EP0694370A1

EP0694370A1 - Ergonomic handle for utensils and cutlery

Info

Publication number: EP0694370A1
Application number: EP95305113A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hoe Yun Choy; Cheng Wan Tay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-07-21
Filing date: 1995-07-21
Publication date: 1996-01-31
Also published as: GB9414701D0; GB2291614A; GB2291614B

Abstract

The present invention describes an ergonomic handle for utensils and cutlery where the web spaces between the thumb and index finger, the palmer surface of the upper middle finger and the inter-digital area of the index finger contact the surfaces of the handle in a grip. In a first embodiment of the present invention (Figure 1), conventional and existing handle of cutlery may be fitted with at least two retractable wedges (4, 5: 8, 9). Each of the wedges are hinged on the side of the handle and openable in opposite directions such that the user may grip the cutlery on one wedge (4, 8) with the web spaces between the thumb and index finger as well as on the other wedge (5, 9) with the palmer surface of the upper middle finger. The user may rest the inter-digital area of his index finger on the upper edge of the handle. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the handle (10) comprises a tapering head portion (15), and an intermediary portion (13) and a tail portion (14) where the head portion has a concave rest portion (15) for accommodating the inter-digital area of the index finger, the intermediary portion having a concave hook area (17) at the lower front for accommodating the palmer surface of the upper middle finger, and the tail portion having a concave hook area (18) at the lower rear for accommo-dating the web spaces between the thumb and index finger such that the user may grip the cutlery ergonomically.

Description

This new invention relates to accessories for utensils and cutlery. In particular, the present invention pertains to an ergonomic handle for utensils and cutlery.
The design, shape and application of utensils and cutlery have not changed over the years. On the contrary, convention of usage such as etiquette has evolved so that users would adhere to the proper way of utilizing them. As an alternative to the rules of good table manner and social etiquette, it would be useful to incorporate into utensils and cutlery a handle which would apply force more efficiently in cutting, tearing and scooping food. Furthermore it would be ideal to reduce unnecessary stress on the user's wrist, arm and shoulder while using utensils and cutlery. In addition, it is hoped that a handle would promote better posture or table manners especially in tight or cramped spaces such as dining in an aircraft cabin. Finally, it would be useful to incorporate a handle in utensils and cutlery where the various type of grips can be used easily and efficiently.
The present invention describes an ergonomic handle for utensils and cutlery where the web spaces between the thumb and index finger, the palmer surface of the upper middle finger and the inter-digital area of the index finger contact the surfaces of the handle in a grip. In a first embodiment of the present invention, conventional and existing handle of cutlery may be fitted with at least two retractable wedges. Each of the wedges are hinged on the side of the handle and openable in opposite directions such that the user may grip the cutlery on one wedge with the web spaces between the thumb and index finger as well as on the other wedge with the palmer surface of the upper middle finger. The user may rest the inter-digital area of his index finger on the upper edge of the handle. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the handle comprises a tapering head portion, and an intermediary portion and a tail portion where the head portion has a concave rest portion for accommodating the interdigital area of the index finger, the inter-mediary portion having a concave hook area at the lower front for accommodating the palmer surface of the upper middle finger, and the tail portion having a concave hook area at the lower rear for accommodating the web spaces between the thumb and index finger such that the user may grip the cutlery ergonomically.
Particular embodiments of handles in accordance with this invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention where the handle of cutlery may be fitted with at least two retractable wedges in opposing direction for an ergonomic grip.
FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of a knife fitted with an ergonomic handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front left side perspective view of the embodiment in accordance to FIG 2.
FIG. 4 is a left elevational view of a fork fitted with an ergonomic handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a front left side perspective view of the embodiment in accordance to FIG 4.
FIG.6 illustrates the 'Dinart' grip of a fork or a knife fitted with an ergonomic handle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.7 illustrates a conventional grip of a fork fitted with an ergonomic handle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.8 illustrates a conventional tableware grip of a fork or a knife fitted with an ergonomic handle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
A method and apparatus for ergonomically utilizing utensils and cutlery is described below.
FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention where the handles of conventional cutlery are modified. A top plan view of a modified spoon 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1 where it appears like a normal spoon. However, the side elevational view of a modified knife 2 is shown having a handle according to a first embodiment of the present invention where at least two retractable wedges 4 and 5 are hinged at 6 on the side of the handle. When not in use, the wedges 4 and 5 are retracted and appears just like a typical handle of a conventional knife. When the user wishes to use the knife, the wedges are lowered. The space formed by the lowered wedges and the underside of the handle 3 allows the user to grip the handle 3 with the web spaces between the user's thumb and middle finger at wedge 5 and the palmer surface of the upper middle finger at wedge 4 respectively. The inter-digital area of the user's index finger may rest on the upper edge of the handle 3. For the ease of presentation, this grip shall be referred to as the 'Dinart' grip. In FIG 1, a top plan view of a fork is also shown with the wedges being retracted into the respective slots 8 and 9.
The handle of the present invention as illustrated in the first embodiment in FIG 1 allows the user to harness strength efficiently from the wrist (not shown), the fingers (shown in FIG 6) and the forearm to provide the downward force and the sawing motion to press and cut food placed on a horizontal surface. In contrast with the conventional way of using the index finger, the full grip and the upper arm (not shown) as illustrated in FIG 8, the present invention utilizes and applies forces more efficiently.
FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of a knife fitted with an ergonomic handle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The handle 10 comprises a tapering head portion 12, an intermediary portion 13, and a tail portion 14. The head portion 12 features a concave rest portion 15 for allowing the inter-digital area of the index finger to rest thereon. The head portion 12 is applicable for the conventional tableware grip. The intermediary portion 13 has at least one supporting area 16 for allowing the inter-digital area of the thumb to press against the handle. Preferably the handle 10 is symmetrical such that left or right handed person may use the same cutlery. The lower forward section of the intermediary portion 13 features at least one concave hook 17 for accommodating the palmer surface of the user's middle finger. At the opposite end of the handle, that is the tail portion 14, a concave hook 18 accommodates the web spaces between the thumb and index finger. Just as in FIG 1, the user applies the 'Dinart' grip on the handle 10. Although FIGS 2 and 3 shows the handle being fitted with a knife, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that other utensils and cutlery can be mounted with the handle of the present invention. For example, FIGS 4 and 5 shows a fork being fitted with an ergonomic handle of the present invention.
FIG.6 illustrates the 'Dinart' grip of a fork or a knife fitted with an ergonomic handle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The web spaces between the thumb and index finger wraps around the concave hook section 18 which provides a forward push and pivotal motion for the vertical movements of the cutlery as shown in FIG 6. The inter-digital area of the index finger rests on the rest section 15 of the handle 10; this section facilitates the user's downward press on the cutlery. Finally, the user's middle finger wraps around the concave hook section 17 for facilitating the user's pulling, upward and downward force on the cutlery.
Not only would the present invention allows better and efficient application of force on utensils and cutlery, but it would also allows the user to develop better posture. The user holds the cutlery with palm facing each other without ever lifting his shoulders and/or arm while cutting food. In contrast with the conventional grip as shown in FIG 8, the user generally lifts up the upper arms sideways for pressing or exerting force on the cutlery thereby requiring more elbow space. In cramped dinning quarters, such as in an aircraft cabin, it would be inconvenient for users who have habits of using cutlery in such a manner.
FIGS 6, 7 and 8 also highlight the versatility of the ergonomic handle of the present invention: regardless of what type of grip the user is accustomed to, the ergonomic handle may be used. However, the most comfortable way of using the handle is the 'Dinart' grip. Over time, the user adopts the preferred grip as it exerts the least stress on the joints while taking up the least elbow room. Above all, the handle of the present invention promotes good posture in using cutlery.
While the present invention has been particularly described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 and with emphasis on an ergonomic handle for utensils and cutlery, it should be understood by one skilled in the art that the figures are for illustration only and should not be taken as limitations upon the invention. In addition, it is clear that the method and apparatus of the present invention has utility in any applications where efficient use of tools is required. It is contemplated that many changes and modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed above.

Claims

A handle for utensils and cutlery comprising:
at least two retractable wedges (4, 5; 8, 9) being fitted hingewise on conventional handle (3), each of the wedges openable in opposite directions such that the user may grip the cutlery with the web space between the thumb and index finger as well as the palmer surface of the middle finger,
whereby the web space between the thumb and index finger, the palmer surface of the middle finger and the inter-digital area of the index finger contact the surfaces of the handle to permit an ergonomic grip thereon.
A handle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper edge of said handle has a rest portion for accommodating the inter-digital area of the index finger.
A handle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the wedges are retracted into slots in the handle.
The wedges as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slots have latches for locking the wedges.
A handle for utensils and cutlery comprising:
a tapering head portion (12) for accommodating the index finger; an intermediary portion (13) having at least one concave hook (17) at the lower forward section for accommodating the palmer surface of the user's middle finger; and,
a tail portion (14) having a concave hook portion (18) for accommodating the web space between the thumb and the index finger,
whereby the web space between the thumb and index finger, the palmer surface of the middle finger and the inter-digital area of the index finger contact the surfaces of the handle to permit an ergonomic grip thereon.
A handle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the head portion has a concave rest portion (15) for accommodating the inter-digital area of the index finger.
A handle as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the intermediary portion (13) has a concave supporting portion for accommodating the inter-digital area of the thumb.
A handle as claimed in claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the intermediary portion (13) has a concave supporting portion on each side for accommodating either a right handed or left handed user.