Abstract: An improved pet bed assembly includes a water resistant outer cover defining an enclosed space and a removable blanket that is removably attached to the exterior of the outer cover. The removable blanket is preferably constructed so as to be completely removable from the outer cover for washing and replacement and is further preferably constructed so as to be reversible, with an attachment mechanism that permits it to be secured to the outer cover with either surface facing the pet. An inner bed assembly is positioned within the enclosed space that preferably includes a perimeter bolster portion and an interior cushion portion. The perimeter bolster cushion has a greater height than the interior cushion portion and its uncompressed state and is less compressible than the interior cushion.

Abstract: An improved pet bed assembly includes a water resistant outer cover defining an enclosed space and a removable blanket that is removably attached to the exterior of the outer cover. The removable blanket is preferably constructed so as to be completely removable from the outer cover for washing and replacement and is further preferably constructed so as to be reversible, with an attachment mechanism that permits it to be secured to the outer cover with either surface facing the pet. An inner bed assembly is positioned within the enclosed space that preferably includes a perimeter bolster portion and an interior cushion portion. The perimeter bolster cushion has a greater height than the interior cushion portion and its uncompressed state and is less compressible than the interior cushion.

Abstract: A support pillow assembly that has particular utility for nursing mothers includes a support platform that is adapted to bear against and conform to a user's anterior torso, a back support member that is adapted to bear against and conform to a user's posterior torso and releasable securing structure for firmly securing the support platform and the back support member about the user's torso. A washable pillow is removably secured to an upper surface of the support platform by attachment structure such as a zipper. The pillow may be used to support an infant either when it is attached to the support platform or on its own when it is disattached from the support platform. Both the support platform and the back support member are preferably constructed so as to be well-ventilated for the comfort of the user.

Abstract: A significantly improved leash has a strap or belt with a carabiner at a lower end and a loop at an upper end. The loop may be a preconfigured holding loop or it may be an adjustable loop that can be adjusted by clipping a carabiner into eyelets in the leash. The leash permits even an animal that is pulling strongly on the leash to be held in check, by a hand grip disposed in the holding loop, or adjacent to the holding loop.

Abstract: A curry brush for grooming an animal includes a flexible, elastomeric body portion that has a socket defined therein for receiving a relatively rigid container. A plurality of flexible tines extend outwardly from the body portion. The container may be removed from the socket when desired for purposes such as refilling and/or cleaning and is preferably used to store a liquid such as shampoo. The container provides added longitudinal stiffness to the curry brush but permits a limited flexure to occur that is advantageous to a user both in gripping the curry brush and in controlling the curry brush during grooming.

Abstract: A dishwasher basket for use with baby bottle nipples includes a specially designed rack that maintains baby bottle nipples in an upright position during the washing and drying. The base of the nipple is also prevented from resting upon the surface of the rack. Straw and valve holders are also provided that can be attached to the dishwasher basket. The dishwasher basket is able to be opened using only one hand.

Abstract: A dishwasher basket for use with baby bottle nipples includes a specially designed rack that maintains baby bottle nipples in an upright position during the washing and drying. The base of the nipple is also prevented from resting upon the surface of the rack. Feeding straw and valve holders are also provided that can be attached to the dishwasher basket. The dishwasher basket is able to be opened using only one hand.

Abstract: A microscope (10) with the circuitry (40) and internal memory (46) for recording and storing magnified images for later retrieval and viewing. The microscope includes a stand (12), a stage (20) supported by the stand for holding a specimen to be viewed, a lens assembly (30, 34) for providing a magnified view of the specimen on the stage, and image capture circuitry (40) for creating an image signal representative of the magnified view of the specimen. The image capture circuitry (40) includes memory for storing the image signal for subsequent retrieval and display. The microscope also includes a computing device with its own Internet protocol address that permits remote computers to access and view images taken by the microscope via a communications network such as the Internet.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus that has particular utility for feeding infants, small children and adults that are at risk for choking on soft food includes a mesh enclosure that is open at a first end and closed at a second end. A mesh holder engages and holds open the first open end of the mesh enclosure and has an opening communicating with the interior of the mesh enclosure through which food may be inserted into the mesh enclosure. A closure mechanism is mounted to the mesh holder for movement between a first open position wherein the opening is uncovered and food may be inserted or removed from the mesh enclosure and a second closed position wherein the food is secured within the mesh enclosure. The closure mechanism advantageously remains engaged with the mesh holder in both the first and second positions.

Abstract: A teething toy for infants and small children is styled as an illustrated book. The toy includes a number of page-like leaves, which in the preferred embodiment are fabricated from a cloth-like material, and a number of attached teething elements. The teething elements are preferably made from a relatively hard resilient material that is textured to provide effective teething relief. In one embodiment, the teething elements are integrated into artwork that is printed on the attached page leaf. The teething toy combines effective teething relief for an infant or small child with subtle encouragement to the child that books are worthwhile objects of attention.

Abstract: A sunshade for a vehicle, such as a car, that includes a housing to contain the shade. There is a first attachment member located on the housing for attaching the housing to a window. There is shade element attached to an interior of the housing and enabled to be moved from a retracted first position inside, wherein the shade element is at least partially within the housing to an extended second position wherein the shade element is at least partially outside of the housing. The window shade also has a handle member attached to the shade element. This handle member can have on it a gripping element so that someone can easily grab the shade element and pull it down. There is a second attachment member located on the handle for attaching the handle to the window. In a preferred embodiment the first and second attachment members are suction cups. There is also a temperature sensor, preferably made of thermochromic material, positioned so that it is thermally insulated from the window.

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: An article for grooming an animal includes a housing that has an outer gripping surface and a longitudinally extending grooming tool that is at least partially mounted within the housing for longitudinal sliding movement with respect to the housing. The longitudinally extending grooming tool, which in the preferred embodiment is a comb, may thus be adjusted to a desired position with respect to be gripping surface to make grooming the animal as convenient as possible. In a first position, the article is configured as a standard comb wherein the gripping surface is substantially centered with respect to the tines of the comb. In a second position, the tines of the comb are extended remotely away from the gripping surface, giving a user the advantage of leverage when using the comb.

Abstract: A styptic powder applicator and file for use with pets. The applicator is designed to be integrated with the container and have a funnel-like shape in order to handle a styptic powder in an easier fashion. The container further has a file attached to a side of the container for the removal of burrs left after clipping a pet's nails. This invention provides a more efficient structure for grooming a pet by incorporating a file for removing burrs with the styptic applicator for staunching the flow of blood from a “quicked” nail.

Abstract: A styptic powder applicator and file for use with pets. The applicator is designed to be integrated with the container and have a funnel-like shape in order to handle a styptic powder in an easier fashion. The container further has a file attached to a side of the container for the removal of burrs left after clipping a pet's nails. This invention provides a more efficient structure for grooming a pet by incorporating a file for removing burrs with the styptic applicator for staunching the flow of blood from a “quicked” nail.

Abstract: An infant blanket/towel is provided having one or more teething elements and/or pacifiers attached thereto. The invention is conveniently used by draping the blanket/towel across the infant's chest and stomach and initially providing one of the teething or pacifier elements into the infant's grasp. When and if the infant drops the teething or pacifier element, the element does not fall to the floor or otherwise out of the infant's reach. Because the blanket/towel generally remains draped across the infant, the pacifier or teething element merely slips down onto the infant's chest. By the infant's natural tendency to grip the blanket/towel and thrust the blanket/towel into its mouth, the infant frequently can relocate the pacifier or teething element and re-position it into its mouth.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a brush portion, a handle, a suction cup pedestal and a flexible transition portion connecting a lower end of the handle to the suction cup pedestal. The handle, suction cup pedestal and flexible transition portion are constructed and arranged so that the toothbrush will normally be oriented in a substantially upright position when the suction cup pedestal is affixed to a horizontal surface. Advantageously, though, the flexible transition portion is sufficiently flexible so as to permit the toothbrush to be deflected when the suction cup pedestal is affixed to a horizontal surface so that the central longitudinal axis of the handle is at least 20 degrees from vertical. A novel packaging assembly for such a toothbrush is also disclosed.

Abstract: An infant blanket/towel is provided having one or more teething elements and/or pacifiers attached thereto. The invention is conveniently used by draping the blanket/towel across the infant's chest and stomach and initially providing one of the teething or pacifier elements into the infant's grasp. When and if the infant drops the teething or pacifier element, the element does not fall to the floor or otherwise out of the infant's reach. Because the blanket/towel generally remains draped across the infant, the pacifier or teething element merely slips down onto the infant's chest. By the infant's natural tendency to grip the blanket/towel and thrust the blanket/towel into its mouth, the infant frequently can relocate the pacifier or teething element and re-position it into its mouth.

Abstract: An infant blanket/towel is provided having one or more teething elements and/or pacifiers attached thereto. The invention is conveniently used by draping the blanket/towel across the infant's chest and stomach and initially providing one of the teething or pacifier elements into the infant's grasp. When and if the infant drops the teething or pacifier element, the element does not fall to the floor or otherwise out of the infant's reach. Because the blanket/towel generally remains draped across the infant, the pacifier or teething element merely slips down onto the infant's chest. By the infant's natural tendency to grip the blanket/towel and thrust the blanket/towel into its mouth, the infant frequently can relocate the pacifier or teething element and re-position it into its mouth.

Abstract: An aqueous metal cleaning composition is provided which comprises an alkalinity providing agent such as alkali metal carbonate and/or bicarbonate salts and a low foaming surfactant. The aqueous cleaning solution has specific foam height and foam collapse characteristics, and provides for substantially complete phase separation of a contaminant phase from the aqueous cleaning composition such that there is substantially no aqueous phase drag out into the contaminant phase; and the contaminant phase can be removed easily, and the aqueous cleaning solution can be recovered and reused.