrical piston assembly. By displacing the cylindrical piston assembly within a housing chamber, either two or three movable coupling members can be rigidly secured to or released from the support shaft upon which the coupling assembly is mounted.

Abstract: A prep and operating stand is provided for use by orthopedic surgeons for supporting and positioning a limb for surgery, for holding a collection bag underneath the limb during preparation, and for holding a tray of surgical instruments during an operating procedure. A first hoop-shaped frame is supported by an adjustable leg structure at one end and by a pivoted linkage attached to a surgical table at the other end. The hoop-shaped frame can optionally be provided with collection bag supporting structure or with tray supporting structure. The stand is collapsible for compact storage after use.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for storing baby bottle nipples, collars, cap rings and pacifiers to facilitate cleansing in an automatic dishwasher or the like. The assembly comprises a first storage area for holding baby bottle collars, cap rings and pacifiers and a second storage area for holding nipples. The first storage area is formed of a plurality of sections of wire frame material forming side walls, end walls, a bottom portion and a retractable upper lid. The nipple storage area is defined by a lower lid extending between the end walls beneath the bottom portion. The bottom portion is formed of wire segments spaced to receive and frictionally engage the nipples between adjacent segments. The nipples may be urged into engagement with the bottom portion by closing the lower lid.

Abstract: A ball joint coupling assembly permits universal movement and positioning of an object with respect to a vertical support shaft. Quick release/lock action is provided by a ball joint assembly having a housing in which a ball and piston are movably coupled. The ball is captured between annular jaw portions of the housing and piston, with locking action being provided by gripping engagement of the piston jaw portion and the housing jaw portion. The ball member is gripped in line-contact, compressive engagement by the annular edges of the piston jaw and housing jaw on opposite sides of the ball. The piston is constrained for axial movement within the housing with locking engagement and release being effected by rotation of a threaded actuator shaft.