AU2011101003A4 - Mash'n'spoon - Google Patents

Abstract

MASH'N'SPOON The disclosed mash'n'spoon comprises a handle with a masher at one end, and a spoon bowl at the other end. When the handle is held with the masher plate in the forward position, material such as food, can be mashed. When the same handle is held with the spoon bowl in the forward position, material such as mashed food, can be collected and fed when eaten or sucked from the spoon bowl. MASH'N'SPOON SPECIFICATION DRAWINGS SPO ON END -HANDLE M S I G E D FIG. 2. ELBOW- FIG. 3. SIDE VIEW END VIEW

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT MASH'N'SPOON The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: MASH'N'SPOON It is a widely-held practice for mashed foods to be introduced to babies when they begin weaning (starting to consume solid foods). For many years, parents and caregivers have mashed food (such as banana) using a fork and then subsequently fed the food to babies using a spoon. This invention has been specially devised to make the mashing and feeding process less cumbersome whereby the mashing utensil and feeding utensil are combined. A mash'n'spoon in accordance with this invention comprises a handle having a masher at one end and a spoon at the other end. The spoon end comprises a small, shallow bowl in which food can be collected, contained and dispensed. When the handle is held in the spoon configuration, the bowl is at the lower and forward end. The manner in which the bowl is attached to the handle is such that the bowl can be inserted into food matter and removed from said matter with some of the matter contained within said bowl. The bowl also allows food to be transported to a mouth, where the matter can then be dispensed/removed with a basic sucking or eating action. The mashing end comprises a flat surface (plate) with holes/spaces through which food can pass through. When the handle is held in a mashing configuration the plate is at the lower end. The angle and construction by which the plate is attached to the handle is such that food can be pressed down and pushed through the holes in the mashing plate when force is exerted upon it thereby effecting a mashing action. The point of attachment between the mashing plate and the handle could be described as an 'elbow' whereby the inner, concave side of the elbow could include a shallow trough that could collect any food matter that may drip when the mash'n'spoon is either in its spoon configuration or laid horizontally. The outer, convex side of the elbow could be finished in such a way that it has a flat edge which would enable the mash'n'spoon to rest in a horizontal orientation on a flat surface with the bowl of the spoon and the mashing plate both facing upwards, without tipping (see Figures 2 and 3). The mash'n'spoon is preferably made from suitable food grade plastic. Other materials can also be used for example a silicone or latex spoon end attatched to a plastic mashing end may be suitable. The mash'n'spoon may also be made of a material that is safe to use in dishwashers. The invention may be better understood with reference to the illustrations of embodiments of the invention which: Figure 1 is a top view of the mash'n'spoon with spoon end, handle, and mashing end identified. Figure 2 is a side view with the concave areas dotted for the bowl at the spoon end and the drip collection area for the mashing end. This is also a view of the mash'n'spoon in a horizontal orientation that shows how the flat outer edge of the mashing end elbow may appear and how it could assist the mash'n'spoon to rest neatly on a flat surface. The flat outer edge of the elbow is also shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is an end view of the mashing plate. This illustration shows one way in which the holes may be designed for food to be pressed and pushed through. Other designs where the shape and quantity of holes within the plate may also be suitable. This view also shows the flat outer edge of the elbow that may prevent the mash'n'spoon from tipping when placed on a flat surface.

Claims (3)

1. A mash'n'spoon comprising a handle having a masher at one end, and a spoon at the other end.

2. A mash'n'spoon as claimed in claim 1 wherein the invention is made from food grade plastic.

3. A mash'n'spoon substantially as herein before described with reference to figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings. APPLICANT: EMILY BYRNE DATE: 10 AUGUST 2011