Abstract: The unique folding child vehicle seat (10) includes a seat back member (12) and a seat bottom member (14) that is pivotally connected thereto. The seat bottom (14) is pivotally connected to the seat back (12) in the unique location of a selected distance from the bottom edge of the seat back member. A support member (42) is provided proximal to the bottom edge of the seat back (12). The seat bottom member (14) is pivotable between a closed position where the lower surface of the seat bottom member (14) rests on the support member (42) to provide a unique cantilevered seat configuration. Vertically oriented plates (32a, 32b, 34a, 34b) provide an internal framework for added strength. Also, the seat (10) may be of a non-folding configuration where L-shaped vertically oriented plates (202a, 202b) provide the internal framework.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for warming a vessel (12), such as a baby bottle with milk or formula therein, includes a panel of expandable material (14) having a number of flexible heating elements (26) embedded therein. The expandable material includes an outer layer of neoprene rubber (46) and an inner layer of stretchable polyester material (28), such as lycra. The heating elements (26) are finger-like in construction and can flexibly adjust relative to one another to closely accommodate and conform to a baby bottle (12) inserted into the apparatus (10). The heating elements (26) are made of an electrically resistive material and receive electricity from a power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for warming a vessel (12), such as a baby bottle with milk or formula therein, includes a panel of expandable material (14) having a number of flexible heating elements (26) embedded therein. The expandable material includes an outer layer of neoprene rubber (46) and an inner layer of stretchable polyester material (28), such as lycra. The heating elements (26) are finger-like in construction and can flexibly adjust relative to one another to closely accommodate and conform to a baby bottle (12) inserted into the apparatus (10). The heating elements (26) are made of an electrically resistive material and receive electricity from a power supply.

Abstract: A mirror assembly, which is attached to a head rest portion of a rear seat in a motor vehicle, is provided. The mirror assembly includes a base plate, at least one fastening strap, universal ball joint, and mirror housing that holds a reflective mirror. The mirror is used for viewing a child sitting in a rear-facing child safety seat. The safety seat is placed on the rear seat of the motor vehicle so that the child faces rearward. The mirror allows a driver or passenger in the front seat of the vehicle to observe the child by looking in the rear view mirror of the vehicle. The mirror assembly can be either mounted directly to the head rest or directly to the seat back or to both the head rest and the seat back thereby bridging the gap therebetween.

Abstract: A method of protecting a surface of an object includes the steps of first providing an object having a surface to be protected. The device used to carry out the method has a substrate with a first side and a second side. An array of elements are disposed on the first side of the substrate. The device is adhered to the surface to be protected by adhesive on the second side of the substrate. The surface to be protected is now covered with an array of protective elements that resiliently deflect a body part, such as a finger, that impacts into the free ends of the elements. The protective elements create discomfort in the body part thereby deterring a person from allowing future impact by the body part into the free ends of the elements and the surface to be protected thereby.

Abstract: A device for reforming the brim of a cap having a flexible frame constructed of two flexible members and a third, hinged arcuate member, of rigid construction is provided. The two flexible members are attached to the top of the curved, rigid, bottom member and are maintained in a parallel relationship regardless of the degree of articulation of the bottom member around the hinge. This construction allows the user to insert a cap brim into the parallel slot and bend the device thereby imparting a variable degree of curvature to the brim of the cap. A ratchet device is connected to the bottom member to allow the device to be adjusted or set in a specific position to impart the desired curvature to the brim. In addition, the device has a mounting hook at one end for hanging so that it can be used as a storage or display device while the cap is retained therein.

Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt includes an L-shaped spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A spring-biased closure is connected to the spindle to close the laterally extending entry opening during winding. When the closure is open and access to the laterally extending entry opening is available, a seat belt is insertable, edge first, into longitudinally extending slot via laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the closure closes the entry opening and the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned at one end of the length of the longitudinally extending slot.

Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt includes an L-shaped spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A seat belt is insertable, edge first, into the longitudinally extending slot via the laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the closure closes the entry opening and the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned at one end of the length of the longitudinally extending slot. A guide tab or pair of guide tabs may also be employed to further secure the belt during winding and unwinding.

Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt is disclosed. The device includes a spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A seat belt, when folded, is insertable into the longitudinally extending slot via the laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned substantially mid-way along the length of the longitudinally extending slot to prevent ejection and slippage of the belt during winding. Additional tabs are provided to hold the belt in place during winding.

Abstract: A belt shortening device for winding and unwinding a vehicle seat belt is disclosed. The device includes a spindle mounted in a frame and connected to a crank arm to facilitate winding. The spindle includes a longitudinally extending slot which communicates with a laterally extending entry opening. A seat belt, when folded, is insertable into the longitudinally extending slot via the laterally extending entry opening. Once the vehicle seat belt is positioned within the longitudinally extending slot, the crank arm is manipulated to, thereby, rotate the spindle to wind the belt therearound. The laterally extending entry opening is positioned substantially mid-way along the length of the longitudinally extending slot to prevent ejection and slippage of the belt during winding.