Abstract: An eating utensil includes a body defining a handle portion shaped to facilitate grasping by a user. A pair of spaced-apart outer tines extend from the body. Each of the spaced-apart outer tines defines an outer tine length. The eating utensil further includes one shorter, intermediate tine disposed between the outer tines in plan view. The shorter, intermediate tine extends from the body to define an intermediate tine length that is less than the outer tine lengths.

Abstract: A pacifier for infants and the like includes a two-part teethable handle construction having a rigid inner handle member and a soft outer handle member. The rigid inner handle member is connected with the pacifier and has an outer surface shaped for grasping. The soft outer handle member overlies at least a portion of the outer surface of the rigid inner handle member and is securely connected therewith to define a chewable portion of the handle construction adapted for teething.

Abstract: A staged fortification system and a method of providing fortification on a staged basis to infants involves feeding an infant a Vitamin C fortified juice when the infant is from 3 to 6 months of age, feeding the infant a Vitamin C and iron fortified juice when the infant is from 6 to 9 months of age, feeding the infant a Vitamin C, iron and zinc fortified juice when the infant is from 9 to 12 months of age, and feeding the infant a Vitamin C, iron, zinc and calcium fortified juice when the infant is 1 year of age and older. The staged fortification system provides appropriate vitamins and minerals which are needed at particular stages in the development of an infant.

Abstract: A one-piece nipple/collar includes a rigid collar having an exterior surface and an interior surface with a fastener thereon for detachably connecting the same with a nurser bottle or the like. A flexible nipple is molded over at least a portion of the exterior surface of the collar to form an integral, one-piece unit. The nipple extends along at least a portion of the exterior surface of the collar to a termination point that is spaced apart from the interior surface of the collar to avoid interference with the fastener.

Abstract: A drinking device adapted for use by young children includes a cap adapted to sealingly cover a drinking cup. The cap has a spout and a mount, and a valve cartridge removably attached to the mount for controlling fluid flow through the spout. The valve cartridge is removable for easy cleaning or replacement, and includes a valve holder that manually, frictionally pressfits into a barrel-shaped mounting flange on the cap. The valve holder includes a grip to facilitate removal of the valve cartridge from the cap. A valve retainer snap-attaches to the valve holder to hold a silicon rubber valve in place on the valve holder. The valve includes a head section with slits that define cooperating valve fingers that cooperate to selectively allow fluid to flow out of the spout or to allow air to flow back into the cup, thus allowing the valve to operate as a single and only valve on the drinking cup.

Abstract: A carousel storage assembly for jars, bottles and containers, and especially baby food jars, powdered formula containers, nurser bottles and the like. The assembly includes a first tray rotatably supported on bearings on a base, and at least one of a second tray or rack removably mounted on the first tray on spaced, bendable legs engaging leg retaining clips on the perimeter of the first tray. Preferably, a pair of the second trays, and a rack with container locating apertures therein, are successively stacked one on another on the first tray. The second trays include spaced, bendable legs and leg engaging clips, while the rack includes bendable legs. The assembly may be disassembled for storage or selective use of the trays and/or rack.