Abstract: A contoured container such as a training cup for a toddler having a pinched-waist shape includes printing on the outer surface in a highly contoured portion. Before the manufacturing steps wherein a preform is expanded to the desired pinched-waist shape, it is printed using expandable or rubberized ink. This intermediate product of manufacture is then stretch blown to the final shape, and during this step, the ink expands along with the preform to result in a container with printing on the highly-contoured surface.

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 open and allowing the flow of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. An initially blocked opening in a flexible material moves up along a protruding member until the opening is unblocked, so as to allow fluid flow.

Abstract: Pacifiers having a softer shield component for comfort and safety and a harder shield component for structural integrity. Baby bottle nipples and pacifier baglets having harder portions and softer portions, and raised portions as a teething aid. 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. An initially blocked opening in a flexible material moves up along a protruding member until the opening is unblocked, so as to allow fluid flow.

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. When not in use, an opening in the flexible material rests against a blocking element, sealing off the opening against the flow of liquid. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills, such as by turning the cup upside down, are ineffective. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against the flexible material, lifting the opening off of the blocking element, and unblocking that opening. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout.

Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. An initially blocked opening in a flexible material moves up along a protruding member until the opening is unblocked, so as to allow fluid flow.

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.