CA2729354C

CA2729354C - Adjustable, rotational, spoon and fork utensil

Info

Publication number: CA2729354C
Application number: CA2729354A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Michael R. Canapini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-25
Filing date: 2011-01-25
Publication date: 2012-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 2031-01-25
Also published as: CA2729354A1

Abstract

This invention is an eating utensil which has the ability to rotate, (relative to the handle), the spoon or fork attachments to different repeatable fixed angular positions. The different positions can accommodate both, left-handed or right-handed users. The rotation of the spoon and fork attachment to various repeatable angles allows for the invention to compensate for the changing in dexterity of the individual user. It can be used as a teaching tool for babies and toddler as it can adjust in repeatable stages into a conventional utensil. In the case of the elderly or infirmed the utensil can adjust to the individuals improving or deteriorating dexterity. The present invention also has the ability to detach or attach different size spoon and fork attachments with out the use of any special tools or skills. Switching of attachments as necessary allows for easy cleaning, cost effectiveness and versatility of the utensil.

Description

Adjustable, Rotational, Spoon and Fork Utensil SPECIFICATION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of eating utensils. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of baby/toddler/infirm or elderly persons eating utensils.

Everyday conventional spoons and forks are inadequate for babies, toddlers, the elderly or the infirmed who limited movement in their wrists. The present invention can adjust spoon and fork attachments into different angular options in order to compensate for the individual user's unique physical requirements regarding bringing a utensil to the mouth at the most convenient angle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an eating utensil that can rotate the spoon or fork detail to 7 different repeatable fixed angles positions relative to the handle. The invention is designed for babies, toddlers, elderly and infirm individuals, whether right-or-left-handed that have limited or changing wrist movement.
In the case of children, the invention is designed to be used as a teaching device by slowly change the utensil from the maximum angular setting into a conventional spoon or fork in stages that corresponds with the child's developing coordination and dexterity. Also the invention can aid the child before they become proficient with small tabs on the tines on the fork to increase the food retention to the invention, Once the conventional setting reached the child can continue to use the utensil indefinitely.

In the case of the elderly or infirmed, the present invention is designed to aid in their eating requirement by allowing different angular setting of the invention to suit the unique current requirements of the individual. The invention can also adapt to a user's changing requirements as their condition improves or deteriorates.
The movable spoon and fork attachment can also be attached or removed from the handle without the use of any special tools or skills for ease of cleaning and cost effectiveness. The spoon or fork attachment can only be attached or removed at degrees to the handle. Once the spoon or fork attachment is rotated passed the 90 degree position it becomes locked into the handle but can still move freely to the seven different positions. The attachments can only be removed once returned into the 90 degree position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1 is a top view of the spoon attachment #15 attached to the handle of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the spoon assembly showing the spoon attachment #15, the handle #16, #17, and the screw retention positions #18, #19, and #20, of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is a top view of the spoon attachment #15 showing the rotational retention features #21, the key slot #23, and the key locking channel #22, of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the spoon attachment #15 showing the flange rotational guides #24 of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a top view of the fork attachment #25 showing the rotational retention features #26, the key slot #27, and the key guide slot #28, of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the fork attachment #25 showing the rotational support flange guides # 29 of the present invention.

Fig 7 is a top view of the underside of the top section of the handle portion # 16 showing the gearing retention details #30, the locking Key #31, the key guide #32, and the engaging and disengaging flat #33, of the present invention.

Fig 8 is a side view of the top section of the handle portion #16 showing the screw attachment positions #34, #35, and #36, of the present invention.

Fig 9 is a top view of the bottom section of the handle portion #17 showing the locater detail #37 of the present invention.

Fig 10 is a side view of the bottom section of the handle portion #17 showing the locating detail #3 7, and the screw attachment positions # 18, # 19, and # 19, of the present invention.

Fig 11 is a top view of the assembled handle #16 and #17 with the spoon attachment #15 in the engaging and disengaging position of the present invention.

Fig 12 is a perspective view with the spoon attachment #15 and handle in one of the right handed user's position of the present invention.

Fig 13 is a perspective drawing with the fork attachment #25 and handle in one of the left handed user's position of the present invention.

Fig 14 is a perspective drawing of the assembly of the handle portion #16 and #17 and its components, showing the spoon attachment #15 and the attachment screws #38, #39, and #40, of the present invention.

Fig 15 is a top view of the fork attachment #25 showing the tine hook details #41 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail; FIG.1 shows the spoon attachment #15 and its rotational movement.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG.I is that the spoon attachment # 15 may be made of high strength plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as wood, metal, carbon fiber and the like.

Referring now to the invention in more detail; FIG. 2 shows a side view of the full assembly of the utensil. The top handle portion # 16 is attached to the bottom portion of the handle #17 with 3 screws #38, #39, and #40 shown in fig.14 in the corresponding position #18, #19, and #20, shown in. FIG. 2 Referring now to the invention in more detail, FIG.3 shows the top view of the spoon attachment # 15 with the rotational retention features #21 which engages into the handle retention gear #30 shown in FIG.7. The rotational retention feature #21 allows the spoon attachment to snap with 2 engagement points into 7 repeatable fixed positions found on the handle retention gear #30 in FIG.7.
In further detail, still referring to the top view in FIG.3, the key slot #23 allows the key detail #31 in FIG.7 to enter the locking channel #22 shown in FIG.3. The key detail #31 can only enter the key channel at the 90 degree position shown in FIG. 11.

In further detail, still referring to the invention; once the key detail # 31 in FIG.7 is engaged thought the key slot #23 in FIG.3 and is rotated, then the key #31 then enters into the key locking channel #22 and thus locks the attachment #15 or #25 into the handle. The attachment #15 or #25 can still rotate into the 7 positions but it just can not be removed form the handle. The attachment #15 or #25 can only be removed form the handle in the 90 degree position shown in FIG. 11. Once the attachment #15 or #25 is in the 90 degree position the key is able to pass through the key slot #23 on the attachment and can thus be removed or reattached.

Referring now to the invention in more detail; FIG.4 shows the side view of the spoon attachment #15 and the rotational support flange detail #24. The support #24 guides the rotation of the spoon attachment #15 or the fork attachment #25, and adds support against the handle #16 and #17 which is essential to produce the strength required for the everyday uses of the utensil.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG.4 and FIG.3 may be made of high strength plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as wood, carbon fiber, and the like.

Referring now to the invention in more detail; FIGS shows the top view of fork attachment #25. The fork attachment #25 has the same attachment features found on the spoon attachment #15. Feature #26,#27, and #28 found in FIGS and FIG.6 corresponds to the same details and performs the same functions as details #21 #23 #22 found on the spoon attachment shown on FIG 3.

In further detail, still referring to the invention; FIG 6 shows the side view of the fork attachment #25 and the rotational support flange detail #29. The fork attachment #25 has the same attachment features found on the spoon attachment #15. Feature #29 in fig 6 corresponds to the same detail #24 found on the spoon attachment #15 in FIG. 4 and performs the same function.

In further detail, still referring to the invention; the fork attachment #25 shown in FIG. 5 and FIG.6 functions in the same manner as the spoon attachment #15. Any function described using the spoon attachment #15 can also apply to the fork attachment #25 unless other wise specified.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is that the fork attachment #25 may be made of high strength plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as wood, carbon fiber, and the like.

Referring now to the invention in more detail; FIG.7 shows a top view of the underside of the handle detail #16 which shows the gear engagement detail #30, the locking key detail #31, the key guide detail #32, and the engaging and disengaging flat detail #33.

In further detail, still referring to the invention; the gearing retention detail #30 shown in FIG. 7 Interlocks to the retention detail #21 for the spoon attachment # 15 in FIG. 3 or the retention feature #26 for the fork attachment #25 shown on FIG. 5. In relation to the handle #16 and #17 feature #30 allows for 7 different repeatable positional settings of the spoon attachment #15 or fork attachment #25.

In further detail, still referring to the invention; the locking key #31 shown in FIG.7 locks the spoon attachments #15, or the fork attachment #25 into the handle. Once the spoon attachment #15 or fork Attachment #25 are engaged at 90 degree position the locking key #31 can pass thought the key slot #23 on the spoon attachment # 15 or #27 on the fork attachment. Moving the spoon attachment #15 or the fork attachment #25 passed the 90 degree position allows the locking key to move into the locking guide channel #22 on the spoon attachment #15, or the locking guide channel #28 on the fork attachment #25, thus locking the attachment to the handle. The spoon attachment #15 or the fork attachment #25 can still be rotated to the seven different positions while locked to the handle. The spoon attachment #15 or the fork attachment #25 can only be removed or inserted into the handle once it has returned to the 90 degree position shown in FIG. 11.

In further detail, still referring to the invention; the key guide #32 shown in FIG.7 provides an additional locking detail and rotational guide that interfaces in the key guide slot #22 on the spoon attachment #15 or in the key guide slot #28 on the fork attachment #25. When the spoon attachment #15 or the fork attachment #25 engages into the handle at the 90 degree position the key guide enters at the end of the locking channel #22 on the spoon attachment or locking channel #28 on the fork attachment. Once the attachment is rotated the key guide adds additional locking as well as helps guide the attachment as it moves to different positions.

In further detail, still referring to the invention; the engaging and disengaging flat #33 shown in FIG.7 allows for the ease in the removal or engagement of the spoon attachment # 15 or fork attachment #25 into or out of the handle. The engaging and disengaging flat #33 allows the retention detail #21 on the spoon attachment or retention detail #26 on the fork attachment to easily slide into the proper first engagement position.

Referring now to the invention in more detail, FIG.8 shows the side view of the handle #16 and the locations of the attachment screws #34, #36, and, #36 In further detail, still referring to the invention; the handle of the utensil is made up of two separate parts, the upper handle portion # 16 and bottom handle portion #
17 which are held together with 3 screws. The positions of these screw attachment points are shown in detail #34, #35. And #36 as shown in FIG.8 In further detail, still referring to the invention; FIG. 9 shows the top view of the bottom potion of the handle #17 with the locating feature #37. The locating feature #37 locates the top portion of the handle #16 to the bottom portion of the handle #17 which ensures the correct alignment of both haves.

In further detail, still referring to the invention; FIG. 10 shows the side view of the bottom portion of the handle #17 and the screw locations #18, #19, and #20. Detail #18, #19, and #20 shows the location of the head portion and clearance for the three screws needed to attach the bottom portion of the handle # 17 to the top portion of the handle # 16.

Referring now to the invention in more detail, FIG. 11 shows the proper 90 degree position to engage or remove spoon attachment # 15 or the fork attachment #25 from the handle.

Referring now to the invention in more detail FIG.12 shows perspective view of the spoon attachment #15 and the handle in one of the right handed users position.

Referring now to the invention in more detail; FIG.13 shows perspective view of the fork attachment #25 and the handle in one of the left handed user's position.

Referring now to the invention in more detail; FIG.14 shows a perspective view of the assembly of the handle and the stainless steel screws #38, #39, and #40. These screws are needed to hold the top portion of the handle #16 to the bottom portion of the handle #17.
Referring now to the invention in more detail; FIG 15 shows a top view of the fork attachment #25 and the tine hook detail #41. These hook detail protrusions #41 are designed to increase the retention of the food to the tines of the fork attachment #25.

The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG.7, FIG.8, FIG. 9,and FIG.10, is that the assembly may be made of high strength plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as wood, metal, carbon fiber, and the like.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, is that it is easy to use by both right and left-handed individuals ranging in age from babies and toddlers to the elderly and infirmed whom may have limited or changing wrist mobility. The rotation of the spoon and fork attachment to various repeatable angles allows the invention to compensate for the changing in the dexterity of the individual user. It can be used as a teaching tool for babies and toddler as it can adjust in stages from a positive or negative 67.5 degree angle into non angular conventional style utensil. Once the angular option is no longer require this combination utensil can still be used indefinitely as a conventional spoon and fork forging the need to repurchase new utensils. The locking of the attachment into the handle allows for the inability of a baby or toddler from disconnecting the attachment form the handle either intentionally or by accident.

In the case of the elderly or infirmed the utensil can adjust to the individuals improving or deteriorating dexterity by moving towards or away form the conventional non angular position. The detachable feature of the spoon and fork attachments allow for easy cleaning and cost effectiveness of the utensil.

BROAD EMBODIMENT

In broad embodiment, the present invention is an eating utensil that can rotate or move the spoon or fork attachment to seven different repeatable angular positions relative to the handle. The spoon or fork attachments can snap attach or snap detach without the uses of any special tools or skill for ease in cleaning and cost effectiveness.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein.

Claims

1. An eating utensil, comprising of : a common handle body comprising of 2 semi cylindrical parts attached together forming the handle to permit grasping by user, an internal fixed gear, located at a food attachment end of the common handle body, an internal locking, tab which protrudes down from the top semi cylindrical part of the common handle body; a multiple food engagement attachments comprising of; different size and styles of spoons, forks, and knives with a common "U " shape with hook snapping feature opposite the food engagement end which engages with the internal fixed gear located in the common handle body.

2. An eating utensil as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said internal fixed gear can engage with the "U" shape with hook snapping feature on the food engagement attachment allowing for different angle settings between the attachment and the common handle body.

3. An eating utensil as set forth in claim 2, wherein: said "U" shape with hook snapping feature contains a hook detail at the end of both of the open ends of the "U" shape with hook snapping feature, which engages to the fixed gear in the common body.

4. An eating utensil as set forth in claim 3 , wherein: said "U" shape with hook snapping feature having a grooved track on one side of the "U" shape with hook feature, which can engage with the internal locking tab in the common handle body.

5. An eating utensil as set forth in claim 4, wherein: said grooved track in the "U" shape with hook feature having a window notch at one point allowing the internal locking tab in the common handle body to pass through and engage the grooved track when attaching or removing said food engagement attachments.

6. An eating utensil as set forth in claim 5, wherein: said internal locking tab once engaged into the grooved track on the food engagement attachments can now allow the food engagement attachment be locked into the common handle body when rotated.

7. An eating utensil as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a fork food engagement attachment has a protruding hook features on the tines to help retain food to the fork food engagement attachment.